Masquerade, A Tom Hiddleston Story

Part 20 'O, how bitter..."

New York City

"I think I should be heading back... I'm really tired and beginning to be very very drunk" I shouted to be heard over the loud club music.
The person sitting next to me gave me a puzzled look indicating that she didn't get what I was saying. I grabbed her by the waist and whispered.

"I'm going back.... Really really tired..."

Sophia, this raven haired beauty who has her hand casually on my thigh leaned in and whispered seductively.

"I could go with you..." She smelled of roses and sweets.

I smiled at the sexy and exotic creature next to me. Her big blue eyes and red lips seem to glow in the dark. Her perfect waist felt strong and firm in my arms.

"No no umm... I don't think I'll be much of a company tonight... I need to sleep"

She looked disappointed.

"I can tuck you in..." She coaxed. I can feel her fingers on the back of my neck.

"Umm no... I think I'm better left to my own devices tonight." I pulled back and got up. I made my way across the table to where my mate Justin is sitting. My old Etonian friend who is now residing in New York.

"Hey Justin... I'm going back... Thanks for taking me out. See you at the premiere..." I whispered.

"You sure Mate?... Sophia?' He whispered curiously. Justin, my personal Tinder. Everytime I get a chance to see him in New York he's always trying to set me up with his friends. His very sexy and beautiful friends.

"She's wonderful Mate... But I'm knackered... and drunk. Thanks again..." I gave him a thankful look and a high five.

I turned my head around to look for Sam. My ever loyal and dedicated security is also on his feet on the next table ready to follow me out.

"Cab boss?" He offered.

"Huh? No... What do you say we walk old man? The hotel is two blocks away..." I pat his back and start walking.

"I thought you were drunk Tom?" He gave me a puzzled look as he match my stride.

"Thank you... That means I can still act for a living... I'm really sleepy but didn't want to be rude" I gave him a tired smile.

"Ah I see..." He smiled knowingly, "Gotcha Boss..."

We walked in silence towards the hotel, passing busy New Yorkers trying to get to their destinations. The city lights twinkling all round us.

We entered the buzzing hotel lobby. Still busy with arriving and departing patrons even at this hour. I checked my phone as we waited for the lift to open. I just realized that the club was so loud I couldn't hear my phone.

A message from Luke with an update of my schedule tomorrow. A message from Harry telling me to please try on the blue suit for the premiere before dinner tonight, so he can get a back up suit if it's too small (oops... Need to do that ASAP). And other messages that can be answered tomorrow.

But the chat box I really want to open has no message received indication. I sighed as I entered the lift.

T: Are you coming to the premiere?

The question I asked this morning is still left unanswered. There is two possibilities. One she is still flying here, and second she decided not to go and decided to tell me last minute. And of course there is always the dreaded third possiblity; she doesn't want to, is annoyed that I asked and decides to ignore my message.

The lift got to our floor as I scratch my chin thinking. And then a lightbulb went on in my head. I could just ask the hotel. The studio people did tell me that every head of production for the film will be staying in this same hotel.

After making sure I was good, Sam said his goodnight and left. I quickly dialed for the front desk. A polite female voice answered.

FD: Good evening Mr. Hiddleston, may I help you.
T: Umm yes... I need to get in touch with the head costume designer for...umm... A thing regarding the premiere, can you please check whether or not she arrived yet?
FD: Of course sir, can you tell me her name?
T: Miss Kate Hallway.
FD: Just a moment Sir...

I can hear the computer keyboard clacking.

FD: Sir Miss Hallway just checked in...

I feel myself smile. I can just knock at her door tonight. I imagine the look of shock on her lovely face followed by her beautiful mouth curving into her dazzling smile. I can finally gaze deep into her emerald green eyes again as we chat the night away. The conversations would flow easily and comfortably like no time has passed. And then she might actually let me kiss her again, let me embrace her again. My Kate...

FD: She and her party arrived just after 10 PM tonight to room 904. Would you like me to put her through?

Party?

T: Umm noo... On second thought, it is far too late for me to call Ms. Hallway and umm...
FD: a Mister Appleby.

Mister?

Kate brought a date. I let the idea register in my brain a bit before letting myself feel the ache in my heart. Of course she would. She is a single beautiful and amazing young woman. Why would'nt she meet someone?

FD: Mister Hiddleston?
T: Umm right... I'll just call them tomorrow morning. Thank you...
FD: Would like to leave a message Sir?
T: Umm no... Thank you. Thank you so much for your help, Miss?
FD: Huh? Oh Rose... I mean Rose Handler Sir...
T: Thank you Rose... I hope you have a pleasant night.
FD: You too sir. Thank you. And good luck on the film.
T: Ah yess... thank you very much. Good night Rose.
FD: Good night Sir.

I hung up and close my eyes. A memory of holding her and asking her for 'one day' is playing over and over in my head. The tears in her eyes and her sad smile still so clear in my mind. I can practically still taste her salty kisses and warm embrace.

My head decided to go a bit darker as it imagines Kate in Mr. Appleby's arms tonight. Probably after an intense session of lovemaking. Or maybe just cuddling because they were too tired after the flight. I wonder whether he would wait for her to sleep first like I did. Just so that he can see her drift off and hearing the first wave of soft snores. I wonder whether he would kiss her head just before he settled into sleep, just the way he used too.

'But O, how bitter a thing it is to look into happiness through another man's eyes.'

And then an even darker and twistier thought entered my muddled brain, a thought so sickening that made me instantly open my eyes and sit up straighter.

I have to see Kate and him tomorrow at the premiere.

Oh crap!