Chapter Text
"You know, I left my home country when I was 18. To be honest, I didn't get to spend much time with my family before that, because I attended boarding schools..." I explained and took a sip from the water cup next to me.
"So, boarding schools are still a thing in the UK?" the interviewer asked. Oh, so she’s that kind of a person.
"Well, yes. I mean, it was quite a few years ago, but I think they provide you with a friendly environment which allows you to both make friendships and study very hard. My parents didn't force me to go there, I really enjoyed that experience."
She nodded at me and moved on to the nest question, as if my answer was boring. I have no idea what kind of exciting answer she was expecting. "So how do you feel about joining a huge franchise like Marvel?"
"Well, I do love comic books and superhero movies, so it was like a dream come true. Not many actors get to experience something like that at such a young age and I'm grateful for the opportunity." I answered, hoping we were nearing the end of our little interview.
She continued asking about Marvel, my future, living in the U.S., which brought us to the end.
"So, today is also February 13th. Do you have any plans for tomorrow? A special someone to spend Valentine's Day with." She inquired.
I sighed. "Not really, I'll probably just spend it with my cat or something." I don’t have a cat, by the way.
Half an hour later I was at JFK, waiting at the end of the line to get on a plane to LA. Hannah has just phoned me about a party that’s organized right after my meeting at the studios. She said it was being thrown by one of the actors, but she couldn’t remember which one. “I’ll send you the email. Text me the answer before you board.”
“Sure, so should I take some other clothes for the party? What should I wear for the meeting anyway? Should I do formal or more cas...”
Before I could end my sentence, some guy bumped into me. I almost fell onto the next person in line, but the stranger grabbed me in a nearly theatrical gesture. “I am so sorry, ma'am... I should stop rushing like that.”
“Hannah, let me call you back in a second.” I said and hung up immediately.
The guy was wearing a cap and sunglasses. Indoors. “Well, I’m sure these accessories are not helping with your awareness of your surroundings, are they.” I snapped. “There’s still plenty of time before the take off, no need to rush like that.”
I already was in a bad mood because of the early interview and the interviewer, so this guy just kind of made it worse. Maybe I shouldn’t have snapped like that, but he was the one who pushed me.
Instead of calling Hannah, I just texted her.
Sorry, some guy in line bumped into me. I’ll go to the party. Could you just prepare something for me to wear, so I can go to the studios straight from the airport?
I knew she’d text me right back, so I just put my phone in my handbag.
After I settled in my seat, I heard the now familiar voice talking on the phone, in the seat behind me. “Can you get red cups? And cold snacks? I want it to be like a real frat house... Dodger will be fine, he’s used to it...”
“Sir, I’ve got to ask you to switch your phone off.” A stewardess asked. “Our Wi-fi connection will be available after take off.”
“I’m so sorry.” He apologized. “Already switched off.”
“Thank you.”
What a twat, I thought. I’d rather spend the whole flight with crying twins flying couch than hear him again in first class. I found my earphones and sunk into my chair. My heaven...
We landed in no time and I quickly found Hannah, waiting for me by the car. I hugged her. “Hi.” I whispered. “I had the worst day and it’s only 3 o'clock.”
“I got you hot chocolate and a chocolate fudge cupcake.” She smiled.
“I love youuu.” I whined. I looked over to my left and noticed the line guy entering a SUV car similar to mine. “That idiot made my day worse.”
“People are animals.”
I changed my clothes in the backseat while on the way to Burbank. “How long do you think the meeting will be?
“You'll have enough time to eat something before you go to that party.”
“Yesss, I'm already starving,” I said. “Who's gonna be there?”
Hannah pulled out her phone and found the message. “Its organized by Chris Evans...”
“The radio host?” I asked.
“No, the actor who portrays Captain America, Anthony Mackie with his wife, Sebastian Stan...”
“Oh, he’s cute.” I noted, midway through my cupcake.
“Emily VanCamp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Scarlett Johansson, Cobie Smulders, Hayley Atwell. And some other people.”
The meeting at Marvel Studios was about discussing Wanda's costumes, movements and overall some aspects of the character. I also scheduled some appointments with trainers, voice coaches and such. I had some fittings of prototypes, make up tests and hair styles.
