The next day, John got to the lunchroom a little after the others because he was making reservations at Cafe Milano for he and Anna. He knew it was sentimental of him, but he suspected, he hoped, that it would soon become 'their place'.
As he walked in, he was gratified to see that although the room was crowded, his chair beside Anna was empty and waiting for him. It wasn't a surprise, but it seemed to have gained significance due to the events of the past week. He sat and arranged his lunch, recieving a wide smile from Anna as he did so. He surreptitiously pressed his leg against hers under the table and calmly went about eating his lunch.
The chatter was typical for a Friday afternoon, people discussing their weekend plans or lack thereof. Many were commiserating about not having found the perfect gift for their Secret Santa yet, while others were gloating that they had.
"You know what we should do?" Ethel suggested, "We should all go out shopping together tonight and then go to Luigi's for drinks after. I used to do something similar with my family while I was growing up. We'd split up into shopping groups and then meet back up for dinner. It was great fun."
"I'm in," Gwen enthused.
"Me too!" Daisy confirmed.
"I'll go," Alfred chimed in.
"How about you, Anna?" Ethel asked.
"I can't," Anna answered quickly, but then said no more.
"Whyever not?" Daisy asked, "You were just telling us that you hadn't finished your shopping yet."
"Oh…" Anna stumbled over her words, "I'm busy. Mary asked me to…"
"But she couldn't have," Ethel corrected, "I heard her saying that she and Mr. Matthew had a sitter and were going out to dinner tonight."
"Oh, oh, that's right," Anna fumbled on miserably, "our plans were for tomorrow night."
"Great, then you can go with us," Daisy smiled.
"Yes, I guess I can," Anna answered miserably, looking over at John.
"I haven't finished my shopping either," he answered with a smile, "I guess I'll come along too." He moved his hand under the table and gave Anna's leg a reassuring squeeze.
"What about you Thomas?" Daisy asked hopefully, "Will you come as well?"
"Not bloody likely," the sour young man spat, blowing out a puff of smoke from his cigarette.
"I'll be your shopping partner, Daisy," William suggested.
"You know what?" Thomas added suddenly, "I think I will go. Would you like to be my partner Daisy?"
Daisy blushed and giggled, which Thomas took to be a yes. He turned and smiled smugly at young William who rose and left the room quietly.
"Daisy!" Mrs Patmore called from the staff kitchen, "Mr. Crawley just called and asked for a tea. Your break is over I'm afraid."
Daisy rose with a big smile on her face and hurried out of the room, "See you after work everyone. Thank you, Thomas."
John wheeled around toward Thomas as soon as Daisy was completely out of the room, "What the hell did you do that for, you bastard?"
Thomas smirked again, "Because it's fun." Stubbing out his cigarette, he too left the room.
In order to be polite, and to change the subject, Gwen asked Mrs. O'brien if she were going to come with them.
"Oh, I shouldn't think so. I have better things to do with my time."
Ethel shrugged her shoulders, "Well, suit yourself. I think it will be fun. I guess we'd better get going too. Are you coming Gwen? Anna?"
"Coming Mr. Bates?" Gwen asked with a shy smile.
"I'll be along in a minute or two. It's my week to tidy the lunchroom."
"I'll help you," Anna offered cheerfully, "you girls go on without me."
When everyone had left and Anna and John were straightening the room she said, "That's our dinner out then."
John laughed, eyes twinkling, "Yes, you weren't exactly grace under pressure."
"I panicked. You could have done better I suppose?" she challenged him playfully.
"Absolutely, I've been interrogated by the enemy and not cracked."
"Well then you should have jumped in and done something."
"Like what? Tell them you were washing your hair tonight?"
He laughed again but then, seeing the look of frustration on Anna's face, he softened.
"Come here," he said, reaching out both his hands for her to take.
