“I think I should be going to bed,” he said, reaching back and using the edge of the couch to lift himself into a standing position.
“I’m sorry,” said Benjamin. “I don’t know why I did that.”
A smile flickered on Clarke’s lips. “You were just caught up in the moment, sir.” And with that he turned and left the room.
* * * *
The following day Benjamin slept in until mid-morning. He could hear a lawn mower and assumed it was Nev, the garden man. He stumbled into the bathroom, went to the toilet then took a shower. After drying off and dressing he went downstairs for copious amounts of coffee.
“Good morning, sir,” Clarke said, barely able to look Benjamin in the eye. “Coffee?”
Benjamin nodded. “Yes, please.” His eyes stayed on Clarke’s face as he poured the coffee. “Clarke, I’m sorry about last night.”
Clarke smiled weakly. He glanced at Benjamin. “There’s nothing to be sorry about, sir. It’s all forgotten.”