Chapter 19

A/N: Ah!! Thanks everyone for being patient.  My super crazy week is over and after binge watching some Sherlock, and eating a lot of cupcakes, I was able to write some tonight.  Thanks for reading!! I will try to update again as soon as possible.

Tom pulled back the covers on his bed, and pulled Emie underneath with him.  He laid on his back, his arms up over his head, while Emie rolled onto her stomach, tucked in next to him.  He reached over, lazily running his fingers up and down her spine.  She turned her head to face him, smiling.         “We haven’t known each other very long.” She said softly.  He turned toward her, onto his side.  He kept his hand on her back.       “No, we haven’t.” He said simply.       “I don’t even know your middle name.”       “William. Yours?”       “Katherine.”       “Good, now we know everything about each other.” Tom sighed, content.  Emie laughed, nudging him in the side.       “Do you think it’s bad we’ve moved so fast?” She asked, hesitating slightly.  She caught his hand in hers and slowly pressed her mouth to his knuckles.       “No, I feel like we’ve been making up for lost time.  I’ve known Chris and Lucia how long? Four years? And I’m only now getting a glimpse at you.” Tom leaned over and kissed her shoulder.       “More than a glimpse.” She said with a raised eyebrow, which made Tom laugh.       “Yes but where have you been, exactly?” He grinned and Emie felt her stomach do a little flip flop.       “Avoiding your kind.” She sighed.       “I thought we were only supposed to be friends.” He said then.  “Not that I’m complaining.” Emie turned onto her side, so she was face to face with him.       “We are friends.” She said softly.  Tom searched her face.         “Tell me, Em.  Tell me what I can do to get past this rule of yours.” He said, his voice barely over a whisper.  He reached over, brushing her hair from her eyes.  Emie stilled.  In the dark, moonlight room, tucked under the covers with him, she was beginning to wonder if she was slowly losing her mind.  A few weeks ago, if someone had suggested this would have happened she would have laughed at them.  What was he asking her, exactly?       “I know it’s a dumb rule, but…” She cleared her throat.  “It’s all I have.” She shrugged.  He frowned, tilting his head.       “What does that mean?”       “My parents.  They weren’t actors, but they were involved in the business.  They travelled constantly, we had a crazy childhood.  We were never in one place for a long time, it was hard to make friends or have any semblance of normality.  And then, they were suddenly gone.  If they had normal jobs, then they wouldn’t have been on that plane.” Emie paused, pressing her lips together.  Tom ran a hand slowly, gently, down her side, over the slope of her waist to her hip.  He did it soothingly, not suggestively, and Emie fought the urge to dissolve into a million pieces right there and then.  She shook her head, and kept talking. “And then there’s my sister.  Lucia deals with people harassing her, and she doesn’t get to see Chris for long periods of time.  There’s no constant. None of that appeals to me.” She said quickly. Tom was quiet for a moment.       “Just because you don’t see someone all the time, doesn’t mean they aren’t constant.” He said softly.  Emie pressed the side of her face toward the pillow, feeling tears burn the backs of her eyes.  “Emie, I don’t mean to come off as cruel but your parents could have gotten in that accident if it were the first plane they were on or the hundredth.  You can’t always predict—“       “I know, believe me.  I know.  I’ve gone to many therapists about it.” Emie cut him off, laughing slightly yet there was no mirth in her voice.  Tom retreated slightly.  Emie sighed, shaking her head.  “It doesn’t make sense, I know.  But it keeps me somewhat sane.” She whispered.  He nodded.       “I really enjoy your company.” He said this rather diplomatically.  As if he were searching for the right thing to say but falling short.  Emie nodded, taking a deep breath.       “I really enjoy your company, too.  You’re the first person I’ve met in a long time that I feel comfortable around.” Emie bit her lip.  Tom took her hand in his and kissed her fingertips.       “When was your last relationship?”        “Do you really want to do this?” She asked, her voice edged with warning.  Tom grinned.       “I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours.”       “His name is Kevin.  He’s actually someone I dated for quite awhile when I was a teenager.  We were very close when my parents died.  He helped me through a lot of it, but when he went to college we lost touch.  He went to NYU for acting, and I was on the west coast.  The distance was too much.” Emie remembered Kevin’s face.  He was good looking, but nothing compared to Tom.  