Page 26 of Summer at Croftwood Cinema
‘I bought you a cheese and chutney toastie,’ said Patsy, with a questioning look as she realised she had no idea what Ed liked or didn’t like. ‘Was that a safe bet? You’re not lactose intolerant or anything are you?’
‘Not lactose, gluten.’
‘Oh god.’
Ed laughed. ‘No, I’m joking. But if I was I’d probably eat it anyway now I know you’re not sympathetic.’
‘I would be, but I hadn’t thought about it,’ she said, full of relief.
‘No intolerances or allergies, for future reference.’
‘Okay, that’s good to know. It’s a very lactose-heavy lunch.’
‘And a very nice surprise. Thank you.’ He lay down on his side, leaning on one elbow as he ate.
‘It was Oliver’s idea, a bit of a thank you from him. And obviously I wanted to come and have lunch with you.’
It was the first time she’d felt brave enough to say something indicating that she liked him and he answered by looking her straight in the eye as he said, ‘If you hadn’t come over for lunch, I was planning to ask you out for dinner.’
‘We could still do that.’
‘It’s either or and now we’re having lunch so…’
‘Ed!’ She hadn’t seen this playful, teasing side to him before and she liked it. She also liked the fact that he seemed to have found his brave pants and finally made a move.
He grinned. ‘I could come and meet you after work and we could get the bus back to Worcester and go out somewhere?’
‘I’d really like that.’
Patsy and Ed caught the bus from Croftwood into Worcester. Once they’d got off at the stop by Worcester Cathedral, Ed turned to her and said, ‘Where do you want to go?’
Her heart sank a tiny bit. She’d hoped he’d planned the evening, or at least had decided where he was taking her for dinner.
‘Um, I don’t know. Where’s your favourite place?’
Ed took her hand as they strolled down the High Street.
‘I was thinking of the Burger Shop?’
‘Cool. I’m starving.’ It was a good choice. Great food but casual. She preferred somewhere relaxing where they could be themselves and not feel like they were on their best behaviour because that wouldn’t help anything.
‘Sorry I was late meeting you. I lost track of time. I should have set an alarm or something.’ He smiled sheepishly. ‘Apart from making sure I’m not late for lectures, I don’t normally have anything I need to be on time for.’
‘That doesn’t bode well for us,’ said Patsy. ‘I’m always on time. It drives me mad when people are late.’
‘Maybe it’s a case of opposites attract?’
‘Hmm, I think you’re going to have to up your game in the time-keeping area.’ She grinned at him and he squeezed her hand.
‘I’ll make every effort to do that.’
Patsy loved that he said it so sincerely because she’d take his erratic time-keeping any day over some of the things she’d put up with from Dan.
‘In the spirit of fairness, is there anything you want to say to me?’
‘Aside from the fact that you’re a constant distraction? I don’t think so.’
‘You love it,’ said Patsy.
