For the Love (a Tom Hiddleston fanfic)

Chapter 12

A/N: As usual, I'm blown away by all the likes and comments.  Thank you all!!!  I am doing my best to write as fast as I can, but I admit things have been a bit slow! Thanks for sticking with it. -S

        The plane landed just before noon on Saturday.  Emie and Tom had both managed to get a few hours of sleep in.  Emie had awoken feeling a bit groggy, but excited to be at their destination.   Tom seemed wide awake and ready, as always.  He took her hand as they stepped off the plane, into the warm, fragrant air.
       After a short boat ride from the airport to the island, Emie and Tom finally arrived at the resort.  They were immediately greeted by a concierge named Beatrice who was incredibly friendly and helpful. She handed them each a glass of champagne with a flower on the rim, and began explaining the layout of the resort. 
       Emie tried her best to pay attention, but she was still feeling a bit jetlagged.  She was also astounded by the beautiful surroundings.  The lobby was more like a huge, open air pavilion with a high, thatched roof supported by rich, dark wood beams.  In the middle of the large room was a gorgeous, reddish orange glass hanging chandelier that seemed to mimic coral.  All the furniture in the lobby was made from the same dark wood, with white linen cushions. There were fresh flowers everywhere, which explained the amazing smell. Emie looked around slowly, taking in the scenery.  On the way in, they had passed gorgeous tropical plants and hibiscus flowers, and she’d gotten a glimmer of turquoise blue water and pure white sand beaches.  Already, her toes were aching for the beach.
       “Darling, pay attention.” Tom said under his breath, leaning over and mumbling into Emie’s ear as Beatrice pointed out different amneties on a map.  She grinned, nudging him in the side.
       “Let’s get you checked in, Mr…” Beatrice waited for a moment, typing quietly into a computer.
       “Hiddleston.” Tom spoke up.  Emie took a big gulp of her champagne, still looking around the gorgeous resort in awe.  She’d been to nice places but never anywhere like this.
       “Mr. and Mrs. Hiddleston.” Beatrice smiled warmly and started typing again.  Emie nearly spit out the champagne she had just taken a sip of.  Tom merely laughed.  Beatrice looked up, alarmed, as Emie started to cough.  Tom gave her a few quick pats on the back, trying not to break into all out giggles.  Emie shook her head.
       “No, he’s Mr. Hiddleston.  I’m Emeline Harris.  Just me.  By myself.  He’s by himself.  We are…separate…two people.  Coming here separately.” She managed to sputter.  Tom covered his mouth with his hand for a second and then shook his head.
       “Oh, I’m terribly sorry.” Beatrice gushed.  Emie shrugged as Beatrice began typing furiously on her computer.
       “Oh, it’s fine.  Please, don’t apologize.” Tom said quickly, muffling more laughter.
       Emie finished off her champagne quickly and placed it on the counter.  Looking around, she wondered if she could get another.  Tom handed her his, and she raised it to him quickly before tossing it back. He grinned at her, not taking his eyes off her.  She felt heat rise from her chest up her neck.
       “Mrs. Hiddleston, don’t get too drunk before our first night together.” Tom leaned over, whispering this into her ear, a teasing, naughty grin on his face.  Emie’s eyes got big, and she glared at him for a moment.  He laughed, looking down and tucking his hands into his pants pockets. 
       “Ah, Mr. Hiddleston we have you in bungalow #411, which has a beautiful view of Mt. Otemanu.” Beatrice looked up, smiling as she placed some papers and a room key on the counter.
       “Ms. Harris, we have you in beach front villa 2. It has a private plunge pool, and a great view of the beach.” She handed Emie her key and had them both sign some paperwork.  Emie felt herself relax a bit, suddenly looking forward very much to getting to her room, taking a shower and relaxing until she had to face what was sure to be a jam packed week.
       “EMELINE!” A shrill voice rang through the otherwise quiet lobby.  Emie groaned, but then turned around slowly.
       “Lucia.” She said, somewhat less thrilled.  Lucia came running over to her, her long blond hair trailing behind her.  She was wearing a gorgeous, short, deep purple and yellow dress.  The material had a delicate scroll design all over it.  As always, Lucia looked flawless and perfectly suited for the environment.  Emie wondered how awkward she looked in her jeans and rumpled tank top.
       “Oh thank god.” Lucia pulled Emie into a hug, and Emie couldn’t help but laugh and hug her back.
       “I can’t breathe.” Emie laughed as Lucia released her.
       “Tom! Tom, you life saver, you.  Thank you.” Lucia turned then to Tom, who had been standing back watching the two women with a grin on his face.  She grabbed him, pulling him into a hug which Tom returned.
       “Of course, anything for you Luce.” Tom said diplomatically, shrugging his shoulders. 
       “Was she a terrible pain in the ass?” Lucia asked, looking from Tom to Emie.  Emie sighed.
       “She was bearable.” Tom laughed.  Lucia grinned, clapping her hands together.
       “Did you guys check in? Do you have your rooms?” Lucia looked around. 
       “We were just about to go to our rooms.” Tom said, holding up his key. 
       “I’ll come with.” Lucia beamed, grabbing Emie’s hand.  Emie sighed.  So much for a bit of peace and quiet before the rush of the week.
       “Mr. Hiddleston, Miss. Harris, if you follow Etienne this way, he will take you to your rooms and give you a tour of the property.” Beatrice smiled brightly, pointing her way to the side of the lobby.  The three of them set off to where a small golf cart was waiting for them, just outside the lobby.
       “Emie, what are you wearing?” Lucia asked, squinting her eyes, as they stepped out into the hot, Polynesian sun.  Emie sighed heavily, but couldn’t help but smile at her sister.