She's The One

Shakespeare In The Park

Denise looked over her two clothing choices as she sipped her coffee. She looks at the weather report on her phone to check which one would work the best. A summer dress would feel nice, but she was feeling self-conscious. That left her blue/grey sheer skirt/biking short combo with a white short sleeved blouse. She chose her white sandals with the extra support. Her jewelry would be silver hoops with a silver bracelet, simple and casual. She'd do her stick straight, light brown hair into a messy ponytail. It was unfortunately thinning, so any way to mask that was the best decision. She was keeping her makeup simple. Finally making her choices, she sits and finishes her coffee. A text comes in verifying her arrival at the festival this morning at 8 am. She replies back and scrolls through her social media to pass the time until her ride arrives.

Tom drinks his coffee while waiting for his toast to pop up. He was looking forward to the festival this morning. He definitely wanted to speak with the authors there. He heard Bobby's little claws click into the kitchen. He obviously smelled the toast. "Oh, Bobs, you don't need any more treats today." He told the excited pup. He leaned down and gave him some pets before eating his toast. Luke said he'd come with his driver soon. They would arrive just a bit after the festival was set up. That way, he could avoid most of the paparazzi ahead of time.

Denise stood at the entrance to the park. It was a perfect day for the festival, warm with a breeze. She thanks her driver after they unloaded the last of her things. She greets others as she makes her way to the table set up halfway down one aisle full of various universities, schools, theaters, and a huge tent with t shirts, mugs, and books, anything on Shakespeare and his works. She'd definitely want to look there later on. She arrived at her spot, placing her purse and iced coffee down. She started arranging her books alongside the pads of paper and pens with the book logo on them. The two cardboard stands that were made turned out so good she's decided to keep them. One had a picture of her first book with 'bestselling author Denise Carey', and the other had a collage of all her books so far with a lovely blue background that caught the eye. She was curious about the other author, who would be part of the festival too. She vowed to visit the other participants. It was hard at times being such an introvert with anxiety, but she was nothing if not determined. She stood back and looked her display over, not too bad. She took her phone out from the small pocket on the shorts part of her skirt. It was about ten minutes after 8 am. She looked out towards the entrance and noticed several volunteers with reflective vests waving cars through to the parking area already. She kept an eye out as she looked at her phone, sipping the iced coffee that would get her through the day. She watched a family walk down, then an older woman, a couple holding hands. Not many were here yet, but she had a feeling the turnout would be good. The older woman came up to her table, and she greeted her warmly. They chatted a bit but noticed some excitement near the entrance. Denise looked confused but brought her attention back to the conversation. As she was answering a question, she heard several people laugh. Glancing up, she gasped. Of course, Tom Hiddleston was here...it WAS about Shakespeare after all. Her heart was racing, trying to look like she wasn't about to fangirl like everyone else here. The woman speaking to her stopped talking and turned to look as well. "Oh my! It's Tom Hiddleston! He's so amazing..." She says, completely forgetting Denise is there and walks towards him, fixing her blouse and checking her breath. She rolls her eyes, but she understands completely. She watches as several people thank him, and they walk off. He shook hands with the woman who was just speaking with her, and Denise hid a laugh at how she seemed to just float away from him. He turned and was speaking to the man with him when he looked up. She froze as he made eye contact with her. She swallowed hard. He smiled warmly at her like he knew her. It made her stomach flood with butterflies. He walked over to her table, not breaking his gaze. He holds his hand out and says hello to her. She returns the greeting, looking up at him. Mercy, he was so tall. He looks at her books and then up at her, eyes wide. "You're the author of these books?" He asks, excited. She smiles at him, blushing. "Yes, I am," She replies, standing up. "I love these books. I knew I recognized the name, but you never had a picture on the jacket." He says, running a hand slowly over one of her books. She watched that hand. "I..well, I'm very flattered, Mr. Hiddleston." She says, fidgeting with her fingers. "Please, call me Tom," He says, feeling so many emotions at once. It was the woman who caught his attention in the café and came to find out she wrote his favorite Shakespeare reference books as well. He couldn't stop looking at her. She was even more captivating in person. He had to figure out a way to see her again. He spotted free pens and paper and took one. "May I call you Denise?" He asked. "Yes, that's fine. Miss Carey makes me feel old, " She tells him, smoothing her skirt down and watching him write. He gives her a mysterious smile and pulls the top sheet off, and folds it, handing it to her. He touches her arm briefly before winking at her and walking away. Denise stands there, brain stuck in loading mode. She sits down, then turns to see him visiting with the other author. She was very beautiful, and she took great effort in trying to drape herself over him. Denise feels a bit inadequate but remembers Tom handing a piece of paper to her. She unfolds it slowly, seeing the words 'text me please so I can call you Denise' followed by a smile and phone number. She looks up, but he's gone out of her sight. She places a hand over her mouth, trying not to yell out. *Holy shit....He..he gave me his number!!*