Feelings

An Unexpected Pleasure

"Well fancy meeting you here after all this time!" Tom swallowed the remark he really wanted to say, and instead tried to be nice. 

"Yeah, fancy." she scowled at him, arms crossed against her chest. "I didn't think you'd recognise me after all these years.  After all, I was just a chubby little nine year old the last time we saw each other. " She looked at him intently, daring him to say something less than complimentary.  As she did so, expecting to see ridicule and hatred in his eyes, she saw something else.  Disappointment.

"We were all different then Sophie, it was a long time ago." he sighed and indicated her jumper "I really am sorry."  He really didn't want to fight.

She looked down and sighed, "Yeah, so am I - looks like I won't be able to afford to replace it any time soon.  That cow -" she spat the word and Tom's lips momentarily twitched "just fired me because YOU wouldn't go for a drink with her!" the old fire blazed in her eyes again and Tom felt even more guilty.

"Because I... why for God's sake?" he completely forgot he was still standing in the doorway.  This was no place for an extended conversation, as he was summarily reminded when a group of people - including the offending bovine boss - tried to leave. The group pushed their way between them and as they drew level with Sophie, the blonde turned to her before she could answer Tom.  

"And I'll expect your phone and your laptop waiting on my desk when I come in tomorrow morning.  If not, I'll be sending security round to get it."  she was cold to the point of freezing Sophie with her gaze.

Tom was outraged, if there was one thing he couldn't stand, it was injustice. "now just hang on a minute, that's hardly fair!" he grabbed her by the arm before he'd really thought it through. "It wasn't Sophie's fault you're a vile individual and one I wouldn't be seen in private with let alone in public.  I personally will see to it that your precious property is returned to you - at. some. point." he enunciated the last three words with venom he hadn't realised he felt. "What's more, since she's well rid of you, I insist you at least give her three months' salary in lieu of notice."   The woman stared at him, utterly gobsmacked.  She could barely do anything but nod. "And I will check." he said as a parting shot.  He grabbed Sophie's arm and virtually frogmarched her away from the door.

"That was a bit over the top don't you think?" she gasped as they marched along the street.

"I thought it was spot on!" he retorted, daring her to say more.  She didn't.

They eventually slowed as they reached the piazza that formed the centre of Covent Garden.  Looking around, Tom guided them to a small bar that had tables outside and plonked them both down. Sophie looked at him silently.  Part of her was furious, she could fight her own battles thankyou VERY much, and part of her was secretly rejoicing at the dressing down that Harpy had just been given.  Never had anyone been insulted so eloquently.

"So what can I get you folks?" the waiter appeared, did a little double take then smiled, his professionalism taking over. Tom looked at Sophie who shrugged so he turned and politely asked for a bottle of Pinot Grigio and some nibbles.  The waiter nodded and was gone.

Sophie looked down and fiddled with her cuff.  Now the drama was over, she felt incredibly awkward.  They hadn't spoken in thirty years and now?  She couldn't think of a single thing to say.  Fortunately Tom did.

"So, you disappeared all those years ago.  By the time I came home for Christmas you were history.  Care to tell me why?" he seemed genuinely interested although she couldn't find a reason why he should be.

Before she had a chance to speak, the waiter returned with the wine and they busied themselves with that.  As Tom and the waiter chatted, she looked around the square.  Normally, packed to the rafters with tourists, entertainers, shoppers and people watchers, it was virtually silent now.  There was a lone busker off to one corner singing an old John Denver song extremely well and a few people clapped as he finished.  The evening was relatively warm and the sky was dark, making the lights strung around the main market building twinkle.  Every now and again someone would walk by, their feet echoing on the ancient flagstones.  It was mesmerising like this.

How mesmerising, she didn't realise, until Tom's voice broke into her reverie.

 "He's good, isn't he?" he passed her a glass of wine, "the busker, he's good."  She nodded and accepted the offering.  

"Yeah, he's here a lot - I've only ever seen him on a Sunday though.  Think his name is Rob or something. I bought a CD off him once." she raised her glass "cheers. To.." she paused, "to unexpected reunions." now she actually smiled and Tom found he automatically followed suit.

"Yes, unexpected reunions." he took a mouthful and swallowed slowly, savouring the taste.  "I'd like to hear it some time" he said, eyeing her over the glass as he sipped a little more. 

"Hear what?"

"The CD"

"Oh!" she flushed "Sorry, being an idiot."

"No change there then" he countered with a wink and a smile.  She felt herself begin to bite but refrained.

"Did you honestly recognise me?"  she put her glass on the table and sat back a little. He was every bit the Hollywood star these days but there was one thing that hadn't changed.  His smile.  It still had the ability to melt the coldest heart.  Yes, even hers, she had to admit. 

"Of course." he sounded offended. "I'd recognise those wicked little eyes anywhere!" suddenly the gloves were off again and she bit.

"Wicked?  What do you mean wicked!" she narrowed her eyes and sat forward.  Tom sat back and relaxed, irritating the hell out of her - and he knew it.  You can't get a decent argument out of someone who won't argue.

"Well, I seem to remember they didn't see our Emma break a vase and that same lack of vision caused me to lose playtime for two whole days!  AND I had to give Mum the money for the glue to fix it out my pocket money." he sipped his wine, crossing his impossibly long legs and smiling innocently.

"That's not FAIR!" she squealed, "Emma was my best friend.  I couldn't let her down against... well against YOU!  You were always so horrible to me.  I was ..." she stopped and swallowed her wine in one gulp.  "Look this is getting us nowhere, thanks for the drink Tom, and thanks for putting madam in her place.  I do appreciate that but I think I should go.  This is in danger of going back to a place neither of us really wants to be." she stood up and went to walk away.

Tom cursed inwardly, this was not how it was supposed to be.  Why did she make him say and do these crazy things?  He stood and grabbed her arm, almost dragging her back.  "Look, Sophie." he sighed "I'm sorry.  I really didn't mean to be rude.  Please, stay and have a drink with me?  I'll buy you chips after?" he grinned and despite herself she laughed.

"Ok, a drink and some chips.  I'm nothing if not classy." she looked down where his hand still lay on her arm and he blushed, removing it instantly.

"Sorry."

"Don't be.  It's ok.  There's one thing you've obviously forgotten though?" she smirked and he looked puzzled. 

"What?"

" You don't have your wallet. I saw you give it to your assistant when you came in. You can't pay for this wine let alone any chips!" she looked almost triumphant.

Tom smacked his forehead with his hand "Oh dear God, I am a complete idiot. I need to find Luke..." he raked in his pocket.  No phone.  "Crap!" he remembered he'd given him that too.

Sophie smiled and shook her head. "It's ok, I'll get the wine.  You can get it - and the chips - next time." she looked at him "And yes, despite you being a complete idiot, I think it might be fun, don't you?"  She could hardly believe what she had just done.

Tom nodded and raised his glass, he could find Luke later, now?  Now he was going to enjoy a nice glass of wine with an old friend.  How long she stayed a friend, remained to be seen.