We're All Mad Here

The bartender handed her drink to her and she raised it slightly and said thanks, putting a couple of dollars in the tip jar. As she turned around she glanced at the group she was listening to and almost dropped her drink. The voice she had been taken with belonged to British actor Tom Hiddleston. She quickly walked past him hoping he hadn’t seen her. Her mind raced, trying to understand why someone properly famous was at this donor’s mixer. She always thought the functions she got invited to were the slumming it version of the fancy galas that the large donors went to. This was a few well drinks and canapes, nothing Tom Hiddleston would be used to. 

Anna was a fan of his work. She had seen all of his movies and thought he was an incredible actor. She had always hoped he’d come to Broadway, as she knew he was a great stage actor as well. As the thoughts ran through her head as to why he could be at the party she realized it was possible he too was networking. The thought of that piqued her interest and she decided she wasn’t done eavesdropping. 

She casually walked back towards his direction, sipping on her fresh vodka soda. As she walked by him again she realized she didn’t have anywhere to go now. He was standing close to an empty corner with three other people talking to him. After she walked by him, she was standing alone in an empty corner. She pulled her phone out of her purse quickly, trying to appear like this had been done on purpose. She quickly opened an app and started absentmindedly scrolling and staring at it as though she had a purpose. She couldn’t fully hear his group anymore, but it sounded mostly like casual conversation, not anything worth trying to hear. She decided it would be better off left alone. 

Anna took another sip of her vodka soda. Her stomach felt warm, the effects of the alcohol slowly setting in since she hadn’t had dinner. She didn’t have much to do so she looked around a little more, trying to see if there was anyone else she wanted to try to talk to. She meandered through the crowd without a destination, still sipping on her cocktail, grabbing a few small hor d'oeuvres to tide her over. 

Again, from across the room Tom stood out to her. He was wearing a navy blue suit that was tailored so precisely it looked almost painted on. She’d always been attracted to him but seeing him in person she discovered he was even better looking. She knew she was staring but couldn’t help it. He had a glass of whisky in one hand, he brought it up to his mouth and finished it in one smooth gulp. He placed the glass on a table nearby, even that was attractive to her. 

Something inside her took over in that moment. She was walking towards him, without realizing she was doing it. She was compelled to speak to him for some reason, a reason that likely smelled of vodka. She decided she had to, at least briefly, let him know that New York would welcome him to Broadway if that’s what he was doing here. And then she would have to leave the party immediately after from embarrassment that she couldn’t stop herself from doing this. 

“I’m sorry to bother you, Mr. Hiddleston, I just wanted to say I’m a fan of your work and that I hope you’re here because you’re planning your Broadway debut.” She spoke quickly as though she was apologizing as she was speaking. She smiled, hoping she came across more friendly than manic. 

“Well thank you very much. That’s very kind of you. You can just call me Tom by the way. What’s your name?” He smiled and stuck out his hand for Anna to shake it. When she grabbed it, a warmth radiated up her arm. She smiled, feeling instantly at ease by it. 

“Right, sorry, I’m Anna,” she replied, feeling stupid for not introducing herself first. 

“It’s lovely to meet you Anna.” They we’re still holding each other’s hands, neither making the effort to let go until the man next to Anna cleared his throat. Anna pulled her hand from Tom’s, their eye contact breaking as she looked down in embarrassment. Tom didn’t seem to mind, “Sorry to disappoint, but I’m just here as a guest of Josie’s,” he gestured to the woman to his right. Josie Rourke had just directed Tom in a successful run of Coriolanus in London. She smiled and held out her hand for Anna to shake. 

“Nice to meet you as well. I saw the National Theatre Live of Coriolanus earlier this year. It was truly stunning work, the whole production was amazing. I wish I could have gone to London to see it in person but I was thrilled you did a screening of it.” Anna looked back and forth between Josie and Tom as she spoke, “I’ve never seen a production of Coriolanus, we don’t do Shakespeare as often here.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Thank you.” Josie spoke first before she looked to Tom. Tom smiled at Anna.

