Love All

Challenged

As Cara looked into the room, taking in the white linen table cloths, the silver flatware and the sparkling crystal glasses she realised she was entering into more than just a restaurant. She was walking into a whole new world and it was all because of the man now trying to get them a table.  Trying and failing. 

"I'm sorry Mr Hiddleston, we're just simply full today - it will be at least 4pm until we have a table.  Perhaps if you'd care to come back later?" the man at the desk looked mortified to be turning someone as famous as Tom away and even Cara, despite her lack of connection to the real world as he held her hand, felt sorry for the poor soul.  She smiled at him reassuringly.

Tom sighed inwardly but he would never pull the 'do you know who I am' routine.  It made him sick to his stomach when other people used their status as a weapon.  It was just rude, and he knew exactly what his mum would say if he EVER was rude to anyone even at his age.  Thinking back to the summer he waited tables as a student, he knew just how entitled some people could think they were.  He's always vowed NEVER to be like that, about anything. He smiled warmly and nodded. "It's ok Reg, it was worth a shot.  I'll be here on for the Gents Final  next Sunday though - I think there should be a..." 

Reg instantly looked through the bookings on his laptop and smiled like a man given a reprieve from execution. "Yes, yes we have a table for you... at noon. Plenty of time before the match. I'll make sure it's one of our very best Mr Hiddleston."  Now a feeling on safer ground, Reg added "If there's anything else I can do, please just let me know.  Our email is on the confirmation we sent to... Mr Windsor I believe." he looked up and smiled, grateful to be dealing with one of the nicest celebrities he'd encountered.  He could call to mind of any one of a dozen others that would have had a meltdown at being refused.

"Thanks Reg, very much appreciated.  Come on love, let's see what we can scrounge up elsewhere..." he turned and guided Cara back out of the restaurant and into the main concourse. "I'm so sorry Cara, looks like we won't be getting our relaxed lunch any time soon.  It a pity, I was so looking forward to getting to know the woman behind the astonishing lack of filter!  Not to mention I'm starving after all that excitement." he looked genuinely disappointed and Cara not only ignored the good natured jibe, but also decided to take her new-found courage in both hands.

"Well... come on... if you don't mind slumming it with me and my lack of filter, I saw a little sandwich place as I came in.  It's small and not very posh, but it did look lovely. They might even do Earl Grey tea!" she grinned and crooked her elbow for him to thread his arm through.  For a second Tom paused and looked at her.  Did she realise what she was risking?  Being seen in public with him?  Wimbledon was one thing, they had a tiny measure of protection here.  Out in the big bad world?  She would be fair game. open to more criticism than any woman should ever have to face. As he looked at her face, a picture of happiness with her eyes shining and her lips curled into a wide smile he relented.  She really was a beautiful and special woman and he knew already he'd do his utmost to protect her.

"Ok, if you're sure.  I'm still paying though...." he took her offered arm and they set off as Cara shook her head. "No, I'll definitely pay - it will be your turn on Sunday..." she stopped dead and clapped her hand to her mouth, realising what it sounded like. Turning the colour of the strawberries she'd been eating earlier, she gasped "Oh Tom, I didn't mean I...we... oh Jesus." Instantly her eyes filled with tears for the moment ruined.  "I just meant, you'd be paying on Sunday... not that I would... oh dear.  Excuse me... please..." she dashed off to the nearby ladies, leaving him standing gawping after her.  Closing herself in a cubicle, she proceeded to bawl her eyes out.  Way to go Cara.  One morning spent with the single most handsome man in history and you have to make it look like you're joined at the hip forever. 

As Tom watched her rush off, his mouth virtually hung open in surprise.  Not at her temerity in mentioning being at the final, but the fact that he'd actually been thinking the very same thing - that he wanted her to accompany him.  Very much indeed.  His mind raced as fast as her legs; how could he be this interested this quickly? Why was it that he wanted to not only treat her to lunch, but dinner and to his eternal shame... breakfast too..... He took a breath.  Get a grip of yourself man, he scolded himself.  You've known her, what, three maybe four hours?  What's gotten into you?  

The answer came trudging out of the ladies, beautiful green eyes all blotchy and little button nose pink, about ten minutes later.  God, he thought, she really was so very beautiful. He watched from his vantage point, leaning against the low fence beside that ringed Henman Hill as she walked out and scanned the crowd.  He got the feeling she thought he was gone and it made him sad. Why did she think so little of herself?  Surely she wouldn't think he could possibly want to leave her for that genuinely innocent remark?  Not when there was so much more to say, to do, to know. He waited, hand raised, not wanting to shout and make it obvious to the rest of the world he was there.  As she sighed and walked away, he knew he'd waited a moment too long. He stood and strode away after her.

Cara looked around and sighed, wiping the last of the tears from her eyes carefully.  He was gone, wasn't he.  And no wonder. Rabid fangirl didn't even come close to describing what she'd been like.  The laughing and flirting and carry-on at the court side had been one thing.  Harmless flirting and banter.  Her monstrous assumption?  Quite another, the final straw and now?  Now that assumption had spoiled one rare and beautiful moment.

She tuned and hurried away to the main gates, the promise of anonymous misery driving her on. There was nothing to stay for now, not even the prospect of a couple of hours in the sun on Henman Hill watching Federer annihilate another opponent was appealing. As she took no more than a few steps through the green metal gates, a voice behind her made her stop.  One of the security officers?  What had she done now? 

"Sorry Miss, I think there's been a wee mix-up - you're actually no' allowed tae leave yet." the lilting Scottish brogue of the official cut through the hubbub of south London like a hot knife through butter.  She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.  This was just the icing on the cake, not only was she humiliated, but it seemed she had to stay until the end of the day before she could hide. Turning round with her best smile, she began to apologise.

"I'm so sorry I didn't realise I had to..... stay...." the last word trailed away to nothing as she looked at the source of the reprimand. The tall, grinning, red-blonde and bearded source. "oh my..." she bit her lip and tried not to cry again.

"Hello lassie, goin' sumwhere were you?" Tom laughed gently, "Thought a familiar accent might catch your attention better.  Seems I was right."  He walked up to her and scooped her hand into his.  "So where you taking me for lunch then? We have so much to discuss - like where I pick you up for dinner tomorrow?"  Tom smiled and as he lifted her captured hand, kissing it gently. "Now, no more tears.  Not unless they're the laughing kind. Come on kitten, I'm starving.  Takes alot to fill these hollow legs, not like you and your diddy little ones.  A couple of peanuts and you'd be done!" he winked and, misery dispelled, she let out a little snort.

"Hmmm I think you'll find it takes rather a lot to satisfy my appetites Mr Hiddleston." she was pulled up short as Tom stopped in his tracks. His hearty laugh making her realised she'd done it again.  This time though?  This time, holding hands and walking through the crowd, she found she didn't care.

"Oh kitten, if this is what your sober and concentrating filter failure is like, I cannot WAIT to see you off-guard...." he muttered with a naughty glint in his eye...