In Her Head - Collision Course

Lunch with a view

On Thursday morning, Elle and Peter had taken themselves down to the team and jumped in to help them, Peter was talking to Matt and Jack about what they were trying to do to help Carla and also how they were going to shuffle the teams to manage. Elle logged on to a laptop at the Comms desk and asked them what they were doing today and also what they needed help with, they were shocked but graciously accepted the help. Elle was helping to get the weekly recap out and they had started on the weekly update that normally goes out on a Monday. The team was busy updating the internal internet site with internal position vacancies and all things Skeel, Elle loved that they had reminder dates on there such as their caribbean expansion, Skeel Financial go live date and also the countdown timer for the end of the work week. Rebecca asked Elle to take a look at the employee information booklet she had come up with for Financial, Elle loved it and took it straight to Peter, Matt and Jack, poor Rebecca was accosted by Elle so she could watch their faces with her work. “Rebecca, this is fantastic work!” Matt exclaimed, he was amazed at what she had accomplished in the space of one hour. Jack wanted to know if Rebecca fancied a change of scenery to his team and Peter almost growled, “we have big plans for Rebecca,” he said firmly. “Rebecca, do you fancy updating our Skeel International one?” Peter asked her hopefully, “Oh yes please, I have wanted to get my hand on that for ages,” Rebecca squealed, she smiled at them all and said goodbye then almost skipped back to her desk. Elle pouted, “time for us to go do some repetition,” Elle said to Matt. Peter laughed and rubbed Elles cheek, “it’s okay Sweet, the day will soon be over,” he said to her and they all laughed.

Elle had mainly interviews all day with Matt, they managed to whittle out six that they liked and left it up to Peter to choose the four out of them. Peter and Toyah had managed to talk about Carla. Toyah thought it was a great idea to get her help as it showed compassionate leadership, Toyah had also said she would dig a little deeper with what was going on previously within the team, they had made a start and soon they would be able to move forward in the direction they wanted to go. Elle managed to explain that Stephanie saw value in having Rebecca as an EA for Peter. Toyah and Peter would discuss it and make the decision next week, it was likely to be a yes but the Communications team is already down one member of staff this week as Elle and Matts positions aren’t formally announced for little over a week.

Elle and Peter discussed an evening Media Team event, it would have to be a Friday and they planned to have a catering company come in for a Media Team event. They would have a night with Peter and Elle thanking them for all their hard work, it was to be a chance where they would be able to individually speak to the team. Once they could gauge strengths and weaknesses, they would set up a plan to help them and use them in a way where the team saw their value.

The day went by quickly and Peter even gave Elle a hug for all her hard work, it seemed by Elle and Peter jumping on and helping the team it was the talk of the whole building, even Frank had heard about it and was impressed. There was a new respect for Peter as he was always seen as Son of the owner, entitled and would sit back, Elle was proud of him being so hands on, it showed he truly cared about Skeel. Elle was tired that night, she slept sound but had that strange dream again, she was well rested by the time she woke up. 

On Friday, Elle walked into her office early at 8:30am to find a huge bouquet of flowers, they were beautiful and vibrant, they were on her desk in the office where she managed to go straight to today. The aroma from the bouquet was just as stunning as the flowers, there was a mixture of roses, birds of paradise and others that Elle had no idea what the names were, they were just pleasing to the eye and it had a box of chocolates. A card was sticking out with her name on so she looked to see it.

Here is to a job well done, cannot thank you enough for all your help.

Jeffrey and Jennifer xxx

Elle smiled, this was so thoughtful, they had already emailed their thanks and given her a call. It was lovely but she was paid to do this, they were very thoughtful though. Elle went to sit down, as she did she heard a knock on the door. "Come in," she called to them standing up to greet them over the flowers, two receptionists walked in, "these were just delivered for you," the smaller of the two said, "oh, thank you," Elle said going over to take them, one was a basket, one was a box and one was a closed hamper that said Fortnum and Mason, now Elle was intrigued. Elle put them on her conference table near the door. All had cards so she started with the box, inside the box was a good red Spanish rioja wine, Elles favourite.

