Welcome to NYC, Baby

My first day back at work wasn't as painful as I thought. Everyone seemed to enjoy the English snacks and treats I'd brought back with me. My colleagues were genuinely interested in my adventures back home and I enjoyed telling them all the fun things I got up to with my favourite people. The hundreds of emails I came back to, however, were not as fun.

"Still chugging through your emails?" Matt asked, as he leaned over to me. I loved that he sat next to me, it made me enjoy work fun more and made the days go by faster. He took a sip from the 'My friend went to England and all I got was this mug' mug I'd brought him.

"Yeah, ugh. Remind me never to have almost two weeks off again. I'm already burnt out."

"You can tell you've been away, you've actually made the effort today!" He teased, though he wasn't wrong. Unless I was seeing clients, I was usually in my signature trousers, top and trainers look. I'd actually wore a dress and heels today.

"I'll be back in trousers and trainers tomorrow!" We laughed.

"Well, when you're ready for lunch, shall we go get tacos?"

"Absolutely!" I grabbed my phone to see if Pedro had text me.

Pedro: How's work going?

Me: painful. 239 emails down, 271 to go...

Pedro: sounds painful! If it helps, I've had an all you can eat breakfast, got gifted some Prada clothes and just finished my second photoshoot of the day.

Me: I hate you! Can we swap jobs? I might steal some of those Prada clothes...

Pedro: I don't think I'd be any good at your job, I don't have the smart brains like you do. You can have a look through the clothes. Think the clothes would look better on you than me anyway x

Pedro: whatcha think of this? I look pretty hot don't I?

Oh my fucking god!

I choked on my coffee, causing the team around me to look at me.

Me: I just literally spat my coffee out. Getting questionable looks from the team now. You look SO hot. Those arms 🤌🏼🤤 thanks I needed a new lockscreen picture for my phone...

Pedro: glad I could help. Are you on lunch?

Me: No, I'm gonna go at 1:30, got too much to get through first. Have you eaten?

Pedro: yeah I've just finished eating, we're on a lunch break. Make sure you eat, please.

Me: yes dad x

Pedro: one more, to help you get through your working day...

Me: the only man ever to make a bin bag shirt look sexy

Me: is that the Cartier love bangle? I've always wanted that! You and all your designer shit...

Pedro: I have no idea what that is, they just dress me up baby. You need to eat!!

Me: I'll be going shortly! Going to get tacos with Matt

Pedro: lucky Matt! What time will you finish work?

Me: if I can get stuff sorted, 4. If I've not got through my emails, maybe 5/5:30

Pedro: wanna FaceTime me tonight, if you're not too tired?

Me: never too tired to see you, my love. Need to get back to work. Text you on lunch xxx

Pedro: 💗

"How's things with you and Pedro?" Matt asked over lunch. I was grateful for the relationship I had with him. We instantly bonded when I first joined. We were very similar, yet completely different people. He was like a brother. Everyone commented on our friendship at work, how in sync we were. Our mutual love of music helped us bond. He was like the one true friend I had in L.A. Apart from Pedro, now.

"Good. I'm happy. I think Pedro is happy too."

"Good, I'm glad. Gotta say, it's nice to see you start to come out your shell. I mean, you've always been pretty confident around me. But you can see there's a change in you. A good one. I guess it's Mr Pascal that's bringing it out of you. What a guy!"

"What a lovely thing to say. Thanks Matt!"

"Could you tell I fangirled a little bit when I met him?"

"No. You seemed pretty relaxed and cool when you met him. Well at least to us. He likes you. Josh, on the other hand..."

"Can you blame him though, Elle? None of us really like him."

"He really isn't a fan of Lucas either."

"Well that's expected. He did try to kiss you."

"True. I forgot to ask earlier, do you like Ghost, like the band?"

"I do indeed. You heard their new album?"

"I've had it on repeat. They're coming to the Roxy Theatre in 2 weeks. Wanna go see them? There's still tickets!?"

"Absolutely! Book it!" Over lunch, we booked concert tickets and caught up with everything that had happened in our lives since I'd been away. I'd saw many girls come into the restaurant and stare at him. Matt was evidently a good looking guy, dark haired, green eyed and tanned. But I felt nothing but a brotherly sisterly love between us. In another life, we'd be together and happy, maybe. But in this life, I had the dreamiest guy as my boyfriend. And Matt, the sweetest soul as my best friend.

"It's ridiculous how many girls lust over you, Matthew." I commented, forking some taco into my mouth.

"Absolutely not!" He shook his head and got embarrassed.

"The girl over there has not stopped staring at you." I motioned subtly to the pretty blonde who'd been stealing glances of him. Matt turned slowly and inconspicuously. His head bounced back round when he caught her staring.

"She's pretty hot." He shyly smiled, stealing another glance at her.

"Go for it!"

"I can't do that." He shook his head.

"Of course you can. You'd better do it soon, otherwise she might think you're with me and you'll lose your chance. Either you do it, or I'll do it."

"No, noooo. I don't trust you. You'll embarrass me!"

"Exactly. Just go for it. Life's too short. She's definitely into you. You've got nothing to lose." I watched him put his food down and nervously make his way over to her. They started to chat, and I tried my best to not watch them. But I couldn't stop myself. A few minutes later, he skipped back, bright eyed and bushy tailed. "Well?"

"I've got her number."

"Go, Matthew!" He rolled his eyes at my school girl chant. 

"I know I've only just come back from leave, but is there any chance I could have Monday off? Totally understand if not..." I stood at Josh's desk, nervously playing with the bracelet Pedro had brought me.

"Should be fine, no stress. If Kenny is in, then absolutely no trouble." Josh barely looked up from his computer as his fingers tapped at his keyboard.

"I did check with him before coming to you. You know, just to make sure it was alright. I feel so bad. Thank you. I promise that'll be it for a while."

"Eleanor, don't worry. It's your annual leave, you're allowed to take it. Got anything nice planned?" He stopped typing and turned in his seat to give me his attention.

"Urm, well yes, I think I'm going to New York this weekend."

"Oh wow, have you ever been before?"

"Nope. Had the opportunity come up, so I wanted to go and tick off another bucket list item."

"Are you going with Pedro?" Shit! Should I lie? Will he get mad?

"Er, yes. He's gotta go for work and asked me along."

"That sounds fun! How exciting. What's he doing over there?" Wait, what!?

"Just some promo, actor stuff. To be honest, I'm not sure. I didn't ask many questions. He just asked and I said I'd try and come along."

"Get him to take you to Greens Restaurant on fifth avenue. You'll thank me later."

"Thanks Josh!" For the first time in my working career with him, I gave him a genuine smile. I almost skipped back to my desk, grinning like a fool as I put a calendar appointment to my team to let them know I wouldn't be in Monday.

Eleanor Parker - AL (NYC) Friday 9th - Monday 12th

I spent the afternoon cracking through the remainder of my emails. Knowing I was going to be going to New York the weekend made me want to work harder. Get all my work done and caught up so I didn't need to worry about it when I was away. Taking a small break, I text Olivia.

Me: guess where I'm going the weekend?

Olivia: absolutely no idea but I already can tell I'm going to be jealous...

Me: a clue... 🗽🍏

Olivia: you bitchhhhh! I'm so jealous. I'm going to the dentist and you're fucking going to NYC!!

Her response made me chuckle out loud. I locked my phone, mentally making a note to reply to her later. I wanted to get all my stuff done so I could leave on time. I could feel my eyes start to ache, and my body get tired. But I pushed through. With the help of an oat latte.

"Ugh, hello?" I struggled to catch my breath. My heart beat rapidly in my chest. My lungs burned as I tried to inhaled as much oxygen as possible. I silently promised to never go so long without running again. It was too difficult to get back into.

"Hey. You alright?" Pedro asked, his voice laced with concern.

"Ha ha, yeah, just trying to finish my run. I'm dying!" I clutched my side, getting stitch just 20 minutes from home.

"Running has never been something I've ever been interested in, or taken up so I don't know how it feels."

"I'd offer for you to come for a run to me, but I'm slacking a bit at the moment. I'd be embarrassing."

"You'd look like a pro athlete next to me." He chuckled.

"I don't feel like a pro athlete at the moment. Need to get back into it. Haven't been getting much exercise lately."

"I'd argue that you've been getting plenty of exercise, Eleanor."

