Harry sat at a square table, brushing lint idly off the white table cloth. He was nervous. But at least he could be sure of his choice of eateries. It was their favourite restaurant, perfect in location quite apart from the superb food. It was close enough to the Grid that in an emergency they could be back within ten minutes, but it was far enough away that for a short time they could make attempts at forgetting about 'work' for a while. Though in reality, work was life to both of them, and never far from their minds.
Harry looked at his watch. He had come early, a surprisingly slow day on the Grid made everyone slightly jumpy, waiting for the bomber or terrorist they had overlooked to strike. It made him uneasy to be in that situation for long, and so he had taken Ruth's advice…
Was it really a year ago since they took that walk down past the little river flowing through a secluded village, seemingly in the middle of nowhere?
They had lost a battle that day, and Ruth had noted that though the battle was lost, the war continues every day, and must be fought with equal strength. They must not be allowed to win, at any cost. But then the mood had changed, and she had looked Harry in the eye, biting back the critical information she needed to depart, before finally looking to her feet and speaking it. 'We must not let them win. We have to fight, we have to keep trying, and we have to live our life whilst we can.'
Harry checked his watch again; it was ten minutes to one o'clock. He fumbled in his left jacket pocket for the small box he had been keeping hold of since a week after that riverside talk. Was it the right time now? It had to be. He felt so sure. Ruth was sending out confusing signals though, and the demands of the job were interfering with their lives so that timings had to be carefully constructed. One couldn't hope for romance with a job like this.
The tie hanging loosely against Harry's shirt was tweaked slightly and then allowed to resume its business. He had chosen a blue tie, in the hope that the colour might add a more jovial tone to the lunch. It was always so serious with nerves exchanging pleasantries and not much more progress. But this time it would be different.
Ruth showed up at fifteen seconds to one. Harry noticed quite by habit. She looked flustered, but that was nothing unusual for her. Harry stood up as she approached the table and there was an awkward moment when he went for a kiss and Ruth turned it into a brief hug before struggling with her scarf.
Harry sat down again and studied the menu, though he had memorised it the first time he had been to the restaurant. Ruth managed to disengage her coat and scarf and sat down opposite him and poured herself a glass of water from the jug on the table.
'You look nice. You should wear a dress more often.' Began Harry.
'Thank you. So do you. Look nice I mean. Not wear a dress.' Replied Ruth.
'I should certainly hope not.' Harry said with a smile.
'Have you ordered yet?'
'No, I was waiting for you, though I did order a bread basket which should be along soon.'
'Have you been here long then?'
'Not really. I just thought I'd take a walk and by the time I realised where I was it made more sense to come directly here.'
'I love going for walks in the countryside, with all that fresh air around, but it's different in the city.' Ruth stated.
'Perhaps one day we could go for a walk in the countryside?' Suggested Harry.
Ruth looked flustered again, but readily agreed. A few seconds later the waiter arrived with the bread basket and a complimentary bottle of wine. 'On the house,' he had said 'because you are such a lovely couple!'
The ice which had been breaking was suddenly re-frozen. Embarrassment spread across the table and leaked out into the rest of the room.
They both lowered their heads, before Harry decided to try and change the atmosphere.
'Would you like some bread?' He enquired.
Ruth took a piece of crusty baguette, and thanked him. She started to butter the bread, and then proceeded in cutting it into smaller slices. She took a bite, it was still warm and delicious, and the familiarity seemed to relax her slightly.
Soon, another waiter came and took their orders. They settled a bit more, and started to chat about that morning's latest news.
As they were finishing their main course, Harry's 'phone rang. It was the Grid. He looked at Ruth, who seemed to nod her head without moving it. He answered the 'phone.
'I told you I was not to be disturbed unless it's an emergency you accept you are incapable of averting.' He stated, rather harsher than he usually would.
'Yes Sir. It is…'
Harry listened without moving a muscle on his face, for what seemed like forever to him, but was only perceived as a few seconds by Ruth. He lowered the 'phone, and explained as much as was necessary.
Ruth immediately stood up and collected her things. Harry was already by her seat before she had a chance to look up again.
When she did look up, coat and scarf in arms, she saw that Harry was taking his hand out of his right pocket.
'Harry, I...' Stuttered Ruth.
"Ruth, please. I didn't want to do it like this, so I hope you understand."
Harry proffered the box to Ruth, who took it in her small hands. Her eyes were glued to the small box, so she did not notice the look of anguish on Harry's face as she opened it.
'Oh. It's a broach. I mean, thank you, it's lovely. I love it.' Ruth yammered.
"I got it that day… when we went for that walk and you said some things I needed to hear and have never forgotten."
'It was an emotional day. I'm not sure even my words could be trusted.' Replied Ruth. And then…
'Not that I'm untrustworthy, and particular not about that case. I was honest entirely and did my job as expected. Beyond the expected on occasion…'
"I understood you to begin with, but thank you for that elaboration." Harry rushed.
"Do you think we should be heading back to the Grid?"Harry queried almost sarcastically.
'Yes, of course.' Said Ruth, who had already been putting on her coat.
Harry noticed that the broach had already been fixed to the lapel. They hurried out of the restaurant, and returned to the Grid. Both feeling content, alarmed, and a little bit disappointed.
