Black Books Sunday Afternoon

[the4thsister.livejournal.com]

Paige stands outside the shop wondering how much trouble she's gonna be in for not being around much lately.

She opens the door quietly hoping to see Manny since she's actually kinda missed him.

"Manny you in?"

Comments

[mannybianco.livejournal.com]

Manny emerges from the kitchen, and beams.

Paige, I haven't seen you all week. It's really good to have you here. Where have you been?

[the4thsister.livejournal.com]

*Paige smiles when she sees him* I've been sort of *she pauses* ill, and I've not really been very good company for anyone lately.

*She chews her lip for a moment* I moved into town last weekend

[mannybianco.livejournal.com]

You've been ill? *he's concerned* Are you okay now? I hope it's not anything serious. I'll always think of you as good company.

He realises what she's said.

You've moved? Into ... Ah. I see.

He looks at his feet.

[the4thsister.livejournal.com]

*Paige smiles* Yeah I'm fine now, but seriously, unless a big crying mess is your idea of good company I really wasn't

*she moves over the Manny and touches his arm, "I was hoping you'd be happy for me."

[mannybianco.livejournal.com]

*He places his hand on hers. He tries to smile.*

I am. Really. I hope it's good for you there.

*He manages a wet smile.*

I'm happy when you're happy. Honestly.

*He squeezes her hand.*

You are happy there, aren't you?

[the4thsister.livejournal.com]

Paige smiles, "Well Geoff's away right now, so last week was a bit of a nightmare, but one of the new teacher's is staying with me now, Tara so that's nice. And I've made the place a bit more comfy for when he gets back. But yeah I think I'm gonna really like living there"

[mannybianco.livejournal.com]

Oh good ...

*pause*

There was someone at church this morning called Tara. She's new here. Is it the same one?

[the4thsister.livejournal.com]

*Paige smiles* Sort of shy and quiet? Yeah that's her I met her last night in the park, she's just staying til she gets stuff sorted out at the school, she didn't have anywhere to stay and since I'm all alone at Geoff's it made sense

[mannybianco.livejournal.com]

Well, she stood up to Father Jack, so she's not as shy as all that. She got him to bless some water for her.

It's good you've taken her in. You're wonderful, a really good person.

[the4thsister.livejournal.com]

*Paige blushes a little* Thanks Manny that's sweet of you to say, I just didn't want anyone having nowhere to stay and I really needed the company. Geoff left the day after I moved in so I've been pretty lonely really *she forces a smile*

[mannybianco.livejournal.com]

Well, if you ever feel lonely, you could ... no, that's a stupid idea. Forget I spoke.

[the4thsister.livejournal.com]

*Paige bites her lip for moment* I would have stopped by sooner Manny, but like I said I was a bit of a mess, I like hanging out here *she smiles*

[mannybianco.livejournal.com]

She looks so pretty when she bites her lip like that.

I like it when you hang out here. You make the place look brighter when you're here. I'm sorry you've had such a hard time. And I've missed you a lot. Don't stay away so long again.

[the4thsister.livejournal.com]

*Paige smiles* I won't, promise and I've missed you too Manny

[mannybianco.livejournal.com]

So ...

It's Manny's turn to bite his lip.

So he's away?

[the4thsister.livejournal.com]

*Paige nods slowly* Yeah he was called back to London last week, he came back for homecoming though, but I don't know when he'll be back properly.

[mannybianco.livejournal.com]

So no Geoff, but Tara's moved in.

He scratches his ear.
He looks at the ceiling.

Are you ... that is, is she ... do you ... umm ...

He shuffles his feet and goes red.

[the4thsister.livejournal.com]

*Paige looks a little confused for a moment* Manny are you trying to ask if I've moved Tara in to replace Geoff? Cos if you are well no I've not

[mannybianco.livejournal.com]

Manny is now deeply *deeply* embarrassed, and wishes he'd never started to ask the question.

Ah, okay. So you still ... umm ... miss him, then. That must be hard. Difficult, I mean. I can see that. It's not easy when someone's not around.

[the4thsister.livejournal.com]

*Paige nods slowly, looking sad* Yeah I really miss him, I've spent so much time with him it just feels odd now he's not here

[mannybianco.livejournal.com]

It breaks Manny's heart to see her looking sad.

Yes, I know all about missing someone you wish was around. It's not easy.

He realises his hand is still resting on hers, on his arm. He gives it a little squeeze.

[the4thsister.livejournal.com]

*Paige smiles slightly and hugs him*

Thanks Manny, I'm sure I'll be ok, at least I know he's coming back

[mannybianco.livejournal.com]

He enjoys the hug.

He realises that perhaps he shouldn't be enjoying it so much, but rather he should be comforting Paige. He hugs her in return

He realises this is as good as he's likely to get.

He enjoys the hug.

He says I'm glad he'll be coming back for you.

He realises that he actually means it.

He enjoys the hug some more.

[the4thsister.livejournal.com]

*Paige smiles and looks up at Manny* You mean that don't you? I'm really glad you're ok with all this. I'm sure you'd like Geoff if you just got to know him

[mannybianco.livejournal.com]

Yes, I do. I'm glad.

Manny breaks the hug, and turns round to look at the kitchen so she can't see his eyes. He takes a deep breath.

We're not open. We don't have to stay here at the shop. Do you want to go for a drink?

[the4thsister.livejournal.com]

*Paige smiles* Yeah that'd be cool. Spike's has reopened so we can there if you want or we could go for a coffee?

[mannybianco.livejournal.com]

You decide. I've just to go upstairs for a moment to grab a coat (http://www.livejournal.com/users/mannybianco/1945.html), I'll be down in two minutes and then we can go.

[the4thsister.livejournal.com]

I think maybe coffee if that's ok

(( do you want to start a thread for it?))

[mannybianco.livejournal.com]

(( Yes -- deep threads get unmanageable ))

[mannybianco.livejournal.com]

Okay, we'll go to Perkolator (http://www.livejournal.com/community/fandomtownies/159643.html).