Chapter 41 A Rough Day

Chapter 41 A Rough Day
Corran

I am sitting at my desk, working away. It has been a good few days. I have been spending a lot of time with April. It is nice to have her back, even if it isn’t easy to ignore the ever-growing tension between us. I have to respect her wishes. My phone vibrates against the table, pulling me from my thoughts. I check and see that April is calling me. I am surprised. I didn’t expect to hear from her. I am seeing her tonight anyway. We are going to see a film and have dinner. 

I pick it up and answer it quickly. “Hey.” I chirp. 

“Hi, are you free for a coffee?” she sighs. 

“April, are you okay? You sound stressed.” 

I can hear in her voice. 

“I am having a tough day. I was talking to one of my colleagues when Corbin came up. The next thing I know, nearly everyone knows and is asking questions, looking at me sympathetically. I can deal with it.” 

It was something I also couldn’t handle: the way people would look at you and question things they knew nothing about. 

“Yes, of course. Do you want me to swing by your workplace and pick you up?” 

“Um, I am already outside your workplace.”

“You are?” 

“Yes, I came in the hope that you would be free, even for half an hour. I didn’t want to come up and disturb you. I am sorry if my call interfered with anything. You are the only person I have in my life right now who I can talk to, who understands.” 

“You have nothing to apologise for. I will be down soon.” 

“Thank you, Corran,” she replies before hanging up. 

I sigh and finish what I am doing. I don’t like that she is upset. Why can’t people keep their mouths shut about something they don’t understand? I head out. I am due for my lunch break soon, so it doesn’t matter that I am leaving a little early, though not by much. 

I step outside and look around for her. I see April sitting on a bench, deep in her thoughts. She's too absorbed in her own world to notice me approaching. 

“April.” 

She lifts her head and smiles upon seeing me, but her red eyes reveal she has been crying.

“Thank you for coming.” 

“Always. Do you want to go or stay here for a moment?” I ask. 

“We can go.” 

I extend my hand to her. She accepts it, and I help her stand up. Without a word, I let go of her hand and wrap my arms around her, hugging her tightly to my chest. April buries her face in my suit jacket, hugging back. I sensed she needed a hug. 

I stroke her hair. “I am sorry you are having a tough day, beautiful.” 

I keep hugging her until she's ready to let go. After a minute, she does, and she looks up at me. “I am sure it will pass.” 

I gently brush her hair from her face. “I'm sure.”

“We should go,” April whispers, putting distance between us. 

I nod, and we walk to the café near my office. With so many coffee spots around, there's no need to go far. Inside, we find a table and order coffee. I get some food as well, but April doesn’t, as she’s not hungry. She should eat, but I can’t force her. I'll make sure she has a proper dinner since her breakfast was only coffee and a muffin. She needs more than that to eat in a day. 

“Are you still up for tonight?” 

April may not be in the mood since she is having a bad day. 

“Yes, but could we maybe do something else, like bowling? If I need to sit in silence for two hours for a film, I will get lost in my head. With bowling, it is more active.” 

“Sure, we can do that instead. I know the perfect place. We can bowl and enjoy crazy golf, arcade games and amazing cocktails.” 
“I will never say no to a good cocktail, but only one or two.” 

“There are plenty of places around to eat too, so we can stay in the same area.” 

“Sounds fun. You know this isn’t a date, right?” she says softly. 

“I know it’s not a date, I promise. It’s just two friends hanging out.” I smile. 

It would be a great date if it were one, but what do I know about dating? I haven’t dated in years. Maybe the dating scene has changed, but I won’t find out any time soon, as I won’t be going on any dates. 

“I only wanted to make sure. I want us to be on the same page.” 

“We are…” 

The conversation ends there when our coffee arrives. 

“So, what happened today? Do you want to talk about it?” 

“Honestly, there isn’t much to say. You know how it goes. I am sure I am overreacting.” 

I reach across the table and gently take her hand, giving it a squeeze. “You weren’t overreacting, April. You responded like a normal person would in your situation. I know it’s easier said than done, but try not to let it bother you, let them bother you.” 

April lets out a loud sigh. “I will do my best.” 

“What time suits tonight?” 

It is best to change the subject and distract her from whatever has been stressing her out. I don’t want April to get upset again. 

“Seven-thirty? I should finish about six. That gives me time to get home and get ready.” 

“Yes, that works for me. I should be done around then too.” 

We don’t need to dress up. We can make sure we are comfortable and casual. 

“I will come by and pick you up then. I will book a taxi for us.” 

April nods and takes a sip of her coffee. Still agreeing, but if her day doesn’t get better, she might cancel. My food arrives, and I focus on it. I offer some to April, but she declines. 

She gazes out the window, immersed in her thoughts once more. I decide to give her space. April will come out of it when she's ready, and not sooner. Hopefully, I can persuade her to eat a little before we head back to work.