After 2 hours of talking, signing and scheduling, we finally got out and went to get something to eat. “I’d really love a hamburger now, but I'm afraid of an acne break out. Hannah, why is acne such a bitch?”
Hannah's is my agent. She’s nearly 40 years old, but also my best friend. We’ve been working together since I moved here and she’s been like a mum to me, when my actual mum couldn't be. And it also helps, that my mum actually likes her. So I have a Mom and a Mum.
“You should eat something before the party, though. You can’t drink on an empty stomach.” She suggested.
“Excuse me,” I said. “Who said I'm even going to drink?”
She gave me that really? look. “No, I’m serious. Do I really drink so often that you have to point that out? I can have fun without alcohol, you know. I’m not going to drink tonight.”
She just laughed at me and pulled towards a small Italian place, where I ordered a lasagne and lemonade. “Do you think I'm reckless?”
Hannah sighed. “Emily, I really didn’t mean it. I mean that you might not like the food at the party or that they might even not have anything sustaining. You are one of the most responsible people I know. And you’re 22.”
“Still 21.” I corrected her. I hate the thought of becoming older and older, so since my 18th birthday every birthday has become just more and more depressing.
I didn’t get too dressed up for the party. I thought that a black off shoulder top and jeans would do. I did wear high heels and some make up, but that’s just to make sure I look my best around my new cast mates.
The only other invited guest I knew was Aaron, with whom I’ve already had the pleasure to film a post-credits scene for Captain America: The Winter Soldier. I was hoping he was there already, so I would have someone to talk to.
I texted him, when my car went through the gate, and told him to meet me outside.
“Got a little shy, all of a sudden?” he grinned as I escaped the car.
“Look, I’m not about to enter a house full of movie stars in their mid-thirties by myself, ok?” I laughed and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Do you think it was a good idea to bring a gift for the host?”
“Depends on what it is.”
“A pretty expensive scotch. Straight from actual Scotland.” I held up the bottle, wrapped in a Captain America gift wrapping paper.
“Perfect. Hope he'll open it tonight.” Aaron smiled. “Let's go, love.” He opened the door for me and I immediately heard music, chatter and laughter. “Guys, look who I found!” he yelled through the noise.
All of the people turned around to look at us. I was grateful for the little research I did, because I didn’t have to awkwardly ask who everyone was. “Finally, our newest addition!” Evans cheered and I immediately recognized his voice. I also noticed the backwards cap on his head and red cups around me.
“Oh my God, are you the guy who almost tackled me down in New York today?” I asked, completely stunned.
To be honest, now that I’ve taken a better look at him, I wouldn’t have minded him tackling me down. Even in public.
“He was just telling me that he was hoping you wouldn’t recognize him.” Sebastian laughed.
“I did say sorry.” He held his hands in defeat. “And I was in rush. Anyway, I’m Chris.”
“Well, you can’t rush a plane to a earlier take off. I’m Emily.” I shook his hand and smiled. God, he’s handsome. I held out the whisky bottle. “I brought it as a gift for the host, but I’m not sure you deserve it now that I know who you are.”
He smirked. “That’s a shame, I thought we could drink to first impressions.”
It took me about an hour to get to know most of the people here. I spent most of the time with Hayley and Aaron, which was pointed out to us. “You three here are forming some sort of British alliance, aren’t ya?” Anthony yelled. He was quite tipsy at the very least. I didn’t mind that. It was probably the first “Hollywood” house party I’ve been to and it was much better than stuck up events I’ve been to.
I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket, so I checked the caller. Mum. “I’m sorry, I have to take this.”
I decided to go outside and sat on the furniture on the terrace. “Hi, Mum. What’s up?”
“Honey, I’m sorry. I know you’re out, but... I have to talk to you.” She sighed. “You know your dad and I haven’t been in the best place lately and...”
I did and I knew where this was going. “Mum, I know what you’re about to say. And I you really want to say it right now, please don’t. Please, I can’t talk about this right now. It’s not the place nor the time. Can I call you tomorrow?”
She agreed. They always do that. I love my parents, but their timing is terrible.
“Mind if I join you?” I heard Chris' voice behind me. “Is everything alright?”
I looked up from my phone. “It’s just family business, you know. Nothing unusual.” I shrugged and let out a nervous laugh.
