Tea for Two

No more...

It was just after 11.30 when Tom walked into Annie's again.  He waved to her as he sat down and she nudged Sarah who was standing memorising today's specials, her back to the door. 

"Customer" she said quietly, "Go on, you got this.  Remember the specials and SMILE this isn't torture!" she grinned and Sarah shot her a look.

"Maybe if you weren't such a great cook, look at all this! I'll never remem...." she trailed off as she turned and saw who the customer was. "oh shit."  She had no time to be nervous, a massive push in her back sent her on her way.

"M- morning Mr Hiddleston!" she said with a touch more force than was strictly required.  He looked up from the menu, a bit startled, then smiling broadly. 

"Ahhh!" Good Morning Sorry!  And how are we today?  Still confused about who we are?" He was a bit surprised at his own cheek, normally he wouldn't have launched into something like that with someone he barely knew. It was the right thing to do.  

Sarah bit her lip, seemingly thinking.  "No, I think I'm ok today.  Not Sorry today, more Sarah." she smiled and Tom realised he'd missed spotting those lovely eyes the previous day. To be truthful, she'd had them covered in embarrassment for most of the time so.... "What would you like?" her voice broke into his thoughts, 

"Sorry?" 

"No, I think you'll find that's my line" she jumped in quickly and had to swallow her instant fear as she realised just exactly who she was talking to.  He was just so easy to be friendly with. So charming, so handsome, so...

"Tea please - for two.  And a couple of scones, your choice. I can never decide.  Just as long as they're not cheese.  Hate cheese ones." he smiled and winked at her.  She took a mental note and nodded.  

"Tea for two and two cheese scones... coming right up." she walked away, Tom's voice at her back. 

"No, please. no cheese.... oh well." he shrugged.  Could be worse. So that was where the name Sarah had come from this morning.  He wouldn't forget again. Definitely not.

Sarah walked back to a chuckling Annie.  "So, you got the Hiddlescharm then I see." Annie smirked as she put some hot water in to warm a pot.  Sarah shot her a look. 

"Stop it!  He's only an actor." she shrugged, feigning disinterest as she reached in for two raspberry and white chocolate scones out the cabinet.  

"Jeez, don't let Gemma hear you say that.  She'll crucify you for blasphemy!" Annie sniggered and Sarah had to laugh.  

"Yeah, she does seem to have a massive thing for him doesn't she?"  she sneaked a look across, he was staring at his phone, brows furrowed.  Handsome, yes, he was handsome.  Charming too.  There was something else though.  Something she couldn't quite pin down.  Not that it mattered, he wasn't in her league.  And, from the double tea and scones, not in anyone's league for now.

Tom watched as she walked over, tray balanced carefully, an air of quiet efficiency.  She knew what she was doing, suddenly he wondered if he did.

"Tea for two and two scones - NOT cheese. I WAS actually listening you know, I was just teasing." she smiled and winked at him.  No point in backing down now, she had started it, she needed to finish it.  "Would you like anything else Sir?" she paused with a cheeky smile and he looked up at her, as if thinking.  She waited.  And waited.  He stared.  And stared.

Just as she thought she might combust from the colour of her face, he spoke. "No thanks, just thought you might want a little rest.  You know, from the altitude."

"Sorry?"

"Must be quite tiring up there on your High Horse." his mouth twisted into a wry grimace and she felt hers drop open in shock.  He'd been offended.  Oh dear God what had she done, and on her first day too. 

"Oh I'm so sorry Mr Hiddleston, I was just teasing. Really, please I'm sorry!"  she started to panic slightly, which was unlike her but there was something about him being less than pleased with her made her desperately uncomfortable.

"And there she is.... my little Sorry is back."  he burst out laughing.  Now her mouth was open, laughing. "what was it you said?  Just teasing?" he winked and poured himself some tea. As he sat back and sipped it he was still chuckling.

"You! Why you...." she trailed off, walking away with a red face and a relieved sigh.  Looking back over as she got to the counter, she could see he was watching her.  As she caught his eye, he raised his cup in salute and she smiled, saluting him back.  Round one was a draw.

Annie stood to the side and watched the two of them with a grin.  This was going well.  Gemma was young and impressionable.  A typical fan girl.  Sarah on the other hand?  She was cynical and careful.  Today though?  Annie would have been hard pressed to tell them apart.  And as for Tom.....

The door tinkled and more customers filed in.  Time to put the match making aside.  There was cake to sell.....

Tom looked at his watch.  Quarter to one.  She wasn't coming was she.  Yep, he told himself.  You did it again.  Fell for the sweet face and the good line in flattery.  Idiot Hiddleston, he chided himself.  You really need to stop this.  You don't need a pretty girl with a nice line in letting you down.  You need a feisty, independent, clear minded woman.  One who would laugh with you, at you even.  One who played, but not games.  One who would give as good as she got.  One like... he paused.  The answer surprised even him.

He stood up and walked to the till. "Seems I've hogged your table for nothing." he said, a little wistfully.  Sarah looked up from the menu she was memorising. She smiled.

"Oh I wouldn't say that.  You managed to eat two scones and drink a gallon of tea.  Not a complete waste of a morning Mr ..."

"Tom.  Please, it's Tom." he smiled and she nodded.

"Mr Tom."  

He groaned and rolled his eyes. "Are you always this difficult?" he shook his head as he pulled out his phone to pay. "you're just like my sister."

"Oh I hope not!" she said automatically and he looked at her sharply.  "Oh dear God I did it again.  Sorry! I meant...  I didn't mean... I - oh GOD!" she flushed and ran into the back shop. "Annie, I- I need a break.  Serve Mr Hiddles...Tom please," he heard a door slam.  Annie appeared from the back, wiping her hands on her apron and grinned.

"Well done, that's both of them complete wastes of space now.  You really have a gift.  You know that? I have NEVER met anyone who could get the better of Sarah, but you managed it.  I don't know how, you must give me your secret." she grinned as she processed his payment.

Tom groaned "I have absolutely no idea.  See you tomorrow?" he smiled sadly and walked out.  It wasn't until he was out the door that both he and Annie realised what he'd said.  See you tomorrow?  What reason did he have for coming in on a Friday?  He never came in on a Friday. Oh well he shrugged, not for the first time that day, could be worse.  He could've been forced to eat two cheese scones just to stay a little longer.

As he walked away, he looked back carefully.  She'd emerged from the back shop and was now talking animatedly with Annie.  Strangely content, he walked on.  See you tomorrow Sorry, he thought to himself and it made him smile.