A rushed morning
Felicity was always in a hurry. She missed everythingwork, coffee dates with friends, even her own birthdays. Today, though, the clock was ticking louder than usual: in two hours she had an interview at a toptier consultancy in the City, and if she flopped, shed be out of a job for at least six months. There were no other offers on the table.
The doubledecker bus pulled up just as she burst from the flat, panting like a dog after a sprint. Felicity lunged forward, only to trip over the curb and go sprawling right in front of the stop. The driver, indifferent as ever, shut the doors and lumbered off.
Bloody hell! she cursed, feeling the sting in her knee and the scratches on her palms.
Need a hand? a man asked, leaning over.
She glanced up to meet chestnut eyes, dark hair, and a faint, apologetic smile.
Thanks, but its a lost cause now, she muttered, getting to her feet. The bus has gone, and the next one isnt due for another twenty minutes.
Where are you off to in such a rush? he pressed.
To an interview. In the centre of town, she replied.
He checked his watch.
Im heading that way myself. Hop in.
She hesitatedfor a moment she wondered if he was a creepbut the minutes were slipping away.
Are you sure?
Absolutely. By the way, Im Rupert.
Felicity, she said.
He turned out to be harmless. The car smelled of freshly brewed coffee and a hint of sandalwood. A soft jazz tune drifted from the radio.
Do you often rescue ladies on the pavement? Felicity asked, trying to break the awkwardness.
Only those who manage to land in front of me, Rupert replied, deadpan, though a twinkle danced in his eyes.
They arrived at the office ten minutes early. Felicity darted out of the car without even asking for his numberjust in case it might come in handy later.
Thanks a lot! she shouted as she hurried away.
Good luck! he called after her.
The interview went surprisingly well. Felicity left the sleek glass building feeling lighthearted and grinning. As she stepped onto the pavement, she ran straight into Rupert, who was waiting by the entrance with two steaming mugs.
How did it go? he asked.
Brilliant! But why are you here? she wondered.
I was waiting, he said.
For what?
To hear the outcome and, if you have a moment, suggest we celebrate over a cuppa. After all, weve got a reason to toast.
Felicity laughed.
Theres definitely a reason, and Ive got all the time in the world. Theyve offered me the job, but I start in a month.
Even better! Lets mark it with a proper British coffee break.
They spent three hours in a cosy café, swapping stories about books, holidays, and the odd mishap. Rupert turned out to be a design engineer who adored classic films and loathed olives. Felicity confessed her love for painting and that, as a child, shed dreamed of being a ballerinauntil a broken leg from a puddlejumping stunt sent her packing.
So, youre into falls, Rupert observed.
And youre into catching them, she retorted.
They kept seeing each other throughout that month, almost daily. Some days they strolled through HydePark, other times they drove out to the Cotswolds, and once a sudden drizzle forced them to sprint back to the car, slipping and laughing all the way.
I told you you tumble too often, Rupert teased, shaking the water from her jacket.
But youre always there to pick me up, she replied.
On her first day at the new job, Rupert met her at the office holding a bouquet of pink peonies.
Whats this for? she asked, surprised.
Just because, he said with a grin.
Six months later, he declared his love not in a park or a restaurant, but back at that very bus stop where they first collided.
Remember how you fell? he began.
How could I forget?
Ever since then I havent gotten up either. You knocked me flat on my feet.
Felicity burst into laughter, her eyes sparkling.
Thats the oddest way to say I love you, she said.
But its honest, he replied.
They married a year later.
By the time Felicity was expecting, Rupert took her once more to the fateful stop for a nostalgic look.
See, he pointed at the pavement, theres even a nick from your keys here.
Liars, she giggled, stooping to inspect. Her baby bump made the bend a little harder than before.
Rupert caught her elbow before she could tumble.
Careful, youre about to fall again.
Not fallingjust a new sense of balance, she joked.
He rested his hand on her rounded belly.
Is our little passenger settled? he asked.
Just woke up, Felicity said, placing his palm over the spot where the baby was nudging.
Rupert froze with that goofy smile he always wore when feeling the kicks.
What if the bus hadnt left that day? Felicity mused, hugging his waist.
Id still have found you, he interrupted. Maybe at the GP, the supermarket, the car park, or the park where you love to read.
A romantic, she teased, poking him in the ribs.
A realist, he shot back.
They walked slowly to the car. Felicity now moved as if cradling a delicate vase rather than a squirming little human.
You know, Rupert said suddenly, opening the car door for her, Im now juggling two passengers.
Felicity pressed his hand to her cheek.
Think you can manage?
Well give it a go, he replied, planting a kiss on her crownthe same one he always gave when words felt too mushy.
A month later, when they were hauling a wailing bundle out of the maternity ward, Felicity burst out laughing.
Look at him, a proper hurryup like his mother! He couldnt wait for his due date.
Rupert, eyes fixed on the road, slipped his fingers over her fingers.
Just hope he doesnt inherit your knack for falling.
Dont worry, Felicity smiled, watching their calm newborn. Hes got you to keep him upright.
