When life interrupts, chapter 8

Today marks the day, I started writing my fanfictions, one year ago. I am for ever grateful, that my best friend Maja got me into this. I am loving it. I am also very grateful for everybody who leaves me comments, but even if you don’t and just read, that is enough for me. Thank you all for following me on my journey in this fanfiction world.

Cora checked her bag, this was her last day teaching at the high school. She was already working at the National Gallery and after this summer break, she would start at Regent’s University as one of the art history tutors. She would be a junior, but with the experience she was building at the gallery, she could work herself up.

Yesterday she baked some brownies for her class. Hopefully, they would like them, but they were teenagers. Food was always welcomed. Even though she was excited to start her new job, she would miss these guys. There was something special about seeing them grow up from children to young adults.

She would have loved to tell Robert about her new job, but it was over a month ago she heard from him. She had hoped to see him randomly on the street, but until now she had no luck. Fortunately, she had Richard to talk to, but she was missing out on somebody who was special to her.

+++

“Congratulations on your big step,” Richard said kissing Cora’s cheek. He was picking her up after she had said goodbye at the school.

“What?” Cora asked when she saw how Richard was looking at her.

“Nothing, sorry, it is just. You look different.”

“Different?” Cora raised her eyebrows. “How do you mean that?”

Richard was silent and looked at her, then he said. “Your skin is glowing, and your cheeks are a little bit fuller.”

Cora touched her cheek, she wasn’t eating anything different. Was she gaining weight? “I think I am just excited to start in my new job.”

“That must be it.” Richard concluded.

+++

“Robert?” Rosamund looked at Robert over the breakfast table. She arrived yesterday evening. Robert thought she was sent to check on him, but Rosamund said, she saw the opportunity to see and explore Brussels. “You miss Cora, don’t you?”

Robert was surprised, he didn’t tell Rosamund, about what happened. “I should forget about her. She is in the past and live goes on.” He said brisk.

Now Rosamund was the one surprised. “I think, I am missing a big part. You and Cora were dating, but?”

“You are correct, we were dating. But I haven’t seen or talked to her for over a month.” Robert interrupted, he didn’t want to tell Rosamund more, he was still heartbroken over this.

“Why did you break up with Cora?”

“And why do you think I was the one who ended it?”

Rosamund smirked. “Come on Robert, you are my brother and I know you better than you think.”

“If you must know! We had a fight and a couple of days later, I saw her with a different man.”

“Perhaps she has a male friend, just as a friend. From what you have told me, she doesn’t seem, to me, a person who hops from one boyfriend to the other.”

Robert sighed, why was Rosamund putting her nose into this? It was none of her business. “It doesn’t matter, I lost my phone and with that her number. I can’t contact her; it is better this way.” Robert took a bite from his black pudding, hoping Rosamund would stop. But when he saw the look on her face, he knew it was not over, so while he was still chewing on his pudding he said. “And what about you and Marmaduke?” He saw a change in Rosamund’s face and knew he had hit the right spot. She would forget about Cora now.

“He is coming tomorrow; we will travel further down to Paris together.”

“Oh, so this is something serious?” Robert asked.

“I think this is the real deal,” Rosamund said softly.

+++

Six weeks later

Cora looked at herself in the mirror, was her body changing? She thought. She turned on her side and looked again. She touched her breasts, they felt different and seemed to have grown a little bit. She looked once more but decided it must be the light. She was eating the same things as usual. She just needed to exercise a little bit more.

She fixed her hair and gave herself one last look, this was her first day at Regent´s university. She picked up her bag and left her house.

“I was worried, I missed you.” Richard’s voice sounded.

He startled Cora. “Richard.” She exclaimed. “What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to escort you on your first day.” He smiled and kissed her cheek. Cora felt his hand on her lower back. It felt weird, she got a flashback to Robert’s hand resting there. Why was there such a big difference in this gesture. With Robert it felt warm and nice, but now with Richard it felt forced. She scolded herself, why was she still thinking about Robert. He was in the past, they had two wonderful months together, but that was it. She should look at it as a summer love, nothing more. Even though it was spring when she met him.

“Cora? Are you all right?” Richard was looking at her. His hand still on her lower back.

“I am sorry, yes I am alright. Well let’s go, I cannot be late on my first day.” Quickly she walked towards the underground. She was not sure she liked Richard there with here. It felt as if there was a change in their friendship and he wanted more out of it. Just before they were at her stop, she said: “Richard? Do you mind, if I want to walk inside alone?” She felt some sweat dripping down her back, she was nerves for this first day, and Richard was adding to this feeling.

“Oh.” His face lowered. “You don’t want me to be here.” His hands clutching in his lap. “I am too much!”

Cora put her hand on his arm. “No, you are not too much. I just need to do this on my own. I hope you understand.” She got up and got of the tube. She glanced back and saw Richard looking at her with a weird look in his eyes. Was it anger? She could not tell.

 

When life interrupts, chapter 7

“Robert, how good to see you!” Robert was greeted by his old school friend John. He packed his bags yesterday, and now he was here in Brussels. He had said goodbye to his mother and Rosamund for an unknown time. They hadn’t decided how long he would stay here in Belgium. It all depended on how well things were going. He was counting on weeks.

“How is your apartment? Is it to your liking?” John asked.

