A Fighting Chance

Forced Hands

As I got back to the 25th floor where the executive offices were , I saw Kevin and Tom walking towards me. Neither was looking particularly happy and my stomach churned. Tom saw me first and his face brightened, extending his hands he pulled me into a hug, kissing my cheek then turning us to face Kevin

"Darling, this is Kevin - the Head Honcho the Big Cheese the...." He was interrupted by Kevin, laughing.

"I'm just the man who just pays for everything round here, it's these guys " he indicated Tom "that bring the bacon home" and they both seemed a little less strained.

"Well, I'm very VERY please to meet you " I said offering my hand. He shook it gravely, bowing.

"That's what you said to do isn't it?" he said in a loud side whisper to Tom as I curtseyed back "You English are always so formal!" I burst out laughing.

"Just one flaw in that Kevin - I'm not English, I'm Scottish and proud of it!" he grabbed me immediately and pulled me into a bear hug.

"Well why didn't you say so? Hugs all round!" and that was it. The ice broken. It was time for lunch so the three of us went to a little Italian Kevin knew locally. We ordered meals and some wine and Tom held up his glass,

"To new projects, old friendships and continued success!"

We clinked glasses and I took a small sip, putting my glass down so I wouldn't be tempted to drink any more. Tom looked at me oddly, but I pretended to stifle a yawn and it seemed to placate him. Me and tiredness and alcohol were not a good mix. Especially when he was trying to impress the boss.

Lunch passed in a flurry of good food and good chat. There was one awkward moment when a fan came up to us and wanted to take a photo of Tom, ordinarily something we just got on with. This time however, they wanted me in it too, for some odd reason. I really wasn't comfortable, we hadn't quite gone 'red carpet' official and I didn't want to land him in hot water. For a second I hesitated then Kevin stepped in,

"Sure thing ma'am - lets have the three of us eh? You get Loki and his two Midgardian Associates for the price of one!" All was sorted. After she went away, grinning like a lunatic, Kevin turned to us and said with a smile,

"You two gonna get your act together any time soon?" he turned to Tom as he pointed with his fork at me "If you don't make a dishonest woman of her soon, I just might!" Tom just looked at him with a neutral expression and I wanted to curl up with embarrassment. Kevin was just being sweet, but the fact Tom hadn't reacted made me worried. He'd never been so reticent before. Something was up.

I found out what that something was when we got back to the hotel.

He'd been even quieter on the way back than he had on the way out. I tried to speak to him, but got monosyllables in return so I gave up. My heart and my mind were racing. Had he somehow found out I was lying to him? Was he so angry he couldn't speak to me? I had betrayed the very promise our relationship was based on. I felt sick and scared. I hated the silence.

Walking back into the room, I closed the door and leant on it. Taking a deep breath I followed him into the sitting area of our suite. It was large and airy, full length windows along one side giving a perfect view of Atlanta. It opened onto a private balcony. The balcony I was now hoping to have dressed with a romantic meal for two when the time came. Having seen his reaction today, I wasn't even sure that time would come.

Sitting on one of the large cream sofas Tom looked far from comfortable. He sat on the edge, elbows on knees, head in his hands. As I came and sat next to him, he immediately got up and walked to the window, hands in his pockets. Now I genuinely feared the worst.