Nothing Compares To You

All in the detail...

When she woke, he was gone.

In his place, a note and a single bloom from who knew - or cared - where.

"Darling,

I have to leave you for now. I don't want to, and I wish I didn't have to. But I do, for now we have to keep going. We owe it to Grace and Iain to be kind. I love you, my darling, I always have. And I always will. We just have to be strong a little longer. We will find a way to be together again that doesn't hurt them....see you Saturday....

Remember today, for it is the beginning of always....

1543

Xxxxx"

She lay back, smiling and tearful in equal measure. A bittersweet feeling clutching at her chest. Even now, he was kind and caring. They owed it to be kind. She knew he was right. She was so proud of the man he still was. No, proud wasn't just the word. She was desperately in love with him. All over again.

She rolled over, placing the note and the flower on her nightstand. Pushing back the quilt, she stood and walked to the ensuite. A shower and something to eat. Then, she would call Simon and Joe. See what they were up to.

As she stood, letting the warm water sweep over her, a wonderfully intimate ache reminding her of their passion, reality began to sink in. No matter how wonderful the last few hours had been, she had to face the fact that it might be a beautiful one off.

She was sure, as he'd said he would love her always, he'd meant it. Life, though, wasn't always as kind. They'd loved each other once before and look how that had ended. Could she face the devastating heartbreak again? She knew she could endure anything for him. It was whether she would get the chance that was in question.

Finishing up, she became aware of her phone ringing in the bedroom. She shut off the water and, grabbing a towel, dived through. Sprawling across the bed for it, she stabbed the answer button without looking. She sat up on the edge of the bed, rubbing her towelled hair with one hand.

"It's me, darling." his voice was low and almost furtive. She dropped the towel, her hair forgotten.

"Hi," she whispered back, feeling the clandestine nature of the call. "What's up?"

"I just had to hear your voice, my love. I couldn't just leave without one last word." She could hear his quiet smile.

"Oh Tom, it's ok, I understand. Is... is everything ok at your end? You're not in hot water, are you? Being so long, I mean?" She was genuinely worried for him.

"No. She was soaking in the bath when I came in, she had no idea when I got back in truth. We're heading out for dinner shortly, so I want you to know, whatever you see or hear in the press from now on? It's all for her. I promise. I'll find a way to let her down gently. I promise. I have to go. She's just about ready."

"Ok, night darling. Take care."

"Love you. " The line went dead, and she clutched the phone to her. Suddenly, the emotion of it all overwhelmed her, and she burst into tears. Hot, stinging tears that burned her skin and tore at her throat.

She lay on the bed, curled into a ball, and broke her heart.

She had no idea she'd fallen asleep again until the repeated beeping of a text message woke her a little later. Groggily, she opened an eye and saw it was from Simon.

'You sleeping? Get your arse out of bed. If he's still there, kick him out too, and join me for supper. My house, one hour. Dress is casual, not optional! S XX'

Despite her upset, she laughed out loud. Simon knew them better than they knew themselves.

She sat up and texted him back, saying she was on her own. Thanks very much, and should she bring anything?

'Just the gory details, dearie, just the gory details.'

She smiled, Simon and Joe would be just what she needed. That and a large glass or three of wine.

An hour later, she stood on the doorstep, a bottle of wine in hand. The door opened, and Joe welcomed her in with a big hug.

"Sweetie!" He held her tightly and kissed her on both cheeks. He smelt divine, Joe could always be counted on to have THE most gorgeous aftershave. The fact he was blonde and handsome, with a small Clark Gable moustache, reminded her of a certain Asgardian Warrior named Fandral and that he played up to at any opportunity.

"Come in fair Lady Deborah...." he bowed low, and she curtseyed.

"Why thank you, my lord. Is the master at home to visitors?" She asked as she walked into the hall.

"Well, dunno about the Master, but Si is in the kitchen, go on through." He laughed and slipped his arm around her waist. "So, you and Tom? Making the beast with two backs again?"

"Joe!" She pretended to be shocked. "What on EARTH gave you that idea?" She looked at him with a sidelong grin and blush.

It was only when Simon turned from the stove and said "well the fact that he came to me for your hotel address kinda gave the game away lovie." He walked over and kissed her hello. "That and the fact he's phoned me twice today since he got home to ask very random and completely unnecessary questions in order to have an excuse to talk about you? Might as well hang a sign in the window." He shrugged.

"Oh God, Simon. What a mess." She thumped into a chair at the table. "What do I do?"

"You drink wine, you get drunk, you tell us EVERY juicy detail, and then you decide to end it with Iain. It's really quite simple."

"Yeah, I know you're right. When he comes back. On Saturday. I'll tell him as soon as he comes home. He's sweet. He really is. It's just... he's... well..." she trailed off, unsure how to form the words.

"Not Tom Hiddleston?" Simon smiled and handed her a plate of bolognese. "We know lovie. We know."

The three of them sat down, and Joe poured the wine. "Now, we want ALL the details. And we mean ALL." Joe winked. "How else can WE fantasise about him if you dont tell us.....?"

Debbie raised her glass, swallowed a large mouthful, and looked at them both intently. Looking to left and right, she motioned them to sit closer.

"Listen very carefully, boys, I shall say this only once..."