Robert started to laugh. “Have you seen the place my mother bought?”

John raised his eyebrows. “To be honest? No, I only know it is in that new skyscraper they build.”

“It is enormous, I wouldn’t know what to do with all that space. I guess my mother bought it as an investment and will sell on, once I am going back to London.”

“Are you going back to London?” John asked surprised.

“One day I will. It is alright to be here for a while, but I miss London already.”

“Yeah, I guess you are right. Maybe one day I will move back too, but for now, I have found my place here in Brussels. I booked a boat tour, to see a little of the city already. We should leave in 30 minutes.”

“Oh, alright.” Robert wasn’t expecting to play tourist on his first day here in Brussels. But it would be better to know the city he would be living in for the next weeks. He took his phone out his pocket en looked at his messages screen. Should he text Cora? Resolutely he put the phone back. He promised himself he was going to forget about her!

+++

“This is a beautiful city.” Robert said. He was leaning on the railing of the boot. He took his phone out to film his surroundings, he should send it to Rosamund. He was going to invite her over together with Marmaduke. They would love this city. But when he took his phone in his hands, it slipped and he saw it drop. He tried to catch it, but he was to slow. He saw the phone disappear under neath the water. “Oh crikey, that did not just happen.”

“What?” John asked, who was turned around.

“Well, I just dropped my phone.” Robert said with a sad face.

“No, you didn’t.”

“I did, and the worst part is, I didn’t make a back-up for a long time.”

“You haven’t sat that up automatically?” John couldn’t believe what Robert was saying.

“I forgot to do that. Well, hopefully not a lot is lost. Can we go to a shop to buy a new one, once this tour is done?” Robert felt stupid.

+++

Cora poured herself a cup of coffee. She had had the worst night of sleep. She couldn’t sleep at all. She had a feeling something bad had happened. She texted Harold, but everything was alright at home. She rubbed her temples; her headache didn’t seem to go away either. She should make an appointment at the physiotherapist, she thought. It would be the first thing she was going to do on Monday, unfortunately, on Saturday they didn’t work

She looked down at her phone, hoping there would be a message from Robert. But her screen was empty, No missed calls, no messages. She felt empty inside. Why did she fight with Robert. She hadn’t treated him fair, but she didn’t know he would be this angry over it. Her phone went dark again, she unlocked it and dialled Robert’s number, she was going to be the bigger man and act. She needed to talk to him.

The phone didn’t ring, it said directly that this number was out of order. She checked the number, it was definitely Robert’s. She tried again, but again there was no connection. So, this was it? Had Robert blocked her number? He was really mad at her.

She got up from the kitchen table and walked over to her office. Yesterday there was a letter delivered from The Royal college of Art, she was scared to open it. What was she going to do if they declined her? She needed a new adventure, the school she was currently working on did not offer her enough. She wanted to work with students who chose art and not the students who were forced to do art.

Cora sat down and took a deep breath opening the letter.

‘Dear Miss. Levinson,

Thank you for your application. We are sorry to inform you, that we will not invite you for an interview.

Sincerely,

……….’

She didn’t read the rest of the letter. The words, ‘we will not invite you’ were enough. Cora felt tears in her eyes. She knew she wouldn’t be good enough. She just knew, why did she listen to Robert. He had sat her up to fail. She wanted to throw away the letter, when she saw a little note inside the envelope. Curious she took it out.

‘We don’t have a job for you at our Royal college of art, but you can write to ‘Regent’s University.’ I already send them a notice that you are interested in a job as tutor in art history. And I want to recommend that you take a look at working in The National Gallery, to improve your chances.’

Cora stared at that little note. It was clearly not written on official paper from the university. Should she follow this advice? What if this would be another fail? Or should she take this change. Her resume was already sent to ‘Regent’s University’.

She got up and got outside, she would go to The National Gallery. Who knows, maybe she could find a job there.

+++

At the entrance she took a deep breath, the last time she was here together with Robert. She had truly enjoyed that day and especially that evening. Robert had taken her to heaven and back. She shook her head, she should stop thinking about him. He was in the past, she needed to go on with her life. She was here to find a job.

 

When life interrupts, chapter 6

“I will see you next week,” Cora said to the students who left the room. She leaned back in her chair, she liked this class, they were in their last year and she noticed that the interest in her class was much higher. Next week they would all hand in their final projects, she was looking forward to grading the work, there were amazing projects already.

She rubbed her temples, she had a headache for days now. After the fight she had with Robert, she hadn’t seen or heard him. She was scared to pick up the phone, there was a reason why he wasn’t calling.

“Can I offer you a coffee?” Richard popped his head around the corner of her classroom.

Cora looked up and smiled at him, Richard was a dear friend and he knew when her work days finished. “Always.” She got up and closed her bag. “I cannot stay long, but there is always time for coffee.” She noticed she was faking her smile, she was tired, after this long week and she missed Robert.

Richard looked at Cora. “You know what, we will go for a take away coffee and will drink it on the way to your home.”

Cora sighed out of relief. “Thank you.”

“You look tired, I hope you will have a quiet weekend?” Richard said. “Is Robert coming?”

Cora sighed again. “No.” Was the only answer she gave him.