“Thank you, that’s very kind. I’m glad we could bring the show places it’s not done as often.”

“Yeah, I think the last time it was on Broadway was in the 30s. And it hasn’t been done in the Park since the 70s. So as far as I’m aware at least, I haven’t been alive for a production in New York. Though I could be wrong. I’m sure there could have been a production in smaller theaters I wasn’t aware of.” Anna was babbling. Whenever she got nervous and was expected to talk, she couldn’t control her rambling in circles. She suddenly felt aware of it and let out a short laugh and took a sip of her drink to stop herself.  

“Wow that’s impressive knowledge off the top of your head. Are you a producer?” Tom replied, an eyebrow raising. He had anticipated a degree of networking tonight but mostly he just wanted to support Josie who was working in New York theatre for the first time. He just happened to be in town the same time she was and tagged along. 

“Oh no. I’m not in this business at all. I’m a subscriber to the theatre company. That’s why I’m here. I just really love theatre. When I saw your Coriolanus I researched it a little to see why I’d never seen it before because as I said, I really enjoyed it. I like to learn about different shows and their histories.”

“So you don’t work in the industry but you’re just extremely passionate about it?” Tom was surprised by this. He knew the party he was attending was for the season subscribers to the theatre company, but even people who donated were more interested in what was currently playing, or just to say they donate to the arts. Not many people would see a play and then do their own research on it after, especially a 400 year old play. His interests were officially piqued. It sounded like something he would do. 

“Yeah. It’s my hobby I guess.” At this Anna noticed the group around Tom get bored with her. She understood, she had nothing to offer but praise, she gave it, it was time to make her exit. “Well I don’t want to take up any more of your time. I hope you have a nice visit in New York.” 

“Oh, if you don’t need to rush I’d love to talk to you more. About theatre, I mean. If you want to, of course.” His face reddening a bit as he realized how bold he was being. He looked into Anna’s eyes, searching for her honest reaction in them. He found himself instead marveling at how beautiful they were. A deep green with what looked like gold flecks in them. He saw the edges crinkle a little as she smiled. 

“I don’t have anywhere to be. I just didn’t want to bother you.” Anna let out a breathy laugh, confused by the turn in events but willing to go with it. 

“You’re not bothering me at all. Tell me about New York theatre. I’m a London boy and must admit I don’t see theatre here enough.” 

“Well I’m biased as a New Yorker, but I think New York has the greatest theatre in the world.”

“I’d say the same of London,” Tom laughed. 

“I figured you would. This season has been great for play revivals. The Glass Menagerie Broadway production was the best I’d seen of the play. I loved A Raisin in the Sun as well. We had some good new plays too. Casa Valentina by Harvey Fierstein and Mother’s and Sons by Terrance McNally. Act One was amazing as well about the playwright Moss Hart. My favorite musical just opened in revival too, Cabaret, and that production was stunning. Have you been able to see anything this past season?” She realized she was babbling again. She just listed shows at them like she was some sort of theatre pusher. 

As she spoke, Tom took this opportunity to really look at the woman in front of him. She had long dark hair that had a slight curl at the end that hung down over her like curtains. She played with the ends while she spoke, a nervous habit he thought. She was wearing a thin mustard yellow sweater with a black leather skirt and knee high boots, the ensemble showing off her body just enough for him to realize his lust. He tried to listen to her as she spoke, but couldn’t completely focus until the question she had asked got through. He cleared his throat,

“I’m afraid I haven’t. I’ve been working too much.” He spoke matter of factly. He hadn’t been in New York in over a year. 

“Well, you’re here now. You should try to see something. I know a lot of what I just mentioned closed now but there’s still a lot to see. But New York theatre is more about the community too. I think it’s really special and unique.” Anna wasn’t sure why she wouldn’t shut up. She needed to leave. She had made enough of a fool of herself in front of the most attractive man she’d ever met. 