He had dark features, jet black hair and deep brown eyes.  “Two years ago, he found me in LA.  He was still a struggling actor.  We sort of rekindled our relationship, but for a short time.” She sighed, putting her fingers to her lips.  “It became clear pretty quickly that he had other motives.  He knew Lucia was famous, and just wanted me to help him in his career.” Emie looked at Tom, who had a frown on his face, his brow furrowed.         “That’s terrible.” He said gently.       “I should have figured.” She shrugged.  “So that was two years ago. That was the last guy I was serious with and it obviously ended…fabulously.  What about you?” She asked, suddenly very interested.  Tom frowned, his mouth pulling down.       “About the same amount of time for me, too.  Maybe a bit longer.  She’s called Anne, she’s an actor too.  We wanted different things.  I’ve been pretty focused on my career.” Tom said, seeming to skip over big details.  Emie pursed her lips, reading between the lines.       “So you chose your career over her.” She said, bluntly and with a small smile on her lips.  She felt the wall, the wall that had been slowly, pain stakingly crumbling start to fortify itself.  Tom made a face, squinting his eyes at her.       “Ouch, the criticism from my right.” He grinned.  She shrugged, waiting for his answer.  “Three years ago, kids and marriage and all of that weren’t exactly on my radar yet.” He said.  Emie nodded and took a deep breath.       “And now?”       “And now…” Tom hesitated.  “I’ve thought about it a lot more recently.” He said simply.  Emie did not let herself read into it.  She blinked, and looked away.  Away from this man who was everything she knew she didn’t need, and couldn’t want.  So why did she feel like there was this string in her stomach that had attached itself to him?  Making her feel nervous, and excited, and hooked to his every move?       “What is your schedule like after this?” Emie asked, closing down the part of her brain that was screaming at her.  Tom’s eyes were on her face, and he watched her as if he could hear her thoughts.         “I’ve got to go back to LA for a bit for press.  Then I’m back in London to prepare for the play I’m in.” He said carefully.       “How long are you in London?” She asked, her voice rigid.       “Emie.” Tom reached for her, and she caught his hand in hers.  She pulled it to her face, settling his palm against her cheek. Emie closed her eyes, trying to memorize the feel of her hand against her skin.  Tom ran his thumb over her cheek.       “How long are you in London, Tom?” She said again.         “A few months.  Then I’m in Toronto for a movie.” He said gently.  She nodded.         “So you won’t be back in LA for awhile.” She said softly.         “No, I won’t.” Tom’s voice was careful.  He knew what she was thinking.  “Emie—“       “Tom, let’s just take it one day at a time, yeah?” She said before he could suggest something stupid.  Suggest that they try to make it work.  Suggest that he could visit her, or she could visit him.  That they could e-mail or skype or any of the other options that Emie just knew she didn’t want to consider.  She felt the fear settle in her stomach.  If he suggested it, she knew she’d want to say ‘Yes’.  And she wasn’t sure she could handle that.         “Okay.” He said softly, pulling her into his chest. “One day at a time, then.”       

              Emie woke up the next morning alone.  It only took a moment for the events of the last night to come back to her, entering her mind like bright, vivid flashes of light.  She pulled the blankets over her head for a moment, closing her eyes and just relishing the emotions rolling through her.  For a moment, she contemplated staying under the blankets.  If she stayed where she was, then maybe it would always be this way.  She would always just feel happy, and excited and spectacularly sated from the night before.  She stretched out under the blankets, feeling her muscles protest as she did.  It made sense.  She hadn’t done her usual run in quite a few days, and she had used quite a few interesting muscles recently.       Popping her head out from under the blanket, she blinked as the annoyingly bright sun shone in through the window.  She glanced around the room, looking for signs of Tom.  There was little evidence of him anywhere, except his overnight bag in the corner.  He was rather neat and tidy.  Emie noticed her bathing suit bottom on the floor, along with her clothes.  She felt her face flush, and was suddenly more than thankful for the connecting door between their rooms.  She could escape back to her room without having to chance bumping into anyone in the hallway.  Emie crawled out of bed, taking the blanket with her, grabbed her clothes and made her way into her bedroom.       