I’ve gotten really good at holding up tears. During my first year here I missed my family so much I cried every time I saw something family-related around me. I had to learn how to not show everything that’s going on inside my head. “My mum's just called me and she wanted to tell me that they’re divorcing, but it’s... nothing I haven’t noticed.”
“Families can be tough, I get that.” He agreed. “Maybe you want me to get you a ride home?”
“No, thank you. Being around people will help me forget about it.” I smiled faintly.
“Then how about I fix you that drink after all?” he suggested, stood up and held out his hand for me.
I nodded.
He guided me to the kitchen, where I sat on the counter, while Chris prepared a drink for me. “I can make something with that Scotch you brought, if you want.”
“Had my dad heard that you wanted to make a drink out of his favourite alcohol he would be livid. And should I add that bit about harassing his youngest daughter...”
He laughed. “Again, I am so sorry.” He apologized. “I feel like you’re just going to torture me till the end of time. What can I do to make this right?”
“I don’t know, you have to think of something.” I shrugged and took the drink he made me.
Chris smiled and leaned on the counter next to me. I couldn’t not look at his bicep as he brought the glass to his lips. “What would you say to a date?”
I looked at his face, as Chris turned to face me. He seemed a little bit nervous. “I mean... Only if you promise to keep your balance.” I smiled.
“Great,” he grinned. “How about tomorrow?”
I did remember that tomorrow was Valentine's Day. “You know that it’s February the 14th tomorrow, right?”
Chris shrugged. “Well, isn’t it the best day for a date?”
“Can’t argue with that.”
“Whatcha doing, my little lovebirds?” I heard Scott's voice.
“Just chillin...” I said, taking a sip of my drink. “Getting to know my fellow Avenger.”
Scott stayed with me while Chris left to say goodbye to some of the guests. We chatted for some time and went to the living room, where a few of the remaining guests were sitting on the sofas. “I really don’t wanna go, because the next time we see each other is gonna be in May or June…” Scarlett said. “And it was incredibly nice meeting you, Emily.” She turned to me and we hugged. I walked her to the door and we discussed when we’d get to film together. “Emily, I can bet you a weekend in SPA that by the time we see each other again, you will be a few months into dating Evans.” She smiled. “I’ve known him for so long, I know it’s gonna happen.”
I looked over at Chris, who was now laughing at something with Sebastian and Anthony. “I mean, we are going out tomorrow...”
“You can book that weekend for me already,” she grinned. “Look, he’s mostly dated women his age and it didn’t work out. I mean, that last girl... He went through so much with her and they broke up just 2 months ago. In my opinion, he should have ended it years ago.” She sighed. “Anyway, if you’re ok with it, then...”
“ScarJoooo,” Chris’ voice. “Are you leaving me already!?”
“You know I hate it, when people call me that. And yes, I’m leaving, because my husband is waiting for me.”
“You’re no fun.” He complained and put his arm around my shoulders. I think he was a little bit tipsy now and a bit more confident since I’ve already agreed to the date. “I’ve got a new friend now.”
“I told you he would be snuggling against poor Emily before the night ends.” Anthony yelled as he was us. “Evans, keep it in your pants or she will run away!”
“God, I hate them.”
An hour later it was just me, Chris, Scott, Sebastian and Anthony. We were sitting around the coffee table. They asked me a lot of questions since I was new, British and the only girl there. Sebastian was drunk enough to ask me if child birth is really more painful than a kick in the balls. Dodger, Chris' dog joined us after a while and chose to lay down next to me, which made Chris a bit upset. “I knew he would leave me for a girl someday. Not cool, buddy, not cool.” I stroked the dog's incredibly soft, ginger fur and listened to their conversations. I really didn't want to leave – Hannah couldn't stay with me tonight, so the moment I'd step into my empty flat I'd momentarily think about my partners’ break up.
We all stood up when Sebastian, Scott and Anthony said they’d be leaving. I got kind of anxious and hoped they’d want to stay longer. “Hey, how about we take Dodger for a walk and then come back to watch a movie?” Chris said quietly as the others were chatting in the doorway. “It's still early.”
“I don’t know, Chris... I...”
He bent down right next to his pup and said. “How could you say no to those eyes?”
Well, I couldn’t say no to neither Chris' nor Dodgers eyes, so it was an easy decision to make. “Fine.”
