Unity (PP 2)

5.3

5.3 - Hope Blossoms
+++++ flashback over +++++
~ Niall ~

Robyn looks across at me as I park the Audi. "What are we doing here?" Robyn asks.

I look at the parade of familiar cafes, shops and restaurants before looking at Robyn again. "Lunch," I reply vaguely making her frown slightly.

"Where?"

"You'll find out."

Robyn groans as I get out the car. "Are you going to be this vague all day?"

I smirk as I open her door. "No."

Robyn sighs before taking my offered hand. The sparks I'm still not used to run through my hand to my body as Robyn gets out the car, me shutting the door. I go round to the boot, swapping my blazer for my leather jacket and lock the car.

Curiously Robyn follows me as I head to a small family-run restaurant, one we have been to before but she won't remember. Robyn hides behind me as I push open the door and head to the podium for staff.

"Old man, how are you?" I say to Bern as he looks through his paperwork.

Bern looks up with a smile spreading across his weathered face. "Ah, I thought I would be seeing you today," Bern replies.

"That's because I made a reservation."

"I noticed it's a smaller booking than the usual five. There's only two of you today, who is the unlucky one getting grilled?" Bern chuckles to himself as he watches me, his head shaking slightly.

"No one's getting grilled today. The argument last time was an accident."

"I'm sure it was."

"I'm actually here on a date."

The skin around Bern's eyes crinkles as he smiles slightly, hiding his original small grimace. "It's not something that's been arranged because you haven't found your mate, is it?"

"Would I look this happy if it was?" Robyn squeezes my hand slightly due to the tiny bit of attitude that slips into my voice.

Bern laughs, the sound bringing back plenty of memories of being here coming back to me. "That is very true, haven't seen that sparkle in over ten years. So, who's the shy person then." He gestures his head to my shoulder where he can obviously see part of Robyn as she still stands behind me.

"You should remember her, it's been awhile since she's come here." I glance back at Robyn who is looking at the wall beside us.

When I look back at Bern, he has a knowing smile. "Really? A lot of people have come in here over the years and haven't come back, how do I know what you say is true?" He's teasing me now, he has already worked out who is stood behind me.

I grin before tugging Robyn's hand gently. "What?" Robyn whispers.

"Come say hi. You might remember him," I reply quietly.

Robyn moves, coming to my side and looks at Bern curiously before shaking her head as she looks up at me. "Nope."

I nod before kissing her forehead. "This is Bern, almost an elder in my pack."

Robyn looks back at him, curiosity in her eyes. "Still doesn't ring any bells."

"Let me take you to a table," Bern says, two menus in his hand, the other sweeping towards the seating area. He sends me a wink as Robyn's gaze follows his hand and we follow as he starts walking towards my usual table. Bern stops beside it and gestures for Robyn to take a seat in the booth.