The Love Abroad

Essenza is a pretty pricey place, way out of my price range.

Kris and I arrive at the restaurant to see Tom waiting in the lobby for us. "You two look absolutely stunning," he says before planting a kiss on both our cheeks.

He leads us to the table he had reserved and I see my parents laughing. It was the first time I've really seen them.... happy.

After exchanging hugs and finding our seats, Tom orders us a glass of some pinot noir. Fancy Tom and his wine. "So Joseph & Ann, what is it you both do for a living?"

My parents look at each other, "Well, I am an English professor at Colorado State University," my dad says. "And I am an artist. I work at home, on commission," finishes my mom.

Tom takes a sip of his wine then gently sitting the glass down before him. "Well! No wonder Marie is as creative as she is! She is inspired by you two."

My dad smiles, he never smiles. "What about you Tom, how is that you and my daughter met?"

See, this is exactly why I didn't even want Tom to know they were coming. "Well sir, we um.... met actually at a pub." Classy.

"A pub?" my mom interrupts, "Was football on? Marie is obsessed with football - I blame my family. You know the Spanish, a lot like the English when it comes to football." Tom laughs, followed by Kris.

"Yes ma'am, football was on. Honestly, she didn't even know whom I was when we met. But ever since then, the rest is history." he says, with his eyes looking to me.

"He insisted I went on a date with him. He texted me everyday. Yet, it took Kris to tell me who he was but even then, it didn't really matter. Tom is a fantastic guy, so genuine." I feel my face get red and so did Kris because she kicked me under the table.

"So how long have you two been together? You and Marie? She's never mentioned that she was seeing a very talented actor, let alone anyone." The question was directed to Tom, who fell silent. "You two make a lovely couple I might say."

I nearly choke on my wine. "We are not together mom. We're just.... friends, right Tom?" My eyes almost bulge out of my head. "Just friends, I'm afraid. I can't convince your daughter to find it in her heart to let me in."

My dad looks at Tom, most intensely. "I think she's let you in enough, Tom." Kris says with a slight smile.

Tom coughs up a bit, both him and I glaring at Kris. Seriously, I could slap her right now.

Luckily our food came to distract my parents from what she said. The dinner was astounding, just delicious. "Well, your father and I are going to head back to the hotel. You three have any late plans?" We all look at each other.

"No." My mom laughs and gives me a hug goodnight, my dad kissing my forehead. "Make sure these ladies get home safe, okay Tom?" The two men share a laugh.

What is this? My dad and Tom? Getting along? UGH.

"I give you my word, sir. I'll see to it that they find their beds tonight."

What even?

Had I been a guy and had a daughter and some guy said that to me, I'd be punching the dude in the face. Tom's charm is totally working on my parents too!

They get into the cab and we wave them off. "So I'm going to leave you two lovebirds alone," Kris says waving another cab.

"Not so fast!" I yell, "What the hell were you thinking saying that?" Kris turns to us with her hand on her cocked hip.

"Don't even start with me Marie!" she said, totally ignoring that Tom was standing next to me.

"Don't pretend like you have no feelings for Tom. He told you his feelings so why can't you be honest with yourself and tell him yours? Grow up." She turns her back, looking to the road.

"How dare you, Kris." I grab her arm, pulling her away so she can look at me. "This is not the place nor the time to do this."

"Marie. Kris. What feelings? Someone fill me in." Tom pleads, making us both realize he was there listening the whole time.

"Tom. Marie loves you, okay? She has since she first met you, she is just too stubborn to admit it because she's afraid of getting hurt."

And with that, I slap Kris. I slapped her hard. "How could you...”? I say, grabbing my clutch of the cement and walking to wherever my feet led me.

"I would never hurt her."

"I know Tom, I know. But unfortunately she doesn't." She steps into the cab leaving Tom on the curb.

Alone.

*TOM'S POV*

She loves me.

I mean, Kris said she loved me.

The sounds of the London nightlife is picking up and soon, it'll be hard to find Marie. I begin walking briskly in the direction she ran, hoping to catch up.

I literally ran 10 blocks, in a suit I might add, and no Marie in sight. At the end of the block I was on, I saw the pub where Marie & I watched a football match.

It was at that moment that I knew where she was. The hill. I start sprinting the 2 miles to the hill, the fastest I've ever ran.

Reaching the top, the view is breathtaking. Not because the London lights below but because Marie is standing there, her hair glistening under the moon.

She is the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on.

"I knew you'd be here." I whispered, walking up behind her.

