To Make You Feel My Love
Robbie watched James and Fiona embrace in her apartment. He smiled as he realized that Laura had been right. He pulled out his mobile. "Turns out you were right."
He started walking towards the pub. He smiled as he felt his mobile buzz in his pocket. He looked at the text. "Of course I was. What about?"
"James and Fiona."
His mobile rang almost instantly, "I can't believe you doubted me for a moment."
He laughed, amused by her confidence. "What are you doing?"
"Reading, you?"
"Walking the streets, thinking about what to eat. Care to join me?"
"I've already eaten. But I'd happily wander the streets with you."
"Meet me at the usual place, ten minutes?"
She laughed, already standing, headed for the door. "Save me a few chips."
"You've already eaten, get your own."
He was waiting on the bench, happily eating from the wrapping when she arrived. Another wrapper sat next to him, waiting for her. Without a word, she picked it up and started snacking.
They sat in silence for a few moments then she nudged him, "Thanks."
He smiled to himself and shrugged, "It's self-serving. No way you are finishing all of that."
Smirking up at him, "I just might to spite you."
He laughed, "You wouldn't do that to me." He smiled knowingly, balling up his own wrapping then leaned back on the bench.
Silence descended again. Nothing uncomfortable, just the silence of two friends, content to be side by side. Laura finished a few more bites then handed the chips to him. Even if she'd been starving, she wouldn't have eaten them all.
He picked through the ample remnants and his mind wandered to James and Fiona earlier. His appetite waned as he was reminded of his own loneliness. He tried to remember what it felt like to be a part of a couple and couldn't.
Laura felt his mood shift, wondered what had caused it. Nudging him, "Want to walk a bit. Burn off those chips."
He nodded, thinking the movement might dispel his mood. They walked in silence. Unlike other nights, she didn't take his arm. After a while he drew in a deep breath, "I'm slightly jealous of James."
Tucking her hands into her pockets, she smiled up at him. "Why is that?"
"He might be saying goodbye to Fiona but at least he has someone. He knows she cares. Whether they are together or not, someone, somewhere cares for him, loves him. I don't have that. I miss that."
Laura's heart stopped. She had to force herself not to stop walking. Swallowing, trying not to cry, "Surely you know people who care for you…love you."
He shrugged, "The kids, sure. But I'm talking about someone who's there at night. Someone who cares what time you get home." Holding up the chip wrapper, "Cares if you're eating right."
A single tear fell down her cheek. She looked away, wiping it off her face, hoping he didn't see it. He still didn't get it, perhaps he never would. Taking a deep breath, she stopped walking. "I have an early morning. I need to get home."
He stopped, several steps past her. "I'll walk you back."
She shook her head, desperate to be away from him. "No, I'll be fine."
Grabbing her arm, he stopped her. Smiling down at her tenderly, "I know you'll be fine. I want to walk you back." He offered his arm, covering her hand when she looped it into his arm.
At her car, he smiled down at her. "Do you think you might want to wander the streets tomorrow night?"
She nodded, secretly pleased. "Only if you promise something healthier than chips."
Without warning, he pulled her to him. She inhaled deeply, savoring the moment, marveling at how life could change in a moment. Maybe he just didn't get it yet. She wrapped her arms around him, he might not yet know how much she cared for him but she could wait.
When the rain is blowing in your face,
And the whole world is on your case,
I could offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love.
When the evening shadows and the stars appear,
And there is no one there to dry your tears,
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love.
I know you haven't made your mind up yet,
But I will never do you wrong.
I've known it from the moment that we met,
No doubt in my mind where you belong.
To Make You Feel My Love – I have 8 versions of this song. The version that inspired this was by Adele.