“Excuse us, Tom we actually have to be going.” Josie interrupted, “sorry, but it was lovely to meet you Anna.” She shook Anna’s hand again. 

“Oh no, the pleasure was mine. Thank you. I hope to see something you’ve directed here soon.” Anna said, almost too quickly, apologies in her voice again. She had been saved from herself. She turned to Tom to shake his hand goodbye. Before she could he spoke again,

“Bye Josie, thank you for inviting me tonight. I’ll talk to you soon.” He enveloped her in a bear hug and then did the same with the other two guests Anna hadn’t been introduced to. They looked back to her and she gave a small wave, unsure of what was happening. Tom turned back to Anna. 

“So, what's currently playing that I should try to check out before I leave on Sunday night?” He smiled, his eyes completely focused on Anna’s as she blinked repeatedly. Something about her energy made him want to stay, to figure out why this woman was so enticing.

“Um, I’m sorry, but you don’t have to leave too?” Anna didn’t understand. He had the perfect out, an out she thought was specifically designed for him to not have to talk to her anymore. 

“No, I have nothing else to do tonight.” Tom couldn’t think of anything he rather be doing than talking to this attractive woman who was charming him into staying at a fairly dull party on a Friday night. 

“Oh um, okay,” Anna said. Tom could see that she was confused. She didn’t seem to be star struck but she also didn’t see the picture clearly. He thought he should aid her in getting back into the conversation. 

“So, which shows would you recommend to a New York tourist that they could get last minute tickets to?”

“Oh you’re hardly a tourist, I’m sure you could call up any theater and be given house seats to any show you wanted.” Anna’s face flushed when she realized how bold she was being to a celebrity. She took a sip of her almost empty vodka soda to try to cover it up. She looked down suddenly nervous he’d make his leave from her now that he realized what an idiot she was. But instead of a cold reply, she got a laugh. She looked up at him to see a smile on his face, still looking at her. 

“I suppose you’re right. Though I’m sure there’s a few hot tickets that I’d still miss out on.” He reached out to Anna’s arm and gently stroked it for reassurance that was not a faux pas. It was quite the contrary. Tom enjoyed when people didn’t mince words with him. 

When he made contact with her arm the warmth from it flooded through Anna. She suddenly had to resist holding onto it. She’d never had that sensation before from a simple touch. She made eye contact with Tom who looked like he was having the same kind of moment over this very gentle and chaste touch. 

“Anna, could I, uh, buy you another drink? If you want another that is.” His fingers slowly left Anna’s arm as he raised his eyebrows questioningly. He hoped the instant sparks he felt between them were not one sided. 

Anna looked down at her drink, seeing it was mostly ice. She already had two but turning down a drink from Tom Hiddleston was an impossible task. 

“Yeah, that'd be great. Thank you,” she nodded her head. Tom gestured for her to come with him to the bar. She felt like she might be hallucinating but wasn’t about to question it. One of them was crazy, she just didn’t know which one yet.  

“Another vodka soda?” The bartender asked, remembering her from earlier. 

“Yes, thank you.” Anna’s cheeks flushing, unsure if having a usual at a party was an endearing trait. 

“And what can I get for you?” He looked to Tom, his grin widening as he realized who he was waiting on. 

“I’ll have a Jameson, neat, please.” Tom opened his wallet, getting $50 out of it and handing it to the bartender. He began to speak but Tom stopped him, “no change, thank you so much.” Anna couldn’t tell if it was a weird flex that celebrities did to overtip or if he was just that generous, either way she liked it. She picked up her drink and thanked Tom and the bartender, making eye contact with the latter hoping it spoke her inner freak out to him. Tom guided Anna to a more secluded area of the venue. 

“Cheers,” Tom said, raising his glass to clink it with Anna’s. 

“To making it count,” Anna said absentmindedly. She went to take a sip and noticed Tom looking a little puzzled. “Oh, sorry. That’s a little toast I do every time I cheers. It’s from Titanic. My sister and I do it and it just kind of became a tradition, and now I realize how crazy I sound.” Tom chuckled,

“So you like Titanic that much?” 