A thank you for thinking of me and all your support,

Matt x.

I will choke him, Elle thought. He shouldn't be getting me this, he is good at what he does, Elle continued.

Elle looked to the basket next, it had fruit, cheeses, compotes, scones, crackers, chocolates and a bottle of port. it all looked good quality and appealing with the way it was laid out, Elle was thankful she had a fridge to put the cheeses in to keep but there was no way she would get through all this.

Congratulations on your promotion, well done and keep up the good work,

Toyah xx

Now for the hamper, Elle unbuckled the belt fastenings and opened it up, there was champagne, chocolates, biscuits, mints and two champagne flutes. 

Thanks for your help, keep up the good work.

Sebastien

Elle chuckled, she had to laugh, the most expensive gift and such an impersonal card, typical Sebastien. Peter put his head round the door, "you got Fortnum and Mason, no fair!" he sulked. Elle laughed beckoning him in, "yes, but look," she giggled out handing him the card. Peter looked at the card and laughed thinking typical Sebastien, he then looked at the rest of the cards, he smiled.

“I got a 25 year old single malt and a bottle of champagne,” Peter laughed. “Looks like a good barbeque tomorrow then,” Elle giggled. They were both looking forward to it, Elle felt more comfortable now, she couldn’t explain it properly but she had to acknowledge her strengths over the past few months. This is a business worth millions and they have entrusted her with a great deal and made her acknowledge it. Peter had been really helpful and patient with her, he had seen her take a panic attack and was still a friend to her and she was becoming more comfortable around him, Elle wished she had more control over her thoughts at times as she was struggling to not be attracted to him. It was disturbing, from the minute she met him she had found herself drawn to him, if he was at arms length she was fine but, the minute he was near her she had no control over it and she knew she would make a fool of herself by trying to kiss him if it kept on or even worse, she would run and make a bigger fool of herself.

Peter put his arm around Elle, she leaned into him and let him side hug her, it was intimate, Peter was very touchy, feely with Elle but she didn't feel harassed or even uncomfortable anymore. Although Elle knew that he was honourable quite early on, they had been becoming closer. It felt right but Elle still struggled with it internally, she would still look for all the excuses that nothing could happen between the two of them but it was becoming so difficult.

Is it wrong to be a woman? Is it wrong to feel comfortable around a man? Is it wrong if something should happen? Elle asked herself.

“How about lunch today?” Peter asked Elle softly, Elle wouldn’t give herself a chance to think about it, she had a sudden burst of confidence, “lunch would be great,” she responded. “Great, it's a date, we leave at 1.30pm, it will be a long one, perks of working hard,” Peter told her winking. Elle giggled, her heart was racing.

What if this is just him being friendly? What if he isn’t interested? What if you make a fool of yourself? She questioned in her head

Peter dropped his arm while giving her a kiss on her temple, Elle blushed but thankfully she had been wearing a concealer over her cheeks as she was sick of blushing all the time, it was all too easy for Elle to blush. At that, Peter smiled at Elle, “see you soon Sweet,” he said leaving her office. Elle nodded and walked over to her desk, she was starting to shake and she needed to sit down, Elle tried pushing every thought from her head and checked her email, she sent her thanks to everyone for their gifts, she sent another thank you one to Sebastien’s PA, once she had finished she wasn’t shaking as much. “s**t, the cheese,” she shouted just realising she forgot to put it in the fridge, she jumped up out of the chair almost falling over, Elle heard laughter and spun round, Frank was stood in the doorway laughing, he had heard about Elle and swearing but he never heard it, it was almost alien coming from her and you would never think it. “s**t and cheese, not something I would have put together,” he said and laughed again, “but I like it,” he added, still laughing. Elle covered her face with her hands, “sorry Frank, my mouth is awful sometimes, I promise I try not to do it in front of anyone in the office, or the kids but sometimes..” She told him apologetically. “Elle it’s fine, s**t cheese is my new curse word and I would bet, my Belinda swears more than you,” he laughed out. Elle groaned, she didn’t want to let anyone at work see that side of her and she highly doubted she would swear less than Belinda. 

