Backup Girl [Tom Hiddleston] {EBT book 2/4}

Aftermath

Kate was in the airport lounge again, this time with Ed Sheeran, which was a slightly different experience. She was trying to enjoy it and wondering if she would ever have this weight lifted from her chest.
Her phone rang in her pocket and she wondered if Tom knew she was thinking about him. He had stopped trying to call her after the first day and hadn't sent a text since yesterday. She hoped that was a good sign.
It wasn't Tom on the phone, but Inspector Parsons.
"It's good news Kate, he's being charged today under the domestic violence act. We have a good case, and you'll be granted a domestic violence protection order when you come back. We've also put in orders for your family since we know he's contacted them before. We might need to make arrangements for a formal statement but I'll let you know, we may be able to wait until you're back. We should have a court date set after the hearing. I also need to warn you this means it will be made public and your name will probably be mentioned. I wish I could prevent that but it's almost impossible. Is Tom with you?"
"Ah, no. Tom and I are no longer together. So he will hopefully not have to deal with any of this. I'm actually at Heathrow about to leave for Europe."
"Oh I'm sorry to hear that. I'll let you know as soon as we have a date, should be about 3 months away."
"OK I need to let my agent know as well. Thank you."
"Thank you, Kate. Without your evidence we couldn't have charged him."
She hung up, sent a message to Naomi and called Luke. "Hey, aren't you on a plane?"
"Is that Kate?" She heard in the background.
"Luke you need to be alone for this please."
"OK hold on." She thought she heard Tom sigh in the background.
"OK, what's up?"
"Cops just called, he's being charged today. It will be made public so I'll probably be mentioned. I'm not sure what you can do but I'm about to board the plane."
"Kate do you want me to warn Tom?"
"I don't know. I still hope he won't have to deal with it. I'll leave it up to you."
"Gee thanks. You're welcome, he's your client, and I have to go." She hung up.
"Everything OK?" Ed asked as she put away her phone.
"Yes. As good as it can be."

Kate had always imagined touring might be fun, but she had no idea. Her wrist was almost 100% now, she still had exercises and the brace if she needed it, but she could play the whole concert now without pain. Kate's confidence was growing with every gig and by the end of the second week she was enjoying every minute without nerves, even when Ed occasionally put her on the spot, which was now almost every night. By the final week though she was getting fatigued, the late nights and early flights catching up with all of them. She had put the court proceedings out of her mind for now, there was plenty of time for that later and she wouldn't be needed for another month after the tour finished. Thankfully the fans were only interested in Ed, but now that her split with Tom and the court case were public knowledge the media were following her everywhere wanting to know what happened. Knowing she wasn't allowed to talk about the case they focused on Tom, speculating that he had dumped her, or she was having an affair with Ed Sheeran (she always laughed at that one). The accepted story was that she was returning to Australia and had broken it off, but that wasn't exciting enough to write about.
They arrived for the show in Berlin and Kate got dressed in her usual blacks. She had a few variations, all with sequins. Tonight she chose a long tank with an uneven hem and tight black pants with black pumps. She still wore her necklace and bracelet everywhere and they sparkled in the bright stage lights. Every night was different and tonight Ed informed her they were performing Thinking out loud as a duet with just his guitar. As with most things he sprung on her now she took it in her stride sang it with him. It was one of the songs she struggled with some nights, it was one that had reminded her of Tom when she first heard it and the association had stuck, it made her emotional every time. After finishing the show Kate showered and changed and they piled in to the car to go back to the hotel. "4th last show drinks tonight, you in?" Ed asked on the way back.
"Why 4th last show?
"I thought a good reason might convince you, you haven't come out with us the last few nights," he shrugged.
"I guess 4th last show is as good as any," Kate smiled. She was wearing faded jeans, pink Cons and a hoodie and thought about changing but didn't have the energy. It would only be them in the bar anyway, she hoped.

They found a booth in a corner and Ed got the first round of drinks. When he returned he handed them out and said "I need to steal Kate away for a minute."
"What's up?" She said as they walked away from the booth.
"I made him promise it would be your choice, he couldn't just turn up and surprise you."
"Huh?"
"Tom is here, Kate. He wants to see you." Kate groaned and immediately wished she'd changed her clothes. "If you don't want to see him he'll go, no questions asked."
"No its fine. Where?"
"Over in the other corner booth. If you need anything, text me."
She walked warily to the other corner of the bar and Tom stood up, smiling cautiously. "Hello Kate,"
"Hi. What are you doing here?" Kate tried to focus on anything but him, knowing that if she looked in his eyes she'd fall in.
"I was in town and Ed got me tickets for the show, and-"
"You were at the show?"
"Yes. You were amazing by the way. How is your wrist handling it?"
"It's fine."
"I needed to see you. And you wouldn't answer my calls so I had to do something drastic. Can we talk?"
"Tom, nothing has changed. I guess you've heard about Dean, and I hope you haven't been affected by it. But I'm still going back, I have to."
"I know. I'll go, I'm sorry. It was good to see you and I'm so glad I got to see you on stage, you looked almost as beautiful as you sounded."
Before Kate could say anything he turned and left. Kate thought about going to her room but instead went back to the table. "Oh this doesn't look good," Ed said when she sat down. "I didn't think we'd see you until tomorrow."
"I can't be giving him hope when nothing's changed."
"But it has changed, Kate. Everything you wanted to hide is out in the open, and the world hasn't imploded. You have a court date and when it's over you can come back to London. If your feelings have changed that's different, but you're not protecting him from anything now, you're just hurting both of you." He shrugged and took another sip of his wine. "Just saying."
Kate didn't know what to say, or what to think. After a moment she stood up and walked away without saying anything, sitting back at the booth where Tom had been to try and make sense of her thoughts. She sent a text to Tom: 'are you still in Berlin?' Her phone rang immediately and she answered. "I am probably closer than you think and I thought I should explain. I'm staying at your hotel, I didn't know you were staying here or I would've chosen a different one if I could."
Kate giggled softly. "So you're stalking me now? Classy."
She heard Tom laugh, just a little. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have ambushed you like that. I won't do it again."
"It's ok, I shouldn't have been so short with you. Can we talk?"
"Sure, do you want me to come there or do you want to come up?"
"Is it ok if I come up?"
"Of course it is. Room 347. I'll see you shortly."