Masquerade, A Tom Hiddleston Story

Part 22 'Much Ado About Nothing Part 1'

Four. I silently counted how many drinks Kate has had so far. I made sure to glance her way just around everytime her glass is almost empty. I stay on her until she grabs another glass. And then I look away.

She looked bored. And she needs something in her hand to keep her looking busy. Kate looked like a vision of urban glamour with her stylish ensemble and her confident body language, but I know she is deep down inside, bored out of her wits.

She would chat politely with other guests, most of them she met during the production of the film. She would make the point to get to know others who introduced themselves to her and vice versa. She laughed and nodded a lot. But her eyes betray her at rare silences in the conversation. She would gulp her drink too quickly and with such force that one would think she's drinking some energy drink to stay alive, and not alcohol.

Our eyes would meet once in a while across the crowded room. And she would smile politely. But never an inviting one. I resist the urge to just go to her and start some meaningless conversation that only she would get. Like how I think that every night in NYC should end with a supernatural showdown ala Ghostbusters. Or maybe this is the last party or our lives and that some zombie apocalypse is starting outside and we are still blissfully unaware, happily sipping cocktails.

"Tom... So tell me... How was it like filming that sex scene?" Sophia asked seductively on my right. She touched my hand ever so slightly to get my anttention.

"Oh yes do tell... And I must say your rear have done a bit of growing up since school days" Justin teased on my left. I blushed heavily.

And then there's these two. Justin brought Sophia as his plus one to the premiere. Winking not so subtly as he gleefully presented Sophia. Sophia looked great. In her tight dress and sky high heels. But I was not feeling like flirting and playing tonight. Not when a pair of green emerald eyes are just across the room.

I gave Sophia and Justin the behind the scene anecdote of the love making scene. Going through the motions like I have been doing in every press interview of the last month. Yes this question has been asked more times than I care to count. My answer came out rehearsed and scripted. But my audience, especially the sexy one, is captivated.

But Justin caught me staring at a certain tall blonde across the room who just picked up another glass. Five, I counted in my head. He followed my gaze and stared intently at Kate.

I finished my story and blushed again as Sophia flirtatiously asking for my leg routine to get that certain kind of firmness in the back area. And then she excused herself to the ladies room.

"Mate... Who is that hot blonde you keep staring at?" Justin asked when Sophia dissapeared amongst the crowd.

"Who?" I faked ignorance.

"The one with the sexy suit. I would like to see her out of it though... Or maybe I'll let her keep it on for most of the fun" Justin said with a naughty smirk.

This is a discreet exchange between two boys who went through puberty together. It's crass but perfectly acceptable because it's for our ears only. But somehow, because he was talking about Kate, I felt my blood boil. I took a deep breath before answering. Trying to keep my cool.

"That is Kate Hallway... She is head costume designer for the film" I said, resisting the temptation of adding 'I love her... But we want different things'.

"Wow... She is delicious... Just look at her" Justin nods her way. "You fancy her?"

"Huh? Umm... No... We are friends" I stammered. Suddenly regretting my spontaneous answer. I should have indicated some sort of interest because Justin only lives by one rule. Never hit on a woman his mate fancies first. And now Kate is fair game.