Hello Again (a Tom Hiddleston fanfic)

January 2011: Champers

“I need to get laid.” Santos hands me a glass of champagne and frowns.  I smile and take a sip of the fizzy liquid, nudging some confetti that has covered most of the floor. 

“Good luck.  Your options are limited here.” I nod toward the room.  It is the aftermath of a rather subdued New Years Eve. Subdued but really nice, and exactly what I needed. There was a big dinner, complete with lobster and steaks.  Little Kimmy ran around, eating ice cream and dripping all over the floor.  All the adults in the room were significantly plastered, save for me.  I had imbibed way too much over the course of the week and needed a breather. 

Barb and Brad Forrester are singing Auld Lang Syne loudly and off key.  Mark and Emily haven’t stopped making out.  Mrs. Hiddleston is laughing and giggling with her sister and relatives at the kitchen table, tipsy but still elegant and graceful as ever.

Santos is wearing sequin leggings and is sprawled across my lap.

“My options are limited.  Looks like it’s you and me, kid. As always.  How about it?” He laughs and looks up at me.  I squeeze his nose and then scrunch up my own. I think he’s had at least a bottle of champagne all on his own.

“That sounds like a really horrible idea.  Neither of us is that desperate.” I shake my head slowly, trying hard to keep my thoughts from the fact that yes…I do feel a bit desperate.  I was left high and dry by old what’s-his-name.  Mr. Promise-to-fuck-you-silly-but-then-leaves-the-country-instead. 

“I am though, Gracie. I’m desperate.  I need to get back to the mother land so I can get back to my regularly scheduled program.” Santos sits up and sighs.  He has been calling America the “mother land” all week .

“Where’s the champers?” He looks around for a bottle that still has anything left in it.  I hand him a half full one.

After Tom left, I made sure to keep busy.  I went sightseeing and did some epic shopping with Emily and Santos. I ran around the island a few times.  It was great.  I read a few books (more like stared at some words and then took a nap).  Maybe not as great as a night with Tom would have been, or even a few nights with him, but again, I’m not thinking about that. 

“We leave tomorrow, Santos.  And then you can have your fill of frisky young men.” I try not to stare at Emily and Mark, but I’m wondering if they are going to go to their room.  They are really going at it.  I am not nearly drunk enough for this.

“Drink more, Gracie.” Santos says as if reading my mind.  He pushes my hand, trying to raise my glass to my mouth.  I take a half hearted sip.  “What’s wrong, lovey? You’re not thinking of the bad man are you?” He asks with a frown, referring to my ex.  Santo is a little drunk, but he’s still coherent.  As coherent as Santos gets.

“No. I’m not.” I shake my head, just as Richard’s dumb face pops into my mind. 

“Yes, you are.”

“Well I am now.  Thanks!” I laugh and then shake my head.  “My life is sort of a mess right now, that’s all.  No boyfriend, shitty job…” I press my lips together and try not to wallow too hard in my self pity party.  Santos grunts and scoops up some of the confetti bits off the floor and throws them at me.

“Let’s get some things straight. One, Richard was a dick. Obviously.  You’re better off without him.  Two, you don’t need no man.  Three, I thought your job was going better. Four, it’s a new year.  You need to take that bull by the horns, lady.  Make it a good year.  Fuck last year.  Last year is dead and gone!” Santos clinks his empty glass against mine. 

“You’re right.  You’re right.” I shrug.  There’s no point in arguing with him, but he’s also right.  It’s a new year.  I can have a new start.  Richard is in the past.