I tried to avoid questions from the guys by saying that my agent is picking me up and she’s running late. They made some jokes, but bought it and we were walking around the neighbourhood in no time. “So do you want to talk about your parents now?” Chris inquired.
“Well, to be honest, it shouldn’t be a big deal for me. I’m a grown woman,” I started. “A year ago I noticed that my parents started to act different. They used to be very expressive in feelings towards each other and then it just stopped. So I asked them if everything was alright and they’d say that everything’s fine. Multiple times, so I dropped it.” I sighed. “When she called me today I knew why. I told her I’d be out and she never calls me when I tell her that.”
I shivered a little bit, when we turned right to the park. Chris immediately took off his sweater and handed it to me. “Look, I went through the same thing. My parents got divorced when I was 18. It didn’t get ugly and messy, but it was still hard for the family. You know, me and my sisters were already a bit more independent, they were in New York, I was about to graduate high school. But Scott had a hard time processing all of this.”
I pulled his sweater over my head and discreetly inhaled his scent. Sweet heavens. “I'm gonna be the Scott I’m my family.” I sighed and watched Dodger play around with a ball. “I’ve got two older brothers and they’ve always been overprotective of me, so I wouldn’t be surprised if I had a million text messages on my phone right now.” I pulled it out. “I switched it off after mum called.”
“You know, you got me a bit scared with those two overprotective brothers of yours.” Chris chuckled and whistled at Dodger.
“I won’t tell on you if you let me choose the movie.” I said. “I feel like watching Scary Movie.”
“I was gonna let you choose anyway, but if that gets me out of trouble.”
Back at his house, Chris let Dodger off the leash and the dog claimed his spot on the sofa immediately. “Do you want something to drink? Or eat?”
I sat on the stool by the kitchen island. “Do you have hot chocolate?”
Chris looked up at me and smiled. “And a pizza?”
He’s perfect, I thought and nodded.
We were bringing snacks and drinks to the living room when I realized, “You know, we discussed divorces and our parents, but we still know nothing about each other.” So we played 21 questions, while the movie played in the background. We started off with some safe questions.
“What is the best movie you've filmed?” Chris asked.
“Well, I filmed Cinderella last year, so...”
“You're Cinderella!?” he didn’t even let me finish.
“Yeah, the movie comes out in 2015.”
It turned out that Chris is a big fan of Disney and was incredibly excited to be going on a date with an actual Disney princess. “Oh my God, that is surreal. I’m finally gonna be a hero to my niece.”
“How many nephews do you have?” I asked.
“I have two nephews and one niece. They’re all under 5 years old, so when we’re all together with other members of the family, it gets incredibly messy.” He scrolled though his gallery to show me a photo of his laying on the floor with three children laid all over him, with Dodger standing next to them.
He had so many photos of them I got kind of scared. What if he wants to have children soon? I mean, I’ve known him or a few hours, but is it worth wasting my time if he asks me to have his child in a year? I definitely won’t want one in a year. Or in two years. Or three.
“I have two nephews. Both by my oldest brother. And they’re just too spoiled for me. I like children in general, but they are a pure nightmare.” I smiled. It was a small test. If he says they might not me as bad as I think they are, we will have a problem.
“I get it. Some kids are just real dicks.” He shrugged. “Worst breakup?”
I finished my drink and pretended to give it a thought. “I don’t think I’ve ever had one. I’ve never been in a relationship serious enough to consider the breakup ‘ugly'.” I sighed. “What about you?”
“Last year. We had some different approach to how we wanted to live our lives and had difficulties synching our schedules.” He explained.
“Live your lives?”
“She would call paps on us and stuff. She hasn’t been very successful as an actress, so this was the most publicity she could get.”
“Oh, ok.” I felt a bit bad for inquiring. “How about your first kiss?”
“Oh my God. I was 16 and I’m still shocked that the girl didn't just kick me in the balls. Too. Much. Tongue. I was awful.”
I couldn’t imagine Chris being bad at something. He’s definitely a pro now. “Mine was when I was 19. I was already in acting, but came back to my parents’ house for some time off. I threw a party for a few of my friends, but my former best friend brought her boyfriend’s friends. One of them was incredibly nice to me throughout the evening and we ended up making out the couch after everyone left. One thing he failed to mention was that the girl, who left 20 minutes before was his girlfriend.”
