Final Footsteps (Running Series Finale)

Chapter 40: More than you realised

"Good afternoon and welcome to the Sipping Room, have you booked with us today?"

"Yes, under M. Green for 3 people."

"Ah yes, 12.30pm, you are slightly early, Mr Green, you are welcome to have a few drinks at the bar and I will come and get you," the lady offered,

"Of course,"

So we headed to the bar,

"I'll buy the drinks," Marshall offered,

"No, don't be silly," I said, "We can get our own drinks,"

"Can I buy the first round?" he then asked,

"Fine, yes you can," Keane gave in, "I'll have a Mojito-no please,"

"You sure? You can have whatever you want," Marshall said,

"I can't drink alcohol on the medication I'm taking,"

"Oh. I'm sorry, I didn't...I'm sorry," He stammered,

"Hey, don't be sorry" He smiled, "You didn't know. Babe what are you having?"

"A Cos-no please,"

Keane's POV

"You know you can drink even though we aren't." I told him,

"It's not polite too and I don't mind anyway. Are you okay though?" I sipped my drink thoughtfully.

Was I okay?

"I am now," I answered, "It was touch and go for a while, but I've come out of the other side," Tayte squeezed my hand.

"I'm glad you are okay," M said,

"Are you okay?" I asked, he looked at me, right into my eyes, their was still hurt and sadness and fear swimming around. He smiled,

"Yes, I am now, even more so for seeing the two of you,"

We were soon seated in a cute little rusty orange circular booth,

"Well this is cosy," I winked, sitting in the middle of Tayte and Marshall, there'd be no arguments that way.

Menus were handed out and we gazed at them.

"There's a lot here to choose from," Tayte said, "How hungry are you Keane?"

"I mean, I can eat," he rolled his eyes, I smiled, "I'm hungry,"

"Do want to share a couple of starters and get a main, are you that hungry or?" Marshall asked,

"I'm liking the sound of the Napoli flatbread and those maple and chill glaze chicken wings," I said,

"Oh hell yes, I'm drooling," M laughed,

"Baby?"

"I'm in,"

The mains were a harder decision.

One, because I was pretty useless at making decisions.

Two, because there was such a variety to choose from.

And three because, okay there is no three.

"I think, I am going to go with the buttermilk chicken curry with wild rice and naan bread because it sounds so yummy and creamy and oh god yes, mmm..." he trailed off and blushed, "Sorry I got carried away,"

"Do not apologise for anything M, you are a sweetheart," I told him and he reminded me so much of Noah.

"Taking bets on Keane having the buttermilk chicken burger or the naughty gnocchi mac and cheese"