Face to Face

Part 2

Aaron stared intently at the van parked on the roadside; it was instantly recognisable as Jackson's. His stomach had flipped over on seeing it, the young mechanic wasn't sure if he should put such a reaction down to nervousness or something else.

The vehicle was empty, but Jackson had to be nearby, 'but where and why?' Aaron wondered.

Had he actually called round to see him? That didn't seem likely! Had he called at the shop for a paper? Maybe, but why park outside Paddy's if he had?

With Clyde growing restless, increasingly mpatient to get inside to his water bowl, Aaron knew he couldn't dither outside the front door any longer. If he went in and Jackson was there then good, it would give him the opportunity to apologise, if he wasn't....well if he wasn't... then why the hell wasn't he?

Inhaling deeply in an effort to stop his heart thundering in his chest he pushed the door open and stepped into the hallway.

He couldn't quite bring himself to look directly into the next room but out of the corner of his eye could tell there were two figures sitting by the table, both seemingly looking in his direction. His stomach did another somersault and he unconsciously gripped Clyde's lead a little tighter as he stepped through the doorway and into the room.

He met Paddy's gaze first, it radiated warmth and reassurance and so he relaxed a little. Only then did he dare look the other man in the eye. The brown eyes stared steadily back at him giving nothing away.

Through his suddenly dry mouth Aaron forced out a quiet "Hi." As he struggled to find the right thing to say Clyde suddenly lurched excitedly towards the visitor.

With Jackson now stroking the attention seeking dog Aaron eyed Paddy questioningly. The older man mouthed an exasperated 'say something,' back at him, but now completely tongue tied the young man could only stare back helplessly.

To both their relief Jackson broke the strained silence. As he tickled the now prostrate Alsatians belly he looked up at Aaron and grinned, "You said his bite was worse than his bark! He's a pussycat!"

The younger man grinned back, "Yeah well, that's why I had to big him up."

Paddy breathed an audible sigh of relief then got to his feet. "He'll be in need of a drink and I've got some scraps for him. C'mon Clyde, breakfast!"

As the dog got to his feet so did Jackson, "I'd better make a move..."

"What!" Paddy exclaimed, as his gaze moved anxiously between the two younger men he quickly added, "I mean surely you have time for another coffee?"

As Jackson pulled up his shirt sleeve to look at his watch Paddy caught hold of Aaron's arm and hauled the now crestfallen teenager towards a chair, then with both hands clamped firmly but gently on his shoulders pressed him into it.

Ignoring the murderous glare his young friend was now giving him he eyed Jackson. "Two sugars was it?"

Taking another look at his watch as he deliberated over whether to stay or not Jackson finally said "Yeah, go on then."

Once the builder was safely seated at the table Paddy moved towards the kettle, but painfully aware of the heavy silence that had descended behind him he quickly swung back around and stepped purposefully towards the front door.

"We're out of sugar so I'm just going to nip out and get some. I'll be right back."

Aaron stared open mouthed after his friend, then looked over to the kitchen counter where an almost full bag of sugar conspicuously sat.

Jackson was staring at it too only he was once again grinning, "I bet he's not! Right back I mean,"

Aarons face softened into a small smile, "No."

"Well how about you make the coffee?" Gesturing towards the kettle Jackson added, "Talking is thirsty work!"

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Paddy hovered by the front door, he'd left on impulse but now he wasn't sure it had been such a good move. Jackson didn't seem ready to talk to Aaron and Aaron seemed more than a little unnerved by his presence.

The urge to check on the two young men proved too much and he sidled up to the window cautiously peering in.

He was somewhat reassured by what he saw, Aaron was pouring milk into two cups, Jackson looking on. It looked a picture of domestic bliss but Paddy knew it was a far cry from that. Still it boded well for a much needed conversation between them.

A little reluctantly he turned away and strolled towards the shop; he decided he'd buy a paper and then sit outside to read it in the spring sunshine. He was certain he'd hear any raised voices coming from his place from the bench by the phone box!

He'd expected the shop to be empty; it usually was at that time on a Sunday and so was surprised to find Chastity Dingle standing by the counter flipping through a magazine. On seeing him she flashed him a bright smile.

"Paddy! Fancy a coffee?"

"The cafe's not open." Paddy stated as he walked over to join the brunette.

"I meant at your place!"

"My place?" Paddy knew that was a very bad idea right at that particular moment in time,

"Yeah," Chas tucked her arm in Paddy's and started to lead him towards the door. "You know, that stone cottage over there with my son in it! He is there isn't he?" She asked a little worried by the look on her ex's face.

"Yes he's there but..."

"But what?" Chas demanded.

"So is Jackson!" Paddy reluctantly explained.

"Jackson! The one he punched?"

"Yes."

"The Jackson who had him charged with ABH and almost had him sent to prison?"

"One and the same." Paddy nodded.

"Is that really such a good idea?" Chastity's voice soared in disbelief.

"Yes. I happen to think it is."

The condescending tone Chas thought she could hear in Paddy's voice irritated her still further and her voice rose higher still, "And why would 'you' happen to think that?"

Clasping his hand around the now irate woman's arm he pulled her over to the far side of the shop. Viv was hovering in the background and he didn't want her hearing any more of their conversation.

"Will you hush!" He ground out before softening his tone, "They happened to have liked each other before that punch was thrown, I know Aaron still has feelings for Jackson and I think Jackson, despite everything is still interested in him."

"You only think!" Chas hissed, "If he cared about Aaron in anyway then he would have had those charges dropped!"

"If Aaron hadn't been so damn obnoxious when he called to see him he probably would have!"

Chastity clamped her mouth shut as she absorbed Paddy's words then blew out a shaky breath. "Sorry Paddy, I just can't help worrying about him."

"Tell me about it!" Paddy shot back, it wasn't easy for him either, he cared just as much about her son as she did, 'perhaps' he thought a little guilty, 'even more than she did!' "I'm giving them an hour, perhaps just half, then I'm going back, I'll let you know what happens, ok?"

"Yeah, thanks."

As Chas meekly left the shop Paddy turned to look at Viv, the shop owner had one of her infamous smirks on her face.

"What?" Paddy asked.

"She didn't pay for that magazine so I'll add it to your bill."

"Fine." Paddy forced a smile, that was the least of his worries.

TBC