The Producer - Ricky Wilson Fan Fiction

One more last coffee

They began to make there way south down Hampstead High Street. The shops were now closed until morning, though some were still wandering, window shopping.

"Did you jog here?" Ricky teased Laura.

"No. I walked and you know it," He was cheeky. "It took about 40 minutes. I don't mind it though. Gives me time to think." They stepped to one side to allow a couple holding hands to walk in between them. A pang of jealousy hit Laura. She continued, "I took up jogging for that reason. It got me out of the house and helped me clear the air."

"Jogging is good for that." Ricky agreed.

"Is that why you began jogging?" Laura wondered what had caused his change in appearance.

"Not really. I just woke up one day and though I was in my thirties, I felt like I was 50. I'd had enough." They turned the corner down towards Belsize Park. Ricky continued," I hate the gym. I was sick every time I did a workout. Jogging is easier. I can do it in whatever city we're in."

Laura appreciated what he was saying. "Well you look good on it." She blushed as she said it. Ricky smiled at her.

"Thank you." He was desperate to give a compliment back. No it would be too forced. He raised his eyebrows at her. This was tricky. He liked her a lot. He was so aware of the fact they would be working together. It had been a while though since he'd been with someone. He wasn't one to rush into relationships. His last few had been long running. He wasn't the use them and lose them type. God, no he was rushing it now. Can't a woman give him a compliment, no strings. They walked on. Not speaking for a moment, but the silence wasn't awkward. It was comfortable. Ricky wanted to get to know this woman.

"You handled it well, earlier I mean."
Ricky began.

"I expected it once I realised what she was talking about. He's a lady's favourite. Doesn't mean he's the honest, marrying type." Ricky could hear the bitterness in her voice.

"It's hard when you break up with someone," he knew his story wasn't quite the same. It was hard to walk and talk like he wanted to. "Look, say no, but do you want to stop, have a proper chat?" Laura had come to a halt. She looked at him surprised. She looked around as if looking for somewhere to sit and talk. This amused Ricky.

"I don't literally mean here," he laughed at her. Laura felt a little silly.

"There's a pub over there." Laura pointed across the road. Her heart was rising in her mouth. This was moving on to something else.

"Come on then." Ricky began to cross the road, but sensing Laura wasn't following he stopped and looked at her. He didn't understand the look in her eyes. "What's up?"

She had to ask, "This is ok isn't it? I mean, spending time together." Ricky stepped back on to the kerb, not allowing his eyes to leave hers. He had to calm her. Prove that it was all ok. She was probably panicking, thinking that he was coming on strong. He didn't want her to think that of him.

"Of course it's OK. It's a drink. It's not like we're dating!" There, he'd said it. She could relax, not feel like he was expecting something. They're collegues. Nothing will happen, though he'd rather it could.

But to Laura it was a crush. He didn't like her, not like that anyway. Why should he? She'd been embarrassing, shown herself up. Work mates only. It's how it had to be.

Neither could be honest with how they each felt. With the awkwardness out of the way, or so they both thought, Laura agreed to go over to the pub. One more last coffee.

The bar was dark inside. There were a few people stood at the bar, talking loudly. A group to be avoided if a quiet chat was to be had.

After getting a coffee for Laura and a beer for himself, Ricky joined Laura at a table by the door. He sat down and put his arms on the table. "I'm sorry if I upset you then. I mean that dating comment." He thought he was saying the right thing. Laura waved her hand to dismiss what he was saying.