"Tom?" His door was cracked open and he wasn't responding to my knock. The lasagna was fresh out of the oven and he HAD to be hungry. I hated to walk in uninvited, but..."helloooo?"
He came around the corner just about to take a bite of a piece of cake, and jumped, startled. "Is that your dinner?" He looked hopeful with his puppy eyes. I couldn't help but laugh. I put the lasagna on his kitchen counter. "Just get some plates, please.
I watched his impossibly long legs walk to a box in the corner of the apartment, slowly opening it, as if to stall for time. "Well love, here's the thing. I didn't really expect company on the first day." He looked at me as if he hurt my feelings, even though my expression never changed. Tom jogged over to me, in complete distress. "I'm so sorry darling, I didn't mean that the way it sounded! I am really glad you're here, it's so kind of you to..."
"OK, you're going to have to shut up now." I laughed as his expression turned to total confusion. "Tell me if I'm anywhere near the reason you have paper plates, all right?"
He nodded, looking like a little boy getting punished.
"You just moved in and you weren't expecting company." I grinned as I picked up the lasagna and motioned with my head towards my apartment. "C'mon, we'll eat at my place."
He reached for the lasagna. "Chelsea, I will take this for you." Before I could argue, he had already taken it. "It smells delicious!"
I opened my door, letting him in, and said, "You say that to all the women so they keep feeding you." I giggled, and he smiled, his look lingering a little too long.
Damn Chelsea what are you doing? He thinks your flirting. Stop! You don't want this!
"Tom, go ahead and have a seat, um, here..." I opened the utensil drawer, pulling out a knife and serving spatula.
He was right behind me, reaching for the knives and I jumped, startled. He put his hands innocently on my shoulders and said, "Oh Chelsea, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."
I laughed nervously, "It's ok, go ahead, sit down." I reached for the plates and silverware, setting them on the table. Tom clapped and rubbed his hands together. "Ok, what do we need?" His eyebrows shot up. "Drinks! What do you have? Wine? Water?" He smiled sheepishly. "I really don't like going through other people's things, so your choice."
I bit my lip. Wine? He's not gonna do anything to you Chelsea, seriously! It's Tom frickin Hiddleston! I pulled out 2 wine glasses and grabbed the bottle. "Ok, let's eat."
*****
Dinner was comfortable. No flirting, just friendly conversation. "So, are you filming here, settling here, what's your deal Hiddleston?" I tried looking at him suspiciously, but he crossed his eyes at me, and I bust out laughing so hard, spit flew out of my mouth, landing on his cheek. I covered my mouth in embarrassment.
He froze, blinking his eyes once very slowly, then took two fingers and swiped his cheek in exaggeration. As he wiped his fingers on a napkin, he tried his best not to laugh.
But I laughed hysterically. "I'm so sorry Tom!! I usually wait until the second visit before spitting on people."
He stood up, a goofy grin on his face and said, "Well, my dear, now that you've got that outta the way, I'm afraid to ask what will happen to me next time." He walked towards my couch, looking all around. "You have a beautiful apartment Chelsea."
I smiled. "Thanks. I love it here. Quiet. Peaceful." My smile faded when I saw him look at a picture of Steve and me in Hawaii.
He looked at me, confused. "Boyfriend?"
My eyes clouded over, and I covered my face and the tears were falling, it felt like Steve had died all over again.
Tom ran to me, arms out, "Oh shit Chelsea, I'm so sorry! It's none of my business! I shouldn't have asked." He knelt down in front of me. "Darling, I'm sorry. Do you want me to go?"
I looked up to see his face in pain as if someone punched him in the stomach, his blue eyes sad. He lift his hand to caress my face, but lowered it as an afterthought.
I shook my head and practically fell onto him, limp, crying as he held me, not exactly sure what the story was, but just there for me.
*****
"And 18 months later, here I am." I shrugged my shoulders, and pursed my lips in a sad smile.
Tom sat, listening without interrupting, and held my hand when I cried. It was then that I knew he would be a great friend. I looked at my wall clock and saw how late it was.
I reached for his hand, my eyes wide in panic. "Tom, it's one in the morning! Are you working tomorrow?"
He moved up to see the clock, staring at it, and nodded, disappointed. "Yes, I am." He took my hand and i subtly moved it away, half smiling.
Crooking his head, and looking disappointed, he said, "Hey, we are friends and friends only. If I reach for your hand, it means I'm concerned. I sincerely hope you didn't think I was making a move on you."
I was tired, confused, upset, and pretty much...everything. "I know Tom. I just met you today, but I know we will be great friends!"
As an afterthought, I said, "Hey Tom, I'm guessing you usually get home late and too tired to make anything to eat, hmm?"
His eyes were droopy when he agreed.
I walked him to the door, looking up at him, wondering how he could be this tired this quickly. "Well listen, I cook for myself and there's usually leftovers. How about I leave you some food so when you get home, you can just eat and go to bed, ok?"
Tom gave me a tired smile, and kissed my cheek. "Thank you Chelsea. I'll see you tomorrow."
I kissed him back and said, "Thank you, Tom. See ya tomorrow." I watched him stumble across the hall and shut the door.
I hope you like it so far! Leave me comments, let me know! Luv ya!
