After the show they had to hold hands to not lose each other in the press of the exiting crowd. The line for taxis was so long they both looked at it and knew it was an impossible task.

"My place is closest," he said "we can walk in about half an hour."

"Ok by then we would only be about halfway up the queue."

Barbara was tired but liked that idea of walking and allowing the evening to extend just a little bit longer. It was only then she realised she was still holding his hand and that somehow they had intertwined their fingers. She let it go quickly hoping he had not thought she was being too forward. She did not want to spoil such a wonderful night. They walked in companionable silence for a while, punctuated by her repeated thanking of him for such a treat and talking about different scenes and how wonderful the show had been.

He noticed she dropped his hand but was not offended. He just relished her company when she was so free. He was not going to spoil it by making a fuss about anything. Tommy presumed she expected him to drive her home but he really did not want the night to end so when they arrived at his place he invited her in for a drink. Barbara felt the same way and so happily accepted his invitation. Once inside he slipped off his coat and tie and slung them carelessly over the armchair. He helped Barbara out of her jacket but hung it carefully on a hook in the hall, much to her amusement.

"What?" he looked at her confused as he undid the top few buttons of his shirt.

"Well you toss your very expensive coat over the chair and hang up my cheap one on a hook – you don't see the irony?"

He did but simply retorted, "I do not judge the importance of things by their cost Havers."

There was no rancour in his voice but Barbara had meant it as a bit of light hearted humour, not as a jibe. History, she knew, meant he was more likely to think she was having a go at his upbringing again. This could ruin the evening so she quickly backed down smiling, "I know, and I appreciate it, thank you Sir."

She had carefully avoided calling him anything all day but suddenly it was Sir again; perhaps in response to him calling her Havers. He needed to lighten the mood and say something witty. But what came out surprised even him. "Will you stay? I have enjoyed last night and today so much I don't want it to end."

He looked at her but could not read her thoughts. "I don't really want to be alone tonight." He cursed the last sentence. It sounded like emotional blackmail. She always came when he needed her. Tonight he wanted her to stay because she wanted to stay, not because she felt he needed her to be there.

A thousand thoughts flashed through Barbara's head. Is he using me? Is it just because he is lonely? No they had had fun together and he was behaving in a way he hadn't for years. Does he expect more? Am I the next conquest or search for affection? He wouldn't mistreat her she was sure; their bond was too strong. What did he want? Can I give it? Will I betray my innermost thoughts and ruin everything? No he said he needed her. He was afraid of the nightmares returning.

He caught her glancing at the couch. "I have a guest room you know. You don't have to sleep on that again if that's what's worrying you."

Barbara was relieved. Guest room implied this was just a continuation of today. He was lonely but not in that way. She was slightly disappointed but reassured that whatever had changed in their relationship this week, it was not going to be an issue tonight. She also detected that he really was not as afraid of being alone as he made out either but she would let that slide. She did not want to protest too much nor agree too readily so she stalled a little by saying, "Can I borrow some pyjamas?"

He would have preferred to say that they would not be needed but he was astute enough to know not to push his luck. "Of course - they might be a bit big but we'll find something for you to wear."

They sat and talked for another hour or so before he realised they should retire and they moved upstairs. He was not going to spend another night on the couch no matter how tempting it was to be closer to Barbara. As promised he found a pair of clean silk pyjamas and took them across the hall to her room where she had been looking around thinking how his guest room was so much nicer than her own bedroom. When he handed them to Barbara she looked highly amused and handed back the pants, keeping the coat. "I think I would drown in the pants but I can roll up the sleeves and this will be perfect."

"Ok well," he said hesitatingly, "good night Barbara."

"Good night."

They were standing so close he caught his breath. He went to leave but instead bent down and gently kissed her on the forehead as ran his hand up and down her arm. He lingered just slightly longer than he should have before pulling away. He felt more than heard her sharp intake of breath. He did not know what she was thinking. But this is not overly unusual behaviour given the day. I have not overplayed my hand. He left and silently closed the door behind him.

When it closed Barbara leant her back against it and smiled. Oh if only Tommy, if only.