21 - Eliza

Coming had been a mistake and though I'd have regretted it if I'd not come as well, sitting here acting like I was okay was hard. But if he truly thought I could do that to him, and to myself, then there had never been a chance for us anyway. Trust had to go both ways and apparently I'd never had his after all.

The boys had gone to get drinks and I momentarily entertained the thought of him being upset like he had been the night we'd crossed paths. As much as it'd serve him right for the things he'd said to me, I couldn't make myself wish that to happen. I didn't hate him, far from it actually. I loved him as much now as I had before and it broke my heart to sit or stand mere inches from him when we might as well be miles apart.

"Eliza, I know something happened." Elsa whispers across the table.

"Everything's fine." I whisper back, lying through my teeth.

"We're your friends too you know. Tell us what's going on." Sophie says.

"You guys don't need to be in the middle of this. Yall don't know me like you do Tom and I'm not going to alienate him."

"He blamed you for the pictures didn't he?" Elsa guesses.

"Yes but it doesn't matter. After tonight we're going our separate ways."

"Well that's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. What would you have gained from it?"

"Apparently I'm just like Taylor. Used him to further my name or whatever." I shrug, keeping the pleasant smile on my face even though I felt like I was drowning.

"But you didn't need his name. You were famous enough on your own and you purposely kept who you are secret. He seriously compared you to Taylor? I'm going to go kick his ass, where did they get off to?" Elsa says standing up and looking in the direction they'd gone.

"Don't. Please. I just want this night to be over." I say, my façade cracking a tiny bit. "If he'd have just let me explain."

"Explain what?" Sophie asks, taking my hand in hers and squeezing lightly.

"Pull up the article, I'll show you, not that it will make a difference but at least yall will know I didn't do what he thinks I did."

Elsa pulls her phone out and brings up the article, scrolling down to the pictures that had caused so much pain.

"Zoom in on the lamp." I say, not bothering to watch. I had no interest in seeing it again.

"That's not you." Sophie says looking up at me.

"Nope. It's Millie, who's now a former employee of mine. She snuck up while I was in the bathroom without my knowledge. She took the pictures of Tom and a letter from my agent about who I am."

"Why would she do that?" Elsa asks, looking back at the picture.

"Because it was easier than admitting to me she needed financial help. Hope it was worth it for her."

"Tom saw this and still blames you?" Elsa asks.

"He didn't give me a chance to show him and I was done wasting my breathe trying to tell him when he'd already made up his mind about my guilt."

"So what happens now?" Sophie asks.

"Nothing. We are parting ways tonight. It was what we'd planned on to begin with but...well that doesn't matter now either. I told your husband before, I was going to let him go despite having fallen in love with him and that's just how it's gonna have to be after all."

I look around the room, trying to blink back the tears that had formed only to have them land on Tom across the room. It gave me a moment's pleasure to that it appeared Chris and Benedict to be giving Tom hell but then I feel bad. I didn't want to cause drama between them.

"I think I'm going to head on out, it's almost midnight. Tell everyone I said goodbye."

"Okay dear. Just remember he broke up with you, we didn't."

"At least message Gerald to take you home."

"Will do. Yall enjoy the rest of the evening."

Gerald had been fine with driving me home, he too knew something was wrong but he didn't push the subject which I appreciated. I had to get inside my apartment before I could break down again.

"Do you need anything else Eliza?" He asks as he pulls the car up in front of my shop.

"I don't want to monopolize your time. Mr. Hiddleston might need you."

He turns in the seat and looks at me, I smile sadly back. There were no cameras out here tonight that I could see.

"Tom can find his own way back to the hotel if he needs to. Where are you wanting to go?"

"I'm getting on a plane in a couple hours."

"You're running?" He asks, concern plan on his face.

"It's just too hard to be here right now. Even with him leaving tomorrow there are memories here I'd rather not have to face every day."

"Just keep in touch, the rest of us still adore you. I can take you to the airport."

"Thanks Gerald. I need to go change and grab my bag. I won't be long."

"Take all the time you need. I'll be here."

I didn't need time, nor want it. I wanted to get out of here as soon as possible. Tom's scent clung to ever soft surfaces in my apartment and it felt suffocating just stepping through the door. Getting ready this afternoon had been painful.

My agent had decided we should hit the ground running and I was flying to L.A. to start a book tour and meetings with the press. She'd wanted to do it here in New York but I had to get out of town for a while and since Shelly's office is in L.A. I was just going to come to her.

Changing out of my dress and hanging it back in the closet I wash the make-up off my face before throwing on the first shirt and pants my hands find. Throwing my hair up in a messy bun and grabbing my bag off the bed I walk into the living room, closing the door behind me. I didn't know when I'd be back here but Katy would make sure everything was taken care of while I was away. Grabbing my purse off the table by the door, checking to make sure my wallet and ticket were in it, I leave the apartment.

Gerald pulls up in front of the airport at the drop off and hurries around to open the door for me. He pulls me into a hug and squeezes me tight surprising me.

"What's all this about?" I laugh, hugging him back.

"I don't want you to go. Will you at least tell me where you're going?" He asks pulling back and looking at me hopefully.

"I'll be in touch." I say patting his cheek, smiling. "Take care of him for me okay?"

"Only if I get to smack him first." He grumbles, wiping the heel of his palms across his eyes.

"Don't do that."

"It's been a true pleasure ma'am." He says kissing my knuckles.

I smile, grab my bag and walk into the airport. It was time to start the next chapter, weather I was ready or not.