Chapter 2

He'd told her to call, said he would like it. Now he was stood, in a crowded restaurant, waiting. She'd called two days after the case ended, full of enthusiasm, he hadn't been able to say no.

He'd come early, not really familiar with where she'd suggested. It wasn't a place he would have picked but he supposed he could see the appeal. Taking on a sip from his drink, he looked around, just in case she was here and he'd missed her.

A soft touch to his shoulder startled him, he almost spilled his drink. She was dressed elegantly, a dress which hugged her body, tried to give the impression of curves. He found himself drawn down, a moist set of lips pressed against his cheek.

Her hand curled around his arm, squeezing it. "Sorry I'm late."

He nodded, "It's OK. Can I get you a drink while we wait?"

"I'd like that, red wine."

He turned away, cut a path to the bar. Motioning to the bartender, he placed the order, staring into the mirror behind the bar as he waited. Tilting his head, he grimaced at the smear of lipstick on his cheek. He removed the handkerchief from his pocket and used it to wipe away the mark.

The bartender returned, placed the glass in front of him. Robbie paid the man, picked up the glass and returned to his date. The idea of the word made him shake his head. Should a man his age, really be on a date?

The door squeaked open, the random thought to fix the squeak pulsed through his head. Maybe it wasn't the squeak, maybe it was just the headache from the noisy restaurant.

The date probably hadn't been all that bad. It wasn't that Kate wasn't lovely. Another time, another place, perhaps he might have been interested. He shook his head, no, he wouldn't have been. She'd kissed him goodbye at the end of the night and there hadn't been anything.

It wasn't as if he had loads of experience with women, there were only a few. But with each of them, the first kiss had been a memorable moment. A shock of electricity firing throughout his body. When Kate had kissed him, there had been no spark, not even a latent tingle. Perhaps that time of his life was in the past. Maybe it was too much to expect that jolt.

"Or maybe she was just the wrong person?"

He didn't even turn, "Or maybe, I've already had the best." Looking over his shoulder, he smiled softly when he saw her lounging across his sofa. "Has that occurred to you?"

"I am good, but there is one serious drawback." Meeting his questioning gaze, "I'm dead."

"I wish you weren't."

"If wishes were fishes…"

"The sea would be full." He laughed, dropping onto the sofa next to her. "How many times did you say that to the kids over the years?"

"More times than I can count."

He sighed, "I miss you, Val. More than I thought."

"It's coming back. Lots of reminders."

"Do you think I should have stayed away?"

She shook her head, "No, it was time to come back. Time to put it all to rest."

He slumped back into the sofa, "I don't know if I can. I'm not sure I'm strong enough."

"You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

"Is that something else you used to tell the kids?"

She laughed, "It's from Winnie the Pooh."

He reached for her, stopping himself before he touched her. He didn't want to ruin the illusion. "You didn't have to tell me. I would have thought you very smart."

"You would have figured it out eventually, trust me."

He sighed, closing his eyes. "What do I do?"

"Sleep, you need the rest."

He opened his eyes, meeting her gentle gaze. "I'm afraid if I do you will disappear."

"Don't worry, my love. I'll still be here when you wake. I told you I would stay as long as you need me."

"I'm going to need you forever."

She shook her head, reached for him. He curled into her touch, imagined he could feel the heat from her hand. "No, one day you won't."

Closing his eyes, "You say that as if you know the future."

Leaning closer to him, she whispered, "Well I am very smart."