9 - Eliza

Standing here with his arms around me felt like a dream, but I knew we needed to get our days started. The shop may be closed today but I wasn't completely off and he'd have to get to set soon. Sighing I lean back to look at him and it gives me a thrill to see the reluctance to separate in his eyes too.

"We should probably get our day started." I say.

"Getting out of here may be interesting. But you're right. Gerald should be here soon with some clothes for me."

"And I need to meet Sarge out back."

When he gives me a confused look I can't help but laugh. Against my body's wishes I step back out of Tom's arms, taking hold of his hand and pull him behind me down the stairs and into the kitchen.

"Every morning we take the bread and pastries that didn't sell from the day before and give it to the homeless. Sarge lives in the alley behind the shops here with a couple other homeless vets."

"You give your leftovers to the homeless?" He asks watching we walk around the kitchen putting the paper bags into a couple large plastic bags.

"I do. It's better than just throwing it away."

"Did you think I was Sarge when you found me on the bench?"

"No, he stays off the main street. Though I wasn't sure you weren't some other homeless person until I saw how you were dressed. Would you like to come with me? He'll be waiting just outside the back door."

"I'd love to." He says and takes the bags from my hands.

Smiling at him I lead the way through the back of the kitchen, picking up milk crate with four milk jugs full of water in them after I put in the security code so the alarm doesn't go off when I open the door. Pushing the door open with my hip I'm greeted by the Sarge's smiling face.

"Good morning Sarge."

"Morning Eliza. Who's this you have with you today?" He asks taking the milk crate from me and setting it on the ground in front of him.

"This is Tom. Tom this is Sarge."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Sarge." Tom says and hands over the bags of food.

"That's a fine young lady you've got Tom. They don't make em like her anymore."

"I agree Sarge. She's a special one."

"Okay you two, you're making me blush. Sarge did you or the guys need anything now that it's getting colder? Tarps still holding up?"

"I think we're good for now Ms. Eliza. Thank you."

"It's my pleasure Sarge. Don't forget Ms. Elaine needs your help this afternoon."

"I won't forget ma'am."

"I'll see you again in the morning."

"See you in the morning."

He picks up the milk crate and heads back down the alley. Picking up the milk crate with empty jugs Sarge had returned I turn to find Tom smiling at me.

"He's not wrong you know." He says after we walk back in and I reset the code, putting the crate down inside the deep sink.

"About what?" I ask turning to face him.

"You're an amazing person. I'm lucky to have stumbled into your path."

"I'm starting to think you enjoy making me blush. Let's go check if Gerald's made it here with your clothes yet."

He grabs my wrist, pulling me gently to a stop in front of him. Reaching up with his free hand he brushes his knuckles across my cheek and smiles.

"I do enjoy making you blush actually."

"Are you flirting with me Tom?"

"What are you going to do if I am?"

If he wanted to play that game I'd let him know he wasn't the only one who knew how. I reach my free hand up and around the back of his neck, pulling down gently until his face was just above mine. Stretching up on my tip toes I lean in close.

"Then I'd say two can play that game." I whisper, my lips brushing his ear, "And I play to win."

He visibly shakes like he got a chill and I pull back, smiling sweetly. He laughs as he stands back up and I can't help the small giggle that pops out.

"You've got a mischievous side, I like it."

"Good. Now we really should go see if Gerald is outside. I'd hate to think we left him to fend for himself in the mob outside."

"I suppose you're right but just so you know, I play to win too." He reaches up and runs the pad of his thumb across my lips.

It was my turn to shiver and he smiles down at me. I had a very good feeling that I was already on the downhill side of falling for this man. And more than that, I was certain watching him walk away when the time came was going to hurt like hell.

Gerald was standing at the door as we came out of the kitchen and look less than amused and I immediately feel bad. I unlock the door and let him in, then lock it back. Tom comes up beside me and takes my hand and we all walk away from the door a few steps.

"You sure know how to stir things up huh?" Gerald asks, grinning and hands the duffel bag to Tom.

"Seems like it huh? Oh, Gerald this is Eliza. Eliza this is my driver and friend Gerald."

"It's nice to meet you ma'am. If he gets out of hand just let me know." He says with a wink.

"I think I could take him if I had to but I'll keep that in mind. It's nice to meet you too. You weren't waiting out there long were you?"

"Just a minute or so, no worries. But just so you know, they're dying to talk to you out there."

"I'll release a story later..." Tom starts but Gerald cuts him off.

"It's her they want to talk to Tom. Well both of you but mainly her."

"Oh." Is all I can manage to say.

"It'll be okay. I'll be with you." He says and squeezes my hand.

I had no clue what they'd managed to dig up. There were a couple things I hadn't told Tom but they weren't bad, just not something I wanted to get out. I'd live if they did but if they were going to come to light she'd prefer Tom find out from her.

"When do you have to be on set?" I ask.

"It's an evening shoot today so you have me all day if you want. I understand if you want some alone time though."

"I like spending time with you, but you don't have to babysit me either if you have other stuff to do."

"I've nothing else to do so if you don't mind me tagging along with you I'm okay being your shadow."

"Then I guess you need to go get a shower and change clothes. It's market day."

Almost an hour later we make it to the open air market and Gerald had let us out since there weren't any paparazzi in sight so he could go find a parking spot. Most people we passed approached Tom and we stopped and he gave an autograph or took a selfie like the pro he was and I couldn't help but admire him even more.

I stop in front of my favorite Vietnamese stall and smile at the woman manning it. Over the years I'd come to know most of the people I bought from fairly well. Ms. Cam is the elder of the family who owned this stall and she'd always been friendly towards me.

"Good morning Eliza." She says in Vietnamese.

"Good morning Ms. Cam. How are you doing today?" I reply in Vietnamese.

"My hip is bothering me again but I am well. Who's this handsome man you have with you today?"

"This is my friend Tom. He's in town for work."

"Boyfriend?" She asks, pointing to our joined hands.

"Umm..." I hesitate and look at Tom debating how to answer her.

"What?" He asks, "I don't speak Vietnamese. What did she ask?"

"She wants to know if you're my boyfriend since we're holding hands."

"Oh. Am I?"

"You're a brat." I laugh and roll my eyes then look back at Ms. Cam, "Yes."

It made the most sense to put it that way.

"He has kind eyes. He treats you well?"

"He does, he's a good man."

"Good good. What do you need today?"

I look around what she has in the stall and tell her what I want. She bags it up and adds it up. I give her the money and Tom takes the bags smiling at her.

"You bring him back next week too."

"I'll see what I can do. Have a good day."

She waves and we continue walking. After we pass a couple stalls and clears his throat and looks at me.

"You never told me you spoke other languages. I'm impressed. Any other hidden talents I should know about?

"You speak multiple languages too as I recall."

"How many do you speak?"

"Not telling. And as for other hidden talents, I guess you'll just have to wait and find out for yourself."

"What did you tell her?"

"I told her that you're my boyfriend." I admit, biting my lip. "It seemed the easiest way to explain the hand holding. You're the first guy I've taken to market too."