Warmth | ✔️ #wattys2021

16. 11 hours

They talked to each other frequently now.

Adam could get Nora a job in the film industry based in London and she pretty much burst out into tears as she heard the news. Adeline initially feared she'd leaver her for LA too. But as Nora stayed and was actually in a good mood now Adeline was happy for her friend and thankful for Adam's help.

They would face time every night, talking about their days and feelings (besides the one they had for each other of course) and make one another laugh for an hour or so. Until she went to sleep and his lunch break was over. He'd usually eat something fancy he found at the catering on set and once in a while a famous friend was seen at his side too or peaked into the picture for a second. She was actually sure she saw a glimpse of Matt Damon one night but Adam was so secretive and stated that he signed an NDA so he can't say anything.

That was pretty much her month. Uni, work, Adam. And it was a good routine but sometimes she felt lonely. Nora's employment and her new boyfriend made them barely see each other and the flat felt oh so empty once in a while. She didn't know if she should start dating again. Adeline still felt deeply for Adam and actually hoped they'd get back to being a couple again when he'd be back. Which was in about 2 weeks, initially he said it'd take one month but it ended up taking longer and even though that wasn't much after having survived  thirty days she didn't like it.

Their friend group planned another meet up when he was back and as Adeline made friends with Kate from her class now she thought she could invite her too and secretly set her up with George. Who was still single, searching and pitied by their whole  group.

*

As Adam traveled back home to London he felt nothing but excitement. The movie he shot was so much fun working on and probably going to be a huge success. Plus, he made some new friends and got to do what makes him happiest. Once he landed he'd see Adeline again. He was looking forward to it for the past month. And although that was the case he couldn't help but feel nervous too.

The eleven-hour plane ride was filled with him trying to write a script as he wanted to do so for a while now. But it wasn't satisfying for him, everything he wrote down felt like it wasn't good enough, he wasn't used to that feeling. After only an hour of trying to do so, he gave up and slept most of the flight instead.

Once his private plane landed on London ground he raced through Heathrow with his suitcase. He wanted to erupt least attention possible and at the same time get to see Adeline quickly. Getting out, only now seeing how sunny it is he spotted Adeline standing in front of her old green car smiling. She wore a simple shirt paired with a long flowery skirt, her hair was wavy and open and she looked heavenly to him. Adam suddenly felt bad that he wore such big clothes and didn't give an effort in his looks at all. His brown hair was all messy and only this black pair Ray Bans could hide his dark circles.

Once she spotted him Adeline grinned and said Hi. "Hey, love!" He said back and hugged her tightly into him.

"Get in loser, we're going shopping!" She joked.

As he did she started driving and they talked lightly on the trip to his house.

"So, how was your flight?"

"Very long but I'm here now so it doesn't matter."

"Right." She said and well, this was kind of awkward.

Inside they both felt giddy about being so close to one another again but then again, they knew they had boundaries. The rest of the ride was spent in comfortable silence until they arrived in Knightsbridge.

"Here we are!" Adeline parked in front of his house and they looked at each other intently. Normally they would kiss now but they knew that wasn't right anymore. As much as both wanted it the obstacles in their minds kept them from doing so. And although they were good again both parts still holt slight grudges and regrets within themselves, not strong enough to talk them out just yet.

"Do you want to come in with me? We could watch a movie or something and order food I'm actually very hungry."

"Are you sure?" She asked not knowing if that was a real request or just a hidden offer for sex. "I mean I would like to but didn't you just have a very long plane trip?"

"I did but I waited to spend time with you for over a month now, I can't wait any longer. Besides I'm used to such long trips, I'll be fine."

"Okay then." Adeline said and smiled still not sure how sincere his intentions were but she didn't mind. He made her feel too good in his near.

When they got in he told her to sit down on his expansive couch and choose a movie while he ordered Chinese and made sure everything was still at its place.

"Have you decided for one, love?" He came back, wearing fresh clothes.

"Hmm...I'm thinking "He's just not that into you"? Perhaps."

"Yea sure, press play. Food will be here in 20!" He said and dropped next to her while she did as he said. They weren't particularly close but not far from one another either. The blanket they shared must have given off a comfy vibe to her and she began to think the movie wasn't an excuse.

"Ok, wait- do you have popcorn?" Adeline asked.

"No, don't think so. I don't really like it."

"Are you serious? You're an actor for god's sake and you don't like popcorn?"

"Guess I'm really special, aren't I?"

"Especially weird, yes!"

"Hey!" He countered and pushed her playfully.

The movie was in full swing, their food sat on their laps and Adeline couldn't help but wonder:

"Hey, do you know any of those actors, like for real?"

"Hmm...met Drew Barrymore once but I've never really worked with any of them, no."

"Oh, wow how is she like?" She asked and while that question sparked actual interest it also reassured her of just how different life's they were living.

"Very sweet, only met her briefly though."

"Mhm."

One scene made Adeline and Adam shift in their seats uncomfortably: Scarlett Johannson just undressed and jumped into the pool with Bradly Cooper watching her desperately as they proclaimed to be "just friends". It was hot to watch and perhaps Adeline imagined it was her and the man next to her whom she craved like the characters in the movie one another.

Adam holt his hand in front of his mouth to cover his grin that was placed on his face as the scene made him think of the escapades he shared with the woman who was so close by now that he could feel her breath on his ear. He wanted her. Physically and mentally. He didn't seek what the characters in the movie had —not anymore, not with her. Adam wanted her to be his again but didn't know how to approach the topic. Perhaps it was enough already that she still liked him enough to be his friend or that she apparently forgave him.

*

A/N: Picking a movie for a book you write is even harder than picking it for yourself to watch.