"Very true, Pedro. Is that why you called? Want a booty call?"

"I mean, I wouldn't be opposed to one. But no, I just wanted to talk to you. I'm bored. I don't know what to do in my apartment when you're not here."

"I mean, you're more than welcome to come to mine. But if you wanna stay at home and have some time to yourself, I won't be offended."

"Great. What time should I be there for?" Little shit!

"I told you, you didn't need to ask or hint to come and stay. Just come. You're always invited."

"Yeah, but it's your first day back at work. I didn't know whether you'd want to chill and have the night to yourself. I bet you're tired."

"I mean, you're not wrong. I'll probably fall asleep on the sofa but that's nothing new, is it?" We laughed in unison.

"Well, I've got you a little something. So hopefully it'll make up for gatecrashing your night."

"You know I don't like you buying me things, Pedro."

"I know, but that won't ever stop me from buying you things."

"Hmmm. Are you going to eat at mine or eat before?"

"Depends what you're making."

"Maybe spaghetti bolognese?"

"I'll eat at yours. Shall I be there at 7:30?"

"Sure. I've got Monday off, by the way. So New York here I come."

"I'm so glad you can come, baby.  And the offer still stands, if you need me to pay for your flights I'm happy to."

"I really appreciate it. But it's fine. I'll pay for them. I didn't want to pay for next months rent anyway."

"Don't say that. Are you joking? I don't want you to be struggling."

"I am joking! I told you I've been saving pretty much all my adult life. I'm pretty good with my money. I told you, didn't I, when I was in England I was saving for a house. I've saved about £20,000 because mom and dad never asked for rent and-"

"I don't need to know about your finances, darling. That's your business. I just wanna know you're OK. That you're not struggling."

"I've still got that money saved for a rainy day and then some. Albeit, I've spent more in L.A since I've known you than I did when you weren't around. I'd rather have you and your company than money anyway."

"You'll always have me. And whilst I'm still booked and busy, we'll have money."

"Help me book flights later?"

"Of course. We'll try and get you on the same returning flight as me?"

"So we can join the mile high club?"

"You'd do that?"

"It's impossible to keep my hands off you, on the ground or in the air!"

"I wonder how much a private jet would cost?" I could sense he was joking, well, I hoped.

"What time do you have to leave in the morning?"

"Excuse me?" Someone waved his hand in my face. I removed one of my AirPods and gave them my attention. It was a guy I'd place in his late 40's, early 50's, smiling at me.

"Hey?" I replied.

"Sorry, I just have to say, you are gorgeous." He smiled at me. I could hear Pedro say "who are you speaking to?" on the phone.

"Oh, thanks." I gave him a small smile and went to put my AirPod back in, when he stopped me again.

"Have you been for a run?" He asked, looking me up and down.

"Yes." I smiled again, briefly, then proceeded to walk forward, hoping he'd get the hint I wasn't willing to have a conversation with him.

"Wow, that's so good. I used to run. Not anymore." He started to walk with me. Shit.

"You should take it back up. It's good for your mental and physical health."

"Who the fuck you talking to, Eleanor?" I could hear Pedro speak into the AirPod that was still in my left ear.

"Maybe. Maybe you could get me back into it?"

"I'm sure a personal trainer would be much better. I'm sorry, I've got to go. Have a good evening." I put my AirPod back in and walked quicker past him.

"Eleanor!?"

"Sorry, some random guy stopped me. He was-" I felt a tug on my arm and turned to see the same guy, next to me, again.

"Are you not going to give me your number?"

"No. Sorry. And please don't touch me." I started to walk at a faster pace, trying to make some decent between us.

"Eleanor, what's going on? Where are you?" Pedro spoke into my left ear. My brain rattled trying to listen to Pedro and this guy at the same time.

"Come on now, don't be like that. I'm not a weirdo. I just think you're pretty and would like to get to know you." He matched my pace.

"I'm not interested. Sorry."

"You're not interested in being friends?"

"Nope." I was almost lightly jogging trying to get away from him. The sun was setting, and I was about 20 minutes from my apartment. I knew I'd had to pick up the pace if I wanted to make it home in daylight.

"Eleanor, where are you? I'm coming to get you." Pedro spoke.

"I'm by my work, Pedro. It's fine. I'm gonna be home in a second. I'm alright."

"What did you say? Did you speak to me?" The guy called after me. I didn't reply. I put my other AirPod in and started to lightly jog. I wasn't going to give him anymore time.

"Go to the Starbucks on the corner and stay in there. I'll come and get you." Pedro was ordering me. I quickly turned and saw the guy still behind me, almost running to keep up with me.

"I can't. That closes at 6pm, it won't be open. Honestly it's fine. My stitch has almost gone. I'll start running again. I can be home in like 5, 10 minutes."

"Find somewhere close that you can go in and be safe. I'm getting into the car now." I was concentrating on his voice that I didn't hear the guy come up behind me.

"Honestly, Pedro, it's fine!"

"Why are you running? I'm not going to hurt you." He grabbed at my arm and pinched my skin.

"Get off me!" I yanked my arm from his grip and started to sprint down the street.

"Eleanor, for fucks sake! I'm coming to get you!?" I couldn't reply to Pedro, because I was too fixed on using all my energy to sprint full speed away from this guy. It felt like I'd been running forever, but strangely not long enough when my lungs felt like they were going to collapse. "Where are you Eleanor?"

"Sorry, I'm good. I'm alright. I was probably just overreacting!" Fuck, I can't breathe.

"Did he hurt you?"

"No. He grabbed my arm, and there's a small mark, but it's nothing major." I assessed the red patch on the skin on my wrist.

"Is he still following you?"

"Nope. Too fast for him!"

"Whilst I admire your ability to find the humour in everything, you just fucking scared me to death!"

"I didn't do anything."

"I know, but I need to wrap you up in bubble wrap and protect you from everything and everyone."

"You do a wonderful job protecting me."

"Where are you? I'm near your work."

"I'm just coming round the corner." My eyes scanned the streets for Pedro's car. Then I saw the slick black Audi turn the corner. He waved at me through the window, so I ended the call. Pedro, being the true gentleman he was, leaned over and opened the door for me, moving his overnight bag onto the back seat.

"Are you alright, baby?" Pedro grabbed onto me as I got into the car.

"Yeah I'm fine." I clicked my seat belt into place. As I turned to see him, I could the traces of worry on his pretty little face. "I promise I'm fine."

"Did he hurt you?"

"No I'm good. Just a small mark on my wrist but nothing serious. I'm good." I showed him the red welt on my arm. His thumb gently rubbed the area of skin before he kissed it sweetly.

"Fuck, Eleanor. I'm sorry."

"Why are you sorry? You've not done anything."

"I should have been there for you. I should have got there sooner."

"Don't be stupid, you weren't to know. It's fine. I'm fine. Honestly. Can I have a kiss?"

"When you say shit like that, it makes me go feral." He moved forward over the console and kissed me hard. I felt his moustache scratch my top lip, which made me moan into his mouth. He naturally reacted by moaning into mine too.

"Your moustache is extra thick right now, I love it. Please never go clean shaven."

"Don't worry, baby. My pathetic excuse for facial hair is here to stay. Though, my astonishing moustache needs a trim." He indicated to pull out into the L.A traffic, instantly hitting a red light. I giggled when I saw his eyes roll. He acknowledged my giggling at him by saying "Fucking hate L.A traffic."

"Thank you for coming to the rescue." I squeezed his thigh and smiled at him the best I could.

"You're so hot, my god."

"Shut up, I look so ugly and sweaty and red!" I caught a glimpse of myself in the side mirror. Ew.

"No you don't. You're so hot. A little red. And a bit sweaty. But I wouldn't kick you out of bed."

"Such a beautiful way with words, my love."

"When you call me your love, my heart just.." He placed his hand on his chest, directly over his heart and tapped out a thumping beat.

I made us spaghetti for dinner, which Pedro finished in record speed, and ate the half of mine that I couldn't finish. I'd started to feel a little sick. We cleaned up and Pedro put on a documentary as I went in the shower, promising we could watch the US office together when I'd finished. In the shower, I kept getting a twinging pain in my back and stomach, and tried my best to put it off as something I'd done on my run. I did my skin care and got changed into some pyjamas as quickly as I could. My body had started to ache, I just wanted to settle down for the night. I found Pedro lay out on my sofa, comfortable, fluffy, relaxed. My mind cast over to the first time he came over, how nervous and awkward he was moving around the place. Now, he treated it like it was his own, but respectfully. I loved to see it.

