Adam's whispered demand that she goes home, having first checked that nobody is within earshot, is all Ruth needs to know that tonight is the night. Despite whispering and behind Juliet's back comments having become the norm, since she who must be obeyed had planted herself behind Harry's desk, implying that they do as she says and not as she does. A sentiment which is generally ignored and is why in this case, even though there are things that she could and probably should be doing to lighten her load in the morning, she's abandoned her desk with very little thought as to the consequences. Before heading through the pods with the real fear that Juliet, who Adam calls a Victorian school teacher, will follow her and shout something akin to no running in the corridors children and put her in detention.
None of which are reasons for her to feel light headed as she heads down the stairs rather than using the lift, with the memory stick that Harry's asked for secreted in her pocket. It's the thought that she's going to see him again and under circumstances that are causing her to wonder if he'll look less like her boss if he's not wearing a suit and tie? In which case, is a question that she can't answer, other than to know that however he looks or whatever he says, she mustn't behave like some love-struck schoolgirl, but the adult she is. Except that as she walks out of Thames House, she does, probably for the first time since she's arrived, acknowledge that tonight she's going to do something that doesn't come under the heading of senior analyst.
Which leads her to realise how nervous she is. But whether it's because the rush hour is over and the streets are less crowded that she finds herself looking over her shoulder, she doesn't know? Which is crazy, because Harry's not likely to appear on a street which is well lit and where somebody is coming from or going to Thames House. Which reminds her of her own speedy exit and the fact that she didn't have time to run her fingers through her hair or replenish her lipstick, both of which suddenly matter.
That done, breathe she tells herself as she walks the last few meters to join the queue of people who are waiting for any number of buses. Or is feeling any less stressed when her own bus arrives. Despite having reached the front of the queue, where several people alight before she gets the chance to climb the stairs where she finds that unusually there are plenty of seats to choose from. Including several aisle seats which are remote from her fellow travellers. Seats that since one of her friends had been accosted on a late-night bus, she tends to choose given the option. But it's another couple of stops, by which time she's opened her book and is reading about the exploits of a fictional family who are living what is described as the simple life, that she's aware of someone sliding into the seat behind her.
.
That it's him is confirmed once the bus starts moving again and, 'nice night out?' He asks her.
'I thought you were some sort of weirdo,' he appreciates is her thinking on her feet, whilst at the same time acknowledging by her expression that she is pleased to see him. As opposed to what she asks next and he can't ignore or make light of. Which is, 'how did you know where to find me?'
'About a month ago I was being driven home. You were standing at the bus stop in the pouring rain and to my eternal shame and now regret, I didn't stop,' he tells her, waiting for a put down.
One that doesn't come. Because although Ruth remembers that night and how wretched she'd felt, this moment is far too important to ruin. More than that, this might be her only chance to see him for some time and is why she says, 'I like the bus,' hoping that he'll know that he's forgiven. Something which causes a silence to develop, one that needs to be broken, because Harry isn't here for a cosy chat that is veering towards intimate and is why she forces herself to return to the real reason he's here. Adding, 'I have something for you,' before reaching into her pocket and sliding her arm along the back of the seat.
Everything he has ever learnt is telling him to keep it simple. That to take what she's handing him and then walk away is the sensible option. Except that nothing about them is simple. That there is a conversation to be had and if he turns his back on what might be his only chance, he could spend the rest of his days wondering, is why when his hand closes over hers, he does it in such a way that he hopes is creating the same feeling in her as it is in him. Knowing that holding on any longer is reckless, but in that moment he doesn't care. The cocoon of the surroundings and the gentle motion of the bus, creating images that go way beyond what is appropriate, which is why when he breaks up the moment as he knows he must, he asks her, 'to keep an eye on Adam.'
.
When Ruth is walking the short distance from the bus stop to her house, she knows her legs shaking. Because Harry didn't just take the memory stick, he held her hand and moved his fingers across the palm, in a way to suggest that in any other circumstances, she wouldn't be going home on her own. Which is why, when she's heading upstairs to change into something more comfortable than she wears at work, she finds herself regretting that she didn't respond other than to turn her back on him, when he'd mentioned Adam. Added too when her doorbell rings and when she opens the door, he's standing there. Him wearing what she hadn't been able to see on the bus is a very smart shirt and jumper and her dressed in what can only be described as distinctly ordinary. A sentiment that he obviously doesn't share, when after a quick glance over his shoulder, he steps inside. Not only proffering what looks but smells like a take away, which means that she won't have to feed him, but has one those 'come on Ruth this will be easier than you think' expressions on his face.