When she took them he pulled her in close to his body, "It doesn't matter. We may have to postpone our romantic dinner yet again, but we'll still be spending time together. We'll just have to arrange to be shopping partners. I need your help with Mr. Carson's gift anyway. It won't be so bad."
"Easy for you to say," Anna smirked. She briefly rested her head on John's chest as she continued, "It's your day to be strong."
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On John's way back to his desk, he made a point of stopping by William's cubicle.
"Listen, William, about Thomas…" he got no further before William cut him off.
"Would you mind not doing this, Mr. Bates?" the gentle young man asked, "I know you're trying to be kind, and I appreciate it, I do. But not right now, ok?"
John patted him on the shoulder, "Of course, William. Good lad. I'll see you tonight, yeah?"
"I think I'll just go home. I won't be able to stand seeing someone as nice as Daisy go off with someone like Thomas."
"Understood. Have a good weekend then."
"You too, Mr. Bates."
When John did get to his office, his secretary Jane stopped him at the door, "Don't get too comfortable, Mr. Bates. Mr. Crawley asked for you to go up and see him as soon as you got back from lunch."
"Right, guess I'm off then," he took a few steps and then turned back to her with a look of dejection, "Oh and Jane, I have dinner reservations at Cafe Milano tonight. Can you please call and cancel them for me."
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As he entered Robert's office, the CEO of Grantham Industries rose from his chair and smiled.
"Bates my good man, come in, come in."
He motioned for John to sit in one of the large leather chairs in front of his desk, while he took the other. When John was sitting, Robert slapped him on the knee.
"Can I get you something, a tea perhaps?"
"Thanks but no. I've just come from lunch."
"Where have you been hiding yourself, Bates? It feels ages since I've spoken with you."
"You're the one who sent me to Scotland all week," John answered amicably. There was no one he respected more than the man sitting across from him.
"Quite right. And all on a wild goose chase as it turns out. It's a shame. They looked so good on paper."
"They were good on paper," John clarified, "and I'm sure we would have made money from acquiring them. But something wasn't right. Their customer service record was terrible. I don't think the relationship would have been good for us in the long run."
"You're right, of course, Bates. People first, profit second. It's our company motto for a reason."
"Did you want me to go over my reports with you so you can see for yourself?"
"No, no. I've read them, and I trust you completely. I actually wanted to see if you wanted to go for a drink after work. I meant it when I said it seems like we haven't spoken in ages. How's your mum by the way?"
John smiled at that, "Full of piss and vinegar like always. You know her."
"Indeed I do. But she can't hold a candle to my mother."
John dipped his head, "Perhaps not."
"Anyway, mustn't keep you. You're a busy man. Are we on for that drink?"
"I'm afraid not. I just made plans to go Secret Santa shopping with the group this evening. We're going to Luigi's afterwards. You could stop by if you want."
"No, I couldn't do that. No one wants to see the boss on a Friday night. I can't disturb their fun. I tell you what...the girls are all coming over for dinner tomorrow night. Why don't you come too?"
John wanted to grimace at Robert's invitation but stilled his face in the nick of time. In his head, he had already made plans for his romantic dinner with Anna. He had to find a way to refuse.
"I don't think so, Rob. If the girls are all coming I wouldn't want to intrude on family time."
Robert looked both shocked and puzzled, "Since when? You are family, Bates. You know that. Heavens, now I am beginning to think you're avoiding me."
"It's so close to the holidays," John added, lamely.
"Exactly why we're having this wretched dinner party. Edith is bringing that bore Anthony Strallan and of course Sybil is bringing Branson. I mean 'Tom'. I need you there to be on my side."
John smiled at his friend, "I'm sure they're all on your side. Or at least they want to be. Anyway, I'm sure Matthew will be there. You like him."
"Still outnumbered. WIth you there it will even the squads. I really won't take no for an answer. You've thrown yourself in front of a bullet for me. Surely one dinner party can't be all that bad. Besides, Cora's been asking after you. She'll be pleased if you come."