"Ugh, I am so exhausted!" I slumped down on the sofa next to him.

"You've had a busy day, Elle. We can go to bed early if you want?"

"What time is it?"

"Just after 9."

"Let's go at 10pm. Tell me about your day." I put my feet on his lap and settled down into the cushions.

"I had shoots and interviews all day. Next time you're at mine, I'll let you look through the Prada clothes. They're all gonna be too big for you, obviously. But there's a white T-shirt that I think you'll like. And steal from me."

"I probably will. I won't stop till I have half your wardrobe."

"You're already doing a pretty good job of that." His hand held onto my ankle.

"I can't stop looking at those photos of you from your shoot today. You look so good."

"Thanks baby. They made me look good, didn't they?"

"You always look good. It's annoying. It doesn't something to me, seeing you wear rings. I can't explain it." My comment made Pedro giggle at my weirdness.

"I got you this." He leant down the side of the sofa and pulled up a red gift bag. Then my eyes saw the 'Cartier' gold writing on it.

"Are you fucking joking?" I pulled my legs off his lap and made myself small. "Pedro, no!"

"Open it!" His face splitting grin was infectious and ridiculously gorgeous, but I was annoyed with him.

"I think I know what it is and I am so angry with you!"

"You're welcome." I opened the box to reveal a Cartier Love bangle, and matching ring.

"What the fuck, Pedro!? This much have cost thousands of dollars!" I couldn't quite believe that I was holding such expensive jewellery in my hands.

"It was around $7,000." He grinned at me.

"That's ridiculous. I really love that you wanted to get me this, and I really do appreciate it. But I can't let you buy me something so expensive!" I closed the box and put it back into the gift bag.

"Baby, it's yours. It's fine. Please."

"No, I can't. I don't like when you spend $5 on a cup of coffee for me, I can't walk around with $7000 worth of jewellery!"

"Well you can, and you will. Cos if you love me, you'll accept it."

"It's ridiculous! That's not fair!"

"I don't play fair when it comes to you."

"But I can't ever do anything like this for you! I can't splash thousands on a gift for you!"

"I don't want you to. I don't expect it."

"But how would I ever repay you for something like this!?" I reopened the box, trying to take in the fact that he'd just brought me the timeless pieces of jewellery I'd always dreamt of owning.

"Just promise to love me forever." He smiled sweetly at me, the softness of his brown eyes melted me to my core. "And maybe a blowjob or two."

"After this, I'll give you a blowjob every day!"

"Don't make promises you won't keep, Eleanor." He squeezed my ankle tightly, giving me an eager expression. I couldn't resist showing off my new jewellery to Olivia. She knew how much I wanted the Cartier set.

Me: Liv, look! Fucking look! I am so angry at him. But LOOK!

Olivia: you bitch! I am so jealous! I need me a rich boyfriend! Tell him I'm a size 56!!

We spent the rest of the evening on the sofa. Pedro helped me book flights to New York, we ate popcorn whilst watching the US office. The US office was one of my favourite shows. Pedro teased me about the fact the US version was better than the UK, and than that the US was better in all things, apart from its women. I enjoyed it more watching it with Pedro because it brought me so much joy to watch him laugh frequently. He tried to tell me that Dwight was the best character, but I had to educate him why Creed was the star of the show. I had started to fall asleep when Pedro turned into dad mode and made me go to bed.

I woke up in the middle of the night, with the sharpest pain in my stomach. I was going to vomit. I darted out the bed and fell into the wall as I stumbled through the dark into the en-suite. I made it to the toilet just in time to throw up. I could already hear Pedro on his way into the bathroom to follow me.

"Babe, are you alright!?" He was next to me, rubbing sympathetic circles on my back.

"I feel awful." I watched a string of spit live my mouth and hoped Pedro didn't see. Even if he did, he was sweet enough not to mention it.

"Maybe you've ate something. Let me get you some water." He momentarily left to get my tumbler from the side of bed and brought it to me. "Finished?"

"I think so. I need to brush my teeth." I leant against the sink and grabbed my toothbrush. Pedro didn't leave me as I quickly cleaned my mouth out, we kept making eye contact through the mirror. He looked adorable; messy haired and sleepy eyed. Once I'd finished, he held out his hand for me to take. He walked us back to bed and tucked me in. My head hurt, my eyes hurt, my body started to overheat.

"I hate that I've thrown up too many times in front of you." I clutched my head as I settled into the sheets. "I really don't feel great. I feel like I'm going to pass out."

"Shit babe. Keep the covers on you, even if you're warm. You sound like you've got a fever." He tucked the sheets under my chin. I tried to breath through my nose to keep the sick feeling at bay.

"Sorry for waking you. I know you've got an early start and a big day tomorrow."

"Don't you worry about that, Eleanor. Get some sleep. Hopefully you'll feel better in the morning." He cuddled in next to me, and we both drifted back off.

5:30am. The sound of my alarm woke me up. I hated the sound. I leant across to switch it off, trying to see if Pedro had woken up too.

"How you feeling?" He asked and he rolled over and looked at me through a slither of his eyes.

"Like shit. I'm exhausted." I lay back down, now wanting to get out of bed. "I actually can't remember the last time I felt this ill."

"You need to call in sick. You can't go into work when you're this unwell."

"I can't. I've only just gone back. And I've booked Monday off. I can't be doing this." The thought of having to get out of bed filled me with dread. "I'm gonna have an extra 30 mins, and not wear any make up today." I set an alarm for 30 minutes and snuggled back into the sheets.

"I need to get up, baby. But let me know if you need anything. What's the latest you need to leave?"

"8:30, the latest."

"Go back to sleep, I'll wake you up a bit later." He leant over and kissed my forehead. My eyes were so heavy that it only took seconds for me fall back asleep.

"Babe? Eleanor? Babe, wake up." Pedro's voice was a lot nicer to wake up to than my alarm. Though, as soon as I gained consciousness, the feeling of exhaustion and a pounding head soon brought me back to reality. "You sure you wanna go to work?"

"No, I don't want to go. But I need to. What time is it?"

"8. Thought you'd need some time to get ready." He gave me a small smile, his eyes stared at me with concern.

"Thanks babe." I smiled as he kissed my forehead.

"You're warm. I'd rather you didn't go to work."

"I need to, Pedro." I groaned as I got out of bed. I quickly brushed my teeth, tied my hair back into a pony tail, not having the energy to do anything more with it. I put on a top and trousers and a pair of trainers. As I walked out into the kitchen, Pedro was on his phone, stood by the fridge.

"How you feeling?" His voice was quiet and gentle.

"Like shit. I know I keep saying it, but I'm just so exhausted. It's taking all my energy to move."

"Hmmm. You need to see a doctor. Not be going to work."

"I'll be fine when I get there. Am I keeping you? What time do you need to leave?"

"About 20 minutes ago."

"Shit, Pedro! Go! I'm sorry!"

"No. I'm going to drop you at work so I know you've got there alright."

"You don't need to, I'm-"

"Not up for debate. You ready to go?"

"Sure." I grabbed my bag off the side and headed towards to the door. Pedro handed me my reusable bottle.

"Water. Do you need to get anything to eat from the fridge?" My heart. He cared about me so much it made me want to cry. "You alright?"

"Just the way you always show me how much you care for me. About me. I just love you." My words made his chocolate eyes crinkled with happiness.

"It's easy to care for you, Elle. I love you too. Last chance, you sure you wanna go to work?"

"Yes. I'll be fine when I get there." I lied. I was not fine when I arrived. I managed to last till 10:30. Pretty much everyone made comments on how ill I looked when I walked in. I fell asleep at my desk, luckily no one saw. I threw up after I tried to stomach a coffee and barely spoke to anyone.

"Elle?" Josh's voice was at my desk. "Do you want to go home?"

"No, it's fine. I'm fine." I tried to smile, but even that was exhausting.

"Sorry, that was pretty rhetorical. You need to go home. You're not well."

"I've only just come back, and I'm off Monday."

"And? You're not well. It's not like you're just wanting to get out of here. You need to go home and rest. See how you feel tomorrow."

