Count On Me

Part Twenty One

He looked up at her sarcastic laughter and raised an eyebrow, "who's going to date a woman who has zero social life..." she laughed again. "And even worse social skills?"

He glared at her, "social skills? You are talking about yourself?"

Shrugging she scooped her feet up under her, suddenly regretting that outburst for its honesty. "You are one of the loveliest people I've ever met, funny, friendly...kind, gentle, caring. But you have lived in the shadow of your sister for two look, both figuratively and literally. That's something I can help with." When she only blushed, he sighed, "Janis was attractive, she had a love of live...but nothing like you. She was a shadow of you Lizzie, I swear. Janis was Nate's mother, yet it seems she gave up nothing...you did all that. I am going to make that up to you."

Lizzie wasn't sure if he'd ever be able to do that, but they were talking, not arguing, and it felt nice. Oscar leaned over to top up her glass, then fell back against the cushions, his hands behind his head. His blue eyes never left hers and she felt a little self conscious in his scrutiny. He didn't say anything for a long moment, merely watching her.

"What?"

He smiled, "nothing. Just thinking...that's all. We'll have a full day tomorrow. Our flight isn't until six, ok?"

The thought of a day with him filled her with anxiety, but a large part of her wanted to give a beaming smile, she liked his company, he treated her equally, as though she was important, and it felt like a long time since that had happened before...if ever.

Oscar enjoyed watching her as she remained deep in thought. First she blushed, then she seemed to glare, then she was wistful. He hated not knowing what she was thinking, but he loved her expressive face, she wore her emotions on her face and her heart on her sleeve.

As he thought that, Coop's words came back to haunt him. Did he see her as more than Nate's "mother"? Was he just looking for a safe family unit? Was eh offering Lizzie more than he was able to give? Could they be co-parents and still remain friends?

He was so bloody confused, so he did the best thing, topped their glasses up. Lizzie looked more relaxed, so he kicked off his shoes and raised his feet to the edge of the coffee table.

"Are you coming back to Manchester with us next week?"

He looked up from his position lounging and shrugged, "I'm planning to. But I should have a call in the morning, that will let me know where I stand...I'm hoping that things will change now, and that I can come with you, but I have to be realistic, after all I am an employee. What about your work, when are you going back?"

Her face paled and he could tell that she didn't enjoy her job, "I've had special leave kind of on a compassionate basis, but when I go back, I'll be on the sick...my GP is happy to let me stay home for a while, it's important for Nate..."

He leaned towards her, "and you. You dealt with everything on your own, and the stress from that is enough to flummox even the strongest person. So go easy on yourself...and let yourself grieve."

He loved the light chuckle that graced her as a response, "I think that I did enough of that a few nights ago."

He grimaced immediately, "that was MY fault. Taking out my insecurities on you...I am trying to be a grown up now."

The chuckle became a laugh as she snatched words through her mirth, "is that an apology? A confession that you were wrong? Can I just video this on my phone for the future?"

His mouth dropped open in mock indignation as he slipped a hand behind his back. It shot out taking her completely by surprise, and gripped a cushion tightly. As he swung his arm, the pillow connected with the side of her head and she involuntarily let out an 'ooof' as the move took her completely by surprise. He doubled over in laughter at that, and then missed the retaliation in her eyes. With a grunt, she lashed out with one of the cushions next to her and caught him on the crown of his down turned head.

That led to all out warfare, she got in a few shots, but he was faster and stronger than her, and the effort of half a dozen close range thwacks with the pillow had her short of breath and exhausted. Oscar laughed manically as he towered over her.

"You think you can retaliate?" He put on a hilarious villain voice as he hovered above her brandishing the pillow menacingly.

She squealed, trying to get to her feet when he pounded her head. As she laughed, she reached out and elbowed him in the ribs firmly. That saw him exhale in a rather uncontrolled manner, and he collapsed panting on top of her.

Lizzie stared up at his contorted face as he struggled to catch his breath; how the hell did they get into this position? One minute they were talking, the next they were horizontally aligned. Her mind flitted back to the snow, to how they'd been in this exact position then, and it had triggered Oscar storming off. She couldn't deal with that happening again...but he wasn't angry, he was smiling, his eyes focussed on her.

She opened her mouth to protest, this was all wrong...when his head lowered, and his lips stole the words.

SHIT! He's kissing me!