Chris was shocked. “What a dick.” He said. “Men are pigs.”
“Yeah, can’t believe I wasted my first kiss on him.” Well, I didn’t only waste my first kiss on him, but that’s not a conversation were going to have right now. “If you have bad experiences from dating actresses, why won’t you try dating outside of business?”
He smiled. “Well, only people from the business can understand moving to a filming location for a few weeks, kissing other people or rubbing yourselves against them.”
I nodded. “True. I get that it’s hard to understand, but that’s the job.”
I never thought I’d be able to talk so comfortably with someone 11 years older than me. I always thought it’s just different life experiences, different life phases, but it hasn’t been the case so far.
At some point we finally started to pay attention to the movie, but turned out I wasn’t interested at all and passed out on Chris' shoulder.
Imagine my shock, when I woke up, still on the couch, with my arms tangled around Chris' torso, with a blanket over us. Oh my God.
I lifted my head to see that Chris was still asleep. As slowly as I could, I sat up to see Dodger sitting by his leash, waving his tail enthusiastically with his mouth open. It must be way past his morning walk time. I looked at Chris as he just readjusted his sleeping position.
Well, I guess I have a dog now. I went to the bathroom to check if my make up wasn’t smudged. I found the cap Chris wore at the airport yesterday, put it on and let Dodger out. I had no problem hooking the leash to his collar and we went out to the street. He was at my side all the time, until I let him off the leash in the park and sat on the bench.
I was a little bit worried that someone would recognize Dodger and let the media know that a new girl I walking Chris’ dog. And she’s definitely not a dog walker, because no professional dog walker would wear high heels while on the job. I felt like I should be embarrassed, but I wasn’t. Should I be? I mean, we didn’t do anything wrong, my make up wasn't touched at all and my clothes were all in order. We just fell asleep on the sofa together.
Dodger brought me a stick he found. I took it from him and threw it as far as I could. I played with him for a little and decided to go back.
Chris was already up, showered and changed. “I thought you were mad at me and stole my dog.” He joked. “You want coffee?”
“No, thank you. I don’t drink coffee.” I smiled. “You thought I stole your dog, but left my bag?”
He's just noticed it on a chair. “Oh, right.” He handed me a glass of water. “Ok, so I can make you a breakfast or... I can drive you to yours, you’ll get ready and then I can take you out.
“You don’t want people to see you with me wearing yesterday’s outfit and barely there make up?” I lifted my eyebrow.
“You look incredible and being seen with you in any state will be an honour to me, but I know where we're going and you wouldn't want to go there in these shoes on.” He grinned.
“Chris, if this is something sport's related, I’m leaving now. With my bag and Dodger.”
“It's not sports related, there might be a bit of walking involved.” He teased.
I chose the second option and we were on the road in no time. I gave Chris directions to my flat. He lived in Studio City while I had a place in the centre.
“So you live in LA?” Chris asked, when a red light stopped him.
“No, I just come here for work and meetings. I also have a place in New York and I’m there most of the time.” I explained. “I don’t really like LA, to be honest. I haven’t been around for too long, but I get recognized a lot all the time here, especially since it’s been announced that I’m joining the MCU. It’s nice, but sometimes you just need a little more privacy in public.”
“I get that. I mean, I got used to it, but I still wear the cap and sunglasses and hope less people recognize me.” He sighed. “Do you think people recognize you less in New York?”
“Well, out of three cities I’ve lived in, the least people come up to me in New York. It’s the worst in London, because I was on both The Tudors and Downton Abbey. In LA, people are more forward and demanding. In NY, people are just too busy minding their own business to stop and ask for a photograph.”
We reached my flat and I immediately went to the shower while Chris sat on the sofa and turned the TV on.
After the shower I stood in front of the mirror for a while. It’s a date. What should I wear then? Should I wear make up? I should follow his lead and copy his outfit.
So I wore jeans, a yellow sweater and a denim jacket just in case. I dug also out my cleanest Adidas trainers. After deciding that the shadows under my eyes weren’t that visible today, I only put on some mascara and brushed my eyebrows. Done.
I went back to the living room where Chris was looking through a comic book. He noticed me and smiled. “You look great. That huge bag isn’t necessary, though.” He pointed at my handbag.