"I can't. I need to-"

"You need to go home, Elle. Please. Honestly, it's no problem. We will be fine. Well, maybe not Matt. He'll be missing his work bestie." He signalled to Matt, who was sat next to me, giving me a disgusted look, clearly not wanting me to leave. "But please just go home and rest. Let me know how you are in the morning." He gave a genuine, none sleazy smile and walked away. He seemed to change his behaviour towards me since he'd met Pedro that night and I idly wondered if seeing Pedro made him back off a little and he leant I wasn't interested, or whether he realised he'd been inappropriate towards me. Either way, I was grateful.

"You look like shit." Matt commented as he watched me pack up. "I hope you're OK."

"I just need some sleep. Life has been pretty full on the last few weeks."

"Text me when you're back so I know you're OK and you haven't died."

"Thank you for your concern. Text me if you need anything." I grabbed my things and headed out. I quickly text Pedro, knowing he'd be mad if I didn't keep him updated.

Me: I've been sent home from work. But I am fine. Going to go back to bed.

Just as I hit send, a sharp pain hit through the right side of my back and into my stomach. The sheer pain and suddenness made me hurl over, unable to move. After a few seconds, it passed. But I knew I didn't have the energy to walk home. I got an Uber and went straight to bed.

Pedro stopped by later that evening. He brought me mushroom soup, some fruit and a smoothie that was "full of goodness and shit" to make me feel better. He insisted he stayed the night, to keep an eye on me. The next morning I felt fine. Not 100%, but I was able to function.

The week crept up on me. Work kept me busy whilst Pedro was booked and busy with many events, interviews and photoshoots. I hadn't seen him again before he flew to New York on Thursday. He tried his best to finish early on the Thursday morning so we could grab lunch together before he flew out. But things ran over and he couldn't make it. NYC was 5 hours in front, meaning I had to strategically plan when I tried to video call him. I was on my way to work when he video called me Friday morning from his bed, in his NYC apartment. It still blew my mind that this man could afford rent in NYC, as well as L.A. Two of the most expensive places in the world to live. I'd only got my little apartment for a good price because of work - they agreed to pay half of the rent. I'd never have been able to afford to stay in the heart of L.A on my wages. He brought you Cartier jewellery like it was nothing, Eleanor! I pushed the unwelcome thought from my mind. I'd sneakily shared a screenshot of our FaceTime to my Instagram story, wanting the world to see the precious human I got to call my boyfriend.

@EleanorGraceParker

Before I knew it, I was waiting in JFK after collecting my luggage. My mind couldn't comprehend that I was in New York. Little Eleanor from Worcestershire, in New York.

"I'm sorry, I wish I could have picked you up myself. Are you with him, yet?" Pedro asked down the phone. He wasn't able to collect me from the apartment himself, due to being stuck in other engagements. He apologised multiple times, unnecessarily, and got someone he knew to pick me up.

"Nope. Who am I looking out for? What does he look like?" My eyes scanned the massive, ridiculously busy airport.

"You'll know, baby. He's got a sign with your name on!" He laughed.

"Like the movies?"

"Haha, yes. Like the movies. Did you just say movies, Eleanor, instead of films? You've been in L.A too long. You're an American girl now."

"Shut up! Never! I'm proudly English!" I spat back, "as if you got someone to pick me up with a sign! Being with you is me constantly feeling like I'm in a FILM!"

"That's my goal, baby. You with him yet?" My eyes searched the group of, coincidentally, white older men with signs of their passengers.

"Yep. Got him. I'll call you when I'm outside your building." I walked over to the man with the 'Miss Eleanor Grace Parker' sign, which made my eyes roll. Why did he need to put my full name?

"Good. I'll come down for you. See you soon, baby." I hung up the call.

15 minutes later, I pulled up to a huge apartment block in the middle of the city. I didn't need to call Pedro to let him know when I'd arrived, he was already waiting on the pavement, talking to someone on the door of the building. The car pulled up next to him and I climbed out. The driver went to collect my case from the boot as I walked over to Pedro. He noticed me, and I swooned watching his eyes light up.

"Eleanor!" He engulfed me in a hug, his big arms crushing me against his chest as he swayed us. "Jacob, this Eleanor, my girlfriend." Swooned. Floored. Crying. Shaking. Would I ever get used to hearing that? "This is Jacob, the best neighbour anyone could ask for!"

"So good, he decided to pack up and move to L.A!" Jacob joked, making both me and Pedro burst out laughing. "Nice to meet you, Eleanor."

"Nice to meet you, too, Jacob."

"Jacob helped me get through the pandemic. You're a good man, Jacob. I couldn't have done it without you. And whiskey!"

"There's always a glass with your name on it, my friend. I won't keep you, but maybe we could grab a drink before you head back?"

"Absolutely! I'll text you. Really good to see you, man!" They exchanged a hug and Jacob waved to me before he headed off down the street.

"That was so cute! You two are adorable!" I smiled up at him, still tucked under his arm.

"Welcome to NYC, baby!" He kissed me hard. He thanked the driver for getting me here safely and took the luggage from him.

"You are such a good man. Everything you do just makes my heart burst. You're literally perfect." I commented as he gripped my hand and walked me up the stairs. He didn't say anything, just pulled a 'you've just melted my heart' face and squeezed my hand.

"How you feeling?"

"Better. I still keep getting a pain in my back, like on the right hand side, just here." I pointed out the location to him, "And I'm pretty dead on my feet. I've had a headache that I've not shifted all week."

"Have you been eating?"

"Yeah. Maybe like a meal a day. I've not had much of an appetite and when I do eat, I feel sick." I confessed. I regretted telling Pedro as soon as I saw a disapproval look etch his face. "It's a full meal, though! I've been eating. So something substantial!" I added so he wouldn't be concerned. "It just makes me feel sick when I eat though."

"As soon as we get back to L.A, you're seeing a doctor. And if at any point you don't feel well, you let me know, OK?"

"Will do."

"I can't wait to show you New York and show you off to New York!" He cuddled me into him.

Pedro had a photoshoot and interview to do in the last afternoon. He asked if I'd planned to do anything with my afternoon, and when I told him I didn't, he asked if I'd like to go along with him. I, of course, said yes. We went to a hotel not far from his apartment to do the shoot. He introduced me to Coco, who was gorgeous and lovely. We instantly bonded over our admiration of Pedro's hair. She commented that it was a dream to work with, because it always had volume and texture and just stayed wherever you put it. I nodded along, but all I could think about was how great it felt when I twisted it in my fingers. After the shoot, Coco made the comment to me that Pedro seemed more relaxed and happy in front of the camera with me in the room. And that I had brought a new side to him that was joyous to see. I thanked her for her incredibly sweet words. I could see why Pedro kept her around. She was a sweetheart and very talented at what she did. Because he looked incredible.

After the shoot, Pedro took me back to his NYC apartment. I was surprised to see that this apartment was a lot more homely than his L.A place. I put it down to the fact he'd lived there a lot longer than he lived in L.A, and that the pandemic may have made him want to make his little space more homely and bearable to live in. He poured me a glass of water with ice, after I declined a glass of wine. I had started to feel a bit unwell, but didn't want to let him know. I saw him squint his eyes, trying to suss me out. It scared me how well he knew me.

"I've gotta go to a meal, tonight. With the cast and crew. Ahead of the premiere tomorrow. Are you coming?"

"To the meal or the premiere?" I asked, taking a sip of the cool liquid.

"Both." He leant on the countertop, watching me intensely. I sensed he knew I wasn't well, and wanted me to admit it to him instead of keeping it from him. He was testing me.

"Hm, well I'm not feeling too good at the moment." My voice was small, I was prepared for him to moan at me.

"I knew it. Why didn't you tell me? I've been dragging you around all day." Pedro ran his hands through his hair, exasperated.

"I've been alright all day. I'm just exhausted again. I'm just really tired that's all. I was awake early. I've been travelling all day, think an early night will sort me out." I lied. He didn't need to know I'd been sick on the plane. That my eyes kept going funny, like a sparkly, static tunnel vision.

"Are you still getting the pain in your side?"

"Yeah but-"

"So you're still ill?"

"No I feel better than I did."

"When was the last time you threw up?" Shit. Shit. Shit.

"On the plane."

"Eleanor!" Pedro voice was almost a shout. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I'm fine. Honestly."

"Do you want me to call a doctor out to you? Find a doctor here?"