"I'm sorry Tom," she says, choking up. "I should have.... ugh." Her shoulder falls with her sigh. He grabs her hair with her free hand, revealing the little tattoo on her back neck. I never noticed it before.

"No need to be sorry, dear," I walk to the bench in front of her and sit. I pat the spot next to me, "remember when I first brought you here?"

She sits next to me, leaning her head on my right shoulder. "That's why I came here. You said this was the place you'd go to escape the rush," I feel her body tremble. It does get a little frigid at night. "Here have my jacket," I slip it off and place it over her shoulders. "You know, I would never hurt you."

It was the truth. Marie, well, she's the first woman I've ever felt this way about since the end of University. I proposed to my girlfriend but she rejected me, ever since then, I've never loved.

She looks at me with the most saddened face, tears rolling down past her rosy cheeks. I wipe them away with my finger. "I know you wouldn't hurt me Tom, it's just, I don't want to hurt you. This isn't easy for me, this whole love-mixed-friendship thing." I smile.

"I've been hurt in the past. Plus with my parents being here - my divorced parents - together has really messed my thoughts up. You deserve someone who can be everything you want and need. Someone beautiful, someone who will understand your profession and not get jealous, someone who can treat you like the amazing man you are."

I lift her chin and grab her spare hand. "Marie, you are exactly what I need, what I want. I don't need someone perfect or someone who the world thinks is the most beautiful," her eyes start to fill up with tears again.

"I want someone who supports me, who has passions & isn't afraid to act on them. Someone who won't take no for an answer and someone flawed. Marie, you don't understand how beautiful you are, do you?"

She bows her head down, "No. I've never been that girl." I look at her puzzled. "I've never been the girl who had boyfriends, I was the athlete and the drama/English nerd. I've only had one relationship which was horrible & it happened around the same time of my parent's divorce."

"If given the chance, I'd be honored to show you the real way a man should treat a woman like you," she smiles. "It'll happen when it happens. I don't want to rush into anything and make you feel overwhelmed. But just so you know, I am here. For you, for anything you need and no matter how far away I am, I always will listen."

Marie leans in to me, planting a soft kiss on my lips. Deep down I just want to kiss her back but I'm resisting.

"Tom, I do love you," she tighten her grip around my hand. "I'd love to spend the holidays with your family too."

She doesn't look at me but I can feel her smile as her head is against my shoulder again. I remove my hand from her's and place my arm around her body, pulling her close.

No words needed to be said. Like the times before, our best conversations are best when silent. We just sit there, overlooking a cold London, silent and in each other's company.

This is just one of the many reasons why I'm madly in love with Marie.

She's perfectly flawed.

*BACK TO MARIE'S POV*

22 years of my life has gone by. It's just another day, really, but people for some reason, feel the need to celebrate.

Though I must say I've accomplished quite of few things so far that I am very proud of.

First things first: I've made it past my 21st birthday! That in itself is a major achievement.

Secondly, I'm studying at my dream university in my dream country.

Thirdly, I have a best friend who is more of a best friend than my sort of best friend back home.

Lastly? Well, I'm in love. Or is it lust? It's really hard to tell but I do know that whatever it is, I've never felt this way before.

"Haaaaapppppyyyy Biiiirrrttthhhdaaaayyyy!!!" Kris jumps on my bed, ruffling the sheets. "Wake up sleepy head, today is your day! Let's go celebrate! The day is half over!

I cower under the little bit of comforter I had available, blocking my eyes from the sun shining in my room.

"You forgot I'm still mad at you," I say, my words muffled.

I can feel Kris shift on my bed letting out a loud grunt. "I'm sorry okay? I had a little too much wine, I understand that your mad but it had to be said eventually."

I lift the covers from over me, sitting up in my bed with my hair all over the place. "Eventually maybe, but not in front of my parents or Tom, who was just as surprised as me!"

She looks down to the floor, "I'm sorry, I don't know what else you want me to do."

"For the record, Tom and I had a nice talk. So I guess I can't be too mad." I look at her with smiling eyes. She stands up, running over to my bed. "What happened?"

So I told her. Unofficially, Tom and I...are sort of together. "I told him I'll spend Christmas with his family. A little nervous to be honest." Kris laughs.

"Nervous? The guy is probably more nervous than you!"

"And why is that?" I ask wiping my tired eyes. "Well he's the celebrity. Obviously his family wants to know your intentions. Are you in it for the fame of being his girlfriend or for love?"

I never thought of that. "I'm in it for friendship and whatever that brings. Certainly I don't want fame. I want him."