“I’m gonna leave it in your boot, if that’s ok.” I said and moved towards the door.
“In my what?” he stood up, confused.
“In your trunk, Yankee.” I smirked.
I didn’t know much of Los Angeles, so I couldn’t work out where we were going and Chris refused to tell me. “It's a surprise, you’re gonna love it.”
“You’ve known me for less than 24 hours, how do you know I’m gonna love it?” I raised my eyebrow.
“Actually, it’s more than 24 hours now. I bumped into you 26 hours ago.” He corrected me.
“Creep.” I laughed. “Oh my God, we're going to Disneyland.”
He furrowed his eyebrows and looked at me. “Ok, how did you know that?”
“You said I’m gonna love it, probably because I loved playing Cinderella. You love Disney, I do too. There’s gonna be a lot of walking. Also, there was a sign, we’re 5 minutes away.” I explained and smiled.
“Outrageous...” He sighed. “ Way to ruin a surprise.”
As Chris parked I put on my sunglasses and he followed me by doing the same thing a adding a cap. “Just in case, it’s the middle of the week, barely after 12pm, it just can’t be crowded.”
Well, it was. Who would've thought that Disneyland is an excellent destination on a Valentine’s Day? I didn’t want to say anything out loud, because I knew Chris was very excited. It turned out that he bought tickets while I was taking a shower. I'm surprised he doesn't have an annual pass.
I couldn't believe how a 32 year old man turned into an 8 year old so fast. He literally took my hand the moment we got in and pulled towards the nearest ride. To be honest, I was more focused on the fact, that his hand was gripping mine even when we were in the queue. I didn’t mind it, but someone has already given us a second look when they saw Chris. His strategy was to ignore everyone until they actually approach him.
Chris started to talk about all the rides we were gonna go to. “Do you remember the names of all rides?” I laughed.
“Probably, I come here all the time with my nephews.” He explained. “I’m not just some creep who hangs around Disneyland alone.”
“No, you’re more than that.” I joked.
“When was the last time you went to Disneyland?” he asked.
“I think it was like 10 years ago, but in Paris.”
“10 years without the happiest place on the planet. Oh my God. We're here until they’re closed.”
I hope he was only joking, because I was a bit nauseous only after three rides. “Can we go on the less speedy ones now?” I asked.
“I mean, I should just say you’re weak, at this point.” He laughed. “But I don’t want you to throw up on me during our first date.”
“Oh, that would be fun.” I grinned.
“Definitely, “ Chris looked around. “How about we go eat something now?”
I nodded and followed him to a restaurant. We seemed to be a little underdressed there, but a waiter soon walked us to a secluded area, where we would have some privacy and no one else would see us.
“There you go, Ms. Dawson.” He handed me menu. “Mr. Evans. I’ll be back soon to take your orders.”
“Thank you,” I smiled. “How does he know our names?” I asked Chris.
“Well, the reservation is under my name, but I didn’t give him yours, so I guess he’s a fan.” He shrugged.
I scanned the card, hoping to find something with chicken or with no meat at all. “I fell like you had to make that reservation like a month ago.” I said. The other, less intimate, part of the restaurant was packed.
He smiled. “I do come here a lot, so they may have made an exception for me. And I always take a selfie with their manager. Anyway, if I may suggest – they make excellent fish and orecchiette pasta.”
I ordered whatever Chris recommended me. He ordered a lot of side dishes and it had me think whether he thought I could eat that much or it was only for him. “May I suggest some wine?”
“Well, I’m driving,” Chris answered. “Emily?”
“Something semi sweet, perhaps.” I smiled and gave him my card back. “I’ll trust you on this one.”
“Thank you, I’ll choose something suitable.”
Chris kept looking at me as the waiter left our table. “Is there something on my face?” I asked.
He grinned. “No, you just ordered what I recommended you and relayed on him to get you a good wine.”
“I’m not very problematic or sophisticated. Just two or three years ago I was still drinking wine drinks from the nearest grocery shop instead of actual wine, because I saw no difference. Besides, I’ve seen their prices per bottle and it just can’t be bad.” I shrugged. “Oh, and don’t you dare think that you’ll pay for all of this. You paid for the entrance, I’m paying for food.”
Chris raised his eyebrow. “We'll see about that.”