+++

“Are you sure you are alright?” Richard asked when he saw Cora winch when they entered the coffee shop. It was crowded inside, all those people produced a lot of sounds.

“Is it alright, if I wait outside, I have a bit of a headache,” Cora said.

“No problem, you want a flat white?”

“With extra caramel, please. Thank you.” Cora watched Richard going in. Should she tell him about what happened with Robert? Richard would think she had gone mad. She should just call Robert. Cora took her phone out of her bag.

“Here you are, a flat white with extra caramel.” Richard handed her, her cup.

Quickly Cora put her phone away. “Thank you.” She smiled.

“Now let’s bring you home. I think you can use an early night. I will cook you a simple dinner, is that alright?”

“That is more than alright. Thank you so much.” Cora hooked her arm in Richard’s and they started walking home.

+++

“Robert can you please go out, or something? You are working on my nerves.” Rosamund complained.

Robert stopped his pacing, he didn’t even know for how long he was pacing. “I think I will go for a walk.” He said, taking his jacket and walking outside. Where to go? Quickly he knew, he would go to Cora. They needed to talk, and no better way than in real life. Everything over the phone would be misunderstood. He quickened his step.

He passed a coffee shop across the street when he saw a familiar figure standing in front of it. It was Cora. He almost called out but decided not to. He walked towards the crosswalk when he saw a guy coming out and handing her a cup. Cora smiled at him, took the cup, and slid her arm into his. Robert froze, Cora was seeing someone else. That was the reason he didn’t hear from her. He quickly turned around. He did not want Cora to see him.

+++

“What brought this change?” Violet asked Robert.

He had gone directly to his mother and told her he was ready to go to Brussels. “I just made up my mind. This is the time to go. I am not bound by a relationship or children.” It pained him, he really thought Cora and he were building on something. But he was fooled. How could she switch so easily, their fight was only a couple of weeks ago. Not even that long. 9 days, only 9 days.

“Robert!” Violet snapped.

Robert looked up, his mother had been talking, but he didn’t listen at all. “I am sorry mother, what did you say?”

“I was thinking you could leave next week, John is already there and will take the honour until you arrive.”

“John.” Robert looked up in surprise. “The John I went to college with?”

“How should I know if it is the same John? His name is John Bates and he is hired for the Brussel office.”

“Bates?” Robert’s face lit up. John had been a dear friend and he lost track of him, now they would be working together. All of the sudden the prospect of Brussels was getting better. John could help him forget Cora. He felt pain just thinking of her. He shook it off, she was not worthy of his despair. Why was he so upset about her? They had seen each other just a couple of times. He regretted going to bed with her, he had a rule for himself: only sleep with a woman when things are serious. When he was a bit younger he had slept with several women, but he didn’t want that anymore. He needed more security. And now he had misjudged the whole situation.

Cora had felt like heaven. Being around him, but already just her presence was enough for him to feel good. He had never felt something he felt when he was with her. Her mouth transported him to another world.

“Why don’t you go home and get some sleep?” Violet’s voice snapped Robert back to earth. He was still sitting in the living room of his mother. Quickly he grabbed a pillow and laid it on his lap. Thinking of Cora made him grow.

“Will do that. I will ask Rosamund to buy my train tickets, I can leave at any moment you want me to.”

“Ask her to book your tickets for Friday than.” Violet got up and walked out.

Friday, that was in two days. Should he tell Cora he was leaving? No, he decided resolutely, he was going to forget about her.

 

When life interrupts. Chapter 5

“Cora?” Robert asked while buttering his toast. It was a Sunday morning and had spent the night at Cora’s. During the week both were busy, but this was the second weekend they were together. Friday evening they went to a gig from a local band, yesterday they had walked around in the National Gallery. He noticed Cora was passionate about art. She knew so much about all the different artists.

Cora turned around, her curls swirled around her face, she was standing at the kitchen counter. Robert was transported back to last night when her curls were tickling his thighs. It had been obvious that he was Cora’s first, but he loved showing her what was possible and she was a fast learner. Last night she had surprised him with her mouth in a way he had never been pleased.

“Stop thinking about last night and ask your question.” Cora said stepping closer and kissing his cheek.

Robert wrapped his arm around her waist and rested his hand on her bottom. “I forgot what my question was.” He felt Cora’s hand moving over his back. She bent down to kiss his lips.

“I am sure you did not.”

With his hand still on her bottom he smirked. “You know me too well. “Why do you teach at that local school?”

Cora’s hand movement stopped. “Because I like teaching?” She raised her eyebrows. “What an odd question.”

“I don’t mean, why do you teach, I mean why aren’t you teaching on a higher level?” Robert moved his hand, so it was resting on her waist.

Cora frowned. She didn’t tell Robert about her dream. Teaching at the Royal College of Art. How did he know her doubts? “I, I.” She started but did not know what to answer exactly. “I never got the chance to teach somewhere else. I got this job and think I am happy with it.”

Now Robert took Cora’s hands in his. “Don’t fool yourself. I don’t believe you are happy with it. When you talk about your classes, I miss a spark in your eyes.”

“Oh” Cora said softly.

“Yes. Yesterday in the gallery I saw a spark when you were talking about the paintings and their history. Don’t you want to feel that when you are teaching?”

Cora lowered her eyes and tried to pull back her hands, but Robert strengthened his grip. “I don’t know the right people.”

