The trouble with Debbie

chapter 17

Keiron woke up and straight away checked his phone.

Debbie hadn't called or texted. He missed her a lot. In the short amount of time they knew each other, he knew he didn't want any other woman. But she definitely seemed done. Maybe he couldn't repair it. She seemed open at least to being his friend. He sent her a good morning text and got up out of bed. He was happy with his new home especially now the heating was fixed, but every part it reminded him of Debbie. He remembered the day they came to view it. The way the estate agent assumed they were a couple, the way Debbie played along with him. The way she looked at him and they forgot the agent was even there. He had asked her to decide how to decorate and he wasted no time getting a painter in. The living room was almost done already and he wished she could see it.

Is it even possible to fall in love with a stranger in a week? He didn't know and he didn't care. He wanted her. Desperately.

He would give her the space she needed, he didn't want to scare her off. If in the end, she only wanted to be friends he'd accept it. His phone vibrated on the table. He picked it up and smiled widely.

"Good morning Keiron. X"

"well, that's officially it," he said to himself out loud, "I'm in love with her."

It was a week later. Debbie had hardly seen or spoken to anyone. Keiron still texted every morning and they spoke once or twice on the phone. Klara had popped by after work on Wednesday and they had a brief chat. Her mother had called and told her to "get over it already and call the damn guy!"

Honestly, Debbie felt fine. There was nothing to "get over."

She needed to be alone for a while and she was starting to enjoy it. Matt had sent a huge bunch of flowers, wine and a card saying, "hope you're ok. I'm sorry." she wasn't even mad at him anymore. She sent him a text to say thank you and then blocked his number. She wasn't mad at him but she knew their journey was definitely over.

Saturday afternoon found her sitting at home, bored. The late July sunshine was beautiful and she felt she needed to get out of the house. She decided on a lunch in the park. She drove to her favourite café and walked inside. If she was lunching in the park, it was gonna be a good lunch at least. She had just walked through the door when she heard her name.

She turned to a table in the corner and smiled when she saw Keiron. He was sitting down with a cup of coffee and a newspaper.

"Hey," she walked over to him, "what are you doing here?"

"Well," he put his paper down, "it's become my favourite place for breakfast. I'm here at least once a day."

Debbie laughed and sat down.

"What are you doing today?" he asked her as he sipped his coffee. He was so handsome. His crisp white t-shirt fitted so nicely on his strong, toned arms and his skin was perfectly brown. Like dark chocolate silk.

"I'm going to have lunch in Dulwich Park." she smiled.

"Sounds nice," he smiled his beautiful smile at her, "with your cousin?"

"By myself." she told him.

"Do you want some company?" he asked, looking only into her eyes. Debbie didn't know what to do with herself. It was as though he was hypnotising her. She missed him so much.

"I'd love some company." she replied shyly, "but you've eaten already."

"Nope," he grinned, "just coffee. It must be destiny."

Debbie laughed, "You are so corny."

They ordered a large amount of food to take away and a few drinks from the shop next door before jumping into Keirons car.

They arrived at Dulwich Park and found a spot to sit. Debbie pulled open her goody bag and out came a large soft, quilted blanket, three cushions, a Bluetooth speaker and plastic wine glasses.

"So you really mean business when you say lunch in the park?" Keiron laughed.

"I have plates and cutlery too." she grinned. They made themselves comfortable and started with lunch. It was a beautiful day and plenty of other people were in the park doing the same thing with their friends and families.

"I've really missed spending time with you." Keiron told her as he poured them a drink each.

Debbie suddenly felt shy. She was missing him too and her mothers words kept swimming around in her head.

"I miss you too," she finally admitted, "I want to tell you that every morning when you text me. I've really enjoyed being on my own but, considering I just met you, it's not the same without you there. I wish I didn't let you leave."

Keiron was surprised. Pleasantly.

He leaned close to her and when he saw she wasn't moving away, he kissed her lips gently. She kissed him back and it was like winning the jackpot.

'This is it,' she thought to herself,' this is what I've been looking for.'

They enjoyed the afternoon together at the park and as the sun started to set, they decided to pack up and go. Keiron drove them back to Debbie's car. He turned off the engine and they sat quietly for a few minutes.

"So do you have plans..." Debbie spoke first.

"Nope." Keiron broke in quickly.

"Do you want to..." Debbie went again.

"Yes." Keiron jumped in.

Debbie laughed, "You don't know what I was going to say."

"Anything you're asking me, I'm saying yes." Keiron grinned.

"Do you want to come to my house?" Debbie asked like a nervous child.

"I'd love to come to your house." he responded. Debbie got into her own car and they both made their way to her house. They made themselves comfortable in the living room. Before long, it was 11pm and the movie they were watching was ending.

"I better get going..." Keiron stood up and stretched.

"No!" Debbie stood up too, "I mean, please stay. I don't think I can spend all this time with you and not wake up with you tomorrow."

Keiron smiled. He used his finger to trace along her nose and then her lips.

"Why don't you come and stay at my house?" he asked, "the heating works."

Debbie giggled. She loved his humour.

"It's July, you don't need it," she replied, "I'll go pack an overnight bag." she started up the stairs.

"Longer than a night." he winked.

An hour later, they were laying down in Keirons huge bed.

"I love it here." Debbie smiled as they held each other in the dark.

"I love you being here." Keiron replied quietly.

"For a minute there," Debbie smiled, "I thought you were going to say you love me..."

"I love you Debs," Keiron couldn't hold back, "I'm sorry. I know it's crazy, I know we barely know each other and I know you want some time but, I'm in love with you."

Debbie sat up and kissed Keiron as passionately as humanly possible.

"I love you too," she finally said after catching her breath, "it's not crazy, it feels perfectly normal."