Temporary Secretary

Part 63

18 September 1981

6:20pm Friday

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Sometimes if Paul returned early from work you would go on a walk together.

It was good for you to get out. You weren't working anymore. You ought to, for your own sake.

Something you really liked about Paul's flat was how close it was to both Hyde and Green park. You went whenever you could. Parks like these made it easier living in the city.

You were supposed to go walking. It was always easier once you were actually out, and got into a rhythm. You held his hand. It was quite empty in the park now, coming into evening time.

Paul tugged your hand.

"Should we sit?" He said.

Your legs were getting tired. You nodded.

Paul folded his hands on his lap. It was peaceful at night in the park. Very quiet, the air having cooled down. You were wearing a cardigan.

Despite being in the city, the air in the parks seemed clean. You couldn't hear the cars, too far away once you got toward the center.

Paul turned his head toward you, smiling. You returned the look.

It was very peaceful like this. You really did enjoy your time with him, just the two of you.

It'd last only so much longer

You covered his hand with yours, giving it a slight squeeze.

Maybe he would be proved right. Hell, you hoped he would, even if he got an 'I told you so' smugness. You'd prefer that. You hoped he'd be right and the baby would bring you closer, rather than the alternative.

All you could think of was the downsides. All you've heard about children making things go wrong, the bad things about it.

Maybe things would go alright for you two. After all, you would never truly know without experiencing it for yourself.

He had been working long hours. You knew he'd said he would work less since you'd moved in, and he had the first month or two, but at the moment, he was spending his time working all the hours he could, finishing up as many things as possible, considering he planned to take off quite a bit.

He had long hours to begin with in his job, which you knew quite well. Especially considering his prominence in the field. He represented a lot of people, and his absence would be notable. He hadn't taken a break like this, well, since he began. He didn't have much to take off for. Work was his love and his passion, he gave his whole self to it.

At the same time, being a bigger name in his industry gave him relatively more freedom to do something like this. And you were thankful for the help.

You shut your eyes and leant against him, letting out an exhale. There was a cool breeze on your face. His body was soft with his coat, and his scent was a comfort.

You could sit like this for a while. You really did feel at peace. (Even if your hands felt a little numb, and the baby was shoving around in there).

You liked being near him when he was around. You didn't need to talk much.

His arm came around your shoulder, giving your arm a squeeze.

Your eyes flicked back open in response, lidded.

"Not falling asleep, are you?" He said.

You shook your head slightly.

"No." You said.