Stitches ~A Tom Hiddleston Love Story~

Chapter Seven

Anxiety battled sense in my racing mind as I sat in the car, staring out of the window at the stocky brick building, the sun shining brightly down on it like a spotlight. My chest constricted, and I swallowed a deep breath to calm myself.

"Relax. You'll rock it. Now get in there before you're late," Jessie said from beside me. I looked over at her, a thankful smile cresting my lips.

"Thanks. I'll call you when I'm done," I replied. She nodded.

I opened the Hummer door and stepped out onto the cracked sidewalk. I pushed it closed distractedly, moving further onto the concrete as I stared up at the building. The car rolled away once I was a safe distance from it, and I glanced over my shoulder just in time to see it turn the corner. Realizing that the only thing that could've possibly kept me from having an anxiety attack was gone, I shoved my shaking hands into my pockets and moved toward the front door.

"Aislyn, dear, you're here," Aubrey cheered, appearing from inside the building to greet me. I felt a wave of relief upon seeing a familiar face, even if I didn't know her that well. I strode up toward her.

"You look great," she told me, glancing me over. I looked down at my outfit, self-consciously pulling on my shirt.

"Thanks," I breathed, my voice coming out airy. Aubrey reached toward me and took my arm, her hand warm against my cold skin.

"Come on. They're waiting for you," she instructed. I followed her willingly into the building and was greeted by a well lit lobby. A set of arm chairs and a couch were pushed off to the left, a large desk in the upper corner, and the rest of the space was crowded with props, boxes, and waiting bodies. All eyes turned to us as we entered and I immediately felt myself flush.

"Don't look so nervous," Aubrey said with a smirk. "These people feast on that stuff. You won't hear the end of it."

She led me toward the desk, where a pleasant young girl around my age sat. The girl smiled at her as she approached.

"Aubrey! It's great to see you. I'm assuming this is your new apprentice?" she asked, glancing at me. Aubrey nodded.

"Yes, it is," she replied. The girl smiled at us.

"They're right inside. You can go through."

Aubrey took my arm and led me from the room, down a hallway and into a massive back room with a high ceiling. It was full of people, props, and movie sets. Everyone was running everywhere at once, and I had to stick close to Aubrey to avoid hitting anyone. Still, that plan failed, and I ended up bumping against a tall figure that rushed past me. I almost stumbled and fell, until they reached out and grabbed my shoulders, righting me.

"Hey, I'm sorry. Are you alright?" a smooth, British male's voice questioned, making me catch my breath as I looked up at the stranger. It was a tall man with shoulder-length dark hair and enchanting blue-green eyes. He was slender and well-dressed.

"I'm fine," I murmured. "I should've watched where I was going."

The worried tint in the man's eyes began to fade. "No. It was my fault. Again, I'm sorry."

"Alright, alright, Tom. I would appreciate it if you didn't psyche out my new designer," Aubrey piped in. The man looked at her, a smirk curving up his lips.

"Ah, Aubrey. A pleasure, as always," he greeted. She looked him up and down with predatory eyes.

"I'm sure. Now, if you don't mind, I've got a couple producers waiting for this young lady," she said. Tom quirked an eyebrow at me.

"Then I must not keep you waiting. Good luck," he told me. I nodded.

"T-Thanks," I replied. He smiled kindly at me, then turned and walked away in the opposite direction. I couldn't help but watch him go.

"I would suggest not to get caught up with anyone while you're here. Especially Tom Hiddleston. He's about as bad as his character," Aubrey instructed, continuing to pull me along.

"Who's his character?"

"Loki Laufeyson."

"Loki? As in, Avengers Loki?"

"The one and only."

"Does that mean... Are we on the set of Age of Ultron?" I exclaimed, excitement replacing all sense of nervousness that I had previously had.

"We are," Aubrey answered. I breathed out in disbelief. The Avengers was one of my favorite movies. I couldn't believe I hadn't recognized Tom Hiddleston immediately just then; I loved Loki. He was one of my favorite villains of all time.

I couldn't help but fall into a silent awe as Aubrey led me through the rest of the set, until we came upon an official looking man in a suit. His dark hair was slicked back perfectly, and he was surrounded by a group of chattering people. He moved to face us as we got closer.

"Is this her?" he asked Aubrey, motioning to me. She nodded.

"It is," she said. He looked over me, seemingly unimpressed.

"I'm going to assume that since you're the one that found her she's not a serial killer. I'll have the head of the department pick her up and see how she does. You're free to go," he explained, turning away from us. Aubrey led me in the opposite direction a few feet and stopped, turning me to face her.

"I'm sure you'll blow them away. You impressed me, and I'm a much harsher judge than these guys are. Besides, they're desperate. They'll take you," she told me. I inhaled, nodding faintly.

"I hope so," I murmured. Aubrey smiled at me.

"I'm sure I'll hear about how amazing you do tomorrow. Prove me right. Show them how good of a scout I am," she said.

"I'll try," I agreed. Aubrey nodded.

"Good. I'll see you later," she told me, before turning to walk away. I watched her go, feeling my heart sink.

I was now completely alone.