"No it's fine. I'll make an appointment next week. Honestly, it just comes in waves. I'm doing a lot better. I think I'm just coming to the end of whatever bug it is."

"Are you going to be OK to come to the premiere tomorrow?"

"Yeah I think so. I can come tonight, if you want me to?"

"I'd like you to feel better. You've had a big day. I think you should stay here and rest." His tone was a little more gentle this time. "Come here." He held his arms open for me. I walked into the open space and wrapped myself around him. "I hate this. I don't like to see you unwell."

"You have nothing to worry about. I'll be fine. It's just my luck to get a stomach bug the same week my dreamy boyfriend takes me on a dreamy trip."

"Well, it's not really the dreamiest trip. I'd like to have a week with you here, when I'm not working. So I can properly show you the wonders of the Big Apple. I'm sorry I'm not around much over the next few days."

"Don't be. I'm in New York, I'll find plenty to do. Albeit, nothing will be as pretty as you. But I'm sure I'll find enough to occupy me."

"I wish you were well enough to come tonight. I want you to meet everyone. I want them to see how great you are. You need to meet Bella. They're a great kid. You two will get on like a house on fire."

"I'll meet them tomorrow, won't I?"

"You will indeed. You know," Pedro leant behind me and grabbed my passport off the kitchen island. "You shouldn't leave this lying around. I might hide it and keep you here forever. Let me see your passport picture."

"No, don't. It's embarrassing." I tried to pull it out of his hands but his arms were too long for me to succeed. "I look so ugly on it."

"You really don't. Fuck. You look like a supermodel."

"You're so annoying. Lying to my face like that. I look vile."

"No you don't. You look like a model. You could be a model. You should be a model." He gave me a wicked grin. I watched his thumb graze over the gold 'EGP' initials on my passport holder. "You know, if we got married, you're initials would stay the same."

"Do you want to get married?"

"You asking or proposing?" Pedro smirked, pushing some hair that had fallen into my eye.

"It's your job to propose to me! But I was asking if marriage was something that you wanted?"

"I'll be honest, I haven't really thought about it much. I liked the idea of getting married, but I got so used to being by myself and I was happy by myself that I just dismissed it. It didn't feel like something I'd ever do. But, without seeming too cliche and mushy, since you, I've thought about it."

"You have?"

"Yeah. I mean, I'm in absolutely no rush so don't get any ideas!" He panicked. "But you know, I've definitely had thoughts of 'I wanna marry this girl one day' Well, if you'd marry me. You might say no."

"It's very hard to say no to you, Pedro. Not when you look like you do. Not with those big brown eyes."

"If I remember correctly, they can make you do whatever I want to, right?" He grinned knowingly at me.

"Yep. Unless I poke them out." I put my thumbs over his eyes, which made him giggle.

"Getting PTSD!" He started to giggle, but I had no idea what he was talking about.

"From what?"

"Game of Thrones?"

"Never watched it."

"Wait, you've never watched an episode of Game of Thrones?"

"Nope."

"You don't watch movies, you don't watch my movies, you don't like going to the movies, you've never watched anything good. What do you do with your spare time?" He seemed legitimately exasperated.

"Concerts. You know, it's the best experience in the world. I would spend all day, every day, for the rest of my life just going to concerts. I just love it so much."

"You're cute." He kissed me quickly and sweetly. "I should have guessed it, really. Your whole Instagram is just posts of shows. Cutie."

"I mean, I know I am. But why?"

"Just watching your whole face light up just talking about going to concerts. You can see how much you love it. It's joyous to see. I'm going to go with you to a concert one day, I want to see how happy it makes you."

"I'm a completely different person. I just lose it. Scream the lyrics, dance around. I don't care what I look like. You might not like me after seeing me in that environment."

"I think I'd like you even more. I'm being serious, I wanna see it happen."

"Would you come see Harry with me?"

"Urm, I dunno. I might be busy that day..." He rolled his eyes and took a sip of his drink.

"Dick! You'd love it. It's like nothing I've ever experienced. It's like a whole different kinda energy. Ugh, I love him."

"La la la la la la! Not listening. I need to go and shower!" He childishly shouted over me with his fingers in his ears. "Make yourself at home, my Only Angel." He quoted the Harry song he said was about me and kissed me again. With a quick smack on my ass, he left me to go shower.

"ELEANOR!" I jumped awake at the sound of Pedro's voice shouting through the apartment. "Jesus, Eleanor! I was calling you. I thought you'd passed out."

"Sorry." I mumbled as I gripped my head and sat up. The headache was still there.

"What's going on Eleanor? Are you hiding something from me?"

"No, of course not. What are you talking about?"

"I've never seen you passed out like that. You're usually a light sleeper. I kept calling your name and you wouldn't wake up. I started to panic. Are you hiding how ill you really are from me? I need you to tell me the truth."

"Honestly, I'm fine. I must have just fallen into a deep sleep. Really," I grabbed his face in my hands, "I'm fine. Just tired."

"Hmmm." He wasn't convinced. And in all honesty, neither was I. But I didn't want to worry him. Especially on such a big weekend for him. "You should have gone to bed if you were tired. It's not a comfortable couch for you to sleep on. You'd have been better off in the bed."

"I was trying to wait up for you. And I didn't want to get in bed without you. What time is it?" I asked, not knowing what time I'd slept to.

"Just past midnight. The others have stayed out. But I came back because you wasn't answering my texts and I just wanted to check you were OK."

"Just a bit jet lagged. I've had such a busy week too. I just needed to get my head down. I tided the apartment for you. You're more messy than me getting ready. I've put all your clothes away in your bedroom, hope you don't mind."

"Why would I mind? I mean, you really didn't need to baby, but thank you."

"I just wanted you to be able to get straight into bed without having to fight all the laundry on the bed."

"Such a good house wife, aren't you? I can see you've stolen another one of my T-shirts." He pointed to the Fleetwood Mac tshirt I was wearing.

"Not quite a wife though. No ring!"

"Not yet. One day. I planted the seed earlier didn't I!?"

"I can wait, don't worry. Have you had a good night?" He sat himself down on the sofa next to me and grabbed onto my thigh.

"Yeah it's been great. They're such a great group of people. We spent the year together during the pandemic on The Last of Us, and we became really close. I'm so excited for everyone to see it. But so fucking nervous."

"I'm sure it'll be a massive hit. You're so popular. It has to be for a reason. And not just because you're incredibly handsome, though I'm sure that helps."

"I play a 56 year old, Eleanor. I'm getting old. I'm a 48 year old playing a 56 year old. Does that mean I'm looking old nowadays?"

"You've hit the daddy era of your life. You're still the most handsome. I hate that I have so much competition. So so so many women love you."

"You have no competition, darling."

"I get worried I'm not enough for you."

"You being you will always be enough for me"

"You don't know that. There's so many more beautiful girls than me. You've just not come into contact with them. You might run into another girl in a coffee shop and fall for them."

"I like my girls falling for me. In Starbucks. Throwing themselves at my feet. Only you, darling. Always, only you." I pressed my lips onto his and grabbed his head. My heartbeat quickened when Pedro placed his left hand on my cheek and used his right hand to pull me onto his lap. "I've missed you. I've missed this."

"I can tell." I felt his dick hardened as I straddled him. The feeling left an ache in the pit of my stomach. I shifted slightly, purposely rolling my hips over him.

"Are you too ill for me to take you to bed and fuck you?"

"No. I want you. Please." My voice begged. He kissed me again and smiled at me before ushering me off his lap. He grabbed my hand and linked our fingers, almost dragging into his bedroom.

"Lie down, baby." He guided me onto the bed. I did what he said, when he said it. I watched him take his glasses off and put them on the bedside table. He started to undress slowly, but kept his eyes on me. "We're going to do this nice and slowly, OK. If you need to stop, or you start to feel unwell, you tell me and we'll stop, OK?" There were no words. I just nodded and bit my lip. "Good girl." Pedro knew exactly what he was doing when he grinned his megawatt smile at me whilst he undid the buttons of his jeans. "It's so fucking hot seeing you lying there, waiting for me."

"Hurry up, please." I felt like I was about to burst.

