Mountain Dew//Tom Glynn Carney

CHAPTER THIRTY SIX

The hot sun of London heated up Tom as he stepped out of his Audi Q5, glancing nervously at the entrance of the cafe he and Daisy were going to.

This was just a coffee date.

Just a month ago, he was a bachelor, happily living in the spotlight, but now, he was anxiously waiting for his amazing girlfriend, Daisy to get out the car.

However before she could even move, Tom jogged around the car and opened the door for her, "You know I can do it myself" Daisy said with a hint of sarcasm as she stepped out of his car, "Why would you if you have me?" Tom asked and placed a kiss on her cheek.

This was their first public appearance together after they decided to tell the world and luckily for them, the world accepted them.

Daisy intertwined her fingers with his and the two made their way to the cafe, many and I mean many people turned their heads to the amazing couple, the couple everyone wanted to happen.

Yet, the atmosphere shifted when a familiar figure emerged from the cafe. It was Jacob Elordi, Daisy's ex-boyfriend and a rising star himself. Tom's smile faltered as he recognized the glint in Jacobs eyes, the kind that suggested trouble.

"Daisy! Tom! Great to see you both!" Jacob called out, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Hey, Jacob," Daisy replied, a flicker of discomfort crossing her features. "What are you doing here?"

"Oh, just, you know, got myself a ice coffee. But I must say, I didn’t expect to see you with him" he shot back, his gaze lingering on Tom. The tension was palpable.

Tom clenched his jaw, determined to keep his cool. "We're just here for some coffee too," he said, forcing a smile. But inside, he felt the heat of competition boiling.

Daisy tried to change the subject, "Did you catch the episode for our new film? I’d love your thoughts on it."

Jacob smirked and turned to Tom completely ignoring Daisy, "Sure, but I’ve heard some interesting rumors about you lately, Tom. Rumor has it you’re just using Daisy for publicity.”

Tom felt his blood run cold. "That’s not true" he said, stepping closer to Daisy, who looked visibly distressed.

"Isn’t it? I mean, you two just started dating, and suddenly you’re the hottest couple in Hollywood" Jacob pressed, his voice laced with mock concern.

Tom's expression hardened. "I’m not using anyone. We genuinely like each other."

"Really? Because it seems like a perfect PR move to me" Jacob shot back, everyone in the cafe had now turned their heads, now whispering, hanging on every word.

Daisy patience was wearing thin. “Why are you here, Jacob? Just to stir up trouble?”

Jacob laughed, a harsh, bitter sound. "I’m just saying what everyone’s thinking. You know how this industry works."

Daisy stepped in, her voice firm. "Stop it, Jacob. This isn’t your place."

Tom could see the hurt in her eyes, and it fueled his frustration. "You need to handle your ex. I’m not comfortable with him hanging around like this."

Daisy looked between them, her brow furrowed. "Tom, I can handle Jacob. He’s just trying to get a rise out of you.”

"Yeah, well, it’s working" Tom replied, his tone sharp. The moment felt electric, charged with unspoken words and emotions.

The atmosphere was tense, the smiles they had donned for the cameras slipping away. Just then, a reporter broke through the crowd, microphone in hand. “Daisy! Tom! How do you respond to the rumors about your relationship being a publicity stunt?”

Tom felt the world tilt. He turned to Daisy, searching her face for reassurance. “Day, what do we say?”

But she hesitated, caught between the scrutiny of the press and the escalating drama. “I—Im not comfortable speaking about my relationship to you,” she stammered.

Daisy looked back to the cafe, contemplating if she really wanted to have that coffee after everything that's just transpired.

Jacob seized the moment, smirking. "Sounds like you’re not quite sure about this one, Daisy" he said and begun walking away.

Before Daisy could respond, Tom tightened his grip on her hand pulling her closer. "Maybe this was a mistake," he muttered to her.

Daisy drew in a breath and nodded her head, Tom sighed and walked back to eh car, Daisy trailing behind him, her head down, trying to avoid the cameras.

"It's ok baby, just get in the car" Tom said and opens the door for her, Daisy quickly got in and Tom shut the door, jogging around to the driver side and getting in.

"I'm so sorry" she said tears brimming her eyes, "It's ok, he's just a piece of shit."

"Can we go back to your apartment?"

"Sure."