Romance is in the Air

By Philip Bromley

Short stories on the theme of Holiday Romance, mature romance and flash fiction

• Language: English
• Publisher: Philip Bromley
• Release date: Mar 7, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524224219

Book preview

All incidents and characters are fictional. Any resemblance to

persons or events, pasor present is coincidental

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http://www.neverin.hollywellassociates.com/

Postman's Park

––––––––

It began on Friday 13th, but I didn't realise. Rain peppered the office windows all morning

Few staff ventured out at lunchtime. The rest-room teemed with bodies. Seated alone, at a table for two, Anne Watts glanced up as I sauntered by, Not a day for a visit to Postman's Park. I shook my head and looked for a seat.

Anne fidgeted and grinned,You can sit here, unless you've other plans?

Thanks.

Anne was from a temping agency. She bonded with my team from the first day. She soon became a real asset during the month. 

She glanced at me and her brow furrowed as she leaned forward, Got any plans for the weekend Mr Franks?

Our eyes met for an instance as I looked down, Edward, please: don't make me feel even closer to thirty.

Until she fixed me with those big brown eyes, she had appeared rather plain.

Sorry. But your lot are rather stuffy, aren't they?

Her eyebrows danced as she spoke. I couldn't help but smile. She was a breath of fresh air in the hallowed floors of this Old City Institution, I had joined straight from Cambridge. My friends call me Ed. The Senior Partner abhors nicknames and made it quite plain, on my first day. I was Edward to my colleagues and Mr Franks to others.

Her nose wrinkled as she rested her chin on her clasped hands.

My friends call me Judy, if I upset them.

I frowned, she stared at me and huffed, 'Cos of my big nose and protruding chin, silly.

Her blush was so adorable, the heat rose in my cheeks.

Don't worry, at Uni I got nicknamed 'Tall Dark and Hands-off'.

Anne lowered her gaze, took a sip of coffee and tilted her head, You've always looked so detached, when I've seen you in Postman's Park.

My jaw dropped, I've never noticed you there!

Anne shook her head and her nose twitched, You know how to make a girl feel good!

I looked down at the half eaten pack of sandwiches and pushed them aside as I racked my brain for the right words, That's not what I, ah, meant.

I'd quit, if I was you. Anne beamed and her eyes sparkled, Today's my last day.

Oh I'm sorry.

Forget it, I'm sure you and your friends have a football extravaganza planned for the weekend,

I gawked like some demented contestant on a TV quiz show.

She held her hands in front of her as though she was about to shake me. The World Cup. Stupid!

Yes, yes I didn't think.

Anne frowned and a hiss shot through her lips, No problem. I can tell you're not listening to a word I've said.

My shoulders slumped, Look, it's not you, it's me. I've a week's holiday booked and last night my sister phoned to say her kids have E-coli.

Anne's eyes moistened as she swallowed hard, So it's you and....

Just me. My gaze lowered as I tried to sound nonchalant. 

Don't worry. Kids are so resilient.

I nodded. She paused as if searching for words that would break the awkward silence. 

"Where's