With his thumb, he was brushing her hand with the other one he lifted her chin. “With your knowledge you don’t need to. Why don’t you write to them?”

“They won’t take it seriously. I am just a public school teacher.”

“Where did you study yourself?” Robert asked.

“I got my Master in art history at Columbia University back in New York.”

“And you are teaching at a public school? Darling, how did you end up there?”

Cora shrugged. “I needed a job. The only thing I found was at the school I teach now.”

Robert stared at Cora, she thought she wasn’t skilled enough. Totally forgetting the fact she has a master, something you need to be skilled for. “Cora, I think you should write that letter.

“Do you really?” Cora wasn’t sure if he was saying this to please her or that he really thought it.

“You have a master’s in art history, why would the Royal college of art don’t want you?”

Cora sighed, she knew Robert wouldn’t understand. “It is a master from America.”

“So?” Robert was getting more confused by the minute.

“You really don’t understand do you?” Cora got irritated. How did Robert not see the problem? She was lucky she had a job as a teacher at all. “Robert, you are forgetting I am an American with an American education. British people tend to look down on that. I wish I had taken the time to get my PhD at the University College London. But I didn’t.”

“You could still go for that PhD?” Robert tried. He saw that Cora’s blue eyes had turned into ice-cold fireballs.

“And who is going to pay for that? And how do you think I can afford this house? No Robert, maybe you are coming from a rich family where everything is possible and presented on a gold plate. I have to work for it. Something you should try” Cora did not know why she was getting this angry, she didn’t even know if Robert was rich. Maybe his parents didn’t pay for everything for him and he had said he worked in his father’s business. She sighed again, took Robert’s empty plate and threw it in the sink.

“If you really think that, then I think I better go.” Robert got up, kissed her cheek and left.

Cora sank to the ground with her head in her hands, she didn’t know why she got so mad and why she said that. Until now he hadn’t treated her differently since he knew she was from America and didn’t her parents pay for everything she needed. Her mother bought her this house. But once she got her teaching job, her mother cut her allowance in half. It was Martha’s way of saying she disagreed.

Cora got up and walked to her study, opened her laptop and checked the website for vacancies. There was one, for a minute she didn’t do anything, but then she clicked on the apply button.

+++

Angry Robert walked into his own apartment. Why had Cora said all this? His parents always gave him what he needed, but nothing came for free. His father taught him very young to work for his money. How dared Cora insinuate that he didn’t work? They were opening a new office on the mainland and his mother wanted him to go there to make sure the start-up would go smoothly. He had been very enthusiastic to go until he met Cora. She had shaken up his world and it was hard to leave her behind in London. He should not have left her house like this. Although he was only trying to help, he understood where she was coming from. It must have been indeed hard to find a job as an American. He knew his mother always looked down on Americans, they were loud and annoying according to Violet. But Robert knew better because he had met Cora.

 

When life interrupts, chapter 4

Cora went into the kitchen, Robert stayed behind in the living room. He walked up to the bookcase. There were a decent number of books, and Robert loved the variety. He saw Karin Slaughter, John Grisham, Stephen King, Santa Montefiore, Virginia Woolf, J.R.R Tolkien, Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde, and so many more. He was intrigued by her variety of writers. He picked up a book called Little Woman from Louisa May Alcott, and it was clearly read.

“That is one of my favourites.” Cora’s voice sounded behind Robert.

Guilty Robert put the book back on the shelf. “I am sorry for being nosy.”

Cora stepped closer. “I do not mind.” She took the book in her hands and stroke with her hand over the cover.

Robert saw her eyes soften, and he could see the memories going through her head. “Did you read this one often?”

Cora went back in time in her memory.

‘Time for bed, young lady.’

Cora got tucked in by her dad. He always read to her, before going to sleep, from Little Woman.

“Let Marmee think we are getting things for ourselves, and then surprise her. We must go shopping tomorrow afternoon, Meg. There is so much to do about the play for Christmas night,” said Jo, marching up and down, with her hands behind her back and her nose in the air. Isidor closed the book. “And now it is time to sleep.” He bent down and kissed Cora on her forehead.

Robert watched how Cora drifted away, she was staring at the book. When he saw tears forming in her eyes, he softly touched her arm. “Can I help you in the kitchen?” He tried.

Cora looked up, and she gave Robert a faint smile. She loved the memories of her dad, but at the same time, they made her sad. He had left them too early. “I thought we could have an easy dinner. I put a pizza in the oven, I don’t think either of us will eat much after that exquisite lunch.”

“You are right. We could hop in the supermarket for some dessert?”

“I have some cake left, I baked yesterday and some fresh cream we can whip?” Cora put the book back on the shelf.

“Perfect.” Robert followed Cora to the kitchen. He felt perfectly at home, being here together with Cora. He should tell her about the plans Violet has for him. But not tonight. Tonight was a night to enjoy each others company.

They ended up eating only half of the pizza but still decided to make the dessert.

Cora turned the mixer on to whip up the cream. Suddenly, she felt Robert’s hands on her hips. It made her jump, and the mixer came out of the bowl, and Cora got covered in cream.

Robert started belly laughing and tried to say sorry, but his words got stuck in his laughter.

