A Fighting Chance (Tom Holland AU) [2]

Eight

Tom and I walked toward the baggage claim with our fingers laced, and I noticed Ali and Daya immediately. They were standing together, Ali resting her head on Daya's shoulder as she yawned. It was early, and I knew more than anything that Ali wasn't a morning person. The sunglasses gracing her face also told me she was probably pretty hungover. "Hi there, babe." I kept my voice soft as we made our way to them, and Ali groaned a bit as she pulled me into a hug. 

"You're so lucky I love you to pieces, or else I'd be in bed hugging a bottle of Gatorade." She whispered, and I chuckled gently.

"I love you too." Daya smiled as I let go, pulling Ali back so she could support her. 

"I'm sure you guys are ready to stay in, so let's head to the house."

"Sounds like a great idea." Tom smiled as he came back with our bags, and I pressed my lips to his quickly. Ali groaned quietly, and Zendaya chuckled as she kissed her cheek.

"If you want, I can tell you some drunk Ali stories from college when she lays back down," I whispered to Daya, and she chuckled with a nod.

Once we were at their house, Zendaya went and got Ali settled in their bedroom before coming back down. "She's out like a light." She smiled, sitting down next to me and Tom. "So, tell me some of these classic drunk Ali stories. I'm sure they're golden."

"Oh, they are." As I got into the stories, I could see her eyes glowing with love. I grinned as I finished my last story. "What on Earth is going through your mind?"

"How so deeply in love I am with her." I'm sure I would have been able to see that smile from a mile away.

"You really are." Tom grinned, and I rested a hand on hers gently.

"Just, promise me one thing after all we've said." She raised an eyebrow, and I smiled. "Don't be afraid to get shitfaced with her once in a while. I've stopped some of her craziest ideas while I couldn't see straight." She chuckled and nodded.

"Did last night." I gave her a high five, and Tom chuckled.

"Teach me your hangover cures." At that, she laughed loudly, and I smiled.

As I stood in front of the door, I took a deep breath. I couldn't believe that I was getting ready to step into the read through and first rehearsal of Mamma Mia!. Steph placed a gentle hand on my arm as she gave me a smile. "You got this, babe. I know you do." 

"No going back now," I said, mainly to myself, as I opened the door. I walked in to see Emily Blunt sitting down, and she immediately waved and pointed next to her. I could see my place card by her, and I sat down with a smile.

"How are you feeling, love?"

"I'm a little nervous, not gonna lie." I chuckled, and she nodded.

"Me too." I raised my eyebrows as she took a sip of water, and she smiled. I had no idea she was nervous too. "Live performances are intimidating, plus I'm playing a role that Meryl Streep did. That's not terrifying at all." She smiled as she nudged my arm, and I chuckled.

"That's true."

"You have nothing to worry about, Grace. You're going to do great." I raised my eyebrow as someone sat down on my other side, smiling as I saw who it was. "Hi, I'm Ryan. We'll be making out for this performance." Emily and I chuckled as I shook his hand.

"I'm Grace." After we let go, I smiled. "Is that how you introduce yourself to all of your romantic interests?"

"Pretty much." He chuckled back as he grabbed a water bottle. "In all sincerity, though, I'm a huge fan of both you and your fiancé. It's an honor to be working with you."

"Oh, I could definitely say the same about you, Ryan." He grinned. As we waited for our read through to begin, Ryan, Emily and I kept talking and getting to know each other.

During a break, I texted Tom, Steph, Ali, and Daya to tell them that I had hit it off with Ryan. Everyone said that they were glad to hear that, and after Ali freaked out a little bit, they all told me to invite him back to the house to hang out. I smiled as I made my way to Ryan. "Hey there, makeout partner." 

"Hello there, Grace. To what do I owe this great pleasure?" I smiled gently.

"Well, Tom, Steph and I are staying with our best friends while we're in LA. We were all wondering if you would be interested in coming to hang out with us after rehearsal today. My best friend Ali, in particular, is so excited to meet you." He made a playful thinking face before nodding.

"I would love to, Grace."

Once rehearsal ended, we all made our way back to the house, where Tom and Zendaya were waiting. We walked in to see them watching Spider-Man: Far From Home, and I smiled. "You two really are as lame as I thought you are." They looked up at the sound of my voice, and Tom immediately stood and pressed a kiss to my cheek.

"How was your day, darling?" I smiled as I explained my day to them, but I couldn't help but notice the slight side eye Tom had given Ryan.

"Guys, this is Ryan. He's playing Sky in Mamma Mia!." I grinned as Zendaya and Tom introduced themselves, and immediately after that, the front door opened. I looked back to see Ali set her bag on the side table. 

As much as Ali loved her job, the subject matter being a social worker brought could be a lot for her to handle. I was fully aware of how tired and down she could get after work sometimes, and today seemed to be one of those days. As she looked up and saw Ryan, though, that all went away immediately. "Oh my gosh!"

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