Chapter 40
Here it is, the end. I can only hope that I did Muffinzelda proud. Thank you all for hanging around until the bitter end. It's quite the ride our lovely friends have been on. Hopefully, the landed someplace safe and calm.
Malcolm watched her go. He knew with the kiss they were through. Anything he might do now would only hurt him. She was beyond him now. He also knew he loved her enough to let her go. He looked around the suite knowing he needed to be anywhere but here.
Hurriedly, he gathered his few belongings and threw them into his bag. He could leave now, go back to London. He only had four more lectures and then his obligation was done. It would be easy enough to commute back and forth.
As he was making his final walk through of the room he found their picture. Lifting it he had to laugh. He'd remembered kissing her shortly after it had been taken but he'd forgotten the sudden storm that had blown in half an hour later. It had soaked them all and made them laugh at the capriciousness of life. Everything about their life together had been summed up in that one day. He placed the frame carefully in his bag, zipped it shut and left the room.
Laura opened the door to the White Horse and looked around. It only took her a second to find James and, to her surprise, Jean sitting at a table. She ducked through the doorway and laughed, "I might have guessed you would both be here."
James raised his hands begging forgiveness, "Don't blame me. She followed me here."
Jean shrugged, "I knew he was up to something and it seemed best to make sure he wasn't going to do something stupid."
They both watched her anxiously. She shook her head, "I guess I'd better get a drink and tell you both what happened."
James lifted his glass, "If you're going to the bar, I could use a refill."
Jean nodded in agreement, "I could too. I'll just continue quizzing James on his abuse of police power until you get back."
Laura waved at them as she laughed. Turning to head to the bar she was swept into the strong arms of Robbie Lewis. Without a moment's hesitation he kissed her. She pushed up to him instantly deepening the kiss. Her earlier kiss with Malcolm had been nice but it paled in comparison to this one.
She pulled back slightly breathless and heard him whisper, "I've been thinking about doing that all day."
She pulled him down to her and just before she kissed him whispered, "Same here."
This time she broke the kiss motioning to their watchers. Robbie smiled down at her, "I couldn't care less if they watch us. Let them." He lowered his head and kissed her again."
James smiled at Jean, "I think I'll get those drinks."
Shaking her head she waved him off, "No, on second thought, I need to get home. There's someone waiting for me." Jean stood and maneuvered past Laura and Robbie, still immersed in their kiss. She smiled thinking of the first time she'd seen them kiss, "You two should really get a room."
Laura and Robbie broke apart, each breathless. Robbie smiled down at her, "I think that is an excellent suggestion…ma'am."
Jean rolled her eyes then smiled at Laura, "I'm off, I'll see you tomorrow, lunch?"
Laura nodded although her eyes were fixed on Robbie, "I look forward to it."
Jean watched them not sure if the answer was for her or for Robbie. She touched them each on the shoulder then waved at James before leaving.
Robbie smiled down at Laura, "Can I talk you into a walk around the block?"
"Always." Laura turned to tell James goodbye and the look on his face made her stop. She turned back to Robbie, "Wait for me outside." One look at James and he nodded. He kissed her on the cheek and waved quickly at James before leaving.
"James, are you OK?"
He nodded, "Perhaps a bit melancholy." He saw her quizzical expression and smiled, "I'm happy for you and Robbie, I always have been. You two are meant to be together."
She sat across from him, "But you aren't happy?"
"I don't know if I am specifically unhappy just a touch of discontent."
"Anything I can help with?"
He shook his head, "No, I think this is one puzzle I need to solve on my own."
"Can I give you some unsolicited advice?"
He looked down, "It can't hurt."
She took his hand, "No one is perfect James, even when you put them up on a pedestal. Stop looking for people to idolize, find someone you want to take a walk with, flaws and all."
"You make it sound so easy."
Smiling she shook her head, "It's anything but that. But one day the right person will just appear, probably when you least expect. Say yes when they do." She squeezed his hand and stood.
"What's the question?"
She smiled at him, "You'll know it when you hear it?"
James watched her leave. He wasn't quite sure about her advice. It was too vague for his tastes. He wanted something concrete. Lost in his own thoughts the voice startled him, "Is this seat taken? Do you mind if I sit down?"
He looked up to say no, not wanting company. He was met with the greenest eyes he'd ever seen. Laura's words echoed in his ears. Smiling he stood and pulled out the chair, "Please, I'd love some company. I'm James by the way."
She smiled up at him as she sat, "Thanks James, I'm Mellie. Since you are sharing your table can I buy you a drink?"
Suddenly Laura's advice seemed very concrete, "Yes, that would be lovely."
Laura smiled when she saw Robbie waiting outside. She took his hand when he offered it, "You said something about a walk, sir."
He started walking and they fell into step easily, "I did at that Dr. Hobson. Where would you like to go?"
She stopped pulling him to her, "Home, it's the only place I want to go."
A/N
I debated an epilogue of sorts (and actually have a small thing written) but while doing a final read through I thought it seemed only fair to end it with them taking a walk. Let me know if you need or want the epilogue.