John sighed and rubbed his forehead, "Alright, fine. Count me in."
Robert rose and clapped John on the back, "Knew I could count on you Bates. That's the batman I know. Half six, then?"
"Half six," John said. If Robert noticed his lack of enthusiasm he didn't show it.
Anna is going to kill me, John thought as he walked back to his office.
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"What happened to the man who'd been interrogated by the enemy?" Anna balked when John told her about going to Robert's for dinner the next night. To no one's surprise, they had paired up as shopping partners and were now wandering the mall together.
"I tried, Anna. I said 'no' twice but you know Rob. He's used to getting his own way."
"That's what comes from being a member of the peerage I suppose," Anna mentioned as she fingered the scarf she was considering getting for Jane, her Secret Santa.
"Are you upset with me?" John asked with puppy dog eyes.
"I can't very well be upset with you, can I, as I've done the same thing," she gave a rueful laugh, "We're quite a pair, aren't we?"
"Not lately," John groused.
Anna turned and ran her hand up his chest, "Now, Mr. Bates, we've waited two years to be together. And as you keep reminding me, we have waiting left to do. I don't suppose one more weekend will kill us."
"I know what it is to kiss you now," he smiled down at her, "that makes the waiting much harder."
"If we outlast everyone else at Luigi's tonight, you can escort me home. That should earn us at least a little cuddle time."
"If Moseley doesn't squirm his way into taking you home again," John rolled his eyes.
"He didn't take me home, he took me to the bus stop."
"Which is still more than I've managed in the past few days," John pouted.
"You're brooding, Mr. Bates," Anna commented on her way to the counter.
"It's what I do best, Miss Smith," he reminded her as he followed.
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As promised, when the group had finished their shopping, they headed down a few blocks to their regular office hangout spot. Everyone was chatting about the successful purchases they made while at the same time trying not to give anything away about who their Secret Santa was. John moaned to Anna that he still hadn't found anything and she patted his arm, promising that she would take him out shopping again on Monday to help him.
He casually mentioned that maybe they could have dinner too, to which Anna responded, "What an original idea, John. That would be lovely."
As the evening wore on, John was getting more and more irritated with Thomas. John was sure he knew exactly what he was doing when he pulled the rug out from under poor William's feet. And to make matters worse, he had treated Daisy as his own personal servant all night long. She carried all their packages and went to the bar several times to get Thomas his drinks. John wasn't sure, but he wouldn't be surprised if Daisy paid for them too.
At one point in the evening, Thomas excused himself to go outside and have a smoke. A minute later, John stood saying, "I'm off to the gents. Be back in a moment."
Anna smiled at him and kept chatting away with Gwen and Ethel.
John looked back to make sure that Anna and her friends weren't watching, then slipped out the back door after Thomas.
"I thought you'd given up smoking, Bates."
John didn't bother to answer. He just walked up to the younger man, grabbed him by the lapels and threw him up against the wall. It wasn't hard enough to hurt him, but it was definitely hard enough to let Thomas know he meant business.
"Listen you rat," John growled, "you've managed to run William off this time. But I won't have you doing it again."
"Oh?" Thomas asked sarcastically, "and just what are you going to do about it?"
John lifted him off the ground slightly and pushed him into the wall again, "You don't want to know. And another thing. Since you've led Daisy to believe you want to be here with her, you'd better start treating her with some respect."
"Careful, Bates. I can have you dismissed from the company for harassing and assaulting me," Thomas warned, as he straightened the shirt John had ruffled and pulled loose.
"You forget, Thomas, the owner of the company owes me his life. Just whose side do you think he's going to take?"
"You wouldn't dare."
John raised his eyebrows and shrugged his shoulders, "Try me."
Thomas stared at John, trying to get the older man to look away first. But he hadn't figured on the fact that John was a sharpshooter in the army, and a good one. Eventually, Thomas broke eye contact and crushed his cigarette under his heel.