“So, what got you into a tizz?” Frank asked, bringing Elle out of her thoughts, “oh I, earlier, I erm.. ..I left the cheese out and checked my emails, I er.. ..I forgot,” she mumbled out, Frank walked in closing her office door smiling, “don’t worry Elle, my Belinda gets me into tizzies like that all the time, here I will help, these are impressive,” he said like it was normal. Elle was shocked.

What does he know? How does he know? Bloody hell Elle, is this a flipping question day? Ha ha, seems it is, She argued internally.

“Erm, Frank I.. ..er, I erm, thanks for helping,” Elle fumbled through her words, Frank smiled and squeezed her arm, “It’s okay my dear, I won’t say anything,” he told her kindly.

He knows! Oh s**t! I am such a fool, I need to get my hormones in check, this is beyond a joke! Who else knows? Elle groaned internally.

“Just know he cares deeply for you, he was whistling as I was coming past his office so I take it things are going well?” He asked hopefully. “Urgh, Frank, I don’t know. We are heading to lunch and I don’t know, I am so confused,” Elle said despairingly. Frank walked to the fridge to put the cheeses in there, “it is okay, take it one step at a time but give it a chance and see where it goes,” Frank said encouragingly, “Frank, I have so much baggage,” Elle sighed. Frank walked over to the conference table Elle was leaning against and Frank walked to her side to do the same thing. “It isn’t about the baggage my dear, it is about the one who is willing to help you with it,” Frank offered. “I know my Son and I know what kind of man he is, he will help you Elle, besides, we think you are both great for each other and as you know, you’re part of the family,” Frank informed her. Elle smiled shyly and nodded her head, she was unable to talk anymore and her head was spinning, Frank pulled her in for a hug, Elle returned it and Frank pulled away to head for the door. “Oh Frank, am I okay to bring all of these to the barbeque tomorrow?” Elle asked, Frank looked at her questioningly. “I won’t get through all of this on my own but I don’t want to seem ungrateful and I hate waste,” she explained. “Oh yes by all means, sort out what you want to take home and we can collect the rest before we head home tonight. That way you don’t have to worry about taking it all the way home, then all the way to ours, besides, we can get it all set up before anyone comes so nobody will know,” Frank winked and Elle smiled wide, thankful Frank understood what she had meant. “If I don’t see you later then I will see you tomorrow, the weather looks set to be great and I cannot wait to meet the children,” Frank said smiling, it was genuine and Elle could see he meant it. “Can I apologise for my kids in advance?” Elle asked, Frank let out a laugh again, “why?” he asked, “erm.. ..My kids erm.. ..Well, they are hyper and have lots of energy and they can question like there is no tomorrow,” Elle admitted. Frank laughed, “when children are quiet and too scared to talk, that is when I worry. You should have seen Peter when he was little, I swear, I have no idea how we survived,” Frank told her. Elle smiled but just thought he was being polite, she would make sure to sit the children down tonight again to go through the ground rules. Frank went off back to his office and Elle went to sit on the sofa, she put her head in her hands trying to make sense of it all.

Frank said Peter cared about me, what am I going to do. Can I trust him? Can I trust myself? What if I mess it up? Oh Elle, what are you doing? And Frank knows! Why Elle? Girl, what have you gotten yourself into. Elle argued silently.