“Christopher...” I started. “Wait, are you Chris or Christopher? Do you have middle name? I wanted to say your full name, but I don’t know it.”
He just shrugged, grinning like a Cheshire cat. “Guess you’re gonna have to Google me or something.”
I didn’t give up. I pulled my phone out just to discover it was still switched off. “Oh my God.” I froze.
“What's wrong?” Chris asked, a worried look on his face.
“I switched my phone off after talking to my mum yesterday and I haven’t turned it on since.” I answered, horrified. “They’re gonna kill me.”
After the screen light up I got a countless number of notifications: missed calls, texts, FaceTime calls, Skype calls, Facebook messages, WhatsApp messages. Everything. “They’re gonna strangle me. Wait... it’s 4:30 here, so it's 12:30am in London.”
“Go, call them.” Chris said. “They’re probably worried.”
I looked up at him. He’s such a good guy. “No, it’s fine. I’ll just text my brother. He’s definitely still up.”
“I’m sorry I haven’t picked up your calls, I switched my phone off and forgot to switch it on again until just now. I don’t feel like talking to neither Mum or Dad. I’ll book a flight back to the UK and come later this week. I wish they had decided to tell me about the divorce last month, when I was there and not when I’m on the other side of the globe, at a party.”
“Done, it’s been dealt with. I’m gonna get the shit beaten out of me when they see me.” I smiled. “Anyway, I’m sorry.”
“It’s no big deal.” He assured me.
We decided not to talk about anything negative right now and moved on to talking about filming Avengers: Age of Ultron. After we realized that we haven’t even swapped numbers and had no way of sharing each other’s calendars, we did so. I also friended him on Facebook. You know, just in case.
Our food arrived and we dug into our plates. The food was delicious and the wine was very well selected. I couldn’t stop eating until I’ve finished my meal. Then Chris told me to eat the sides and suggested what goes well with what. He moved to sit right next to me and we talked about comics and movies. I had no idea that a movie he directed could premiere at TIFF this year.
“Yeah, if I'm honest I'm scared shitless, but it's all sealed already.” He admitted and ate a shrimp.
“I'm sure they will choose it and it will do well.” I said and, without reconsidering, took his hand. It was that moment. We started to lean each other’s ways. As our noses brushed against each other, Chris whispered: “Emily, I’ve been waiting for this for the whole day.”
“Mhm...” I murmured.
“And while I’d like nothing more but to just move those 2 inches and kiss you... I wanted to do this at a certain point this evening.” He explained. “You’ll know when.”
“Ok.” I’m gonna die.
Somehow, he managed to pay for the meal without even leaving the table. Because we decided we should have a picnic now, I went to buy sweets and a blanket, which featured Mickey and Minnie. We found a quiet spot, behind most people in the park. “Are we waiting for something?” I asked.
“I’m waiting for you to eat all these cupcakes.” He joked, looking at my stuffed mouth.
“I hope that’s not a bet, because you will loose.” I snapped back.
It was getting completely dark. I laid down and looked at the stars that started to appear on the sky. More people gathered on the grass around us as well as on the benches. I was sure that something was supposed to happen here, but I also knew Chris wouldn’t tell me if I asked. He laid down next to me, took my hand and brought it to his lips. I felt shivers on my arm as he pressed his lips against my skin.
“I really enjoyed today,” he whispered. “And yesterday.”
I turned to face him. “Me too,” I smiled. “But it might just be this place...”
A moment later I realized why Chris wanted to wait for the kiss and why people were gathering around us. It was time for a special Valentine’s Day firework display. “Oh my God...”
I turned to Chris, who almost immediately pressed his lips against mine. After the initial shock, I open my mouth slightly. Chris' tongue slips inside my mouth gently as his hand cups my cheek. Our tongues tangled together is like nothing I've ever experienced. I move my fingers to run through his hair, as Chris gently pushes me to lay down. We’re making out, laying on a Mickey Mouse blanket in Disneyland.
“Chris, they’re going to arrest us for public indecency or something...” I whispered, breaking the kiss for a second. Our lips connected again almost with hunger.
“I really don’t give a fuck right now.” he answered breathing heavily against my lips. “I don’t even know if it’s the fireworks or my heart.”
I’m sure the firework display was incredible. I didn’t get to see much of it, but I'm sure it was.