Kris gets all giddy, "Then we need to go shopping! Your birthday dinner is tonight and you need to look your best!"

I nod and rush Kris out of my room. I jump in the shower, shaving my legs as quick as I can. Once finished I put on a pair of shorts and an oversized shirt with dirty converse high-tops.

It's my birthday and I really don't care how I dress.

Kris and I end up in the center of London at this cute, indie clothing boutique. We walk in and are greeted by two women who are covered head-to-toe in tattoos and look like they just arrived from the 1950's. Jet-black hair with cat-style glasses. Totally cool.

"Welcome ladies! How may we help you today? I'm Mickey and this is Sass."

Cool ladies with even cooler names. "I'm Kris and this is the birthday girl, Marie." We exchange handshakes before Mickey begins showing is around.

"So what are we looking for exactly?" Mickey asked. I look to Kris, confused. "Marie wants something unique and sexy. She has a sloppy style that totally works for her, but she needs to step up on the sexy."

Sass and Mickey look me up and down, "I love your style. We can keep it similar to what you normally wear but in a dress form?" Sass suggests. Mickey agrees. "Are you trying to impress a guy, dear?"

I smile, my cheeks turning a slight shade of pink. "I take that as a yes," she says, running to the other side of the shop. "I think this will be everything you need to impress the lucky guy."

She holds out the cutest little dress. It's an off-white color with a bare shoulder and a little vintage belt to accent the waist. I rush to try it on.

I come out of the dressing room and Sass, Mickey and Kris start applauding. "That is the dress, Tom will eat out of your hand in that!"

The dress is form fitting and it shows the perfect amount of shoulder. I could wear this dress in so many ways. I can go casual with a leather jacket and chucks or even heels and a shawl for a dressier look.

"I want it."

After buying the dress, I knew exactly how I wanted to wear it. Casual. "How much longer until we meet Tom & my parents at the pub? I can't remember," reaching into my bag, looking for my phone.

"We have about an hour. We should head back and get ready?" Kris says. We take a can back to our flat, rushing upstairs.

I decide to pair the dress with my mini leather jacket and the chucks I wore earlier. Kris went with the skinny jean and tank top look, however she's wearing a 4" stiletto heel. Obviously she's looking to spend my birthday with some random guy tonight.

"Shall we head down there? By the time we get there, they should be there too."

Standing outside is Tom and my parents. My dad and Tom are talking football while my mom pretends to know exactly what's going on.

"There she is! Happy birthday, my lovely offspring!" my dad spots us and pulls me into a hug, kissing my cheek. "You look fantastic, Marie." compliments my mom.

"Thank you, Kris helped me pick it out." nudging Kris is the side.

"Looking to score tonight, Kris?" Tom accuses, breaking into a giggle. "Of course not. I'm here to celebrate my best mate's birthday! What about you, though?"

Tom blushes, ignores her comments before tuning his attention to me. "I love the jacket, Marie," he leans in, his hand on the small of my back. He whispers in my ear, "You look very beautiful tonight, love." I start smiling like a little schoolgirl who just discovered her crush liked her back.

We enter the pub; sit at the table where Kris & I first met Tom, ordering a round of drinks. "They have the best fish and chips here," Tom suggests to my parents. My dad's eyes light up when he hears the words 'fish and chips.'

The waitress comes with our drinks, asking for our orders. "I think I'll have the fish and chips," Tom starts. My dad interrupts, "Make that 3 fish and chips, Ann and I would love to try it."

"I'll have the chicken and chips, please." Kris demands. "And for you, miss?" the waitress asks. "I'll have the veggie burger, hold the cheese please. Thank you."

The conversation was fantastic. My dad & Tom nerded out together over Shakespeare with my dad quoting Othello in the pub. Loud I might say. My mom was talking to Kris a lot about RADA and fashion, two of her favorite things.

It was nice to see everyone get along, especially my parents who have been divorced for 3 years or so. Though, I can't imagine how it is back in their gigantic hotel suite at night.

The bartender kept sending over pints after pints of delicious beer and I was beginning to feel a little buzzed.

"Marie," I feel something touch my ear. "I think your dad and Tom have a little bromance happening,” whispers Kris.

I don't know why but I started laughing hysterically. I think it was the beer.

"Are you okay?" says Tom, planting his hand on my shoulder firmly. "I think I drank too many beers. Funny how that happens, huh?" Tom stares blankly at me, "How what happens, love?"

"How I get buzzed after drinking too many beers yet I'm perfectly fine after pounding down cocktails. OH THE IRONY!"

