The groom and the maid of honor (a Tom Hiddleston story)

A most awkward date

*Bree*
"Tom". I gasp as I realise who the man who just entered the restaurant is, the reason for me being so distracted this evening.

"Sorry ? What did you say?" Darren looks at me with a confused expression, I can see that out of the corner of me eyes, my eyes that are resting on Tom, he has spotted me to now.

I swallow hard, tearing my eyes away from Tom and back to Darren. "I'm sorry, my friend.. Uh client just walked in".

Clearing my throat I give Darren a sweet smile and try to ignore that Tom is here with some chick.

Not that it should bother me, but why in hell does he have to go on a date on the same night as me and then choose the same restaurant on top of it ? I kind of feel caught in a bad joke or a trippy dream, because this can't be happening.

"Sorry, I didn't quite get that". I suddenly realise Darren was talking to me, I take a sip of my wine, trying to swallow the lump of awkwardness in my throat.

"Do you want to go say hi to him or something ? It would be fine with me". Darren smile at me, and I just stare blankly at him for a moment, Oh God this evening is a disaster.

"Oh no, it quite fine, I see him all the time, I am your date tonight not his, so you have my full attention". I say very aware that it is a blatant lie.

Dareen looks at a point behind me. "Well he seems to want to say hello, he is on his way over here right now".

I turn around and our eyes lock immediately, Tom is sending me a flashing smile as he steps up to our table. "Bree, what a pleasurable surprise".

"You can say that again". I chuckle nervously, as Tom bows down to press a soft kiss to my cheek.

"So are you two on a date ?" Tom ask me, eyeing Darren, as he takes a step back from the table.

"Well, what does it look like ?" I reply cheekily, annoyed about him showing up here looking all handsome and sexy.

"Sorry". He chuckles, but his face tells me he is anything but sorry. "I better get back to my own table then. You two have fun".

"Thanks, you too". I give back, plastering on a fake smile, trying to ignore the way he is narrowing his eyes at me in the most arousing way. Winking at me, he sends Darren a polite smile, before turning around walking back to his own date.

"I'm sorry about that, he can be ..". I sigh, while trying to find the right words to describe Tom. "Nosy and annoying".

"It's not a problem". Darren takes my hand over the table, smiling at me. "I am actually having a pretty great time tonight".

His eyes find mine and I plaster that fake smile back on, as his thumb gently strokes over the back of my hand. "Me to". I say, only halfway lying this time.

"How about another drink and after that I'll walk you home ?" Darren asks me and I nod in agreement. "Another drink would be perfect".

He is still holding my hand, letting his thumb stroke over my hand, my eyes are finding Tom and his date across the room, Tom is openly staring at us, making me look away.

But I keep seeing him out of the corner of my eye and I can't help looking back at him, his eyes are fixated on Darrens hand on mine and Oh Lord he does not look happy right now.

Uncomfortable shifting in my seat, the thought that Tom might actually be jealous crosses my mind, then Darren asks me something and I look back at him. "So you work with him ?"