chapter seven
is that a suggestion?
Friday 26th January 2018

"Hey, Ellie." Olivia smiled as she pulled open the front door and spoke hushed words to the girl wearing a bright smile.

"Hey, Liv!" She bubbled but then covered her mouth quickly in fear of waking the kids. Little did the mother know of the trios plans, though. Ellie Wildman was one of the few people on this earth allowed to call Olivia the nickname, aside from her family and Sarah. "How are you?" The girl asked politely as she was pulled into a loving hug.

"I'm good, I'm good." Olivia answered and closed the door softly and led Ellie to the kitchen. "It's been too long since I last saw you." The woman explained with a mothers guilt. "You must've been this high last time." Olivia pressed a palm to the girl's shoulder to signify her growth.

"I know," Ellie sighed warmly and slid into the kitchen chair opposite the older woman.

"So, what are you doing now?" Olivia asked.

"Oh, I'm studying film at a college on the outskirts of London. I'm hoping to get into a uni here next year." Ellie explained, keeping is short and simple so as not to bore Olivia.

"That's amazing!" Olivia exclaimed, a passionate smile displaying on her lips. "What job do you want to go for in the industry?"

"Either a film editor or screenwriter." Ellie replied with a small blush tinting her freckled cheeks.

"Well, I think that's awesome. And if you ever need any advice or help, I'm here for you." The mother offered to the girl.

"You're in the film industry?" Ellie questioned, surprised and Olivia just nodded softly. "What sort of things do you work on?" Olivia smiled warmly at the question and internally argued whether she should pass up the information.

"I'm a screenwriter." The woman said casually and began to fiddle with her jacket.

"Wait..." Ellie's mouth dropped open slightly as she searched her brain for why that felt so familiar. "You're...you're the Olivia Jones?" She asked, not even bothering to hide her shock.

"In the flesh." Her shoulders lifted upwards casually, a light laugh sliding against her lips.

"Wow..." Ellie whispered and looked at the table in front of her. Olivia could see how she was trying to process the information, slowly and calmly. "How come you never told me before?" She asked as her head tilted back up to look at the older woman.

"I don't know, I guess I prefer it when fewer people close to me know. I'm sorry I never told you," Olivia really did feel guilty. Guilty that she hadn't told Ellie, but also that she hadn't been around to tell her when she decided to aspire into film.

"It's okay, I understand. I guess you don't want me to tell anyone, do you?" Ellie asked wearily.

"No, please don't. But if you ever need any help or work experience or anything, don't hesitate to ask." Olivia smiled warmly at the younger girl, who smiled back gratefully.

"Thanks, Liv."

"You don't need to thank me," The mother laughed lightly and pushed herself up from the table. "Anyway, I should probably get going, don't wanna be late..."

"Of course." Ellie breathed out as she, too, rose from her seat. The teenager hesitated with a small frown crinkling against her soft skin. "Wait," She groaned slightly, annoyed that she was too weak to keep in this information.

"What is it?" Olivia inquired.

"Look, I saw Asher today after school. As soon as you go we're going to watch a couple of Marvel movies, with Lyra. They're both really excited for it and I feel bad that I kept it from you. Is it okay?" At the confession, warmth flowed through Olivia's body.

"Of course it's okay. It's a Friday, just make sure they're not up when I get back?" The mother asked.

"Sure," Ellie agreed. "Now go on. You don't want to make whoever is lucky enough to spend tonight with you wait."

***

The chilly air of Friday evening brushed against Olivia's pale cheeks as she pushed open the apartment block door. Her hands acted instinctively and pulled the edges of her thick, black coat around her body to wrap herself up like a last minute gift.

As the woman breathed out a content sigh, staring up into the clear winter sky, a smart black car pulled up in front of the pavement. Olivia tilted her head slightly with a smile as she saw Tom hop out of the drivers side.

"Hey," She said quietly as Tom neared her with a goofy grin.

"Olivia," Tom replied in greeting. He moved forward slightly to kiss the woman's cheek quickly, which made Olivia forget the cold air they were stood in. Tom leaned back with a frown attached to his brows, a guilty look flashing through his eyes.

"You're really cold," He remarked. "Have I made you wait a long time?" Tom questioned. He would never forgive himself if he had made Olivia Jones stand in the cold for such a long time.

"No, no," Olivia brushed it off easily. "I walked out the door about 30 seconds before you pulled up. Your timing was impeccable." Olivia chuckled slightly to ease Tom, who just smiled in response.

"Well, I hope you don't find it too cold, because I had something different planned for us this evening." Tom's hand moved to the back of his neck and he scratched it nervously. His eyes travelled to the floor as he awaited for a response.

"Oh? And what sort of plans may that be?" Olivia had a cheeky smile on her lips as she noticed the nervous vibe from her date. She wanted to make him feel comfortable, just as he had made her feel the first time they had met.

