In Duffs We Trust

Chapter 22 World wind

The next morning Claire awoke and got ready for work. The appointment was set for later that afternoon. Claire smoothed her black skirt and checked her makeup once more before she exited the bathroom. Tom who sat reading the paper lifted his eyes to look at Claire.

"You look beautiful love" he smiled to her.

"Thank you" she smiled and lifted her foot to slip on her heel.

"I will see you at 3."

"Yep, 3 it is" Claire smiled and moved to give Tom a kiss goodbye.

"Have a lovely day darling. I will see you soon" Tom smiled at her and watched as she made her way downstairs to leave.

Tom had 7 hours to himself much to his dislike. He would rather be enjoying breakfast with his fiancé then going over script lines. He sat his script down and stood stretching. He would go for a run, that would wind him down a bit. Tom tossed on running pants, sneakers and a shirt before grabbing his wallet, keys, and his music. He slipped his buds in and stretched as music began. He made his way downstairs and stepped outside locking the door behind him.

Tom ran 3 miles and was feeling glorious as he arrived back at the apartment. He stopped stretching again and climbed the stairs heading inside for a hot shower. Once done he wrapped himself in a towel and emerged to the bedroom to get dressed. Suddenly his phone rang. Tom moved and grabbed it.

"Ben old chap how has your holiday been?" Tom smiled sitting down.

"It's been lovely, although Sophie got sick so we are back at home. How have things been with Claire?" Ben asked.

"I have so much to tell you. How about we meet for coffee if you are free" he asked.

"That I am. Give me 30 minutes and I will see you then" Ben laughed.

"See you" Tom smiled and hung up grabbing his clothes and getting dressed.

"Congratulations chap" Ben grinned at Tom.

"Thanks man, I know this is a world wind" Tom said leaning back in his chair.

"Not at all. You are happy and Claire is a lovely girl. You will both will be amazing parents."

"Do you think the both of you will be able to attend this weekend?"

"I don't see why not. Besides the little ones will be with my mother" he smiled as he took another sip of his coffee.

"The event is small, intimate. Just a few close friends and family. Claire has already spoken to her brother. He will be coming with his wife. David and Curtis will be attending as well and I am quite certain Sam and Sarah will attend."

"How is that cheeky bastard doing?" Ben laughed.

"Very well. We should all get together this week for dinner."

"Very good idea. How about Thursday night? We can have dinner at my place" Ben offered.

"That sounds great. I will ring you later. I must go before I am late picking up Claire."

"Ah yes the first images" he smiled fondly.

"I must admit I am a bit nervous" Tom chuckled.

"You will be fine mate. Go before you are late. I'll ring you later. Tell Claire I said hello yeah" Ben smiled standing and shaking Tom's hand.

"I will" Tom smiled brightly and followed Ben out heading to pick up Claire.

Claire had hoped that today would have been a sunny day and in truth it started out that way but London never ceases to surprise her. Claire climbed into the car soaked.