Between Then & Now // Hugh Jackman

15 // The Truth Unveiled

As a celebratory dinner for the opening night of Macbeth, Hugh and I were at Outback Alehouse again. Just him and I.

The rest of the actors and crew were celebrating together somewhere else, but Hugh had excused himself, telling them he had already made plans with me, which was news to me. Not once had we talked about going out after his play, but I didn't refute it in front of everyone. That would have been embarrassing, and that was probably why he said it there, so I wouldn't be able to say no. Clever of him. Sly too.

The mood was light the whole meal but there was an underlying tension. Something unspoken that had been consistently growing with our every interaction. I couldn't be the only one to feel it, but like before, I rationalized it. I didn't want to get my hopes up if it was one-sided.

Alana was gorgeous, and he didn't see her as anything more than a friend. How was I any different from her?

But, I pushed that aside and focused on just getting to be there with him.

Dinner felt easy and fun. Everything with Hugh was. I hadn't gotten this close this fast with anyone. Ever.

I rose my glass of tequila with a grin. I'd already had a few sips, and I could feel my inhibitions give way to my liking for Hugh.

"Here's to the star of Macbeth and the future star of... Well, everything."

Hugh laughed and clinked his glass against mine. Those crinkles by his eyes were ever apparent. He was so cute.

"You're giving me way too much credit, Ice Hale. Let's not get ahead of ourselves."

"I don't know," I sing-songed. "A few more performances like that, and I'll be needing a VIP pass just to say hi to you."

When I went back to my time, I really would, but I couldn't think like that right then. This wasn't about me. This night was for Hugh.

He grinned, leaning back on his side of the booth in amusement. "You'll always have front row seats no matter what."

"I'm going to hold you to that," I playfully remarked.

The atmosphere was warm and casual until the bartender walked up to us and said there was a call for Hugh. We both gave each other a confused look as we got up to see who it was.

How did the person know Hugh would be here of all places and at this time? This was very strange, and it gave me a very unsettling feeling.

When he took the phone and answered it, his face morphed into surprise. "Professor Barrington?"

I didn't get to hear what he said on the other end, but his expression quickly shifted to concern. His voice tensed. "Right now?"

After another brief moment, Hugh answered again, nodding at me. "Alright we'll be there soon."

Once he hung up, he relayed what the professor had said.

"Barrington discovered something about the watch, and that whatever it is can't wait. It's urgent."

My heart sank, and there was a dark pit in my stomach. If he wanted us to head to the university immediately, whatever he found out couldn't be good.

Just like that the mood of the night with Hugh was ruined, twisted into an anxious and nerve-wracking fear. I sobered right up.

...

Hugh and I arrived at the dimly lit university. Aside from lampposts every few feet, the only other light we had to guide us was the moon and stars, but not even their brilliance could overshadow my nerves.