Broken Wings

Part Fifty Five - dealing with the rest

Chapter Fifty Five

Breakfast had been a raucous affair, both men had showered in the room adjacent to the pool, then joined them at the table quickly, devouring with ease what had seemed like a mountain of food. All the while there was a friendly banter between the two men, teasing, joking. Adele joined in when it was aimed at her husband and Julia could only sit back and absorb what was a truly happy friendship.

Aaron must have sensed the distance, how she didn't "fit it" and sidled his chair closer to his, planting a hand on her thigh. Every now and again, he'd squeeze her thigh, glancing at her and smiling.

"So, Julia...." Tom finally dragged her into the conversation. "You have to tell us if this man really does enjoy his life outside of work, because I see very little evidence of it."

She smiled at Tom, then turned to Aaron who was watching her quizzically. He was the most fun she'd known....not that she had the highest bench mark, but he had taken her to the beach, chased her on the sand, played cards, walked the dogs, cooked for her, albeit badly. Then there was all that had happened behind closed doors. More than fun.

She gave what she hoed was a sultry smile, "well, I haven't laughed as much as I have the last few months, in years. Except for cooking....that's not fun."

Aaron actually blushed as Tom burst out laughing, the tightness in his hand on her though accompanied by a wicked look in his eyes, as he leaned forward and whispered, "you'll pay for that, young lady."

Excitement coursed through her veins at the thought of a battle with him, because she loved that he pushed her, challenged her, whilst still stepping back and not stressing her. It was a fine and very taught line that he walked, and one that she knew no one else would be bothered to take that time, make that effort. Her heart swelled, she'd miss him so much when she went back.

The thought hit her like a sledge hammer, home. She would have to return. This trip would come to an end....what the hell would she do then?

The drive back to the City was a lot quieter than the route out. Julia was deep within her own thoughts, and she could tell that he was just as engrossed. Somehow the step this weekend had proved to be, had changed the framing of whatever it was that was between them.

The basement garage was deserted as he swung into his reserved space. They'd not spoken more than a few words on the way home, instead Julia had flicked between radio channels, humming along to the odd song, until Aaron's hand had darted out and captured her fingers, holding onto them for a large part of the journey.

Now, as they both got out of the car, he smiled at her, "you OK?"

She gave a half shrug, "tired."

He nodded, "me too. Come on, I'll order us pizza, then we can have an early night?"

That made her smile, that was just what she needed, as he headed for the lift, she called out his name. When he turned, she spluttered, "I go home in six weeks."

Aaron visibly paled, and it was a long moment before he offered a tight smile, "I know. And we need to talk...but not when we're tired, not like this. OK?"

Julia tipped her head subtly, she was worried about everything, suddenly her future seemed so undecided, but the thought of him helping her work things out, that made her happy.

In their home, she had loaded their weekend clothing in to the washing machine as the door bell rang, she looked up as Aaron appeared from upstairs, his hair wet wearing just a pair of football shorts, his chest and arms still damp from his shower. He laughed when he spotted her checking him out.