Cora wiped the cream of her face when Robert took her hand to stop her. He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed the cream off. He then proceeded to kiss her face clean. Cora felt a bit embarrassed at first, but as soon as she felt Robert’s lips on her skin, she relaxed. What a wonderful feeling this was.

Robert turned Cora towards him and pushed his hands in her lower back to pull her closer. He kissed her on the lips, Cora wrapped her arms around him. Her hands rested on his bottom. He felt her fingers squeezing him. She pushed her body even closer to his. Robert’s mind started spinning. He was here at Cora’s place, kissing her again. From the living room, he could hear the tunes of ‘Wasn’t expecting that – Jamie Lawson’ he started moving on the beat and Cora moved with him.

Cora moved her hand to Robert’s shoulder when he started dancing. She leaned her head against his other shoulder and soaked up his warmth and smell. She recognized the scent as being Blue the Chanel. She could smell some lemon, nutmeg, and peppermint.

When the song ended, Robert took Cora’s face in his hands. “Thank you for this dance, Milady.”

Cora smiled up at him. “The pleasure was all mine.”

“Oh, was it?” Robert teased Cora.

Cora got on het tiptoes and kissed him on the lips. “Yes, it was.” Softly she bit his lower lip.

Robert wrapped his arms around her and lifted her up. Cora’s legs wrapped around him, and he walked her towards the wall. He moved his kisses to her neck and got aroused when she laid her head in her neck to give him better access to her skin. He needed both hands to hold her up, but his mouth lowered to her chest.

“We should go upstairs.” Cora moaned.

Robert stopped his kisses. “Are you sure?” He didn’t even know why he asked because it was all he could think of since they entered her home. But he wanted to be the decent man and not suggest it. Now Cora had done it, she paved the way.

“Yes, silly, of course I am sure.” Cora said with a slightly annoyed undertone. She knew Robert wanted more, but he was too much of a gentleman to go for it so soon. Even though they barely knew each other. What could you know about the other person on the third date. But from the moment she kissed him this afternoon, she knew she wanted him.

+++

Cora’s fingers played with Robert’s chest hair, her head resting on his upper arm. Her leg was between his, her calve was itching, but she did not want to move. She felt his fingers stroke the skin on her shoulder. He had shown her what heaven was just now. She was all rosy and content.

Robert pressed his nose in Cora’s curls. He had never felt so complete with a woman. Everything that happened fitted perfectly. He had been a bit insecure about what she would like, but soon they moved in the same rithem, and he would have loved it if it had never stopped. The way her chest moved up and down, how she had felt around him, magical. He felt a little bit guilty. He should tell her about his plans. “Cora?” He started, but as an answer, there was a very soft “Hmmm. ” he felt her breathing slowing down. She clearly was falling asleep. “Never mind, sleep tight.” He pulled up the duvet and tried to sleep himself. Cora’s hand on his chest, he slow puffs of air that she was blowing against his chest made it hard to fall asleep. He did not want to miss any of this feeling. Tomorrow he needed to talk with his mother, maybe they could change the plans.

 

When life interrupts, chapter 3

Cora checked herself once more in the mirror, she was wearing dark jeans with a white blazer on top. She had let her hair loose, just two strands were tied up to keep it out of her face. She felt good about herself today. She was meeting with Robert, and it gave her butterflies thinking about seeing him again. On their last date Robert had asked if he could walk her home, she had declined, but once she was back home, she regretted that decision. She would have loved to spend some more time with him.

Both of them had been busy during the week, but finally it was Saturday again and they would meet at the tube station London Bridge. Cora did not like not knowing where they were going. But she tried to let it go and trust Robert would come up with something nice. She looked at her watch and saw she had to hurry, she could not be late again.

+++

Robert was standing in front of the station, he realised he never said what exit Cora should take. There were several. He decided to wait in front of the big exit, hopefully she would take that exit. He was very early, but he had been nerves and needed to leave the house. He looked at his watch again, 10 more minutes, maybe Cora would come early too? He chuckled, last week she had been late, and the first time the met up, he was also early and she was right on time. So no, she would nog come early. He scanned the street hoping he would see her.

After what felt like a lifetime, he saw a familiar figure, walking towards him, it was Cora. He was relieved she took the main exit.

“You never said which exit to take.” Cora said when she reached him. She laid her hand on his shoulder and kissed his cheek.

“I am sorry.” Robert said looking down. “But you found me.”

Cora hooked her arm in Roberts. “I did, so where are we going?”

Robert breathed out, he noticed he had been holding his breath, but the moment he felt Cora’s hand on his arm he knew it was alright. “You will see, and I think you will like it.”

“Robert!” Cora said slightly annoyed. “Why don’t you just tell me where we are going? I hate not knowing things.”

Robert took in a deep breath. “I know, I noticed that in the last two weeks, but we all have to learn things.” He was not sure if she would like this approche, but he loved surprising the people he cared for. And yes, he cared for Cora, even though they just met, he knew she was special and he wanted her in his life.

Cora stopped walking and looked at Robert. “You are teasing me?” She liked it when a man was assertive, but she was not sure she liked this attitude. Why was he telling her to change, they barely knew each other. Robert’s eyes met with hers and she softened. There was something in his eyes that she could not witstand. He had puppy eyes, he was pleading without saying words. “Oke than, show me where we are going.”