There was a knock on the door and Elle cringed at not knowing who it would be and what they might know. “Come in,” she said looking at the door. As it opened, she heard, “morning boss,” it was Stephanie and Elle released a sigh of relief. “That bad huh?” Stephanie asked closing the door and handing her a caramel latte, Elle took it gratefully with thanks. “Stephanie, I don’t know what to do. I think I have a date with Peter this afternoon, Frank knows and.. ..Oh flipping heck, what am I doing?” She waffled out. Stephanie sat beside Elle, “oh wow, you like him and you’re scared,” Stephanie stated, she had never seen Elle in this state, it was a sight to behold, she had heard of people flapping but she hadn’t actually witnessed it, until now. Elle let out a whine “I have to cancel,” she almost cried. “No you will not, you will pull up your big girl panties and see what happens and don’t for a minute tell me you don’t want this,” Stephanie barked at her. Elle couldn’t speak, all she could do was nod. “I’m such a child,” Elle groaned. Stephanie laughed and headed out to her desk. Elle took her time to have her caramel latte in peace.

Elle managed to get so much work done, she had thought of every dilemma the teams may have and logged it with the responses, after the investigation announcement things had calmed down by way of rumours towards Skeel Financial. Rebecca had emailed the Skeel employee information booklet but Elle told her to bring it up to Peter, he would be able to go through it with her. At 11:30am Peter walked into her office holding a booklet and walking with Rebecca, Elle smiled, she knew it would be great work that she produced. “Rebecca put an alert on the Internal Comms calendar for this booklet to be updated every month. Don’t worry she did the same with Financial.” Peter said glowing, he was grateful to have someone else who was hardworking and dedicated. “Rebecca, how would you feel about coming on board as my EA in a couple of weeks?” Peter asked her, he wanted Elle to see what she had brought about. “Really?” Rebecca asked, she was positively glowing. Elle laughed, “yes, really,” she said, “I would love to, thank you!” Rebecca screeched. Both Peter and Elle were smiling, this is what they wanted to see from their team, joy and being valued. “Okay, head out to Stephanie and have a catch up with her before you head back,” Peter told her, she ran to the door, it seems she really liked Stephanie, Elle was pleased, there was no better person than Stephanie to show her the ropes. “Thank you again, I won’t let you down,” she said as she opened the door, Peter and Elle looked at each other, they heard the door click closed and Peter made his way round Elles desk, he pulled her up out of her chair and started to do a dance. “See what you have brought about Sweet, this is all because of your ability and my workload is lighter,” he said huskily, Elles breathing hitched and she tensed a little, she was about to cancel lunch for fear of making a fool of herself but Peter pulled her closer and she looked into his eyes, she was lost in the autumn forest of his eyes and her heart was racing, her mouth parted as she was trying to find something to say. Peter took advantage of her mouth and claimed it, it was a soft kiss but after a second Elle responded making way for his tongue and the kiss deepened, Elle was running her hands across Peters chest and he pulled her closer into him, he wanted nothing more than to sit her up on the desk and pleasure her but he kept telling himself he needed control with Elle but he was slowly losing it. Elle could feel his heart pounding and realised he did feel something, she could feel his member swelling against her hip, Elle started shaking, and Peter broke the kiss, “we take it slowly, I have self control Elle and I promise to go at your pace,” he told her, his breathing was heavy, as was Elles, Elle was still shaking and Peter just held her. Elle nodded not trusting herself to speak so she rested her head on Peter's chest. They were like that until Elles door burst open and Belinda walked in. “Mother have you ever heard of knocking?” Peter growled, Elle reluctantly removed her hands from Peter and covered her face, she must’ve been beetroot with embarrassment, “Oh hush yourself, I just came to check on Elle and see how she was doing, I didn’t realise you were busy but I will remember to knock next time,” Belinda huffed as she walked out the door, “I will be back in 5 Elle,” she said, closing it behind her. Peter laughed, “My Mother's grin could have split stones,” he told Elle. Elle managed to compose herself slightly, “why were you shaking Sweet,” Peter asked her, “it’s just adrenaline,” she said smiling. Peter smiled, remembering the escape rooms. “Look, I haven’t dated in years, I am not even sure I know how this works anymore,” she explained honestly. “Just go with it, let us see where this leads, we take it slow and see how it goes,” he suggested but you couldn’t deny the question in there, Elle nodded and Peter then kissed her on the forehead and made his way to the door, “if Mum is too much just shout my name, I will hear you and like the big strapping man I am, I will beg her to stop while crying,” he joked. Elle laughed out loud at that, there was no stopping Belinda and it was great to see he had respect for her, it said a lot. Elle went to follow Peter out of the door to grab a coffee but as soon as he moved, Stephanie was handing her a mug, “seriously, how do you do this?” Elle asked her, Peter chuckled then started whistling a tune as he was walking into his office. “I thought you might need it,” Stephanie said with a funny look, Elle was puzzled but then Stephanie side stepped and revealed Belinda. Elle had no idea what to do, her jaw dropped open and she faltered, Stephanie steadied the mug in Elles hands so Elle smiled at her and walked back into her office, she knew Belinda would follow so Elle chose to sit on the sofa.

