Adore

Chapter 44

Tom and I talked some more about what else they had planned while in Tokyo, and their next stint in Osaka. And how much he was looking forward to some time off during Christmas.

I had a feeling I was going to be swamped at work and wondered how much I was going to see him, but I knew we'd make something work.

I could tell he was getting really tired, his talking slowed and his voice got all deep sounding. Time passed so quickly when I was lost in conversation with him, we'd be on the phone for almost three hours now.

"Hey babe, I think you should go to bed soon. You've got a long day tomorrow" I said to Tom.

Just as I mentioned that, he let out a small yawn and rubbed at his tired eyes.

"I wish I wasn't so tired, I could spend forever talking with you" He spoke softly. Earlier in our conversation he'd made himself a cup of lemon and honey tea to soothe his throat. I could tell the affects were wearing off from the way his voice changed and how he needed to clear his throat more.

"So could I, but I don't want you being too tired for tomorrow" I told him, tucking my hair behind my ear.

"I know, I'm probably going to jump in the shower then head to bed" He said.

"Good idea, I'll talk to you soon okay?" Picturing him in the shower, with the steam swirling all around, droplets of water hanging heavily in his hair was making me feel all sorts of ways again.

I could feel my cheeks heating up and I tried to hide my grin.

"Good night Rhylee, sweet dreams" He said softly,

"Sleep tight, have a good day tomorrow" I blew a kiss towards the camera and waved goodbye. Tom waved back at me with a big smile on his face and I ended the call.

•••

My alarm went off loudly, waking me from a strange dream. After my phone call with Tom yesterday afternoon, I had a text from Mary asking me to come in and help out today.

I'd laid out my outfit for today on my bed. A deep wine knitted sweater dress, with black tights and my most comfy black boots. I added a layered gold necklace. My makeup was very simple today, I did my usual base keeping my blush light. A thin black line ran across my lids, ending in a flick.

Pressing the bullet of lipstick to my mouth I lined my lips precisely and made sure none was going to get on my teeth.

Heading downstairs, I called out a goodbye to my loyal hound and was on my way to work. My headphones played music loudly in my ears as I mental prepared myself for a long day.

By the time it was finally time to close up for the day, Mary and I were exhausted. The shop looked like a total mess. It was going to take ages for us to tidy it up. Mary turned up the music that usually plays quietly throughout the store and we began the long process of fixing displays and restocking the shelves.

I was absolutely exhausted by the time I got home. I made myself some beans on toast as an easier dinner and dropped into the couch with a sigh. Having not had the chance to check my phone all day, I was scrolling through my social medias catching up on what I had missed.

Zendaya had posted a group photo of the Homecoming cast that was taken at a press event. They were all dressed extremely well.

@zendaya you guys all look so amazing! Hope you're having a great trip x

I left a comment on the photo.

Archie was charging around the backyard, burning off some energy. I promised to take him out tomorrow evening because I was just too tired tonight.

A notification popped up at the top of my phone screen, it was from Z. I tapped on it quickly and the comment I left on her instagram post was showing.

@rhyleemiller Thanks girl, miss you since Paris. Hope to see you soon xo

Her comment brought a smile to my face, she really was incredibly sweet. I felt the same, I'd missed my new found friends since that incredible trip we all took to France.

Some trash tv show was playing in the background as I finished off my half assed attempt at dinner.

•••

It was such a relief to wake up slowly and at my own pace this morning, instead of being startled awake by my alarm.

Stacey and I had planned to head off to London this morning to shop. I was a sucker for nice clothes and I knew the city had some incredible shops.

I turned over in bed, my duvet pulled up around my chin to keep out the cold. The sound of soft, steady rain fall was pattering against my window. I was glad Stacey offered to drive us into London today, it meant we'd keep dry and warm, and didn't need to navigate the trains in the wet.

Unplugging my phone from my bedside table, the screen came to life. The time read 8:30am which felt like a major sleep in compared to my usual wake up time of 6:45 when I had work.

My face lit up with a grin when I saw I had a few messages from Tom from over night. I was exhausted after work and went to sleep super early so I missed his first message.

I kept forgetting about the time difference so when we talked we were always on opposite sides of our days.

Hi love, we're on our way to Osaka in the morning. Four more days till I'm home x

I am not a morning person - the second message said. He'd also sent a photo, standing in front of what I assumed to be a bathroom mirror. Dressed in only dark grey sweats, one hand was pressed up against his cheek, his lips turned down in a silly sad face.

A light rumble came from my chest, while a smile played on my lips. I adored these moments when he was being silly. I think he had to keep a pretty professional essence about himself a lot of the time, but when he was around just his loved ones he was goofy, dorky and sometimes a bit of a smart ass.

I brushed my hair from my face and smoothed it down a little bit so it wasn't as unruly from being slept on. I pulled the same expression Tom was and snapped a photo of my own.

I sent it off telling him how cute he looked, and wishing him a good day. I hauled my ass out of bed to shower and make myself presentable before Stacey arrived.