"A walk in the park, learn a bit more about each other?" He suggested with red cheeks, although Olivia wasn't sure if that was from the cold or not. "Maybe a frozen treat to make us freeze even more?" Tom loosened up, finally letting a joke slip from his lips to make Olivia smile softly.

"That sounds delightful." The woman agreed.

"Okay then," Tom looked down at his date quickly before extending his arm to the car door and opening it with ease. "Shall we?"

"We shall." Olivia replied poshly before sliding elegantly into the black leather passenger seat. The door to her left was shut with a soft 'thud' and the gentleman appeared round the other side of the car. Tom settled into the seat behind the wheel and started the engine after checking his companion was safely secured.

"So, anything eventful happen to you in the past two days?" Tom started up conversation as he pulled away from Olivia's apartment block.

"Mm..." Olivia hummed in thought but could not scrape up any answer to say without mentioning her children. "No, not really. Not any news from my agent either." She replied and looked over to Tom. "What about you?"

"Ah, you know, the usual." He chuckled lightly and directed a small smile at the woman. "In and out of meetings and interviews, quite repetitive. I get Tuesday to Thursday off next week though."

"Anything special planned?"

"I was thinking about asking this beautiful woman out to lunch with me, not sure if she'd want to though." Tom said with a small smirk, flicking his eyes between the road and Olivia.

"Well, maybe you should ask her." Tom's date flirted back. Olivia moved her hand slightly so that it was resting on the side of the centre console. She hoped for more contact from the man, other than a kiss on the cheek.

Tom noticed the small gesture and pulled his left hand away from the steering wheel. He was slightly hesitant, but slowly moved his hand along the console to meet Olivia's. He watched her lips rise up from the corner of his eye as they tangled their fingers together, holding onto each other tightly.

"Do you think she'd want to?" Tom carried on the conversation but brushed his thumb along the back of Olivia's hand.

"I think she'd love to."

***

"I didn't even know ice cream parlours were open in January." Olivia laughed as she stepped out of the car with Tom's assistant. Her palm lingered in his as she was pulled out swiftly and settled next to him.

"I'm pretty sure this is the only one." Tom chuckled as he shut the car door and laced his hand through Olivia's properly. She smiled softly as the cold no longer bothered her, stood so close to Tom with warmth pulsing through their connected hands.

"And they're usually open at half nine at night?" Her head raised up slightly to take in the bright building. It looked like a small sort of diner, littered with neon lights - inside and out. Beside Olivia, Tom chuckled slightly with a small shake to his head.

"They close at 9." He smiled. "But the owner, uh, he owes me a favour." He scratched the back of his neck with his free hand, tucking the tops of his long fingers behind his long hair.

Olivia smiled as Tom pulled her forward and into the building. Her nose was immediately hit with sweet smells as they stepped in, and her body was suddenly wrapped in a thick coat of warmth.

"Tom!" A man sat in the corner of the diner-like room jumped up from his seat with a broad smile. He strode towards the pair with big steps and Tom engulfed him in a hug.

"Hey, man." Tom smiled, a palm resting on the man's shoulder. He turned back to Olivia, the same smile attached to his lips that was intoxicating to the woman stood next to him. "Olivia, this is my friend Harry." He turned to Harry. "Harry, this is my, uh, my date Olivia."

Olivia laughed lightly as Tom blushed a bright red and looked down to the floor. She stepped forward and shook Harry's extended hand. "It's lovely to meet you, Harry. I, uh, I think we're working on the titles." She winked quickly at Tom who just bit his lip slightly, trying to conceal a nervous laugh.

"You too, Olivia." Harry responded after looking between the two of them with bright eyes. "So, what can I get you guys?" The man moved behind the counter and watched closely as Tom took Olivia's hand again and lead her towards the front.

"Are you happy to share?" Tom suggested just as Olivia tilted her head up to look at the never ending menu.

"More than happy." She responded, squeezing Tom's hand ever so slightly. "Are you fussy when it comes to ice cream?" Olivia teased.

"No, never. I like all flavours." He turned to Olivia with a frown, like it was the most absurd question she could've asked.

"Good, so do I." Olivia laughed lightly and let her shoulder brush against Tom's. "Harry, why don't you surprise us." The woman looked up to Tom quickly to check he was okay with that but he was just smiling at his friend.

"Certainly, Olivia." Harry said in his best posh accent and grabbed a scoop. "Go grab a table, they're filling up quick." The added sarcasm made the pair laugh but they never-the-less picked a booth and slid into it. Tom sat opposite Olivia and played with her hand quietly as Harry prepared their ice-cream. It was a weird feeling, to have tingles run against Olivia's palm as a man caressed her skin with adoration. They hadn't even kissed, but she felt like they had been in a relationship forever with the way Tom brushed his fingers against hers.