Now Robert had a big smile on his face. “In a couple of minutes you will know where we are going.”

Was he taking her up the Shard? Cora thought, it would be something he could do. Showing her his city. Although her sense of direction was horrible, she knew The Shard was not this direction. She had to admit, she had not been to this area a lot. When they turned a corner, she smelled food and heard a lot of voices.

“Welcome in Borough Market.” Robert said pointing at the stalls in front of them. “One of London’s beautiful markets.”

Cora’s eyes grew. “How did I not know about this place? Look at all that food? Robert, this is a wonderful place, thank you for showing me.” She got on her tip toes and wanted to kiss his cheek on that same time, Robert turned his face and her lips landed on his lips. For a second Cora froze, but when she felt how soft his lips were, she pressed her lips a bit firmer against his.

Robert felt his eyes widen, when her lips touched his, but he did not mind it at all, and quickly closed his eyes. He wrapped his arm around Cora’s back and pulled her in closer. He felt her hand in his neck, her warm body against his. It was early spring, but the day was warm already. They were not wearing jackets.

Suddenly Cora pulled back, realising they were in the middle of the street. Her cheeks slightly red, she looked up at Robert. She saw a confused look in his eyes. Did he not like it? No, he did, because he initiated for the kiss to get more intimate. “I am sorry.” She muttered, knowing she was not sorry, but she did not know what to say.

Robert put his hand in hers. “There is nothing to be sorry about. The only thing I am sorry about, is that we were on the street and could not kiss longer.”

“Always leave something to explore later.” Cora said, while pulling him into the market. She wanted to see more of this place.

Robert followed, he did not expect this day to turn out this perfect, he kissed Cora. Did this happen? Did he really kiss Cora? He could hardly believe it, he had dreamed about how it would be to kiss her, and now he knew. He knew. He had not noticed that Cora stopped walking and was looking at him.

“Are you alright?” She asked. Robert had been mumbling, but she could not understand what he said. He had been staring into nothing and she wondered if he regretted being her with her. Why did she not stop that kiss?

Robert slid his arm over Cora’s lower back and pulled her against him. “I am more than alright.” He lowered his face when Cora looked up at him and planted a kiss on her beautiful lips. She tasted like the strawberries she just tasted. When he pulled back he licked his lips. “I like those strawberries very much.” He joked. “I have another surprise for you, I made a reservation for lunch.

“Oh.” Cora’s face lowered and the smile faded.

“You don’t want to go out for lunch?” Robert said confused. He was misreading all the signals, she was kissing him, but she did not want to have lunch with him?

“Oh, I definitely do, but I thought we would eat something here in this market. Look at all that wonderful food they have.” Cora looked around to see what she would have gotten.

Robert chuckled. “Milady, you just wait and see. Can you follow me?”

Cora followed Robert, they left the market, but turned around a corner and entered a small Italian restaurant. They were guided up a stairs. It was very old but incredibly beautiful. Cora loved the old architecture of this city. Something America was missing, real old buildings. Once upstairs, the waiter pointed at a table at the end of the roof terrace. When Cora sat down, she saw their table was overlooking the market and her face lit up. “Oh, Robert, this is a perfect place. How did you know about this place?”

“Darling.” Robert stopped, shocked by his own words. He looked at Cora and she was still looking at him with a bright smile on her face. “I am born and raised in this city, I know almost all corners.”

“I forgot.” Cora said, taking his hand. “Thank you for letting me in, in the little secrets of the city.” Softly she rubbed her thumb over his hand.

+++

“Can I bring you home? I don’t want to say goodbye yet.” Robert said when he paid the bill. The afternoon had gone by fast. Lunch had taken over 3 hours.

Cora needed to think for a second, was it wise? She shook of that thought, of course it was wise. She felt at home when she was with Robert. She nodded yes and took his hand.

Robert stopped a cab and they got in. Cora rested her head on Robert’s shoulder, her hand rested on Roberts leg, with his hand on top of hers. “I really enjoyed myself this afternoon. Thank you.”

Robert kissed the top of Cora’s head. “Thank you for coming, you are wonderful company.”

Cora turned her face upwards and looked at him. He had strong features, incredible blue eyes. She noticed he had a three day old beard. She moved her hand to his chin and let her fingers go over the stubble. Her hand moved to the back of his neck, where she played with his hair. It was thick and wavy. She felt he lowered his head and she slightly parted her lips to grant him access.

“Ahumm.” Sounded from the drives seat. Cora pulled back from this movie kiss. It truly felt like a kiss you see in movies. Everything was perfect, the song that came out of the radio was ‘La vie en rose’ from Emily Watts. “You are at your destination.”

Slightly ashamed they got out and walked up to Cora’s house.

When life interrupts. Chapter 2

Robert was waiting at the Elizabeth gate, Cora was late. He looked at his watch, did he make a mistake with the time? No, she had said 12.00 o’clock. Rosamund had scolded him for cancelling, he was supposed to go with her to Brighton this weekend. ‘why do you not go with Marmaduke? Robert had suggested. Rosamund was seeing Marmaduke for a couple of months now and he thought it was time they would go for a weekend together.

‘Robert, we planned this weekend months in advance, so you would have time and now you are cancelling, I hope you have a bloody good reason for it.’ Rosamund had said.

