Not Just Friends

Chapter 7

Layla's POV

"Oh yeah, of course, no problem. Pass me that rag?"

Since when did Tom know how to juggle anyway? Although considering the mess on the floor, he obviously wasn't very good at it.

I grab the cloth, walk over to him and start helping him. After a few minutes I realise he's stopped cleaning. I'm about to make fun of him but when I look up, I realise he's staring at me, making me lose focus and gaze back into his eyes. He's so good looking. It's not fair. He reaches up and pushes a strand of hair out of my face. Fuck. I want to kiss him. Badly. Desperately. He starts leaning in. He's even closer than before. This is not good. What is happening? This isn't right. Or is it? It definitely feels right. He's so close. His lips look incredible.

His eyes move from my lips to my eyes. It's just like this morning all over again, but better.

Suddenly all my worries from this morning flood back into my brain again. What is happening? What am I doing?

I can't do this. Not when I'm sober at least.

I move away, my cheeks burning, yet again. Part of me wants to jump into his arms and kiss him. Most of me wants to, actually. I don't even know why I don't. I glance at Tom and my heartaches for him. He looks hurt and disappointed. I feel terrible. I'm such a bitch.

"So um have um heard about Haz and that girl he met?" Tom asks.

I know he's only trying to make things less awkward but it's horrible. It's like you could cut the tension with a knife.

"Oh yeah, he told me about her."

There's a long silence.

"Hey Tom? Um I'm done with the batter so I don't need your help anymore. So you don't have to stay. If you don't want to of course. I mean you can stay too. Anything's fine really."

Shut up Layla.

Shut up.

I know Tom can tell I'm nervous. How couldn't he? I'm practically shaking. Where's Harrison when you need him?

"No Layla it's fine. Are you sure I can't help you? With anything?"

"No really Tom, I just need to bake it. It's fine."

"Oh. Okay. Do you want me to do the dishes for you?

"No Haz said he would do the dishes for me, if I went downstairs to open the door for you."

We look at each other and laugh.

"I believe I owe you a spoon though", I say grinning.

"Oh yes please! Give me that spoon!"

He's so happy. He's practically jumping up and down. Tom Holland the five year old at heart. It's endearing really. I give him the spoon full of chocolate and his smile broadens.

"Thank you so much", he looks down at his phone, "oh. Haz says he won't be home tonight."

Home alone with Tom. Fuck.

"Really? How come?" I say as calmly as possibly can.

"He has a date with that girl."

"Oh. Good for him!"

Normally I would be so happy for him, but today? Today is not the night to be left alone with Tom.

"How about we watch a movie? I'll go down and buy some beer. You can pick what movie we watch", Tom says with chocolate all over his face.

"Sure. How about the first Captain America? It's been awhile since we last watched it, and don't say you'd be betraying RDJ."

"I would be! Spiderman is team Iron Man! But fine if you want."

I can't help but smile. His face is still covered in the batter.

"You know? I may not like chocolate but I'd say it suits you."

I'm not really lying. He grabs his phone, puts the camera on selfie mode and starts laughing. Damn it he's cute.

"Yeah I think I might wear this to my next red carpet", he jokes, "wait. If you don't like chocolate, why did you just make brownies?"

"Cause you and Haz like them."

"Oh. Right."

I shouldn't have said that it relaxes me. Tom knows about my anxiety and all that shit, I just don't really talk to him about it. I don't really talk to anyone about it. Other than Harrison that is, and I'm not a huge fan of those talks.

When I turn around, I see Tom looking at me, a caring look on his face. I usually hate it when people look at me that way but right now it's different. Right now I feel special. I feel loved, not pitied.