"Here," Harry smiled as he placed a large bowl of ice-cream in front of the pair. It had many different flavours of ice-cream, excluding chocolate, but that seemed to be made up with the chocolate sauce and treats sprinkled on top.

"Oh, wow." Olivia sighed as she stared at the frozen delicacy, wanting nothing more than to dig into it straight away.

"Harry's ice-cream is always the best." Tom replied to Olivia's small comment, making her giggle slightly. "Thanks, mate." The man turned his attention back to his friend and slapped him on the shoulder.

"Anytime," Harry replied before setting a key down next to Tom's free palm. "You remember how to lock up, right?"

"Of course, bud. Your shop is safe with me." Tom gave a winning smile which eased Harry, not that he doubted Tom anyway.

"Okay good, well, I guess I'll see you guys around." Harry said as he pulled on a thick coat over his jumper. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Olivia."

"And you, Harry. I hope to come here again soon." The woman replied honestly, causing Harry to pat his heart sarcastically.

"Ah, you'll be a loyal customer, I hope?"

"Of course. Goodnight." Olivia waved her hand softly as Harry left his shop with a caring smile. She turned around to look back at her date, who was watching her slowly. "Hm?" She hummed in question as she caught Tom in the act.

"Nothing," He chuckled, but Olivia only raised her eyebrows determinedly. "I, uh," He started as he let his thumb glide across the smooth skin of her hand. "I don't think I said how beautiful you look earlier, sorry."

"You're absolutely wonderful, Tom." Olivia whispered in an almost daze. She couldn't understand how a man could be so kind and caring. The woman leaned forward so she was only inches away from her date. After seeing no alarm in Tom's eyes, Olivia leaned forward and placed her lips quickly on his cheek as a thank you.

As Olivia pulled back she smiled nervously but the nervousness soon dissolved when she saw the smile tugging at Tom's lips. He was trying to hide a bashful smile and tinted cheeks by staring into the ice-cream intently.

"You ready to tuck in?" Tom suggested as he regained himself and passed Olivia a long spoon.

"You don't need to ask me twice." Olivia laughed lightly and took the spoon from him, unfortunately having to untangle their hands.

"What's your favourite food?" Tom questioned as Olivia softly groaned at how delicious the frozen treat was. Tom fiddled with his spoon as he tried to not pay too much attention to the sound, but it was just so distracting.

"My favourite food?" Olivia replied with raised eyebrows at the random question.

"Well, if I want to continue dating you, I have to find ways to impress you." Tom smiled innocently as Olivia licked the ice-cream off her spoon, not knowing how to react to the sweet statement.

"Well, as uninteresting as it is, my favourite is chocolate cake." She said, causing Tom to shrug his shoulders lightly.

"Nothing uninteresting about that. I, personally would pick carrot cake over chocolate any day." He responded.

"Well, you'll be pleased to know that I make a pretty good carrot cake." Olivia explained without even thinking. Tom laughed lightly, plopping a chocolate button into his mouth.

"Is that a suggestion, Olivia?" He teased and watched as she shrugged lightly with a blush.

"Do you want it to be?" She countered back. Tom laughed loudly which caused Olivia to giggle and fill her mouth with more ice-cream so that she didn't sound like a love-sick teenager.

"Okay, what about your favourite flowers?" Tom went on, wanting nothing more than to leave Olivia tonight knowing as much as she'd allow him to.

"Sunflowers." She responded much too quick for her liking. "But when it's not summer, white roses."

"You can still get sunflowers all through the year." Tom declared and Olivia hummed in question. "Yeah, you can get them imported from America."

"Oh, I wasn't aware of that." She remarked. "I suppose you'd know all about buying flowers, though." She winked to let him know she was being playful, but she did wonder how many woman Tom had dated.

The man chuckled lightly but looked at the table quickly. "No, I don't think I do. I've not really dated many woman before." He mumbled before lifting his eyes back up to Olivia with a side smile. "And I'm afraid my flower buying skills go as far as sunflowers, as they're my sisters favourite, too."

"Your younger or older sister?" She asked, deciding not to push the information he had given before.

"Oh, you remember? My older sister, Sarah is the sunflower lover. Emma loves tulips." Tom smiled fondly as they talked about his sisters.

"Of course I remember." Olivia exclaimed, faking hurt that Tom would even doubt her. "Do you not think I pay attention when you talk?" She teased.

"No, no, it's just girls never seem to be interested in that side of my life." The man explained. "They just seem to be interested in, well, my looks and my career. I always feel like they don't care."

Olivia frowned at his words, not believing that anyone could mistreat a man like Tom. "Trust me, Tom. I care."

word count: 2868
note: prepare yourself for angst in the next two chapters