Chapter 31 #2
‘I did. Or, what I mean is, I hoped we would be some day.’ Zac stroked Rolo through the fabric of his sweatshirt as the little animal squirmed in his sleep.
‘I hoped we’d be able to get to the point we’re at today, although I wasn’t sure how, seeing as I’d gone about this whole job thing the wrong way and the fact I’d kept you at arm’s length because I just couldn’t see what else to do. ’
‘I know.’ Polly leaned back in her chair and picked up her cold coffee from earlier, taking a sip. ‘If Nicola hadn’t basically strong-armed you into giving me a lift back to Featherford, do you think things would be like they are now?’
Zac shook his head. ‘Honestly? I’m not sure I’d have let you in, told you what was going on in my life.’
Polly smiled. ‘In that case, and I never thought I’d ever say this, but I’m glad my flat got broken into and you came round to check on me.’
‘Me too. Although I think something a little less extreme than a home break-in would have done the trick. I’d have probably caved and admitted my feelings on the car journey back, anyway.’
‘Oh, I assumed you wouldn’t have given me a lift back.’
‘Of course I would have. Well, I’d have offered anyway, whether you’d have accepted or not is another matter, I’m guessing?’
Polly laughed. ‘I’m not sure. I think I would have, although after the journey down there and my lame attempt to clear the air, I think I might well have walked back to avoid another conversation like that.’
‘Haha, I don’t blame you.’ Zac held his breath as his mobile rang, vibrating across his desk. Keeping his eyes fixed on the small bump beneath his sleeve, he quickly picked it up, silencing it before bringing it to his ear and speaking quietly.
Standing up, Polly picked up her mug before grabbing Zac’s and heading into the small kitchen area in order to give him some privacy.
Switching the kettle on, she leaned against the counter and grinned.
Since their conversation in the pub, she’d even managed to put the worry of the looming promotion out of her mind.
She knew how she felt about Zac was an accumulation of her feelings towards him as they’d worked together over the years, and she knew she could feel comfortable with him.
She could be herself and she didn’t have to prove anything to him.
He’d said he’d had feelings for her since before the kiss and she certainly hadn’t been trying to be anything other than herself back then.
Yes, that was what was special about what they had, and probably why they’d slipped so easily into this relationship, too.
She shook her head. No, it hadn’t been easy, but now they’d both spoken about things, spoken about the past few months and cleared the air. It was easy now. And she couldn’t wait to see what lay ahead for them together.
Turning back to the kettle as it boiled, she picked it up and filled their mugs.
They’d planned on the cinema after work.
A film and then a few drinks and she was looking forward to being able to relax before the Bonfire Night celebration.
Not that she wasn’t looking forward to it, she was, but she couldn’t help feeling nervous too.
She didn’t want to mess up the first event she’d organised.
‘Polly.’
Replacing the kettle, she glanced over her shoulder before turning around. Standing in the doorway, Zac shifted on his feet, his face ashen. ‘What’s happened? Are you okay?’
Zac shook his head. ‘I have to go. My gran’s had a fall at the nursing home and been rushed to hospital.’
‘Oh no.’ Dashing towards him, she threw her arms around him, before hurrying towards her desk and grabbing her and Zac’s coats. ‘I’ll come with you, you can’t be driving there on your own.’
‘Thanks.’ Zac carefully shook his sleeve until little Rolo slid down his arm to his hand.
Passing Zac his coat, Polly took Rolo in her hands just as the door to the office was swung open and Vicki and Art shuffled in, carrying the large glass fish tank between them as they laughed and joked about who was doing all the heavy lifting.
Stopping in the middle of the room, Vicki frowned. ‘Is everything okay?’
As Zac stood there distractedly, running his palm over his face, Polly walked across and waited until Vicki and Art had lowered the fish tank to the floor before passing Vicki little Rolo.
‘Zac has a family emergency and I’m going to go with him to the hospital.
Can you let Declan know we’ll be back as soon as possible, please? ’
‘Of course.’ Taking Rolo, Vicki looked across at Zac in concern. ‘I hope everything’s okay.’
‘Yes, take care, mate.’ Art retraced his steps and held the door open for them.
‘Thanks.’ Taking Zac’s arm, Polly led the way outside.
It was times like this that she wished she hadn’t given up on learning to drive, but at least she could be with him.
She remembered how much it had meant to her having Stacey by her side when her grandma had been at her worst; if she could give Zac half the support Stacey had given her, it would be something.