Love & War

Chapter 9

(Toms POV)

After Anna walked away with RDJ, I round on Luke, “seriously, yes you should. I told you she wasn’t that. She’s a highly respected Lieutenant Commander. She’s brilliant, funny, and compassionate. And I know for a fact, she could have kicked your ass, instead of walking away.” I can’t help but smile to myself.

“So, then I should ask you how you guys met? Is she on the cast as an extra or something?” Luke asks me as he herds me to my room.

“Actually, she’s best friends with Hemsworth, but we actually went to school for a year together. That was the best year I had. I had a crush on her back then, but one day turned on me and told me I was a stuck up asshole, which she told me that one of my friends played a prank on her with my name signed to it. But I’m going to fix it, I swear.”

“How?” he asks as I open my door and walk in.

“For starters, we are supposed to have lunch at one. I would like us to stay in contact while she’s overseas. We haven’t seen each other in 13 years. I’m sure a lot has changed, for both of us, but the spark is still there, I felt it.” I’m digging through my clothes, nothing seems good enough to wear, and I look over at Luke who is openly staring at me. “What are you staring at?”

That seems to shake him out of his thoughts as he looks away, “Oh sorry, you just made me think of someone from a long time ago.” I laugh. “Ok, so you have an interview at 4, do you want me to move it back, like 5 or 6?” I agree with 5 since that’s when she’s needed on base. I’m finally dressed in another pair of dress pants, and my favorite light blue button up, when a familiar thunderous knock sounds on my door. “Holy crap, do you think she came back to kill me?” Luke jumps from his chair and moves further into the room.

I’m laughing loudly as I open the door to reveal Hemsworth with Robert, Jeremy, Evans and Mark behind him. “Come on in, guys.” Luke visibly relaxes.

“I ought to kick your ass, but since Anna would hurt me for interfering in her life, I won’t. I will say this. Don’t be a prick, don’t string her along, and don’t fuck it up. Now, can we play some Xbox before we have to go to our next events,” Hemsworth bluntly tells me as he makes his way to the TV.

“I brought a new game. I’m gonna whip all of you,” Evans pipes up handing me Call of Duty: Black Ops II. “I should ask Anna if these games are accurate,” he says as he sits next to Hemsworth, taking a controller from him.

We’ve been playing for almost an hour and a half, switching between teams, when Hemsworth’s phone goes off. He frowns as he sends a reply, but doesn’t say anything.

“Well I have to go, I have an interview in 20 minutes,” Jeremy tells the group. “Come on Mark, you might as well hitch a ride, you have one with the same guy after mine.” Both guys get up, saying their goodbyes and walk out, as Hemsworth’s phone goes off again. Again he frowns at his phone as he types his response.

“Chris, you ok? What’s got you so frowny faced,” Robert asks him.

“Nothing, I just hate being the middle man in conversations,” he responds and looks at me. “Apparently Anna needs to cancel your lunch plans, some emergency on base. And I have to tell you because she doesn’t have your number.”

“Wait, what? Do you think she’s sincere about work, or do you think Luke scared her off?” I say as I leap out of my chair and begin to pace, “And if she really wanted my number she could have easily gotten it from my security guy. No I think she’s lying, maybe she doesn’t feel the spark, maybe there is no feeling on her part. I think she’s just trying to find a way to cancel without hurting my feelings. Chris, can I use your phone. I’m gonna call her, and if she doesn’t answer I’ll just have to track her down.”