Beyond a Chance
Chapter 8: Deals
When Tom and Yasmim were about to leave the restaurant, someone else realized who he was. When they arrived, the waiter had found him vaguely familiar, but had ended up putting the guesswork aside when work called for him. Sitting at the same table, quiet in the same place, without moving around, no one else was paying attention to the Brazilian girl and her English companion. However, he only walked a little way out of the establishment that he was noticed by a fan.
-You're Loki, aren't you? – the boy approached shyly – wow, it´s so crazy to find you around here, could you take a picture with me?
-Of course, no problem - Tom was polite and kind, happy to fulfill the common request of a fan.
-Thanks, bye - the boy walked away as he had so fast approaching.
Tom smiled, saying goodbye to him. During this entire short period of time, Yasmim was isolated, in a corner, trying not to be in the way, witnessing a strange phenomenon. "Is this going to happen to me after the show and all?" was what went through her mind. But the episode also reminded her of something else, something she was troubling her about. It appeared that Tom still didn't know the news and hadn't talked to her about it. Had he been embarrassed about the whole situation and didn't want to talk to her? Did he not know anything after all? She would have to ask if she wanted to know. She approached him again, sighing.
-I'm sorry about that, if you felt bad or… - Suddenly, Tom didn't know how to use the words to justify himself.
-No, it's ok, it's nice for people to recognize you for your work and all, I just remembered something unpleasant – Yasmim shook her head as she gathered her courage – come on, I think I'd better tell you on the way.
He nodded, seeing how alarmed she was.
-I have the impression that you didn't know about it, it's just that yesterday my brother saw the news about us and didn't hesitate to send it to me - she told with some shame - he was super curious to know what I was doing , well, with you.
-Ah - was the only word that Tom managed to express, surprised but understanding everything.
-Yeah – Yasmim nodded and continued – what happens is that I had to tell him that I'm working with you, but of course, for my own good I respected the Marvel contract, I didn't say what it was.
-I know how it is, news travels fast, that's why I don't look for it too much, I really didn't know that – he confessed – were you afraid that the same would happen because we hung out today?
-Actually, I didn't even remember it until that boy showed up – she admitted – I just think I'll have to learn to deal with all this better.
-You got scared seeing yourself in the news – Tom understood – I understand how it is, but if you need help, you can ask me.
Again, a tempting feeling passed through Yasmim, they had barely known each other, they had only been talking for a few days because of work and now he was already offering his friendship. She was still trying to tune into the situation she had come to stop.
-Okay, thanks for understanding – she was really grateful.
Feeling a little more relief, they said their goodbyes. It wasn't until he got to his hotel room that Tom let his curiosity get the better of him and went to check the news for himself.
It was something he had seen a number of times, the paparazzi caught him every time he left, but the way they described Yasmim was even worse, just as "mysterious girl". He realized how very anonymous she was. That sounded good for someone who was really freaked out about the situation, but on the other hand, Tom felt it was unfair that the sensationalists didn't give even more identity to his friend. It was a conflicting perception, to be sure. He hoped to do her best to help her get through this kind of situation.
It looked like this story really wanted to get worse. Photos of Yasmim and Tom at the Grifith Park restaurant were also taken and spread with astonishing speed. Many journalists put two and two together and seeing Tom and his mysterious date in more than one place, already tried to speculate that they were dating.
More alert this time, Yasmim thought it best to follow up on such news about her as Tom Hiddleston's mysterious date and was stunned to see that they were simply assuming they were dating.
-Oh my God, how do I fix this? – she allowed herself to freak out a bit – and Tom? God, this is so embarrassing, what if he has a girlfriend? Oh God... what do I do?
She ended up doing nothing, hoping the situation would get better without her doing anything else to make it worse. Tom also heard the news, and was even more embarrassed.
-I should wait for something like this… - he said to himself, in reflection – how is it that Yasmim must be with such a thing?
Maybe it would be decent of him let her know what was going on, since she had done it before. So, on the last day that Tom would be in Los Angeles, he went to see Yasmim, seeing that they would need to have a serious conversation about the unpleasant subject.
She agreed to see him at her house, hoping it was just a courtesy call.
-Hi, I'm sorry to alarm you like that, it's just that... I worried about you – he was being sincere, but at the same time, he was embarrassed to admit it.
-About me? I'm fine, really – she made it clear – but tell me what you want to tell me.
-I didn't want to be that direct, but I think I'll have to be – Tom cleared his throat before continuing, such was his discomfort – there are tabloids speculating if we're together.
-Oh God, I already knew, yes, I had seen it, and I was so embarrassed, it's just that, they don't even know my name and they keep trying to guess things - she said with a bit of anger - and I don't even know if you have girlfriend, if you have, please apologize to her.
-It's ok Yasmim, I'm single, I think you are too – he replied – I just wanted to see how you were in relation to all this, and how I could help you.
-Well, I confess that I freaked out a little at the beginning, but apparently, things tend to get worse from now on, right? – she deduced with little humor.
-What exactly are you talking about? - Tom wanted the precise definition.
-Now it's sinking in that I'm, I'm going to be, a Marvel actress and I'm going to attract news and speculation, it's just that everything is so new for me and kind of... suffocating - she sighed, closing her eyes - and for working together they will write a lot about you and me.
-It's true, you're absolutely right, but if there's one thing I've learned during these ten years it's that you'll always deduce what you want from the facts, the important thing is that we really know what's really going on with us both - Tom advised.
-What if they ask me something about you that isn't about the show, or they ask you about me, about something more intimate? You know what I mean, don't you? - She struggled with the shame when speaking.
-I do know - Tom sighed, trying to get rid of the tension of the moment - just say that we are good friends, and nothing more, I believe that is what we are.
-At this point, I believe that we are - Yasmim managed at least a mere smile.
"It's a deal then," he offered her a hand.
-Yes, of course – she accepted it, sshaking it – thank you, my friend.
-You're welcome, my friend - Tom replied, pleased with what they had done.
They said their goodbyes in a much lighter and certainly friendlier atmosphere. Tom returned home happy, knowing that Yasmin would know exactly what to do.