She took a quick shower and dressed in a comfortable, off the shoulder tshirt and a pair of worn in jean shorts.  She didn’t put on makeup, except for some lip gloss.  After getting ready, Emie stayed in her room for a few moments, sitting on her still perfectly made bed.  She wasn’t sure what she was waiting for, but she felt nervous about going out and facing everyone.  It wasn’t as if her sister or Chris knew.  But then there was Tom.  And she wasn’t sure how she was supposed to act around him not.  She knew she was over thinking it, but that was often her go to plan.  She took a deep breath and opened the door to her room.  The interior of the boat was bright with sunshine.  Her room faced the large living area, and through the big windows she could see Lucia and Chris already sitting at the table.  She didn’t see Tom.       “Morning.” A deep, musical voice from the side said.  She jumped, and then came face to face with him.  Tom smiled, and held out a mug.  She looked at it as if she’d never seen a coffee cup before.       “What…” She stammered, looking from Tom to the cup and back.       “Coffee. Proper morning beverage. Common among the less cheery types—“ He started to ramble after she stared at it for a second too long.  Emie broke into a smile.  “Lots of sugar and cream.” He handed it to her.       “For me?” Emie said softly.  Tom smiled.       “Yes.” He said gently.  Emie took the mug, watching him.  Not that it had been long since she’d last seen him, but he looked just as good as she remembered.  And oh, she definitely remembered.  Now her mind easily filled in all the blanks.  He looked as if he’d recently showered as well, though he hadn’t shaved in a few days.  Tom had on shorts and a t shirt, looking effortless and handsome.         “Thank you.” She said softly.       “Want some breakfast? The crew brought out a fantastic spread.” Tom put his hand on the small of her back, and led her toward the deck.  Emie let him guide her.  They made their way out into the bright morning sun, the turquoise blue water surrounding them on all sides. Lucia and Chris were sitting at the table, and they turned when Emie and Tom came onto the deck.       “Morning, sleeping beauty.” Lucia grinned.  Emie smiled, sitting down in the chair Tom pulled out for her.  She sat back, trying her best not to be completely obvious.  It felt like their actions last night were written all over her face.         “How did you sleep, Emie?” Chris asked, handing her a plate and a bowl of fruit.       Emie took the bowl and scooped out some fruit onto her plate.  She cleared her throat.  “Great, fine, thanks.” She managed.         “You look refreshed.  Rejuvenated.” Lucia grinned.  Emie looked at her sister, but didn’t reply.  Tom shifted next to her, sitting back in his chair.  Chris smiled at her, and Lucia’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly, but Emie picked up on it. She knew her too well.         “Thanks.  It must be all the fresh air.” Emie took a sip of her coffee.   It was perfect.  The man knew how to make a cup, among other things.       “Yes. Fresh air will do that to you. Lots of fresh air.” Lucia nodded.  “Usually you’re up with the sun.”  Her voice light and airy, but Emie knew better.  Emie stuffed a piece of honeydew into her mouth and nodded, shrugging her shoulders.        “Mmm!” She exclaimed, over exaggerating the noise.  Lucia frowned at her, then popped a piece of French toast into her own mouth.         “Yeah, you’re a morning person.” Chris added, obviously oblivious to the daggers being sent across the table between the sisters.       “I was tired.” Emie sighed.        “You two went to bed early.” Tom said, finally speaking.  Up until then, he had seemed very interested in his plate.         “When did you two go to bed?” Chris asked, sitting back and stretching his arms out behind his head.       “What? We didn’t…We went separately. At different times.” Emie said quickly, without thinking.  Tom burst out laughing then, as if he couldn’t quite hold it in.       “Yes…” Chris said slowly.  “I just meant, when did you—seperately—go to bed?” He asked gently.  Emie licked her lips and glanced at Tom, who was still softly chuckling and shaking his head.  She reached under the table and grabbed his thigh, squeezing hard.  He raised an eyebrow at her.       “Oh, of course. Sorry.” Emie sat back, crossing her arms over her chest.  Lucia pursed her lips and then turned to Chris.       “Weren’t you guys going for a swim?” She asked.       “Yes, we were.” Chris said, standing up, as if eager to get away from the table.  Tom reached under the table, squeezing Emie’s hand and then standing as well.       “Ladies, if you’ll excuse us.” He said as they both stepped away from the table.  Tom yanked his shirt off as he walked away and Emie nearly felt her eyes bulge from her head.  