Commitment

Chapter Twelve

Eddie's one bedroom apartment, was situated in one a of the modern red-bricked three storey block of buildings, that was situated inside a secure gated community

He readily admitted that although it wasn't very big, because of its location in the London borough, it didn't come cheap either. But it suited him for what he needed, as it was quiet and private and people kept themselves to themselves. Which made Paula smile a little in bemusement. imagining Eddie wouldn't be very neighbourly, unless there was some sort of crime committed

He lived on the second floor and as he finally opened the door he ushered her in, she found herself entering a short corridor that then led into a spacious open planned living room and kitchen area. It had a modern minimalist feeling to it, with just the necessary furniture to make it comfortable a padded black leather sofa and chair, shelves that held books and cds, a computer desk in one corner, and a television in the other, as well as a set of occasional tables with a table lamp on them.

A few pieces of artwork hung on the walls which were painted in a neutral light grey. It was all very neat and tidy. A small chrome and glass rectangular dining table, with four chairs around it separated the living room area from the kitchen

There were no curtains, only blinds on the windows, that looked out onto the back courtyard below

The kitchen contrasted the living room, with bright red and black tiles, and white fitted cupboards, once again Paula realised it felt it had a very clean minimalist feel to it, and no sign of any clutter or mess on the dark shiny granite worktops

"Does your place always look this clean, or is this for my benefit?" she queried teasingly

"Well, I will admit, I did make a special effort knowing you were coming" he admitted with a sheepish grin, "But, I am kind of a neat freak anyway, and I like everything in its place and to be organised"

"Somehow, I had the feeling that would be the case with you" Paula mused as she glanced around her.

"Sit down, make yourself at home, I will just go and leave your bag in the bedroom" he then told her

Paula wasn't sure she could make herself feel at home

Eddie's place felt so different to the shabby two bedroom house that she had lived in all her life with her grandmother. It dated way back to the early 20th century, and had been built to accommodate the workers for the local Mill back in the day. Now it still stood with some patches of damp on the ceilings, and the mish mash of various pieces of furniture that belonged to her grandmother that dated back from the nineteen fifties, right up to the more modern bits and pieces she had recently purchased herself.

But she sat on the sofa, still trying to take in that she was really here, and would be staying overnight, it still felt all a little surreal. It wasn't long before he reappeared again heading towards the kitchen area, "So what can I get you to drink, I bought a few bottles of nice wine, red and white, or there is also gin if you fancy that?" he offered.

"A white wine will do me fine, though it's nice that you have covered all the bases," Paula replied laughingly.

"Well, I had to make sure I could take care of your needs as my special guest," he returned with an easy grin, pulling out two glasses from one of the cupboards before fetching the bottle wine from his refrigerator.

After he poured them both a drink from the bottle, he carried the glasses over with him to join her on the sofa, handing her one of them before he made himself comfortable next to her.

Paula took a sip from her glass, before nodding in approval, "hmm, this is good" she admitted turning her attention on him.

"Good later, I am going to treat you to my own spag Bol, I will be making from scratch" he then informed her taking a sip from his own glass