“So how is it going?” Belinda asked Elle brightly, Elle laughed at Belinda's tact. “I have no idea,” Elle replied. Belinda looked shocked and Elle laughed, she couldn’t help it, Belinda pouted and Elle kissed her cheek. “Belinda, Peter and I have a lunch together this afternoon, I will be honest, I have no idea where this is going but I know that I am scared, I have so much baggage, it isn’t fair to Peter but he has asked me to see where it goes and yes I do want to try but like I said, I am scared.” Elle told her honestly, Belinda smiled, “at least you are trying honey,” Belinda said, “how are you feeling now though?” Belinda asked, Elle didn’t mistake the meaning behind it, “I definitely still need to see someone, I think it needs to happen as I don’t think I can move forward if I don’t,” Elle replied, “do you think I should let Peter know?” She asked Belinda, Belinda smiled and patted Elles hand, “honey, that is entirely up to you but I don’t see an issue if you are trying to help yourself move forward,” she told her. On Monday morning, Elle was was going to meet the counsellor at 8am before everyone got into the office. They could arrange a time to suit them both and then Elle could get a regular appointment if needed. Everything seemed to be falling into place, she hoped it would stay this way for a while at least, Elle truly felt happy, albeit still scared but happy. Belinda gave Elle a cuddle and walked to the door, “Oh Elle honey, Frank told me about the gifts, I agree with you, I cannot stand waste. Just leave whatever you want us to take on the table and we will pick it up when we leave,” She said to Elle, “thank you Belinda, look, I have the cheeses in the fridge, do you want me to leave them in there or pop them on the table?” Elle asked, “Good idea honey, leave them in the fridge, I will bring an insulated bag and take them from there,” Belinda informed her smiling, with that Belinda was out of the office. Elle decided she would need to let Peter know she may be seeing someone, it was only fair, he could decide if he wanted to forget about pursuing anything, wait or carry on. It was difficult to judge but Elle kept replaying that kiss, her stomach was fluttering but she couldn’t keep the smile from her face.

Elle took the wine for herself, some fruit, chocolates and preserves for Nancy and the children, she took the champagne flutes and put them in her cupboard, they had intricate patterns on the stems. Nancy was partial to port so Elle decided that would be lovely to give to her. Elle arranged the rest into the hamper just leaving the cheeses in the fridge, ready for Frank and Belinda to take. Elle called Stephanie in for a catch up, Peter had told Elle it would be a late lunch so she presumed she wasn’t going to be back nor did she trust that her head would be in the right place to deal with it. 