"Nope. Nice and slowly, remember. Move down the bed so your head is on the pillows, please." He was stood in nothing but his boxers as he helped me down the bed. He climbed onto the bed, and on top of me. He brought his right hand to my mouth and held his index and middle finger to my lips. "Open." I did what I was told and let my jaw drop. His large fingers slowly entered my mouth, quickly consuming the small space. I let my tongue roll over every inch of his skin, watching his eyes darken. I flicked my tongue over the tip of his middle finger which flicked the switch in him. He inched his fingers further into my mouth so his fingertips touched the back of my throat. I watched him swallow hard before he removed them slowly. His fingers twisted into the waistband of thong, going straight to me. "Fuckkkk. You're so wet, baby."

"Pedro, please." I begged, pushing my head into the pillows as his fingers were ruthlessly in me.

"Shhh baby. Enjoy it. Concentrate on my fingers." He whispered as he came closer to my face. My eyes were screwed shut, but I could feel his hot breath on my face. "Fuck, I love seeing you like this. For me. Because of me." He gently kissed my lips.

"Please. I just want you in me." I begged, finally opening my eyes to see him looking down at me. His fingers never stopped their constant rhythm, each thrust made my insides curl. But his eyes bore into me. His mouth dropped open slightly as I made eye contact with him and bit down on my lip. Pedro curled his finger upwards on the next thrust, which made me crumble. "Pl-please. Pedro. Please."

"Are you still feeling OK?" He asked as he took his fingers out of me and started to undress.

"Hmm, yeah."

"Promise?"

"Promise. Please just put your dick in me."

"Such a dirty mouth, baby." He grabbed my jaw in his hand and kissed me so sweetly it made my head spin. Whilst his lips lingered on mine, he slowly and gently thrusted himself into me. The gentle motion made us both heavily breathe out in unison. "Fuck, I'll never get over how good this feels. To be in you." His strokes continued to be gentle and powerful. A feeling I'd never experienced. "Are you OK?"

"Hmmm yes." Each thrust seemed to make my stomach ache more, the feeling of being consumed by him overpowered any previous feelings of being ill. All I could feel was love, and so much pleasure.

"You are so beautiful." He repositioned himself so he had both arms either side of my shoulders, leaning on his elbows with my face in his hands. "I love you." He grinned down at me as he continued his steady but intoxicating rhythm. I'd never felt anything like this before. My chest grew heavy.

"I love you." I managed to speak in between pants. I grabbed his face in my hands and pulled him to my face so how foreheads were touching. But neither of us broke eye contact. Seeing the way he looked at me, with such love, the way he cared for me, about me, the tenderness of his body as he continued to thrust into me, I knew this man would do anything for me. And I for him. Our connection, right there, clicked. I knew it. I couldn't help but feel the tears in my eyes as I continued to think about my feelings for him. How he was my absolute world that I'd do anything for.

"Baby, why you crying? Are you feeling OK?" His thumbs ran over my cheeks and collected the tears as he slowed down the pace to an almost stop.

"Yes, I'm fine," I breathed, "I just, I love you so much. I just love you so much." My words made his eyes fill up. I was forever in awe of this man and his ability to expose his vulnerability. It made me love him more.

"I feel it, too. I love you too. So much." He pressed his lips against mine and picked up the pace again. Pedro rested his forehead on mine and we stared at each other. The only noises that came from us were grunts, sighs and heavy breathing. Until I begged, "please." And Pedro knew I needed him to finish us. He kissed me slowly and passionately, and let us enjoy it together.

"I'm going to be sick!" I darted out of bed, again. Once again, I found myself hurled over the toilet, throwing up. Feeling like death.

"You alright?" Pedro was stood in the doorway, wearing nothing but boxers and a concerned expression.

"Yeah I'm good. I think it's cos I ate a full, greasy meal today. My body hasn't been used to much food this week." The sweat on my brow started to roll down my face. This wasn't normal.

"You need to see a doctor, you're not well." He crossed his arms and leant against the doorframe.

"I'm fine. I think I've just eaten something bad."

"I'm no doctor, but I'm sure a stomach bug or food poisoning would have cleared by now. You need to get yourself checked out."

"Honestly I feel much better than I did." He went to speak, but stopped himself and pressed his lips together.

"I'm giving this a couple more days, at most. If you're still ill by the time we fly home, I'm taking you straight to the doctor as soon as we touch down in L.A. And if you feel any worse over the next 48 hours, we're going to the doctors. I mean it, Eleanor."

"OK, fine." I got up off the floor and washed my mouth out with water and mouthwash before following him out into the bedroom and back into bed.

The next day was full of Pedro being back to back with engagements. He kept making comments on how he felt guilty for not spending much time with me, showing me New York but I tried my best to reassure him I'd be fine. He had a morning of interviews, with a Q&A in the early afternoon. The afternoon was pretty free, and he insisted we go for dinner together before his premiere on the evening. I spent the morning walking the streets of New York and sightseeing. I brought a few things for Olivia, Dad, Oli and Jess and of course my nephew. I'd recently found myself buying anything I could for my nephew, and hoarding it so I could make a hamper to send home to them. I usually wasn't one for being able to keep a secret or surprise, but I wanted to surprise them with treats and goodies for him. My heart ached thinking about the little bundle of joy who'd soon enter our lives. I'd stopped by a Starbucks to grab a coffee and take a break. I replied to Pedro's text.

Me: yeah I'm fine. I feel a lot better today. Just stopped at Starbucks to grab a coffee. Hope you're having fun. X

Pedro: good! Don't be tripping for other guys in Starbucks now... I'm just having lunch with Nick and Craig before the Q&A. Don't feel like you have to, but I've put your name on the list if you wanna pop along to the Q&A.

Me: I'll see if I can make it! I've brought you something. It's nothing special, and it's definitely not worth $7000 so don't get your hopes up!

Pedro: you are so sweet. STOP SENDING YOUR MONEY ON ME!!!! LY though XXXXXXX

Oh the irony.

I'd manage to drop my bags off at Pedro's apartment and make it to the venue in time to catch Pedro and the cast do their Q&A ahead of the premiere. Pedro walked out in a white shirt, looking fuckable and adorable; a heady mix. I saw his eyes scan the crowd, in desperate need to find me. Then he saw me and smiled. Then winked. He winked at me. In front of everyone. In front of his friends and colleagues. In front of the cameras. He winked. At me. He quickly buried his face in his arm into his shoulder and started to listen to rules of the Q&A. I got lost listening to and watching him charm the crowd. They loved him. Everyone did.

"Literally everyoneeeee loved you, Pedro! You were the one everyone wanted to speak to!" I was trying to make him realise how loved he was as we entered the apartment.

"Not sure about that. But thanks for trying to make me feel good about myself, baby."

"Do you think I'd lie to you?"

"I hope you wouldn't." He pushed his thick framed glasses up his face. "Whatcha got me then?" He rubbed his hands together greedily.

"It's going to seem a bit pathetic now, compared to these!" I held up my hands to reveal the jewellery I'd never part with.

"Stop! I'll love it, regardless of what it is."

"Well, actually, I got you three things." I started to look through the bags.

"It looks like you've spent a lot of money!" Pedro signalled to all the bags I had dumped near the sofa before I ran to his Q&A earlier.

"I spent a lot more than I wanted to. But look at this!" I reached for the bag that had the 'I ❤️ NYC' baby romper in it. "Look how tiny this is!?" I held up the little suit close to my chest.

"Is that for your nephew?" He giggled as his gripped the edge of the outfit. "Look how tiny it is!? How is anyone fitting into this!?" He held up the little suit against his chest. I imagined a tiny baby in his arms, how little and adorable they'd look next to the big man who was still a child himself. I'd never wanted children, but for the first time in my life, I found myself picturing what it would be like to have children with this man.

"I can't wait! Actually, he's going to be due around July. My birthday is the last week of July, so I'm going to go home for a few weeks then. If you're free, and you want to of course, would you come with?"

"I'll check my diary, but I'd love to be there." He kissed the top of my head as he handed me back the outfit. "Come on, what's for me!?"

"There's these!" I handed him the bag with the trainers in first. "I saw you had a pair in navy and they're a bit battered. So I thought I'd replace them." He opened the box of the Rothy's RS01 Sneakers in green and cream.

"Are you kidding me?" He pulled out one of the shoes, "I've been after the green ones for ages. Did I tell you that?" He was already pulling at the laces to loosen them.

"I don't think so. I just saw the green ones and thought of you. You look good in green!" I watched him slip his foot into the shoe and smile.

"You know me so well." He smiled like an angel; all bright eyed and full of love. "How did you know my size?"

