A Fighting Chance (Tom Holland AU) [2]

Four

The next thing I knew, I was wrapped in a large group hug. "Gracie!" Beth screamed excitedly, and I chuckled as she, Daya and Ali hugged me tightly.

"They told me I could only tell a small group of people, plus I just really like surprising you guys." I smiled as we all let go.

"Congratulations, Grace. This is huge for you." Daya grinned, resting an arm on mine.

"I know. I'm so excited." I saw tears in Ali's eyes, and I grinned as I hugged her tightly.

"You're going to kill it, Gracie."

About a week later, Tom and I came home from a lunch date with our shared agent to see a package propped up by our apartment's door. "Did you order anything, baby?"

"No, I don't think so." He grabbed the package, furrowing his eyebrows. "It's for you. Did you order something?" I shook my head as we opened the door, taking the box and setting it on the counter with my phone.

"No, I didn't." I grabbed a pair of scissors to open the box, pulling out a folded note from the top.

Little One,
I was so excited to hear your name when I watched the NBC announcement of Mamma Mia!, and I wanted to congratulate you for it. I reached out to Ali and got your address so I could send this congratulations package.
I know we've had our issues in the past, but I'm so fucking proud of you. Getting to star in Mamma Mia!, something we all love dearly, is an incredible experience, and after seeing your acting on the opening night of every one of your films, I have no doubt you'll kill it with this as well. Shine on, Dancing Queen.
Congratulations on your engagement, by the way. You and Tom are absolutely adorable together, and I just know your marriage will be so successful.
You're amazing, Grace. I'm sorry I haven't gotten to tell you as often as I wish I did.
All my love,
Beeg.

"It's from Lesley." I looked at Tom, handing him her letter as I took out the contents of the box. Inside was a pack of peach gummy rings, a set of personalized wine glasses for Tom and me, a small yet beautiful tiara, and a framed picture of the two of us the night of my reveal. The fact that she was able to pack a little congratulations package full of some of my favorite things, even after we stopped speaking for two-plus years, really got me thinking.

"Wow." I could tell that Tom was trying to be careful about what he said since I had never brought up Lesley to him until I said I was thinking of inviting her to the wedding. I took a deep breath, sitting at the island and grabbing the framed picture.

"Lesley graduated the year you and I met. When we all saw Far From Home and I surprised everyone with my scene, she was really upset I didn't tell her." I could hear him sitting next to me, but my eyes never left the picture I held. "Even after explaining that I couldn't in fear of my NDA, she was still upset and pretty offended. It then spiraled into us jabbing into each other with every little thing we didn't like, and by the time I was in Georgia for Iron Man 4, we weren't speaking. I had no idea she was keeping up with me, but now reading that note makes me feel like a piece of shit." A tear slipped down my cheek, and he sighed softly. He rested a hand on my arm as he placed my phone in front of me.

"Do you think calling her would make you feel better?" After looking at the phone for a few seconds, I grabbed it and dialed her number.

"Hello?"

"Thank you so much, Lesley." My voice was soft as more tears began slipping.

"I know it's not much of a gift, but I'm so proud of you, Grace." I smiled a bit at that. "And I want to apologize. This past couple of years has got me thinking about the scene you were in."

"Les, I'm so sorry I didn't tell you."

"No, Gracie. Don't be. You literally signed a contract saying you wouldn't be able to talk about it." I heard her sigh a bit. "If anything, I should be the one to apologize. I completely overreacted about it all."

"It's okay. I know it was a big shock to see." She chuckled at that.

"You're a fucking amazing actress, by the way. I saw every movie on opening night and was in awe with every single one. I had no idea you had it in you."

"Neither did I." That caused both of us to chuckle, and I looked up at Tom. He was smiling widely, and I grabbed his hand. "Will Tom and I be seeing you at the wedding?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world." I smiled even more, and he pressed a kiss to my cheek. "Hey, babe, I have to get back to work before my boss loses it. We'll talk later, okay Gracie?"

"Of course, Les." I smiled. Once the call ended, I let out a sigh of relief.

"That seemed like it went really well." He smiled, and I nodded.

"It did." At that, my phone buzzed. I looked down to see that Emily Blunt had sent me a text. The two of us had been trying to organize a time to meet before we started rehearsals next month.

Hello there, dear! John and
I are in London for the week
doing some interviews, but
we're free on Tuesday night
and wondering if you and
Tom would like to grab
dinner together.

"Do you want to get dinner with Emily Blunt and John Krasinski on Tuesday night?" I looked up at him, and his eyes widened. I knew that he had met them once when they were on the Graham Norton Show together, but dinner would be completely different.

"That sounds wonderful, yet incredibly intimidating." He chuckled nervously, and I nodded.

"I couldn't agree more." I bit my lip, looking at him. When he nodded, I grinned and sent Emily a response.

Sounds good! Do you guys
have a specific place in mind?

Let me know your thoughts! :-)