Hello Again
Not set during an episode. Could really have happened at any time during the series.
He watched her from across the room. She looked beautiful, as always. He wasn't quite sure when he'd started noticing. Oh, he'd always known she was attractive, could appreciate it. But now, more often than not, she took his breath away.
When Innocent had asked him to attend this event with her, he'd groaned. As if going to these things weren't bad enough, being her plus one was even worse. However, tonight had been different. Tonight Laura was here.
The dress she wore he'd never seen before. A brilliant blue which served to make her eyes even more vivid. For a single moment, he'd thought she'd been alone. Thought he might be able to keep her company as Innocent had dumped him the moment she saw someone important.
Then the man had appeared, out of nowhere. A drink in each hand, he handed one to her, as if he'd done it hundreds of times before. The smile she'd given him was one he'd never seen before. A curious combination of grace and something else he couldn't quite place.
The man was tall, taller than him, closer to James' height. He was also younger, closer to Laura's age. He was probably the perfect man for her. He never seemed to leave her side. His hand hovered at the small of her back, occasionally pulling her to him.
She laughed at his jokes, touched him regularly. This didn't seem like a casual date. There seemed to be something more permanent about this relationship. He wondered if he'd missed something in all of the time he spent with her.
A tap on his shoulder drew him from his thoughts, "Robbie, I don't suppose I can trouble you for a dance?"
He looked down at Jean, "Of course, ma'am."
She led him to the dance floor, waving at a few people along the way. They danced in silence, Robbie looking for Laura at each chance. "You should just ask her to dance."
Robbie stumbled, only held upright by Jean's grip, "Who ma'am?"
She rolled her eyes, "Laura Hobson, of course. You've not been able to take your eyes off her all night."
He shook his head, "Actually, it's her date."
"I was unaware you were disposed that way, Robbie."
He looked down at her, unsure of her meaning. Understanding finally dawning, he shook his head, "No, he looks familiar."
"They've been dating for quite a while. He's a doctor as well. You've probably seen him at some of the events you've attended with me."
"How long is a while?"
Hiding her smile, she shrugged, "At least a year I think. It seems quite serious." Unable to stop herself, "They seem well matched." Again he stumbled, "Honestly, Robbie, these shoes cost a fortune. I would rather you didn't ruin them."
"Sorry, ma'am. I'm not very good at dancing."
"Especially when you are looking after the good doctor."
The song came to an end and they walked off the dance floor. Seeing Laura near the bar, Jean smiled. "Robbie, I could use a drink. Do you mind?"
He sighed, wondering why she couldn't get her own drink. "Not at all ma'am."
She watched him leave before lifting a glass of champagne off a passing waiter's tray. Stepping into the crowd she smiled to herself as Robbie suddenly realized he was standing directly behind Laura.
"I see you got roped into attending."
He looked down startled to find her suddenly so close. "So it seems." He looked away, trying to find her date, "Are you having fun?"
"As much fun as anyone has at these things."
"Why do you come if you don't enjoy them?"
Accepting the drinks from the bartender, she laughed lightly, "Some things you simply have to do." She smiled over his shoulder at the mystery man, "For your partner…" Then she smiled up at him, a different smile, "To make a good impression on the boss."
"Don't you ever just want to do something because it's fun?"
"Is that an offer, Inspector Lewis?"
He blinked, somewhat surprised by her question. "I'm sure what I find fun you wouldn't be interested in."
Rolling her eyes, she laughed. He watched her, mesmerized. As her laughter died away, she leaned into him, "There's only one way to find out."
"How's that?"
"Give me a call sometime."
She was gone before he could respond. His mind worked overtime. Had she just asked him to ask her out? Could he dare?
"Robbie…Robbie…" Innocent touched his arm, "I'm leaving, if you want to go also."
He turned to her, his mind still filled with Laura's words. "Ma'am?"
"I said I am leaving, you are welcome to stay but I've always gathered you didn't like these events."
"I'll walk you to your car."
"I valet parked, Robbie." Nodding toward Laura, "The music is about to start, why don't you ask her to dance?"
He smiled to himself, "No, I think I'm all danced out for tonight. I'll walk you out."
He'd made it home, although he'd never be able to say how. His mind had been filled with her last words. "Give me a call sometime."
The smile on her face had been different from all of the others he'd seen that night. He couldn't place what about it was different but whatever it was, it lit a fire in him. A fire he'd thought long extinguished.
Lying in bed, he tried to clear his head. But each time he closed his eyes, her smile filled his mind and her words echoed in his head. "Give me a call sometime."
Without thinking, he grabbed the phone and dialed her number from memory. It rang three times and he was just about to hang up…
"Hello."
He could hear the sleep in her voice and panicked. "Laura, I'm sorry, I didn't realize it was this late. We can talk tomorrow."
"Robbie, are you OK?"
"Yes, I just couldn't sleep."
She sighed, he could hear her moving in the bed. "Why couldn't you sleep?"
"I couldn't wait…"
Another sleepy sound filled the line, "Wait for what, Robbie?"
He smiled to himself, "To call you…"
Hello again, hello
Just called to say hello
I couldn't sleep at all tonight
And I know it's late but I couldn't wait
Hello, my friend, hello
Just called to let you know
I think about you every night
When I'm here alone and you're there at home
Hello
At all of those events Jean dragged him to, surely Laura was at one of them. And I bet she even occasionally had a date. Neil Diamond – Hello Again