I promised, and I keep my promises...

For anyone that ever just wanted a coffee... and someone to drink it with.


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Chapter 39: Because I think you could do with a coffee



Carter, why are you here? Carter pulled away slightly, just enough to be able to look her in the eye, whilst keeping hold of her firmly in his arms. Her face was curious, her features blended in a mixture of confusion and concern. He realised how unhappy she looked, as though she could burst into tears at any moment.

Her voice was softer, even more caring, even more concerned than before. Yet he wanted to put off answering the question for as long as possible. But as a smile crept across her face and she moved a hand to wave it in front of her eyes, he realised he couldn't put it off any longer.

But what to say? He needed an answer- for himself as much as her. Why was he here? The truth was that he just didn't know, but that didn't help him at the moment. She needed an answer, one that was simple and uncomplicated and the truth.

I heard this airport does great coffee. Susan's eyes followed Carter's outstretched hand, finding themselves planted on a practically empty starbucks. And because I think you could do with a coffee. She smiled, nodding softly.

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Luka- you are crazy. He smiled, nodding as the car came to an abrupt halt outside the airport. He looked over at Abby, her arm hung out of the car window, her hand containing a lit cigarette. She puffed at it frequently, in between running the free hand through her hair quickly, pushing fallen strands behind her ear.

You'll need this. He passed her a scrap of paper. Abby looked down at it- an address written in a familiar scrawl across the paper. She nodded, throwing the cigarette into the road.

I'm just supposed to turn up- uninvited? Luka nodded, staring out of the window casually.

I rang his mother, explained I was a friend of his, told her we met when he came to Chicago, I told her about you as well- said you two were close, that you wanted to attend the funeral. Abby shook her head, pulling her hair back over her shoulders and groaning.

I still don't understand why you can't go. Luka turned to face her, his midnight blue eyes piercing into her mind, shaking her softly.

Because I can't. He looked away again, before continuing. She needs someone, whether she admits to it or not. I want her to have someone there to support her but me being there will cause too many problems- there will be too many questions. Abby nodded.

You want me to tell her anything? Luka nodded.

Tell her that I love her. Abby smiled.

I think she already knows that. Luka shook his head, running a hand roughly through his hair.

I'm not so sure.

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So are you going to tell me the real reason that you're here yet? Susan took a sip of her latte, her eyes not moving from Carter. He took a gulp of his expresso, swallowing it quickly and then letting out a gentle sigh.

I would if I could. A puzzled look crossed Susan's face as she watched Carter stare down at his lap. Him turning up here had been unexpected to say the least. She wasn't sure why he was here but it didn't seem as if he knew either. In all honestly she was glad of the company, she needed a friend at the moment. I'm not sure why I'm here.

It's okay, I'm kinda glad you are. Susan smiled, blushing slightly as he placed a hand across her stomach, feeling the tears well up in her eyes as she did so. Me and Luka...

I saw him. Carter blurted it out before he could stop himself. He caught her attention immediately and she looked up, catching his eye with a meaningful glance.

Is he okay. A small smile crossed Carter's face as he nodded, staring into her glistening green eyes.

He was worried about you. She nodded, biting her bottom lip. You just left.

I didn't know what else to do. She shrugged, bringing her hands to her face and covering it, closing her eyes as she did so.

So you ran? Susan looked up quickly, caught offguard by Carter's sudden comment. Sorry, I shouldn't have said that. She shook her head.

No, its okay. It's true- I ran- I'm running. Carter heard her sigh once more, before continuing, her voice quieter and almost painful. I always run.



I guess coming back here brings back the memories. The last time I came here from Chicago was when I was running from him.

I don't think you can call this running. I call this facing up to things. Susan nodded.

I hope so, for my sake, for Luka's sake and for most importantly this baby's sake.

Who was the guy?



The guy you came off the plane with- someone you know?

Oh, no- not really. I met him on the plane. Susan let out a small laugh. He kinda- caught me! A puzzled look placed itself upon Carter's face, causing Susan to laugh once more.

I won't ask. She smiled, nodding.

Probably better if you don't. She took another sip of her coffee, a question becoming apparent to her. How long are you going to stay for? Carter shrugged, he hadn't really even thought about that himself yet.

As long as you do I guess. Jesus, I didn't even think about it- I haven't even booked into a hotel.

Carter this is Phoenix I think you mean motel. Carter smiled.

Whatever- I haven't got a room anywhere. What about you? Susan shrugged, raising her hands.

Haven't got a clue, I left in a bit of a rush too, a place to sleep was the last thing on my mind. She let out a yawn, raising a hand to her mouth to cover it quickly.

She nodded.

I didn't exactly get a good nights sleep last night. Carter nodded in the direction of the door.

Let's go- I'm sure there is a place somewhere around here and you look exhausted. Susan smiled, grateful for his presence.

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