Tom grabs my pint of beer and sets it across the table. "Can we get a water, please?" The waitress nods and brings one over, "Thank you, darling. Marie, have some water, no need to spend your birthday plastered, yeah?"

I take a sip, actually more of a chug, yeah I chug that water down fast. Within minutes (and two more waters) I start to feel normal again, not to mention having the urge to pee.

"Excuse me for a moment, I need to go to the restroom." I get up and head towards the restroom.

After using the facilities, I see my parents get up from the table. "You guys leaving?" They look at me, my mom yawning. "Yes dear, it's getting late. You three celebrate, enjoy your night." They hug Kris and I, my mom hugging Tom while my dad and him, shake hands.

"I'm going to take off," Kris says, looking over at the guy standing by the door. "I know that guy from my RADA auditions, we're going to go dancing, don't stay up!" she says leaning in with a hug. "Happy Birthday Marie, love ya girl."

Then there were two. "Want to come over and watch a movie?" looking at Tom with pleading eyes. "I get to pick this time though." I smile, "Deal."

So what was the movie of the night?

Heat.

Tom's favorite movie.

"Now, how did I know you were going to pick this?" He smiles, grabbing my hand and pulling me onto the couch next to him.

I lay my head on his chest, while his arm is around me. "Enjoy your birthday?" he whispers as the movie begins.

I bury my head deeper, getting comfortable.

"I am now."

If music be the food of love, play on.

That Shakespeare, so perfect and so wise, writing the stories of lovers and dreamers. Both tragic and comedic. It's like for every life situation, there's a Shakespeare quote to go along with it.

The smell of rain seeps through the open window in my room. My alarm clock says 9am even though the darkness of my room suggests it's 3 or 4pm. My body is cramped so I extend my arms and legs under my sheets, only to feel something next to me.

I turn over to see Tom sleeping next to me, shirtless. I peer below the comforter to discover that both him and I are in the nude. He looks so peaceful, his hair tussled about and his face looking so soft. I lean over a plant a kiss on his cheek, rubbing my hand along his back.

Whispering into his ear, I try to wake him up. "Tom, wake up...."

Nothing.

I get closer to his ear, my warm breath touching his face. "Wake up Tom, I have something to show you," I say nibbling his ear. His body begins to twitch; he moves his face towards me with his eyes staring into mine.

"Good morning sunshine," I plant a soft kiss onto his lips. He rubs his eyes and turns over to his back, extending his legs and arms in stretch. "Morning, do you always looks this stunning in the morning?" I cup his face with my hands, "Only when you're around."

We both lay in my bed for a good ten minutes without anyone saying a word. I roll over to grab my phone from the nightstand next to me when Tom places his arm over the side of my body, pulling me into him. His head rests on my right shoulder as he looks over me.

"I could get used to this," he says slowly kissing my neck then moving to my shoulder. His touch feels so good and his hands find my every curve. I relax my muscles, letting him have his way. "Marie, my love, let's spend the whole day together. Just you and me."

I look over my shoulder and into his eyes, "What about my parents, they only have two days left..." His right hand moves down and lands on my upper right thigh. "I'll take care of it." He plants one last kiss before getting up from the bed, completely exposed and with no shame. He slips on his boxer briefs and walks over to his jeans lying on the chair across the room, grabbing his iphone.

Opening the door to the balcony, he beings yapping into the speaker, his arms waving around as he's laughing. I adjust myself on the bed, with my back leaning against the headboard behind me, my sheets still covering me.

Tom looks through the door right at me laughing and sending me the most adorable smile, finished with the sexiest wink I've ever witnessed.

"It's all set, love. Your parents are spending the day, touring the best spots in London, Luke is setting it up now," he says closing the door behind him. He begins walking over to me, slowly crawling on top of me in straddle position, "The day is ours, Marie. We can do anything you want," he says just before kissing me, his tongue entering my mouth gently.

"Let's go to the London Dungeon!"

Tom looks at me questionably before grinning mischievously, "Great choice. It'll be the first time for both of us, we should get ready." He pulls me out of bed while gazing over me, "How am I so lucky?" he asks, making my face turn bright red.

"Oh did I make you blush?" That evil grin still upon his face, "Believe me darling, I can make you do so much more, but I'm afraid that time is not allowing such deeds to be done right now."

Even when he's talking dirty, he sounds so regal. Tom makes sex elegant; it's a beautiful thing.

Only one thing comes to mind when I look at the amazing man standing before me: Shakespeare.

"Hear my soul speak:

The very instant that I saw you, did

My heart fly to your service."