Chapter 3

Their walk into town was leisurely. At one point, Laura took Robbie's hand. Strolling hand in hand, each was lost in thought. It was a change from their life before his retirement. Then, one or both often worked late nights, call outs and different shifts.

Laura, of course, didn't have to work those shifts but she had deliberately scheduled herself to work the same hours as Robbie. Now, she leaned more to the day shift with the occasional weekend call schedule. This revised schedule gave them more time together. It was nice, until the walls started to close in.

However, this unexpected change in their patterns reminded her of how much she enjoyed being with him. They made it to their favorite chip stand and placed an order. It was only a few minutes wait and then they walked to their preferred bench and settled in.

Conversation was limited as they ate. Laura ate her fill, probably more than she normally ate when he cooked, but there were still leftovers for Robbie to pick through. As he finished eating, she cleared away their wrappings then returned to sit next to him on the bench.

It pleased her when he raised his arm and let her tuck in beside him. She loved the warmth of him, the feel of him and the smell of him. All of these things combined to make her feel safe, wanted, in a way, loved.

She was lost in these musings when he suddenly pulled his arm from around her, scooted a noticeable distance from her. She was turning to see what was wrong when she heard a voice she didn't know. "Robbie, what a surprise to see you out and about tonight?"

"Just out for a walk and quick bite at the chip stand."

"How's the canoe coming along?"

Robbie laughed, "It's coming along. I shouldn't think it will be too much longer before she's seaworthy."

Laura stared at him. Who was he kidding? If that thing ever actually floated she would eat all of his meals. She was attempting to control her eye roll when she heard the next question.

"Who's this lovely lady with you?"

"This is Laura, Laura Hobson."

The other gentleman held out his hand, "Nice to meet you, Laura."

She took his hand, smiling politely, "Nice to meet you too. How do you two know each other?"

"I sold Robbie the canoe kit."

Anger flared in her, "So I've you to blame for the monstrosity on my patio."

The man looked to Robbie, "I wasn't aware Robbie lived with anyone. I thought he was a widow."

Laura looked to Robbie, could see his shame at the man's words. She stood, barely able to contain her anger and hurt. "Thank you for dinner, Robbie. I think I'll just be off home."

She was gone before he could say anything, try to fix the situation. He watched after her at a complete loss on how he was going to fix this problem.

"Hope I haven't caused a problem there."

Robbie sighed, "You didn't create the problem; I did."