“Stubborn!” she joked.
“Wilful, let’s say!” he poked out his tongue, his teeth clamping it in a smile. She sighed and he grasped her in his arm and squeezed her against him. “You’re made of strong stuff, Sadie.”
“Do you still sing?” he asked.
“Funny you should ask that!” she said, raising her eyebrows. “I didn’t sing for maybe 10 years and I missed it terribly, especially after I was ill. I joined a local choir about 2 years ago and I love it. I was delighted to find out I can still sing.” she giggled. “I find it very uplifting, very theraputic. Definitely good for the mental health.”
“That’s great! You were always a great singer at school. Remember all the musicals and shows you did?” he asked with a smile. She nodded. “That’s how I feel about running in a way as well, it’s helped me a lot in different ways. The others in the running club I’m in are great too.”
“That’s good. It makes a difference! Do you still sing?” she asked.
He nodded. “Yeah, just tinkering about with the guitars every now and then.” he said. “They’re displayed in my living room like they’re my job but I just didn’t have anywhere else to put them.” he chuckled.
“Where are you living now?” she asked. “Still in the flat above the sweet shop?”
“Christ no! I had to leave there cos they were refurbishing the row of shops. It was for the best cos I was a fucking mess by the end, after Jodie and Nathaniel left and all that shit.” he said with a sigh. “I moved in with my mum for a while cos I was just drinking too much, to be honest with you. I nearly lost my job cos I was so depressed.” he said cautiously, looking at her to see a caring empathy in her face. “Mum saved the day. She bullied me into applying for a job in London and that’s when all sorts of opportunities happened. I’ve worked all over the world since then, thanks to putting in that one job application.” he smiled fondly.
“That sounds tough. I’m glad you had your mum to support you and bully you!” she smiled. Stephen sighed a laugh and nodded. “What brought you back here?” she asked.
“I wanted a bit more stability and I felt like I was getting too old for the uncertainty of the chef life!” he joked. “20 years later and I felt like I had all these professional achievements but nothing else. I was in Australia and my visa was gonna run out so I had to decide ‘do I stay and accept this 5 year contract or do something else’?” he shrugged. “Mum wasn’t well, and my sister had had a baby…so I came home. It was a no brainer.” he said.
“No regrets or ‘what ifs’ or what might’ve beens?” she asked with a smirk.
“None! Retrained as a PT and studied part-time while cheffing at a hotel in the city centre, got into running and bought a flat on the river bank.” He said.
“Stephen Willis I’m impressed! I’m loving your ambition! And I bet you’ve got a nice view from your flat!” she said with a genuine warmth and smile.
“Ehhh…depends which corner of the window you’re straining to look out but yeah, sort of!” he laughed. “And thank you.”
“Last orders folks!” the waiter shouted.
“Fuck, is it that time already?!” Stephen exclaimed, looking at his phone. “I’m getting up at 5:30am in the morning to run a 10k.” he chuckled.
“No you’re not!” Sadie teased, nudging him.
“Yeah, I swear to God I am!” he said. “I’ve got my number and everything in the car, I’ll show you!” he exclaimed.
“Oh my God, Steve! You’re gonna be wrecked. Why didn’t you say?” she asked.
“It’ll be alright. I’ve been on soft drinks all night. Time flies, we’ve had a lot to catch up on!” he smiled fondly. “So, which do you prefer – mini golf or bowling?” he asked.
She frowned, confused at the sudden change of topic. “I like both though I’m not great at either. It’s been a few years since I’ve done them and…” she started.
“Sadie?” Stephen interrupted flatly. She looked at him. “I’m asking you out on another date.” he said matter-of-factly. “Remember…’next time’?” he teased. Sadie blushed and put her hand over her mouth and she smiled. She started giggling and Stephen laughed, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and squeezing her to him. “I’m not sure how much more obvious I can be here? I really like you and I would like to go out and do stuff…like bowling or mini golf or whatever you like.” he said in a jovial tone, amused at her oblivion. “What do you say?” He asked.
“Yes, I feel the same and I would really like that.” She said smiling shyly as he gazed at her fondly and a smile teased his lips “Ehhh bowling?” she asked.
He nodded defiantly once. “Bowling it is. Do you want another drink before we go?” he asked, pointing at her empty tea cup. She shook her head. “Shall we call it a night?” he asked.
“I think we’d better since you need your beauty sleep!” she teased.
They walked back to the car and Stephen drove Sadie home. “Thank you for a lovely evening, I really enjoyed it.” she said with a shy smile as they sat in Steve’s car outside Sadie’s house.
“You’re welcome. It was good to see you.” he said warmly. “I enjoyed it too.” he smiled. “Would it be OK if I called you tomorrow?” he asked. Sadie was pleasantly surprised, someone who wanted to talk on the phone in this day and age. She nodded, leaned over towards him and they kissed in a long, lingering kiss. They gazed at each other for a moment, the orange glare from the street lights through the window casting strange shapes on their faces.
“Good night Steve.” Sadie said in a warm voice. “Text me to let me know you’re home OK.” she said.
He nodded firmly once. “Good night Sadie.” he replied as she got out of the car. He waited until she was safely inside her house before he drove off. Twenty minutes later he sent her a text. “Home. Sleep tight. x”
Sadie smiled to herself. She couldn’t wait to hear his voice again. She was so giddy that she could hardly sleep. She tossed and turned for most of the night. Finally she drifted off and woke up a couple of hours later. She looked at her phone and realised it was 5:15am. “Good luck today. x” she texted him.
“Thanks, I’ll need it.” he replied immediately. “I’ve been awake all night too x”
Sadie giggled to herself, glad it wasn’t just her.