Chapter Text
Robin could not remember the last time since she escaped the clutches of her ex husband that she was in such a bad mood.
After her shower she looked at herself in the bathroom mirror turning from one side to the other trying to be critical. She didn't look too bad, yes she had filled out a bit since her Matthew days but you couldn’t say she was fat (although he would be pinching and measuring her fat layers, monitoring her food and looking up the cost of breast reduction).
She suddenly remembered that her psychology lecturer claimed the best way to see what others see was to look at a photograph.
She padded into the lounge, disconnected her phone from the charger then took it back into the bathroom with its strong lights and full length mirror. She spent the next few minutes taking pictures of herself from different angles, she even tried a couple of cheeky poses inspired by her burlesque dance class with Vanessa and April. She ended up giggling that lifted her mood a little. Realising she was now running late she dressed quickly deciding on a coffee and bagel breakfast from the new franchise near the station to save time.
By the time she arrived at Denmark street her original fug mood had returned prompted by a text from Roy, last night’s date wanting to set up another. Robin put him off citing a busy work schedule hoping he would get the message and not persist.
Robin could hear Pats impressive typing speed as she entered the Office.
“Morning Pat” She hung her coat up and turned to the Office Manager who looked up and stopped typing, summing up the young woman in front of her.
“No good then” she surmised, causing Robin to groan and shake her head.
“No.” Robin was going to leave it there but her earlier mood crashed down on her.
“Why is it that men have no idea how to kiss, shoving your tongue down someone's throat to tonsil level is hardly a turn on then wet slurping your neck while you're trying to recover. UGH” Robin shuddered, her face screwed up in disgust. She suddenly realised that Pat was looking past her towards the door of the inner office. Spinning around she saw Strike standing in the doorway, a file in his hands looking bemused.
“And you can keep your comments to yourself” She snapped walking past him into their office.
“What?” Strike gave the file to Pat.
“You wont understand,” Pat advised.
“Why not?” Strike frowned at her trying to guess what she knew that he didn't.
“Because you're a man” Pat said airily turning back to her typing with a finality that spoke of dismissal.
Strike glanced back to where he could see Robin working with her laptop, then back to Pat who glanced up at him one eyebrow raised.
“Going for a smoke” He shrugged into his coat and left.
“S’up Bunsen” Shanker slid into the seat opposite Strike who had been nursing a coffee long enough for it to be cold. ”Thought you’d be busy”
“I am, we are, I just needed to get out of the office” Strike ordered more coffee Shanker added pastries to the order.
“You got the look Bunsen have you upset your Robin”
Strike nearly snorted into his coffee
“What look and she’s not MY Robin”
“Men get that look when a woman does somfin they don't understand.”
“No, I haven't upset her. Well I don't think I have he added”
“There you go you don't know do ya” Shanker grinned his gold teeth glinting.
“I know she had a date last night and from what I heard it didn’t go well, something about wet kissing and too much tongue”
“Why is she looking around, you two should be cosy by now.”
Strike rolled his eyes. “Not you too. We’re business partners, good friends, and mates. Anything more and it gets complicated, threatens the business.”
“Complicated?” Shanker repeated the word like he was tasting it shaking his head.
“You don’t find er attractive? Don't miss er when she's not with you? Have to sit on your hands to stop yous giving er a hug or kiss? Call er up just to hear er voice? Get real worried if she's late?”
‘Shut up Shanker, you're talking rubbish. It wouldn’t work if Robin and I were a couple. Bringing personal feelings into the office. We’re professionals running a serious business”
“Mate you forget who drove you up North after you got the ripper, I watched you two, she wanted you there, wanted YOU not im. I saw your reaction to her flinching away from that twat when he grabbed her injured arm.” Shanker leaned forward across the table making Strike look into his face.
” I watched er walk into your arms on them stairs and saw what woz between you. Woz more than whatever you’re still trying to label it. I couldn't believe you let er go back to im I blamed it on concussion. You knew then the business needed both of you and both of you needed each other.
Mr and Mrs Tchan, them wiv four kids own the best Chinese restaurants in Soho. Jim and Joe run Box N Go Fresh Veg To Your Door. Hasim and Karis run one of the busiest Medical Practices in London.So aren't they professionals? The place is full of ‘em couples running businesses..
Strike shifted in his chair “What's your point? “ This would be the longest speech he could remember Shanker ever making.
“Bunsen, you know what I’m saying. All them people run successful businesses TOGETHER being committed couples has grown their business not ruined it” Shanker grinned again picked up Strike's pastry and sauntered away.
“Pastry thief “ Strike shouted after him. Shanker just sent him a signal with a finger behind his back.