In His Eyes

Resurrections

It would be almost a week before they managed to be in the same place at the same time again.

Tom was away most days, caught up in interviews and project meetings. His days were taken up with them and personal appearances at various events at night.

By the time they would meet, Beth would need him even more than she already did.

He always tried to call, even if only for a few minutes. She was genuinely touched by his efforts and tried never to sound as disappointed as she felt. It wasn't his fault, and she knew it. This was part of the 'daunting' that Sophie was referring to.

He called on Wednesday night, just as she was heading to bed. The noise in the background suggested he was still at an event.

"Hi darling! Sorry to call you so late, but I just wanted to say goodnight. I've missed you so much this week. I can't believe we haven't hugged for almost six days!"

"Oh, you big softie!" She smiled and laughed softly,"but you can't possibly have missed me as much as I've missed you!" Her voice had a challenge in it, but one he was more than happy to take on.

"Oh, Beth, you have no idea. I don't think you realise just how often I think about you." He sounded almost sad, and she didn't want him to get upset when he was meant to be enjoying himself.

"Well, it has given me one opportunity." She decided to tell him her bit of news.

"Oh?" Tom was intrigued.

"I'm going to lunch with Sophie tomorrow! She called me today. We're going to The Ivy! I'm sooo nervous! I've never been anywhere quite so posh. I hope I don't embarrass myself. Or her."

"Darling! That's wonderful. I'm so pleased. Ben and Sophie are two of my closest friends, I'm so pleased you're getting to know them too. And no, there is NO way you'll embarrass anyone. You're going to love it." Tom felt a surge of emotion unlike anything he'd felt before. It was a mixture of love, pride, excitement, and anticipation. This was the start of something wonderful.

"Thanks, love. Will... will you be able to come over on Friday night? I thought I might cook for us? Have a cosy night in?" She tried not to make it sound like begging but couldn't quite manage to keep the longing out of her voice. She needn't have worried.

"Darling, that sounds wonderful. I'll bring a bottle of wine and a big hug?"

"Forget the wine, just bring the hugs, ok?" She laughed. They really had no idea just how much she would mean it.

Beth walked up to the door and paused. Taking a breath, she walked in.

"Good afternoon, Miss may I help you?" The Maitre D smiled as she approached.

"I'm meeting a friend for lunch?" She suddenly realised she was actually a bit embarrassed. To say "Mrs Cumberbatch" sounded like terrible name dropping! Something she realised with a start she would have to get used to.

"The reservation?" He prompted gently, obviously used to people turning to lumps of mindless goo when faced with difficult questions like someone's name!

"Oh, yes, sorry. Cumberbatch?" She said almost apologetically. He smiled warmly as if she'd merely said 'Smith'.

"Please, right this way, Miss Williams." Her face must have registered the shock she felt as he smiled. "We had been advised you were coming today. I hope you enjoy your visit."

She smiled gratefully and followed him, trying not to stare as she walked. In one corner, she recognised a tv presenter. In another, a reality tv star. This was, to say the least, surreal.