Peter picked Elle up at 1.30pm on the dot, he had a bouquet of roses and handed them to her, Elle was gobsmacked and her head was swooning, she managed a thank you, after what seemed like an age of staring at each other, Stephanie walked in and took the roses from Elle, “I will put these in some water for you,” Stephanie told them. They both let out an embarrassed giggle, then Peter grabbed Elles hand and led her to the stairs by the lift, there was an electronic security door that led to the roof, Elle just thought it was a service door so she never asked what it was. Peter used his pass and they ascended the stairs, “What is up there Peter?” Elle asked curiously, Peter turned to smile at her and kept on leading the way. Elle didn’t have to wait long, they came to a small walkway that opened out onto a bar, just behind that was a restaurant area with a few still dining, it was very elegant. “oh, so this is where it is, do you know I have never been up here,” Elle admitted to him, “just wait to see where we are heading,” he told her smiling. Peter led her off to the right hand side and there was a set of double doors made of glass, on it was a sign, it read: Roof terrace closed for private function. They walked through it and took another flight of stairs up, they walked out onto what Elle could only describe as the most magnificent roof garden she had ever laid her eyes on and it was huge. There were shrubs and flowers sectioning off decking areas that held tables, chairs and canopies. Peter led Elle along a rose petal covered path to a table in the middle, a large wooden gazebo covered this one, he pulled out a chair for Elle to sit down, Elle could only nod her head with a shy smile, words were completely evading her at the moment. There were at least 10 dozen blood red roses surrounding the inside railings of the gazebo area, it was beautiful. A bottle of champagne was on ice with two flutes that were also in the ice bucket, when Elle looked up she could see a waiter walking up to them, he handed them each a champagne flute from the bucket and opened the champagne with a pop, he filled their glasses and smiled at them both placing the bottle back into the ice bucket, “your canapes will be with you in a moment,” he informed them and then walked off leaving them to it. Peter was staring at Elle smiling, she noticed and blushed, “Do you like it Sweet?” Peter asked softly, “I love it!” Elle exclaimed, “how did you manage all this from this morning?” She asked him, Peter chuckled, “as much as I would love to say it was all me, I had help,” he admitted. Elle giggled, and took a sip of her champagne, it fizzed on her tongue and was refreshing.

That was probably how Frank knew and what Stephanie was sorting out. Elle thought.

Elle was on cloud nine, this was completely alien to her, she had never been treated this way, ever. Elle was very shy all of a sudden and couldn’t talk, she had no idea how to behave or even think and it scared her. Peter must have noticed, “is everything okay Elle?” he asked her softly. Elle nodded smiling, she had to be honest with him, “Peter, it has been a long time since I have been on a date, I feel like a teenager again,” she admitted. Peter smiled and gave her a wink, “I feel like a teenager again too, I have no idea what to say to you or where to even start,” he told her. Elle smiled, she was grateful it wasn’t just her, the atmosphere had changed after their declarations and became more comfortable so they discussed work, Peter's family and Peter then asked about the children. Elle internally face palmed, she hadn’t thought about the implications a relationship might have on them. “I don’t think I want to say anything to them so early on,” Elle blurted out, now worried how he might react or worse feel rejected. Peter looked at Elle, he seemed a little hurt and Elle cringed internally, she hated to hurt anyone but the kids came first. “Elle, I know but I do want to get to know the children more than what I do already, I want us all to be able to go out together and spend time with each other, I know you don’t want to rush and I am fine with that but I don’t want to be a dirty little secret either,” he said honestly. “Peter, I don’t want you to be a secret but I have to think of the children, all they have known is me and them, it is hard for me as a parent. The children have taken to you at the times that they have seen you, they have asked for you also but I don’t want them to get attached at an early stage when we aren’t certain where this is going, my intention is for this to go somewhere but say it doesn’t work? That is for my children to then deal with and there has been too much go on already.” Elle told him, she could feel the sting in her eyes, she didn’t want to hurt him but her children came first. “I’m sorry Peter but my children will always come first,” she told him sadly. 

He doesn’t have children, how on earth would he understand. It probably isn’t nice to hear and I get that, but, oh s**t! Wait till he hears about the counsellor, this is so flipping doomed. Elle thought sadly.

