Baby Steps

Chapter 9: Willa POV

Sitting on the couch I rest my eyes for a moment while the twins take their naps. Tom texted me this morning telling me he was going to have a meeting with his manager, Phil, and Maggie. I've been a nervous wreck all morning wondering what's going to happen. Tom told me he was going to fire Maggie but if Phil didn't agree then what? Would Tom be forced to continue working with the woman who kept him from his children? My stomach knotted just thinking about it.

I hoped for Tom's sake he will be able to fire her and find someone who won't stand in his way of being a father. Sighing, I look around the room at the mess the twins have made. Part of me wants to clean it up but the other part of me wants to leave it alone since the kids will just make a mess again.

Being alone these past ten months have been so fucking hard. But I managed to do it and I know I can keep doing it alone if Tom changes his mind. But I know Tom won't change his mind. When I saw the way he first laid eyes on the twins I knew he was all in. I allow myself to believe that everything is going to work out.

I stand from the couch and start picking up the toys the twins were playing with then I start on folding the laundry that has been sitting in the hamper for days. Just as I'm finishing placing the last of the laundry away a knock sounds at the door.

My heart skips when I see Tom standing there with his hands in his pockets. For one brief moment I allow myself to imagine what it would be like having Tom come home to the twins and I every night. My heart aches at the possibility but I know it could never happen between us. And I have to remind myself that he's with someone else. Has he even told his girlfriend that he's a father? And what if he marries her, then she'll be my kids step mother. Swallowing the urge to vomit I shake my head of those intrusive thoughts and open the door.

"Hey." I say as I step aside to let Tom in.

Tom smiles back, "Hey." He sighs as if a weight has been lifted off his shoulders.

"How did it go?" I ask as we make our way towards the living room. We sit down on opposite ends of the couch, I curl my legs in while Tom rests his elbows on his knees, his head hung low.

"Are you okay?" I ask nervously.

"Yes and no." Tom answers.

I sit in silence as I wait for him to work through whatever is going on in his mind. Tom sighs as he runs his hands down his face.

"There's something I need to tell you." He states.

Immediately, I don't like where this is going. A knot forms in my belly as I hold my breath.

"Ashley is not my girlfriend."

My eyes widened in surprise at his admission. But I remain quiet and let him continue.

"We're under a contract to appear as a couple to help further our careers."

"But why would you need to further your career? I ask. "Your work with Marvel should be able to get your foot in the door anywhere."

Tom sighs, leaning back so his head rests on the couch. "I don't know. There is talk about me playing the next Bond once Daniel Craig finishes his last movie." He turns his head slightly to look me in the eyes. "I didn't want to have a contract relationship. But Maggie insisted it was the only way to prove I'm a man who is committed."

My brows furrowed in confusion. "But why would you need to look committed just to get a role?"

Tom shrugs, "Hollywood is weird."

"That's an understatement." I mutter.

We're silent for a moment, both lost in our own thoughts.

"How much longer do you have to stay in the relationship?" I ask. No matter what the answer will be I know I won't like it.