I walked up the High Street that Friday night, still mumbling in my mind about the stupid boss I used to have. And wondering what I would do for a job after I was sacked on Monday. I decided to leave it to them to sack me, that way they would have to pay me off, and that should be more money than if I resigned. Well, I guess Davinia won't be around after tonight, so I will be a completely free agent to move on anywhere for a new job. But it was a pity, I really did like living here.
The late night shop at the top of the High Street had a rack of flowers outside as I passed. I thought that if I was going back to provide a meal for Davinia, during which we would agree, like civilised people, that our relationship was at an end, but she might as well see that there is a good side of me that she is giving up. I bought two big bunches, one for the room and one to give her. I also bought a good box of liqueur chocolates, which I was surprised they stocked, left over from Christmas I guess, or stocked for Easter.
I just finished arranging the flowers in the living room when Davinia arrived. She was wearing a short coat over jumper and jeans. But she looked good.
She gave me a quick peck on the cheek, "Hi, excuse me, I need the loo." And she walked passed me towards the bathroom.
'Oh! Hi, Dave. Sorry I've given you such a rough week. Here let me make it up to you!' Yeah, sure. I should be so lucky! I went into the kitchen and collected a decent bottle of red wine, and a couple of glasses. I had my back to the door when I heard her return.
"Sorry about that, I was desperate." I turned round to face her. She had taken her coat off, her jumper was soft, cuddly wool, with her breasts shaping it softly, without the aid of a bra. I bet that if I searched I'd find a bra stuffed into the pocket of her coat.
I smiled and picked up the flowers, "Present for you."
"Oh, Dave, I don't deserve these. I should be buying you presents." She came and draped her arms around my neck, and we kissed. I full, passionate loving kiss.
When we broke, I put the flowers down so that I could hold her properly. "I needed that."
"So, did I" she said, "In fact, I hadn't realised how much. I'm sorry, I guess I've given you a pretty rough week."
All of a sudden the sun came out and shone so brightly in that room, every other problem melted away, it didn't matter how or why we had ended up as we had, she was pleased to be there, and that's all that mattered. But, I thought I'd better get over telling her that I've totally fucked up my career, she needed to know what sort of man she was entangled with, "Certainly not one of my best. But, not to worry. I topped it out well this evening, and that was nothing to do with you."
"Why? What have you done?"
"I told Tim he was a fucking idiot and a useless boss, which he is. And that he's married to a cheating slut, which she is. But I doubt whether it's done my career much good."
She broke from my hold and sat down, looking shocked, "I think I need a glass of wine, and then you'd better tell me about it. I can't believe you did that, well not in a way that you meant it."
I poured two glasses of wine, passed her one and sat opposite her. "No, let's talk about us. That's far more important, and I'll tell you about Tim, later."
She looked at me, and smiled her soft sideways smile, "I guess you scared me a bit last Sunday, when you suggested that I move in. It was all a bit too soon after Tod. And this was the Casanova of TGI! I'd be a fool to get myself in too deep with him. So, I guess I took some refuge in the play, I'm sorry."
"And Tuesday night?"
"I did get caught up with Mrs Malaprop having supper ready when I arrived. But I didn't think you would have gone to any trouble after I'd put you down on Sunday. And then we did run late. But, I'll admit I was a bit scared of how you were going to be, after Sunday and all that. But then I got here, and I saw how much trouble you'd gone to, and that made me feel so guilty. And I'm sorry I didn't handle it very well." There were tears welling up in her beautiful blue eyes.
"I'm sorry too. I did try to build some bridges on Wednesday in your office, but you seemed so determined to keep your distance."
"Well, I felt a bit guilty. There was nothing going on between me and Drew when you came in. But I know he would try and date me if I gave him the least opportunity. Tim asked me about him yesterday, just before he saw Drew."
"Yes, he told me that he wondered if Drew was letting personal feelings get in the way of his work."
"Yes. That's what he asked me about. But I don't think so. Or anyway, Drew isn't causing me any problem. He's a very nice guy, and he's got a great body. He doesn't have your good looks, Dave, but he does have an easy smile. But, I promise you, he's a non-starter, I want to be with you. Promise."
"Thanks, I think I needed to hear that. I was a bit worried. If I wasn't around, would you go if he asked?"
She thought about that for a bit, "Yes, I probably would. But I'm not going to, not for as long as you'll keep me around. I realised yesterday just how you must be feeling about Drew, and I promise you, you have no need to worry."
"Why, what made you realise this yesterday?" I asked, getting up, and sitting next to her on the sofa.
She moved over to make room for me, but then leaned against me once I was settled, "When I came into the Three Chuffs last night and I saw you with Alice. I was so jealous and so scared. I thought I'd driven you into her arms. And she's so attractive, and you two looked so good together, as if you belonged together in someway."
"But?"
"But I talked to Alice, and I know there was nothing in it. I believed her."
When had that happened? "She offered to talk to you, and I told her not to."
"I went and found her, I waited at the coffee machine on the Marketing floor, until she went into the Ladies." She explained, as if a woman hanging around the toilets was an everyday event at TGI.
I laughed, "The secret room. The female territory! What did she say?"
"I reckon she's a bit like Drew is with me. I reckon if you asked her, she'd go out with you. But I hope I never give her the chance. And I don't think she would ever try muscling in."
"And that's OK with you? That there's someone who would date me, given a chance?"
"Yes. Because it's like Drew. We're evens."
"Well you're a bit safer. I do agree, Alice's very attractive, and she's got a great body. But, even if you weren't around, I don't think I'd ask her. I like her as a friend, but..."
We both took sips of our wine, I saw the flowers lying in an armchair, "You ought to put those flowers in water."
"Have you got a vase I could use?"
"Aren't you going to take them home? I bought them for you."
"Well, I thought I might like to see them beside the bed when I wake up in the morning." Now that was promising. We kissed, and I held her in my arms.
Eventually, when we had settled back into just a cuddle, and I was wondering how I was going to tell her about my row with Tim, she asked "Can we eat later, can't we? I mean you haven't done something wonderful and special have you?"