'To prove that I am feeding myself,' he suggests with his head on one side and with a twinkle in his eye. The smile still intact despite her not responding, other than to take his coat and hang it alongside hers.
Not knowing, because Ruth hasn't told him, that having him in her house is feeling more surreal with every moment that passes. More so when he follows it up by saying, 'the kitchen's fine,' when she suggests that he might feel more comfortable in her sitting room. Perching on one of the stools and taking the tops off the cartons, while she sorts out the cutlery and warms up a couple of plates and against her better judgement pours them both a glass of wine. Because not only has her courage of the last few days deserted her, but because Harry who is looking so at home in her kitchen, has just said, 'I have something that I want to talk to you about.'
That it's not about work, becomes clear when they've finished eating, something that they both take their time over for the same reason. After which, he accepts her offer of a cup of coffee and her suggestion that it's more comfortable in what she's now describing as the other room. The gentleman that she's always known he is, waiting to see where she's going to sit, before taking up residence at the other end of the sofa. Something that once he's finished his coffee and when the cup meets the saucer, sounds like a thunder clap such is the tension. Tension which increases when she realises that he's somehow managed to edge closer without her noticing. Although as he has stopped just short of touching her, makes her wonder if she's been reading this all wrong, or for a reason that she can't fathom, has changed his mind?
Bracing herself for what she's not sure, whatever she is expecting him to say, it isn't 'if you tell me that you don't have the same feelings as I do Ruth, I promise I won't mention it again.'
Which given how she feels, she responds with, 'I can't.' Before adding in the only way she can explain what she's trying to tell him, she says, 'I'm not like Juliet.'
To which he replies, 'I'm very grateful,' which in no way implies that Harry has understood what she's trying to tell him, she resolves in the only way she knows will give her enough courage, by offering him another glass of wine. Something that can only be achieved by her leaning across in front of him, because Harry hasn't offered her his glass. Which brings her so close, that if he wants to kiss her he can. That he doesn't, she puts down to the fact that he knows she's drunk more than she usually does. Which in the silence that ensues, ensures that their combined breathing creates the sort of explosive tension, that had it been anyone other than them, would have seen clothes being removed.
Except this is them so, 'look he says,' after what feels like an age and by which time Ruth face is within inches of his. 'I've got no intention of rushing things and if you want to take it one day at a time, then that's fine by me.'
A response to what in truth are all the things that had been crossing his mind, were their relationship to develop. Apart from her thinking that people, although she hasn't been able to explain who all these people are, who will compare their relationship to the one that he'd had with Juliet. In other words, she doesn't do what she's described as casual.
The upshot of which sees him suggesting, without moving an inch, 'that as soon as he's reinstated, they should go out for a meal. Somewhere outside London, where they can guarantee not to be recognised. On a Saturday because they won't have to go into work the next day,' he wonders if maybe is a remark that he should have held back for another day. But as Ruth hasn't reacted, other than to nod, he takes what he believes is no longer a gamble and finally asks her, 'if he can kiss her before he goes?'
Another nod, which results in what can only be described as a getting to know you kiss. Tentative but certainly enjoyable. With a hint of holding back from what when it happens, will be under different circumstances and blow the roof of whatever building they happen to be occupying.
.
'Ruth not here yet?' asks Juliet, stating what is blindingly obvious because the seat next to hers is empty. Adam knowing why because she's rung him.
After which he'd persuaded Malcolm, the one person that Juliet won't think is lying, to explain and is why, 'my fault entirely,' says Malcolm, in a voice that doesn't beg a reply. Before adding for good measure, 'Ruth and I went for a meal after choir practice and as far as I'm aware, being late for the first time since I've known her, isn't a sackable offence.'
A more than grateful Ruth, arriving just as Adam is telling Juliet that he and Jo are going to break into Pollard's office and download his files and that he wants Zaf to follow Pollard who is known to go out mid-morning. Ruth offering to make the coffee, as Juliet follows Colin into the technical suite where the CCTV is already beaming in pictures.
'How is he?' asks Malcolm who needing to take refuge from Juliet's stare, has followed Ruth into the kitchen.
'Fine, he's fine,' she tells him, taking back what is Harry's mug that he looks as though he's going to drop. Her having automatically picked up.
'And his minders?'
'He rang me when he got home. They were long gone. Look I'm sorry you had to lie for me Malcolm.'
Malcolm's response of a smile, is because Harry had rung him to explain that he'd stayed at Ruth's far later than he'd anticipated and now he was at home, he was going to give her a quick ring to say goodnight.
Resulting in a conversation, which because they had been ten miles apart and in separate beds, had veered into areas that had their first kiss lasted any longer, would have answered all their questions without a word needing to being said.