In the Interlude

Chapter 38 - The Little Things

On her way to work the next morning, Aïcha remembered a line from Sherlock Holmes. The little things are infinitely the most important. And with Tom, it was all about the little things.

How he randomly touched her arm to draw her attention to him. How he looked at her with intent whenever she spoke.

How he lazily put his hand on her waist when they slept. How he remembered every little thing she said.

How he prepared breakfast for her every morning since she arrived.

How he had surprised her with a key to his house.

How he had cleared a space for her in his drawer and closet as if he was making space for her in his own life to settle in.

Aïcha felt increasingly drawn to Tom. And it wasn't a just physical attraction. No, there was more. Much more. She felt a bond, a connection between the both of them. One that was deep and intimate. But she could also see the blazing red flags of her own situation. Their different and completely opposite worlds. Her commitment to her daughter. His commitment to acting.

She had no clue how to reconcile both.

With a final shake of her head, Aïcha stepped into the office. A long day was awaiting her. She put all her energy in focusing on her work, only stopping to grab a sandwich and answering Tom's text. She added that to the list of the little things he did.

It was still bright outside when they all headed to the pub at the end of the day. Even Chloe had decided to join them for a drink or two. Aïcha looked at the crowded place filled with twenty-something executives and sighed. She wasn't used to drinks at the pub after work, and certainly not with girls half her age, or almost. If she was honest with herself, she would have rather been in her pyjamas and already in bed, preferably with Tom's hand around her waist.

* * * * *

Tom was wondering how Aïcha's evening was going when he arrived at his usual pub near Regent's Park. He went straight to the beer garden where Paul and Cavill, and pints of beer, already awaited him. Warm hellos, brotherly hugs and manly handshakes were exchanged before everyone finally sat down and started talking as if they had been in the middle of a conversation.

Tom was surprised when Paul asked him to meet for drinks without Audrey accompanying him. The two had become inseparable since the day he introduced her to their little group. He wondered if they were still together.

Paul cleared his throat and put down his pint of beer. He had something to tell them. "I asked Audrey to marry me and she said yes!"

"I can't believe she said yes, mate," teased Cavil. They all laughed as they cheered and slapped Paul on the back.

"And I want to ask the both of you to be my best men," added Paul, eyeing them with clear excitement in his voice.

"Two best men? Is that even possible?" asked Cavill.

"He can have as many best men as he wishes. He's the lucky groom," answered Tom, raising his pint.

"Hear, hear," they all answered in unison as they gulped down the rest of their beer.

Paul gave them more details and told them about Audrey's dream of a Christmas wedding. "So, put it down your agendas, best men. And yes, I'm looking at you, Tom."

Tom showed the palms of his hand, still feeling somewhat guilty about the last time he had missed a good friend's wedding in favour of his career.

"And you need to tell me if I should pin you guys for a plus one," added Paul.