In Little Ways

Chapter 4

Lia watched as Tom stood from the booth, adjusting his suit and running a hand through his curly brown hair, a mischievous glint in his green eyes.

"Ready?" He asked suddenly, and Lia shook herself from her staring to nod, pulling her short hair into a loose braid.

"Where are we going?" She asked and was met with a light, handsome chuckle that made her stomach do a flip.

"Just a place nearby. Great food. We won't be...bothered." Tom stated, and Lia nodded, though she began to think that this was a terrible idea.

"So, Tom, tell me a bit about yourself." She said, following him toward the most expensive hotel in town.

"Well, I am adopted. I have a brother who is the 'golden child' and a father who is a terrible person." He stated quickly, watching the cars and people pass. Lia was watching him, trying to see if the topic hurt him in any way. He seemed almost content with the state of things.

"What about your mother?" She asked softly, and Tom smiled sadly, looking up into the New York sky. Nearly none of the stars were visible.

"She...was amazing. She died not too long ago." He said, and Lia placed a hand on her chest sadly. She knew what it was like losing a parent.

"I'm sorry." She whispered, and Tom smiled then, pushing aside the memories of his mother.

"It's in the past. Here we are." The Marriott hotel sat in all its glory in front of them, the doors pushed open by the Bell boys.

"Wait, I thought you said 'just dinner.' This is a little extravagant, don't you think?" She asked, looking over to him, her discontent seeping into her words.

Tom seemed to be unaware of her feelings and placed his hand at the small of her back, ready to lead her in. Lia shivered at the touch, aware of a distant memory. One of the attacks on New York and the villain Loki. Lisa quickly pushed it aside as they walked into the restaurant, all eyes on them.

"Don't worry. No one is judging you." Tom whispered suddenly, and Lia almost laughed aloud. She knew for a fact that they were. Lia had grown up on the other side of those looks. She knew them like one would know their own family.

"Oh, sir! Welcome. We have your table ready, and the first course is waiting for you and the Mrs." A man said and, Lia saw that the coat that he was wearing had the words "Head Chef" on it.

"Yes, thank you." To, said calmly, leading her to the table. He was a gentleman, pulling out a seat for her and pushing it in too before he took his own.

Lia looked around and sighed, feeling out of place among the suits and cocktail dresses. At one table, she saw a woman and man whispering sweetly to one another and cringed as she remembered when she was like that. Young, rich, and innocent. In love with a rich boy who wasn't used to being told no. Cecilia looked back at the man on the other side of the table, realizing that she might be headed down the same path. In a moment, she shot to her feet, walking briskly from the restaurant and it's prying eyes.

Loki stood as well, calling after her before trailing her.

"Hey! What's wrong?" He asked, finally having caught up to her as she waited for the light to change. Lia looked at him and sighed before turning towards him fully.

"Tom. I am not your type. I am a simple girl who does not like fancy dinners. I hate them! So, I'm sorry, but please leave me alone." She pleaded bitterly, turning to walk across the cross-walk. Loki didn't even wait a moment to follow her.

"What do you like then? Give me a second chance, please. We can go anywhere you like." He offered, watching her face as she battled with herself. Lia chewed on her lip for a moment before nodding once, a determined look on her face.