‘I am asked to go to the festival in Hyde park and I could not say no.’

‘So your friends are more important than me?’ Rosamund had said with an angry voice.

Robert’s cheeks had coloured red.

‘Oh, it is not because of your friends, you have a date?’ Rosamund inquired.

‘Do not make too much out of it, immediately. This is the second time we are seeing each other.

Rosamund huffed. ‘Stop it Robert, I know you and can see the look that is in your eyes right now. Go for it, I will ask Mama to go with me to Brighton.

Robert let out a sigh, he had hoped she would ask Marmaduke.

+++

Cora was looking at Robert who was standing in front of the gate. She had run a little bit late; she was grading some work and she forgot the time. Luckily, he was still there.

He was wearing a tailored denim trouser, with a woollen sweater on top. He looked very dapper in it. His structured jacket made the look complete.

Quickly she crossed the street and approached him. “I am so sorry for being late.” She started, getting on the tip of her toes to kiss his cheek. She was not short, but Robert was quite tall. To her surprised, Robert rested his hand on her lower back, he pulled her in a little and kissed her cheek.

“I thought you had forgot about me.”

‘Never.” Cora exclaimed, covering up her mouth the moment she said it. She felt heat going up into her cheeks. Where was her filter? She was never like this, she was always seen as the shy girl, who never said a word, only when absolutely necessary. And now look at her, what did this man do to her?

“Are we here to day dream or are we going in.” Robert pulled her back on earth, with his words.

Cora smiled. “I am sorry, we are here to go in. There is a band playing I love.”

“Then we will find a place to sit and listen to them.” He offered her his arm and automatically she slid her hand in.

Walking besides him felt perfectly natural, as if they walked like this weekly, or even daily. How was it possible they only met last week. She should thank Richard for taking her with him to that party.

+++

Robert had asked Cora to stay and grab something to eat after the festival. So now they were sitting inside a pub. They ordered the same food. When Cora said she wanted Sausage & Mash, Robert almost laughed. Cora had looked at him with raised eyebrows and an annoyed look on her face.

“I am sorry, I am not laughing at you. I was about to say the same thing. I also want Sausage & Mash.” He saw Cora’s expression soften again. “I truly did not mean to laugh.” He reached over the table to touch her hand. His fingers rested on the back of her hand. He curled his thumb and touched the inside of her hand. He saw a smile on Cora’s face and dared to take her whole hand in hers.

“I enjoyed myself today. Thank you for coming.” Cora said softly.

Robert’s fingers slowly brushed over Cora’s hand. This feeling was new to him, but he was loving it. “Thank you for asking me.” He smiled up at her. He saw her blue eyes looking back at him. “I am wondering.” He started. He was not sure how to ask her, he did not want to offend Cora. He felt Cora’s fingers close a little bit more around his hand. It encouraged him to ask it anyway. “Your accent. Where is it from?”

Cora had been waiting for this question. It had taken Robert a long time to ask. Usually men asked right away, when she started talking, but not Robert. He was so different; he gave her a feeling that he was really interested in her. “I am not born here in England.” She said.

“Let me guess, where you are from then.” Robert smiled. “You are not from Australia, also not New Zeeland, you accent isn’t coming from there. There is a hint of British in in, but you just said you were not born here. Or wait, you said you were not born in England. No, it is also not Wales.”

Cora laughed, was he kidding. Her accent was clear. Although she indeed had picked up the English accent over the last years. “I am from Cincinnati, America.”

“Yes, of course. How did I not think of that.”

“And you? Are you born in England?” Cora felt her cheeks turn red, this was a stupid question of course. He was a typical English gentleman, you only had to look at his clothes and saw his English blood. She pulled her hand back when the waiter brought their food.

Robert waited for them to be alone again before he answered Cora’s question. She had looked cute with those red cheeks, she was quite shy, something he could appreciate. He did not like loud and obnoxious woman. “I am indeed born in England, although not in London.” He stopped himself, he was not sure if he wanted to tell her his history already. “Do you have brothers or sisters?” He asked instead.

“One younger brother, Harold. You?”

“I have a sister Rosamund, she is also younger, but acts as if she is older.” He chuckled, Rosamund had always taken care of him, she was making sure he did not do something stupid, although she could not prevent everything. He remembered that day he went out ice fishing with John. They thought the ice was thick enough, but as soon as he set foot on the ice it had gone wrong. He did not try, no he just run onto the ice and the ice started making noise. John had pleaded him to come back, but he had said, that it was just noise, nothing would happen. But before he could finish his sentence he had been swimming in the ice cold water.

“Can you share?” Cora asked, she had seen Robert’s expression and wanted to know the story. They had finished eating and the plates had been taken away.

“I will, one day. But only if you promise to go out again with me.”

“You are blackmailing me!” Cora said, semi-upset.

“I just need to see you again, this can’t be our last meeting.” Robert was shocked by his own words and lowered his eyes. Cora got up, what scared Robert, did he make a mistake? She put on her coat and smiled down at him. He felt her fingers under his chin when she lifted it. She kissed his cheek.

“I want to see you again too.” She said. “But now I have to go.”

Robert also got up. “Can I walk you home?”