"You're always leaving your fucking trainers all over my apartment!" I laughed, watching him shrug knowingly.

"These are pretty pricey, babe." He commented, watching me and waiting for me to make a comment. They were $180, he knew that. He didn't know I'd spent $1500 today. He didn't need to know. Because he would try and help.

"You're worth it." I commented, watching him press his lips together in a straight line. "Stop giving me that look, you brought me ridiculously expensive jewellery!" I handed him the next present. "Again, it's nothing special I just thought you'd like it." He pulled out the 1999 The Rolling Stones t-shirt I picked up for him.

"Ah this is great, thank you!" He held up the shirt to his chest. "You obviously know my size because you keep stealing my clothes." He commented as he raised his brow at me.

"I can't help it. They're comfy and smell like you. It's become an addiction."

"You're not stealing this one." He turned the shirt around to look at it again and smiled. "I bet you weren't even alive in 1999."

"I was 5."I chuckled.

"I was 24. Shit!" The look of realisation on his face made me laugh. "Thanks baby."

"You're welcome. But this is the one I'm really excited to show you." I handed him the box and took a seat next to him. He looked at me puzzling before he used his large thumbs to pull open the box.

"No fucking way!" He gasped as he gingerly picked it up. It was a The Shining poster signed by Stanley Kubrick himself.

"There's a certificate of authenticity in there too." I placed my hand on the middle of his back. He looked up at me with his mouth open, shocked.

"Wait! This much of cost hundreds. You really brought this for me?"

"Yeah. Do you like it?"

"I don't understand. Why?"

"Because I thought you'd like it?" Maybe I was wrong? I'm sure he told me it was his favourite film?

"I do. I really fucking like it. It might be the best gift I've ever received. I just don't understand why. Why you'd do this? This costs hundreds of dollars. And you wanted to get it me?"

"Says the man who buys me thousands of dollars worth of jewellery?"

"My pay checks are a little bit bigger than yours, Eleanor. And that's not me being an asshole!" I chuckled at his words. "I'm not sure I like you buying me expensive things. The trainers and shirt were already too much, but this too."

"Welcome to my world, baby."

"Thank you. I mean it, thank you. I'm going to hang it in the living room, next to my Prince vinyl."

"You're welcome my love."

We were in the car on the way to Pedro's premiere. He kept fidgeting in his seat, and I could tell he was nervous. I was too, but only for the social aspect of the night. And because I wanted him to have the best time. I was browsing through my Instagram, seeing that Pedro had added to his story:

I giggled, remembering seeing his face when I walked out from the bedroom in my dress. His jaw dropped and he was instantly on his feet, needing to touch me.

"Fuck me, I don't think I've ever been so attracted to anyone in my life. You look fucking perfect baby! Turn around, let me see you." He held my hand and turned me around on the spot. "I love this on the back. You're so sexy." He asked me for a photo, and took enough to fill a photo book but it warmed my heart to know he wanted to have a keepsake of me looking like this.

I'd also posted a picture of him to my story, wanting to show how handsome he looked. Of course it drove his fans wild.

@eleanorgraceparker:

Pedro walked the red carpet with his cast and crew whilst I decided to meet him in there. The thought of standing in front of so many people and cameras filled me with dread and I was in awe of him being able to do that. Though I knew he was equally as anxious. He met me in the foyer some time later, laughing at me when he saw I was stood in front of a huge poster of him.

"Couldn't be away from you too long, clearly! Seems like I naturally gravitate towards you." I helped out my arms for him.

"Ah, I love you!" He kissed the top of my head and looked up at the poster. "Fuck, it's really real now."

"Let's get a picture of you in front of it!" I tapped his back, moving him along the corridor in front of it. I snapped a few shots but quickly chose my favourite to share with the world.

@EleanorGraceParker:

"Come. There's someone I really want you to meet!" Pedro grabbed me by the hand and walked me over to Bella. "Bellie! Bellie! Come 'ere!" Bella turned as soon as they heard Pedro's voice, grinning at him and then at me.

"I don't need any introductions. I know who this is! You must be Eleanor, it's great to finally meet you!" They grinned at me, offering their arms out for a hug.

"Likewise! I've heard so many great things about you. It's been so excited to meet you!" I returned the hug. They were slightly shorter than me.

"Oh my god, same! Ever since he met you, I've been getting updates. You are so pretty! Pedro's done pretty well for himself!" They held onto my elbows as they spoke to me.

"Pedro is still here, you know kid!" He grabbed onto their shoulders and shook them lightly.

"Hey, it's a compliment! I think you're a cute couple. What part of England are you from Eleanor?" Bella asked, standing with their arms behind their back. They looked gorgeous; sporting a long blazer and shirt with a gorgeous winged eyeliner.

"Worcestershire. It's near Birmingham. You?"

"No way! I'm from Nottingham!"

"You're joking!?" We equally got as excited about it, and giggled when Pedro stared at us confused. "We're about an hour, hour and half away from each other!" He mouthed a 'oh' and nodded his head as he smiled at us. "How are you finding L.A?"

"It's great. But isn't it just so crazy!? Would you like to grab a drink?" Bella asked, grabbing onto my elbow again. I wasn't even sure they could drink over here, but I agreed. I could see why Pedro adored them. They had a natural ability to make you feel safe. You wanted to get to know them more. Just like Pedro.

"Yeah sure! Pedro, do you want a drink?" I held out my hand for him. He grinned as he took it and pulled me into him.

"You are a dream baby." He whispered into my ear as we followed Bella to the bar.

"I'm going to go say hi to Nick. I'll be right back." Bella got up and left our table.

"I think they're just so great." I confessed, sipping my wine. "I could spend all my time with them."

"Right? They're just such a great kid. I got so lucky to have them and not some stroppy teenager." Pedro took a sip of his wine, too. "You're so great with people. Everyone loves you. It's annoying."

"No they don't."

"Yes they do. I fucking heard John ask Craig who you were earlier because you were 'smokin' hot'. He didn't know you were here with me. Everyone looks at you and stares in awe. Everyone wants to talk to you. You have this natural ability to make everyone feel calm and you make them laugh and they just love you. Instantly."

"Whilst I don't believe that to be true, thank you. That's kind of you to say. I think you look so hot wearing rings."

"What d'ya mean?" He stretched out both hands, letting me see them in all their glory.

"Your hands look so good. Look at your long fingers, and with the rings on. So hot.  I'm obsessed."

"You're gonna have these long fingers in you later." Fuck ! There's that familiar feeling! Everything south of my waist clenched.

"Stop Pedro don't do this to me right now."

"Which ones do you want in you?" He spoke as if he didn't hear what I said, and cruelly continued.

"Don't get me wet. I'm not wearing any underwear."

"Wait. Like nothing? Not even a thong?"

"No. This dress is pretty tight I didn't want any visible pant lines. Plus, I wanted to surprise you when you peeled me out of it later."

"Come with me." He got up and offered out his hand for me to take.

"Where are we going?" I asked, blindly following him, even though I had no clue. I would follow him wherever and whenever.

"Somewhere quiet. I need to fuck you." Fuck. Fuckkkkk. "In here!" He pushed me into a single toilet which I presumed was used for baby changing and disabled access. He'd barely locked the door when he almost ran to me, pushing me against the wall. My face was in his hands, kissing me hard. His tongue darted into my mouth, already eager to go exploring. "We're gonna be quick. We can't be away for too long. So this is gonna be hard and fast. And you're gonna cum for me, OK?" I couldn't think of any words, so I just nodded. "Good girl. Open your mouth." He pushed the four fingers on his right hand into my mouth and told me to suck. I did what I was told. "Fuck you're making me so hard." I reached for his crotch and felt him twitch against me.

"Please can I?" I begged, already crouching on the floor. He pushed his glasses back up his nose and nodded his head, assisting me by unbuckling his trousers. Knowing we were on a tight schedule, I wasted no time spitting onto his dick then slowly taking him into my mouth.

"Fuck! You feel so good baby. Keep going!" He held my head still as he pushed his hips back and forth into my mouth. "That's it baby,  good girl. That's my girl. Taking me whole like that. Fuck. You're such a fucking gorgeous girl." I continued my steady rhythm, hearing Pedro hiss and moan my name was ridiculously attractive. "You can finish me later. This is for you. Come." He pulled me onto my feet and kissed me hard. Without warning, his fingers were in me, curling and hitting that spot that only Pedro had ever gone to.