“Elle, they should always come first but believe it or not I do care about Emily and Michael, I get it but I cannot run about hiding and not having interaction with the children, it isn’t fair to me nor is it fair to any of you, I want this to work, look even if we said we were friends, the children might work it out but at least they would know that there is room for others to love them too.” Peter told her, Elle thought about it and he was right, Elle didn’t want them to get hurt. “Peter, I am worried because they may see you as someone to replace the Father figure role, they haven’t seen Mark for God knows how long and you know their actual Father walked away from them, I will protect them at all costs,” She explained. The waiter placed the canapes on the table, Elle hadn’t noticed him coming back to the table, he topped up their champagne and then walked back off leaving them to it. Peter reached out and took Elles hand in his own, he rubbed it in circles and she felt a little calmer but she was still a bit sad, she tried to give Peter a reassuring smile but it felt to her like a sad one. “Elle, I am not in this for a fling or the short haul, I understand what you are saying and I promise to only steal kisses when the children aren’t looking but I do want to be close to you and even hug you at times, how does that sound?” He asked, Elle smiled at him, it was a genuine smile and she hoped that she would be okay with that, she hugged Mark all the time when he was around and he even kissed her on the cheek, then a thought popped in her head and she coughed to hide her laugh, Peter caught it and looked at her questioningly. Elle knew there was no way out of this explanation, “that sounds fine Peter, besides, we could always tell them you are gay,” Elle said jokingly, Peter choked on his champagne at that and Elle burst out laughing. The mood had changed from being heavy, it was a lovely afternoon, the weather was warm with a nice breeze that stopped them from getting too hot, they were on their 3rd glass of champagne and they had only eaten the canapes. Elle opened the water and poured them both a glass, it would help keep them sober. “Peter, on Monday I am going to meet with a counsellor, I am hoping they can help with my anxiety and things, I have had a rough time and although I am okay at the moment I want to make sure everything with me is okay, I know it’s a really crap time for this to all be happening but I need to be certain to move forward,” Elle said, she knew if she didn’t get it out now then she would never say it to him and spend her time covering up what was happening. Elle couldn’t look at him, she didn’t want to see his face full of pity or questions as she wouldn’t explain any more, it was too much for her. She felt his finger under her chin as he raised her face to meet his, when she met his eyes she saw him looking at her in adoration. “Elle, it takes courage for people to admit when they need help in sorting things through, I have no idea what you have been through but I wish you could see just how amazing you truly are, I have needed to talk to someone in my past and it was the best thing I did, this is a good thing and shows you are mindful of your own needs.” Peter told her earnestly.

Oh my God! He doesn’t think I am a freak, he had help too! Elle thought

Elle was lost in his eyes, she felt like she was walking through the autumn forest and it felt so right, “I didn’t want any secrets between us,” she told him, her heart was racing with his close proximity and he crashed his lips onto hers. “Ahem,” they heard, they both smiled and blushed, when Peter sat back down in his chair the waiter placed steak with steamed vegetables in front of them, he also placed a choice of peppercorn sauce or gravy for them to choose. Peter had a very similar palate to Elle, they didn’t go near the peppercorn sauce because to them both, too much pepper overpowered the natural flavours of the meat. The waiter came back with a bottle of Spanish rioja and it was Elles favourite, The waiter opened the bottle and waited for Peter to give the okay, Peter nodded and the waiter poured the wine and walked back to wherever he kept coming from. Elle hadn’t met anyone else similar to her when it came to the palate, only Nancy. The afternoon went by so fast, Elle and Peter walked over to the far left corner of the terrace to have a look at the view, it was magnificent and they could see for miles. Peter wrapped his arms around Elle while they looked out over the city, the river could be seen winding for miles. “I thought you didn’t do well with heights?” Peter asked, he remembered the escape rooms and Elle was shaking. Elle tilted her head slightly so she could look in his eyes, “I don’t, I can look out as I am standing on a roof that has a glass fence. If I looked down over the fence..” Elle said trailing off and shuddering at the end. Peter then understood, “you are so beautifully complex Elle, it’s rare,” he stated admirably and then he kissed her gently, Elle smiled and leaned back into him. This day was amazing and Elle felt content.