“No.” Cora said firm. “Not yet.” She continued, on a softer tone

 

When life interrupts

Robert and Cora meet at a party and have an instant connection. They fall in love, but life gets in the way. Will they be together?

+++

Robert (31) Cora (28)

Robert took a big gulp from his pint. Was Cora coming, or was he going to be stood up? He met Cora last week at a company party. He was invited by his best friend John to come with him.

It turned out Cora was also a plus one. They had chatted the rest of the evening and decided they wanted to see each other again. Today was that day, but was she really coming?

When she walked towards him that evening, she seemed to him the epitome of grace. He had drowned in her blue eyes, her sweet face surrounded by her chestnut brown curls. Her soft and warm voice had mesmerised him. He had never met a woman like Cora, and he instantly knew he wanted to know her better.

“You are miles away.”

Robert shook up from his daydreaming by Cora’s voice. He looked up and she was standing next to the table. Quickly, he got up and kissed her cheek. “Thank you for coming.” He said while smelling her wonderful scent.

Cora smiled, Robert was a good-looking man, she thought. His blue eyes were pleasant, and he was overall a good-looking man. She had really regretted going to that party, but the moment she laid eyes on Robert, she knew why she was there. She never had felt something like she felt the moment she looked into his eyes. It was such a strange feeling, as if they had met each other before.

“What are you drinking?” Robert asked, while he hold out her chair.

“I would love a Syrah, if they have it here. Otherwise a Pinot Noir is good too.”

Robert was pleasantly surprised when Cora asked for a Syrah, a good earthy wine. He almost regretted his pint.

“You look surprised.” Cora noted.

Robert felt caught. “Yes.” He stuttered. “I was not expecting you to order a specific wine. Most woman I go out with just order a red wine and don’t know anything about it.”

“So you go out with a lot of woman?” Cora laughed.

“That is not what I was saying.” Robert felt his cheeks colour.

Cora reached for his hand and briefly touched his. “I am just kidding. My father taught me a lot about wines.”

“Your father is a man I would like to meet.” Robert saw Cora’s face change and scolded himself for making this remark. They barely knew each other and here he was suggesting to meet her father. “I never meant…… I did not imply….. I am sorry.”

Cora lowered her eyes. “My father died two years ago.” she said. The moment she looked up into Robert’s eyes, she felt tears stinging in her eyes. It was two years already, but it felt like yesterday her mother called. She rushed back home, but did not make it in time. In Robert’s eyes she saw so much compassion that it was hard not to cry.

“I am sorry to hear that.” Robert did not know what to say, he felt stupid. “Is your mother still around?” He saw a little smile on Cora’s face, much to his relief.

“Yes.” Cora smiled. “She is very much alive. I need to plan a visit soon.” That last part she said more to herself than to Robert. “Enough about me. Are your parents still alive?”

“Oh yes, both are very well. My mother is counting on me to take over the firm, but my father wants that to be my own choice.”

“What kind of company does your father have?” Cora asked

“We build all kinds of software. But I will not bore you with that.” He stopped and looked at Cora for a second, he was trying to figure out where her accent was from. Her skin tone could be that of an English woman, but her accent wasn’t fully English, there were some hints in it, but also something else. “What do you do for a living?”

“Much against my mother’s wishes, I am a teacher.”

Robert’s eyes grew. He was not expecting this answer. He did not really know what he was expecting. He admitted to himself. “What do you teach?”

“I am an art teacher.”

Robert saw Cora’s eyes twinkling when she said that. Why was he so attracted to her? He did not know her at all, but he felt a connection. “That sounds as if you have fun lessons.”

Cora chuckled, a lot of her students weren’t into arts, and she was considering switching schools. Now she was teaching teenagers between 11 and 16, but she would love to teach at the ‘Royal College of Art’, but she was afraid her own skill level wasn’t high enough. “I try to make them fun, let’s leave it at that.”

“Do you want another drink?” Robert pointed at Cora’s empty glass.

“Better not.” She gave Robert a smile. “I have to teach tomorrow morning.” She looked at her watch. “I need to be heading home.”

Robert looked at his own watch, it was 22.00 o’clock already, time had gone by fast. He got up, and helped Cora in her jacket. “Thank you for coming, may we do this again?”

Cora did not want to leave yet, but she needed to be in school at 8 in the morning. She never had been a night owl. Normally, she was already preparing to go to bed and read some before falling asleep. “I would love to.” She said while she felt her cheeks colour. Was she too frank by saying this? She never understood the way people communicated here. It was so different to what she was used too.

“Next week, same place, same time?” He said.

Cora was silent for a second. She did not want to wait a whole week. “There is a free festival this weekend in Hyde Park. We could go there. If you have time.” She quickly added.

Robert was surprised. “I do not have any plans.” He made a quick note in his head to cancel Rosamund, she would understand.”

“Good.” Cora said. “I will see you at 12 at the Queen Elizabeth gate.” She kissed his cheek and left. She felt a little bit embarrassed because she was taking the lead. What would Robert think? Maybe he did not like it when a woman took initiative.

Back at home, she changed into her pyjamas. She had put down all the papers she needed for class. She laid her head down and closed her eyes. Immediately, she saw Robert’s face, his sweet eyes. He had been looking at her with so much genuine interests. She bed she would sleep good tonight.