"Fuck, Pedro. I'm gonna cum." I said, within seconds of my sweet release. He looked up grinning like the devil. I watched him take his fingers into his mouth and sloppily suck them clean.

"Mmmm delicious!" He gave me his wicked grin. "I could do with a drink. Shall we?" He licked his lips and smiled. That man would kill me.

The Sunday afternoon before we flew home was pretty relaxed. Pedro had the rest of the day off and insisted we went out to do something together. We had just left Starbucks and were about to make our way to Central Park when a group of teenage girls noticed Pedro and headed towards us. We noticed them at the same time, as we unlinked our fingers.

"Pedro, oh my god. Oh my god! Hi!" The smallest blonde started to shake and I desperately just wanted to hug her. But I kept my distance. They were here for Pedro, not me.

"Hey. How's it going?"

"Hi Eleanor!" One of the taller girls came over to me and I didn't know what to do. I was surprised they knew my name.

"Hello. You OK?" I gingerly touch her elbow.

"Could I have a photo, please?" She held out her phone. At first, I thought she wanted me to take the phone off her to snap a picture with Pedro, but she put it on selfie mode.

"Sure." I felt nervous as I leant in closer to her and smiled. This is such a strange feeling!

"Thank you so much. You are so beautiful. I love your outfit!" She complimented my polka dot slip dress and pink Adidas sambas combo. Her incredibly nice words were touching and helped me feel a bit more relaxed.

"Yeah, you are so beautiful, Eleanor. We love you!" The girl who had just taken a picture with Pedro came over to me.

"Hey hey, stopping hitting on my girlfriend! It's meant to be all about me!" Pedro joked, causing all 5 girls and myself to giggle. More photos were exchanged, and hugs and compliments. They were such sweet girls. Pedro took the phone off the girl with the red hair and ordered them to bunch together for one last photo together.

"Eleanor, come on!" They started to cheer and I blushed as I squeezed into the photo. Pedro tucked me under his arm and snapped the shot. He thanked them all for their time and just as we were about to leave, one of the girls tripped and dropped her coffee on the floor.

"I'm so sorry!" She instantly apologised to me.

"That's OK, don't worry. It didn't get me. Are you alright?" I asked, noticing how flushed she got.

"Yeah I'm fine."

"Come, let's get you another drink." I held out my hand for her to take. Luckily we were about 10 steps from Starbucks. I saw Pedro look at me and raise an eyebrow. I held out my finger, signalling 1 second. "What's your name?"

"Shannon."

"You sure you're alright." We were walking side by side to Starbucks. I held the door for her, and had flashbacks of the time I tripped. Worked out pretty well for me, I got the worlds best boyfriend from it. 

"Yes thank you." I asked Shannon what she had ordered and got her a drink. "Oh my god, that's so kind. Thank you so much." She smiled as I handed the drink. "Can I give you a hug?" She asked as we got outside. I nodded and pulled her into a tight hug. I could see Pedro answering questions and nodding his head, but watching me. We got back to her friends and they all left with huge grins on their faces and a spring in their step.

"Everyday, every single day you do something that just blows me away. You have the kindest heart, baby." He put his arm over my shoulders and kissed my temple.

We spent the afternoon in Central Park, snapping photos, eating snacks and chatting. Pedro took me for dinner at a beautiful restaurant called Gramercy Tavern and we ended the night walking through Times Square - a bucket list moment for me ticked off. It was the most perfect day. I was so happy.

Before we knew it, we were on the plane heading back to L.A. We were still on the tarmac. Pedro was setting up his iPad to watch some Netflix show. He was such an iPad kid. I clicked on Instagram, noticing a lot of comments I had been tagged in.

Sorry but I am so done with this man! He noticed Eleanor in the crowd and he WINKED AT HER!

Pedro winking at Eleanor on stage in front of a room of people is the only quality I want in a man

Pedro winking at Eleanor during his Q&A in New York this afternoon. Ugh I love them.

I remembered the moment all too well. But I secretly loved that someone had managed to capture that moment for me to cherish over and over again. Feeling a rush of love for the absolute dream guy next to me, I locked my phone and cuddled into his arm and rested my head on his shoulder.

"You alright?" He asked, placing a kiss on the top of my head.

"Yep. I just wanna be close to you."

"Cutie. I'm just gonna watch Beef. You interested? Want an earphone?" He took out the left AirPod and handed it to me.

"No no, it's fine. I'll be asleep soon. I just wanna cuddle into you. You watch your show."

"You sure? I'll wait till we're in the air." He moved to put an arm around me. I hated that he had spent more money upgrading us to First Class, again. But I loved that we had our own little pods.

"I started Narcos on the plane here, I forgot to tell you."

"Did you? What did you think?"

"I don't think I've ever fancied you more in my life. The hair, the style, the clothes, the moustache!! I think I'm obsessed with your moustache!"

"It's here to stay baby. Agent Peña is pretty hot, right?"

"The hottest. I'm obsessed. I'll be watching The Last of Us too, when we're home. It looks so good." I felt my eyes get heavy. I didn't want to mention it to Pedro, but I didn't feel great. I had no energy. The back pain kept making a subtle return. I slept pretty much through the flight.

We got back about 1pm, and headed straight for my apartment. We took a nap together for a couple of hours on the sofa then woke up and ordered takeaway pizza. I managed to swallow the piece of pizza I had in my mouth before I darted out the room towards the bathroom. I was going to be sick. As I cleaned my mouth out, I silently prayed that this experience wouldn't put me off pizza. I had a tendency to go off foods quickly anyway, especially if something gave me a bad experience.

"Did you just throw up again?" Pedro was still sat on the sofa when I entered the living room. He was sat up straight, hands on his knees. I sheepishly nodded, knowing he was going to make a comment again. "Fuck sake, Eleanor!"

"I'm fine, it'll pass."

"It's been a WEEK and it's not getting any better. You don't think, you know?" He stood up sharply.

"Think what? That I'm pregnant?" I laughed, but Pedro didn't. He pressed his lips together, I could tell he wasn't in the mood for joking around.

"Yeah. I mean, I'm no expert but it's all adding up. You're fucking throwing up every day, no energy, always needing to sleep, your complaining about your fucking back hurting, lost of appetite, needing to pee more. Fucking hell! Don't even fucking tell me this doesn't sound like you're pregnant!" His hands were on his hips like an angry dad.

"Why are you so angry? I'm not pregnant. I'm on the pill!"

"But that shit isn't 100% effective, Eleanor. You're an adult, you fucking know this!" He waved one hand through the air.

"Stop speaking to me like this! I'm not fucking pregnant!"

"But do you really know if you are, do you? You don't know what's wrong with you!" He was right. I didn't know for sure. I didn't feel like I was pregnant. But then again, I'd never been pregnant to know how that felt.

"No, I don't know for sure I'm not pregnant. But it's not a big deal, I just-"

"Not a big fucking deal? Are you fucking serious?"

"You need to calm down. Stop speaking to me like shit."

"I don't think I need to calm down. I think I'm allowed to be this fucking angry, Eleanor!"

"Why are you behaving like this?"

"Because I don't want kids and I thought you didn't too. Honestly I expected you to be a little more angry about this." This was the most angry I'd ever seen Pedro. He wasn't happy.

"I am angry. But with you! You're behaving like a fucking idiot!"

"I fucking swear to god, you'd better not be pregnant, Eleanor!" He pointed to me as he spat in my face. He slammed the door behind him as he stormed out the apartment. Fuck.

Me: where are you going?

No reply. I curled up on the sofa with a blanket. My eyes were so heavy, but my mind was too active. I was in a sleepy state, keeping my eyes closed as I thought about the possibility of being pregnant. Could I be pregnant? Fuck!

Some time later, there was a knock on my door. I got up and checked the peep hole, just as Pedro said, "It's me. Open up." I opened the door, allowing him to storm back into the apartment. He didn't look at me or say anything. He threw his car keys onto the counter top, then threw a brown bag at me. "Take those." I opened the bag to see 4 pregnancy tests.

"You can't be fucking serious!?"

"Oh, I haven't never been more fucking serious about anything in my life, Eleanor. Take the fucking tests."

"Why are you-"

"Eleanor, take the fucking tests. Please!" He shouted at me. I stormed off into the en-suite, wanting to be as far away from him as possible.