Stay With Me
During her drive and while she dressed, her mind lingered on Robbie and their strange conversation. What had he meant by "all those years"? Was he talking about all of the years of her life he'd wasted? It was how she'd come to view it, a waste. Years of her life she'd spent longing for him to notice her. Years where she'd scuppered every relationship opportunity she'd had.
Or was there some other hidden meaning which she was supposed to discern? No, she was done interpreting the world according to Robbie Lewis. It was time for him to stand on his own two feet and support himself.
Her phone buzzed and she cast a quick glance to it, a text from Robbie. She was just about to open it when the knock came. Dropping the phone into her bag, she crossed to the door. A single deep breath, she smiled and opened the door, "Hello, Franco."
She watched him as he drove. Taken, as always, by his good looks. The kiss at her door had been more than a friendly buss on the cheek. She'd forgotten what it was to be looked at in that way by a man. A man who had never been anything but open with her about how he felt.
Throughout dinner, he'd been charming, attentive, flirtatious. He'd listened to her as she talked about work and cases, even her research. He asked intelligent, probing questions. He was interested in what she did and not only at work. They'd talked about books and concerts each had attended. In short, they'd shared the minutiae of their lives and not once had there been an awkward pause because she'd said something which reminded him of a ghost.
Franco was one of the relationships she'd ruined. Instead of looking forward to the relationship that could have been, she'd been looking back at what was never to be. It was a mistake, one she was suddenly regretting.
"Laura, I can feel you thinking. What's on your mind?"
She smiled to herself. He'd always been good at discerning her moods. He never reacted to them, just talked to her. It was one of his many admirable qualities. She'd told everyone him moving to Germany was what ended the relationship but it would have ended even without the move. Robbie had shown her the tiniest bit of interest and she'd ruined the relationship.
Even then, Franco had been unfailingly kind, understanding. Told her she knew where to find him when she was ready. And he'd stayed in touch over those years. Always called her for dinner or a drink when he visited.
"I was thinking how much I miss this, miss you. I'm afraid I owe you an apology."
He pulled into her drive then turned to her. "Why do you think you owe me an apology?"
She looked down at her hands, tried to force them to relax. Finally she looked up, met his eyes, "I'm not really sure I ever gave us a chance."
Smiling, he took her hands. He stroked them gently, finally getting her to relax. "And now?"
Leaning forward, she kissed him. It built on the kiss from earlier in the evening. As she pulled away, she was slightly flushed. "Would you like to come in?"
Guess it's true, I'm not good at a one-night stand
But I still need love cause I'm just a man
These nights never seem to go to plan
I don't want you to leave, will you hold my hand?
Oh, won't you stay with me?
Cause you're all I need
This ain't love it's clear to see
But darling, stay with me
Why am I so emotional?
No it's not a good look, gain some self control
And deep down I know this never works
But you can lay with me so it doesn't hurt
Stay With Me - Sam Smith