Dearest - George Harrison Fan Fiction - Beatles Fan Fiction

Chapter Three, Part Four - Coffee and Donuts

Annette and George's conversation lapsed into an uncomfortable silence. Annette traced the tip of her finger around the rim of her coffee cup. She looked at the clock behind the restaurant counter. "Half past eleven. I didn't realize it was so late."

George stared at her hands.

Annette reached out, placing her hand on his arm "George," She felt tears stinging the corners of her eyes. Annette took a deep steadying breath. "What my parents might think about you, doesn't change how I feel about you."

"Doesn't it?"

"It doesn't."

The waitress behind the counter walked over. "Top you off?" She offered, holding the handle of a coffeepot.

Annette shook her head, dabbing at her wet eyes with her finger.

George spoke up. "Can we have the check, please?"

Their waitress nodded, stepping away from them.

"Why aren't you wearing your ring, Annette?"

"George," She paused briefly. "They think you're just some boy."

He slipped his arm from underneath her hand.

"But, you're not."

The waitress placed the check on the counter in front of George. He picked it up, looking at the total for a couple of coffees and doughnuts.

Annette grabbed her purse. "How much?"

"I'll take care of it." George set down the check out of her reach.

She sighed, watching him pat down the pockets of his coat.

George couldn't find his wallet. He stood up from the stool and checked his trouser pockets. "Bloody hell." He whispered to himself, feeling embarrassed and irritated. George didn't have his wallet on him, and he couldn't remember the last time he'd needed to pay for anything since arriving in New York City.

The last thing he could recall buying was the engagement ring in Paris. There'd been other purchases since, but the ring and its importance stood out.

Annette leaned over, reaching for the check. "You'll owe me."

"Alright then." He walked over to the entrance. George buttoned his coat, lifted up his collar and stepped outside into the cold night.

After picking up the tab, Annette was hesitant to follow George out. She watched his slender frame through the front window of the doughnut shop.

She couldn't make out his face, it was too dark, and he was hidden in the shadows.

She walked through the restaurant, pausing at the door before she pushed it open, stepped outside and joined George on the pavement. "I didn't thank you back there."

 His eyebrows lowered into a confused expression. "What're you on about?"

"For knowing that going there wasn't a good idea."

"I don't like seeing you that way. If there's anything I can do to make that stop I will. "

Annette reached for his hands, gently holding onto them. "George, I don't know how to explain an engagement ring to them. I don't even know how to explain it to myself."

George shook his head. "If you're saying goodbye, Annette. I can't hear it. I don't want to hear it."

Annette squeezed George's hands. "That's not what I'm saying."

"What're you saying?"

She smiled awkwardly. "I don't know. Do you?"

"I love you. I want for us to be together."