He had a rather large, reddish spot right near the hollow of his neck by his shoulder.  She suddenly had a flash back to the night before, the exact moment when everything had turned black and stars had seemed to explode from nowhere…and the feeling of pressing her lips to his shoulder and hanging on for dear life.  God, had she done that?  She prayed no one noticed, but when she looked at Lucia, Lucia’s eyes were also bulging slightly, staring at Tom.  He hadn’t seemed to notice.         “Have fun!” Lucia said, her voice sing songy.  Emie cleared her throat, brushing her hair behind her ears.  Tom nodded at them both, and followed Chris toward the side of the boat, just a few yards away.  Chris had taken off his shirt too, and though the view was impressive, he didn’t have any large, red bite marks on him.  As soon as the boys were out of ear shot, Lucia nearly launched across the table at her sister.       “You little slut!” She said in a loud whisper.       “Oh my god.” Emie groaned.       “You better tell me every detail or I will throw you off this boat.” Lucia moved around the table, sitting next to Emie.  Emie turned red, and she pressed her hands to her face.       “Can you please be quiet?” She moaned, glancing at Tom and Chris.  They weren’t paying attention though, they were laughing at something Chris had said.         “What do you want to talk about first? How goddamn awkward and jittery you were this morning, or that giant hickey on Tom’s neck and shoulder?!” Lucia said, a giant shit eating smile on her face.  Emie opened her mouth, then closed it.       “You can’t prove anything.” Emie said, trying not to smile.       “Really? I never knew you were so good at making beds.” Lucia sat back, draining the mimosa she had been drinking.  Emie frowned.       “What?”       “Your bed this morning. It was surprisingly neat and tidy.  So either you’re really good at making beds, which I know you’re not, or you didn’t even sleep in it last night.” Lucia glared at her.       “Thank you, Sherlock.” Emie mumbled.  Lucia grabbed her by the arms, and shook her.       “Emie, I’m so happy for you.  I really am.” She squeezed, and Emie was sure she’d have bruises later.       “I can’t talk about this, Luce.”       “Oh, you’ll talk.” Lucia laughed, and poured champagne into both their glasses.  Just champagne, no orange juice.  Emie took the glass, and tipped it toward her mouth.        “I don’t want to talk about this.” Emie said again, shaking her head.       “I know.” Lucia looked thrilled.  “But just tell me one thing, and then I’ll stop.” She bargained.  Emie raised an eyebrow at her, and waited.       “What?”       “Does he have a big—“       “Lucia!!” Chris shouted across the deck, and both women turned, their eyes big as if caught red handed.  Emie sighed when she realized Chris just wanted their attention while the guys were engaged in some sort of wrestling match. Tom had Chris around the middle, and Chris was charging against him.  They were both shouting and laughing.         “What are you doing?!” Lucia exclaimed.        “Watch us dive!” Tom yelled, pushing his head into Chris’ chest and trying to push him off the side.  Chris groaned and pulled Tom into a headlock.       “Is that what you call diving?” Emie laughed.  Lucia shook her head, smiling as Chris and Tom kept barreling into each other.  Tom slipped at one point, nearly wiping out on the deck, but Chris managed to catch him and steady him before he fell.  They both laughed, slapping each other on the back.  Emie groaned.       “Stop fooling around, you’ll get hurt, you idiots!” Lucia warned, sighing.  Chris laughed.  Tom stood up straight.       “Ladies.” He said, addressing them both, suddenly sounding a bit like one of the Shakespearean characters Emie had only heard he was so fond of playing.  He held out both hands, palms up.  Chris stood to the side, shaking with laughter.  Tom cleared his throat and then looked right at Emie.         “I would always rather be happy than dignified.” Tom said, took a deep bow, and then promptly jumped off the side of the boat with a Tarzan like yell.  Lucia and Chris burst into laughter.       “What he said!” Chris yelled and then did a cannonball off the side after his friend.  Lucia laughed loudly, jumping out of her chair to see if she could see them in the water.  Emie stayed in her seat, feeling glued there.       “They are ridiculous.” Lucia grinned.  Emie swallowed, still hearing Tom’s voice in her head.   She caught a glimpse of Tom and Chris swimming out into the flat, blue water.  She stood up from the table, feeling a bit lightheaded.       “Are you alright?” Lucia asked, looking at her sister.  Emie nodded.  She was fine.  She would be fine.  Leave it to Tom to quote her favorite book, Jane Eyre, and then to promptly jump into the ocean as if it were something people did every day.