He made to go back inside, but John stopped him, "Go in and make your excuses to Daisy and the rest. Anna and I will see she gets home safely. Be gone by the time I get back inside."
"When John returned to the table, Thomas was nowhere to be found.
"Where have you been?" Anna asked.
"I stepped out for some air. It's stuffy in here. What did I miss?"
"Thomas just left without so much as a goodbye and Daisy is rather upset. Gwen's gone after her."
Just then, Gwen brought Daisy back to the table. Daisy was red faced and red eyed, but at least somewhat composed.
"Anna, would you mind taking me home?" she asked.
"I'll take you home, Daisy," Gwen offered quickly.
"Thank you," Daisy sniffed, "but if it's alright with Anna, I'll go with her."
Anna looked to John in desperation but he bobbed his head in Daisy's direction without hesitation. It would never do for Anna to leave her in the lurch after she had specifically asked for her. Anna would feel guilty and so would he.
"Alright," Anna sighed, "John, would you get our coats?"
"Of course," he turned to Daisy, "Thomas isn't nearly good enough for you. I know it doesn't help right now, but someday you'll see."
John's words melted Anna's heart. He really was the best of men. She was so lucky to have him, even if it their plans kept being foiled by their friends.
Anna and Daisy left and the party soon broke up. Ethel left with her man of the evening and the guys made off happily toward the underground. John was left alone with Gwen and helped her into her coat.
"I'll see you home Gwen," he smiled.
"Oh, that's not necessary. I'll be fine."
"I know what you were trying to do back there. Anna and I appreciate it."
"So you know I know," Gwen sighed in relief. It felt awkward to hold Anna's secret from him.
John nodded, "Anna told me. I appreciate you trying to help us. And keeping it a secret. I know it's not what Anna deserves…" he tried to explain.
"Mr. Bates, you don't need to explain anything to me. I'm happy for you both," Gwen's smile was huge and genuine and went a long way toward making John feel better.
"Are you sure I can't see you home? I'm pretty sure the plans I had for the rest of the evening are canceled," John looked down the road longingly.
"No, thank you Mr. Bates. I don't want you to go out of your way."
"Well at least let me put you in a cab. It will make me feel better."
"Alright," Gwen finally agreed.
"And Gwen, since you know about Anna and I, and since you two are best friends, I think you should call me John."
"Oh, I couldn't Mr. Bates!"
"Only outside the office? Please?" he asked, "I can't have Anna's friends calling me by my surname. It only emphasizes our age difference."
"Alright," Gwen smiled again, "For what it's worth, Mr. Bates...I think Anna chose wisely." John was shocked that she kissed his cheek.
"I thought you were going to call me John," he teased.
"Last time. I promise." She got into the cab but before it drove away she added, "Goodnight, John."
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When John got home he shot off a text to Anna.
How's Daisy? - J
Better. Left her with tissues and a plushy - A
I miss you - A
Curses. Foiled again. We are cursed. - J
Are you brooding, Mr. Bates? - A
Not brooding. Complaining. There's a difference. - J
I think you bring out the worst in me, JB. I was totally willing to send Daisy home with Gwen. - A
You don't have a worst. - J
Charmer - A
Fat lot of good it's doing me. - J
Complaining, still not brooding. You bring out the best in me. - J
There's a lot of good to bring out. - A
Fancy meeting me for breakfast in the morning? - A
Absolutely, but you're not a morning person. - J
I'd love to see you in the morning. - A
John groaned at the double meaning of Anna's words and wondered if she had done it on purpose.
Best get to bed then Miss Smith. Where shall I meet you? The pastry shop? - J
Sounds perfect. - A
I might get a nibble from you this time. - J
Don't count on it. - A
I won't. Is that a DATE then? - J
It's a date. - A
It's about bloody time. - J
Good night John. xoxox
Night Anna. Till tomorrow. - J