Page 88 of The Home Grown
She sighs down the line, then I watch her move towards the clock.
“I’m here.”
“I—you look incredible, by the way,” I say.
I hang up before slipping my phone into my pocket, trying to steady my breathing, trying to settle my racing heart.
I watch her for a moment longer, wondering if this is a completely ridiculous idea.
She’s looking around again; peering around the concourse and I figure that I’ve literally got nothing to lose. She agreed to meet me here today. This is it. This is my chance to start fresh.
I relax my shoulders, then step out of the coffee place, striding towards the big clock, trying to act busy—unfazed by the world around me. Then I pull out my prop. A newspaper I’ve had tucked into my jacket pocket. I unfold it and pretend to read, flicking my eyes towards Ellie, standing with her back to me, to check I’m on course.
One step closer. Another step closer. Andbump. Gentle enough to get her attention.
She straightens up and turns to face me. “Sorry?—”
“Oh, my. I’m so sorry. I—” We lock eyes, and her brows knit together. “—God. I’m sorry,” I say again. “I—wow.”
Okay, she looked good from afar, but up close, she turns my brain to mush. I stare at her, trying to urge myself forward with the plan, but I’m gaping at her like a fish.
“Mike? What the hell are you doing?” she says.
“You’re beautiful,” I stutter. Then I shake my head, forcing myself into gear. “Uh—have we met before? Because I swear, I’d remember if we did.”
She rolls her eyes, but a grin creeps across her lips. Lips all … full and inviting.
“I—” She pauses. Then her expression relaxes, like she’s twigged on to what I’m trying to do. “I’m—I’m not sure,” she says. “But I like your flower.”
“I’m Michael,” I say, going down the formal route and holding out my hand.
“Eleanor,” she replies, taking my palm. “I think you should be more careful, Michael. Reading whilst walking is dangerous … apparently.” She eyes the newspaper.
“I am so sorry,” I say, keeping my eyes locked on hers. “Could I buy you a drink in way of an apology?”
“I’m not sure,” she says, looking around. “I’m supposed to be meeting someone.”
My stomach drops. “Right.”
She looks at me, cocks her head to the side. “Yeah, he’s pretty special, actually. A tad impulsive, but gives excellent hugs … and he’s tenacious. Inspiring. He’s given me the kick I needed to push myself. He’s the reason I’m standing here with a fancy hairdo. Wedding style practice. I’ve been to a workshop today because he gave me the motivation.”
Well, fuck. My stomach feels light—like I’m about to take off.
I swallow, testing my voice. “Sounds like you may be into him,” I say shakily.
She nods. “I … I think I am, but see, he thinks we should start fresh, but I think we’ve got a good foundation—despite the hiccups.”
“So what could he do better, going forward? Apart from doing a little more thinking. I mean, he’s trying to do better. He’s trying to?—”
But I’m halted mid-sentence when she kisses me. A peck on the lips but my body sparks alight, and I feelalive.
She pulls away. “Let’s go for a drink, Mike.”
Chapter Eighteen
ELLIE
I can’t believeI did that. I can’t believe I mustered the courage to kiss him and now I’m flustered and embarrassed and?—
