Dolly (Part three-Max Mitchell series)

TWENTY

Our three hour train ride to Suffolk gave me the opportunity to catch up on emails, and get in touch with Wendy. I'd sent her off on vacation for a few days, but I just needed to touch base with her. Thankfully, as the mind reader she is, my inbox had an email waiting for me, from her.

Miss Boss Lady,

How's the UK? I've quite enjoyed a few days off. I've been in my pajamas nearly the whole time, and don't plan on changing that. When you're back, I've got a full schedule of recording set up for you, and a handful of conference calls with new artists that want to work with you.

I've received the tickets for Stef's Madison Square Garden show, she sent four. Only six weeks until she comes back to us! Will Tom be coming with to the show?

I'll see you when you get back, I've arranged a car to pick the two of you up from the airport.

Xoxox,
Wendy

"Are you going to come with me to Stef's show when she comes back?"
"I plan to." he opened up his laptop and consulted his schedule. "Filming should be done by then."
"I would hope so. The show isn't for another six weeks!"

It wasn't long and we were being alerted to the train stop at Suffolk. The nervous energy inside of me started to bubble up and Tom must have sensed it, like always. He simply grabbed my hand, laced his fingers with mine and said, "She's going to adore you. Don't worry."

He always told me not to worry. It never helped.

***

"Thomas."
Diane Hiddleston appeared from the front door of her home and wrapped her son in a tight embrace. It was then that I realized that through and through the Hiddlestons were a family of huggers. Tom and his sister had mastered their art of a well given hug, and I loved it.
"Mum, this is Maxine." Tom took my hand and led me towards his waiting mother.
"Diane, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise. I've heard so much about you." she and Tom exchanged a knowing glance, and I had to wonder what they were in on that I wasn't.

After getting all of our things inside the house, we settled in the back garden after Diane fixed us some tea.

"I have to say, Maxine, Thomas was quite fretful when he heard about your injury."
I let a deep breath in and out, wondering what to say.
"I called her, just after Wendy gave news...I was a mess." Tom elaborated.
"Yes, he was."
"I just can't believe I'm on the other side of the whole thing, to be honest. It's just...bizarre to hear everyone's recollections of that time, because I have no recollection at all. None."
Tom looked at me, glassy eyed and I subconsciously willed him not to get upset.
"Oh, and thank you for that amazing bouquet of flowers."
"It's the least I could do, I was going to hop a flight straight away, but my passport is nowhere to be found...I'm still bothered that I couldn't come."
"I really appreciate that. Thank you."
"Our Thomas hasn't spoken of anyone the way he does about you, you know. After I got word of what had happened, I felt as if I needed to come, but I just couldn't. I'm so incredibly relieved to know you're alright." She said, looking flustered and gave me a long, Hiddleston embrace. She hugged me, and I felt the love and caring radiate from her. It was as if I'd known her my whole life.

"Well then, shall we make dinner or would you like to go out?" She asked us.
"Let's stay in, we've been running around so much lately." Tom said, and looked to me for confirmation.
"I agree. Besides, Tom needs another shot at making dinner, after his last attempt." I joked, and thankfully he wasn't too upset by my jab.
"Mum, lets go to the market and let Max have a rest."
Every cell in my body rejoiced and thanked him subconsciously. I needed to take a little nap if I was going to need to stay awake through dinner. Tom led my upstairs to one of the guest rooms, and tucked me in for a quick nap.
"I'll see you in a bit, love."
"Ok--" and I drifted to sleep as soon as the door clicked shut.

***

"Maxi. Baby. Wake up, love." His sweet voice coaxed me out of slumber and I noticed that it wasn't light outside anymore.
"How long have I been sleeping?"
"Long enough. It's time to come down for dinner."
I sat up in bed, and gave a mighty stretch.
"My god, a nap never felt so good." I said, after a giant yawn.
"So, will it be coffee, or whiskey?"
"How about both?" I responded, with a wink.

I made my way down the stairs after changing into my favorite gauzy white sundress. I found Tom and his mother carrying all of the appropriate fixings for dinner, out to the garden. I assisted by taking a stack of plates and silverware from Tom and following his mother outside. I set down the plates, and she swiftly took both of my hands in hers and began to speak.

"I know that it's all moved really fast for the two of you, but I can tell you, Thomas has never been this happy. I've seen him in all stages of his existence and never, ever have I seen him the way he is with you."
I felt a catch in my throat, realizing that she was just confirming everything I felt about her son.
"He makes me so happy, Diane. Your son is the most incredible man I've ever met."
"I can tell you're perfect for eachother. I'm so happy he found you."

***

The next morning's sun made its presence through the window and warmed me as Tom and I lay in bed. He was still asleep, with his head resting on my stomach. The sun illuminated the golden amber undertones in his hair, and the freckles on his shoulders. I twirled an errant curl in my fingers for quite some time, until he woke up.
"Good morning, sunshine." I greeted him.
"Hello beautiful." he smiled at me, and then nuzzled into the fabric of my sleep shirt.
"I was thinking about something..."
"What's that?"
"Your filming with the BBC starts, when?"
"Ah, a week from Saturday. Why?"
"Why don't you stay here with your Mum? I've got work to do at home...lots of work. You should stay here and relax."
"But, I don't want to leave you alone."
"Tom, everything will be fine. I will be fine. Your things are en route to New York, and I have a ton of work to do. Stay here in England and get ready for your next project."
"Will you be ok?"
"Well, I'll miss you terribly...but I will be ok."
"I will need some of my things, though."
"I'll ship what you need. Take the time to spend with your Mum."

He stayed quiet for a moment and ultimately agreed, saying he'd like the time to prepare for his role as King Henry. Later that day, Tom delivered me to the train station and we said our farewells.

"I'll see you at Madison Square Garden, if not before." Tom said, placing a kiss on the back of my hand. "I love you, Max."
"And I you, Thomas."