“Well no,” Anna’s face flushed as she wondered when she was going to stop being embarrassing this evening, “I mean, who doesn’t like Titanic? But it was this dumb inside joke thing and honestly I feel like explaining it is going to sound more crazy,”

“I’m listening” Tom’s mouth curled into a crooked smile. Tom was rarely taken by surprise but Anna had already surprised him a few times. Nothing Anna had said tonight was expected. She didn’t try to impress him or show off, or endlessly flatter him. He got the feeling she was being exactly herself. He found it refreshing, and more attractive still. 

“Well one night, years ago, my sister and I were drinking and it was one of those nights where we really just were putting them back, and we started talking about Titanic, you know, as one does,” she realized she was speaking too fast again but there was no helping it this time, “and we just were reciting dialogue and talking about random parts of the movie. When we got another drink we raised our glasses to each other and at the same time said “to making it count” and we couldn’t stop laughing. So we just started to do it every time we had drinks together. Then when friends were with us they got in on it, and it just kind of snowballed to the point where now I just always say it and embarrass myself in front of famous actors.”

“I think that’s both funny and sweet. No need for the embarrassment,” Tom lifted his glass again, “To making it count.” They clinked glasses again, making eye contact before each taking a sip of their drinks. “So you’re close with your sister? Do you have any other siblings?” He needed to know more about her and was going to take this opportunity to do so. 

“Just my sister. And yeah, she’s great. She doesn’t live here so I don’t see her as often as I’d like to but we talk all the time.”

“Where does she live?”

“Connecticut. That’s where I’m from originally.”

“Oh when did you move to New York?”

“About six or seven years ago. I moved right after college. Though I live in Brooklyn now, not Manhattan, but I work here. Well, not here,” she gestured around her, “but in the city.” She felt like an idiot for the hundredth time. Of course he knew she didn’t work where they were currently standing yet she couldn’t stop herself from talking. 

“And what is it that you do?” He smiled, more things he could learn about her. 

“I’m a portfolio manager at a bank. It’s not that interesting.”

“Do you like it?”

“It’s okay. Pays the bills, affords me to do things like contribute to theatre companies so I’m satisfied.” Anna’s face dropped a little. 

“Sorry, was that too personal?” He suddenly realized maybe he was interrogating her. 

“No, it’s just, when you say what your job is out loud when it’s not something you’re particularly passionate about to someone who you assume is very passionate about their job it bums you out a little.”

“Well, I’m very lucky, I know that.”

“It’s not as soul crushing as I just made it sound.” Anna laughed, trying to brighten the mood again. 

“Well that’s evident.” Anna looked puzzled so he continued, “you radiate, your soul feels very much intact.” He knew he was being extremely forward now, but he didn’t care. He only had one shot at this, they’d be unlikely to ever run into each other again. 

She couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face. She wasn’t sure why he was still talking to her but she knew she was already wrapped around his finger. 

“You sir, are a charmer.” She tucked some of her hair behind her ear. 

“I’m only speaking the truth. So tell me, did you come here alone tonight? Or am I monopolizing you?” 

“No, I'm here alone. My friend was supposed to join me but she had to cancel last minute, she’s working late and then just wanted to get home. Since I was already in the city because of work I thought I’d still stop by, though I didn’t really intend on staying.”

“Well I’m very glad you did decide to stop by.”

“Me too.” Anna had a wave of warmth course through her body again. She couldn’t tell if it was the vodka or the man smiling in front of her, but she felt oddly sober. It was an odd sensation. She was in awe of the fact that Tom Hiddleston just bought her a drink and was freaking out a little, but at the same time felt so connected to him. She hoped she didn’t have lipstick on her teeth. “So now that you’ve asked me some questions, what about you? Do you have siblings?” Tom smiled,

“Yes, two sisters. One older, one younger. I love them both dearly. Though I travel a lot so I don’t get to see them as much as I’d like either.”

“Oh so you’re the middle child?”

“Yes, and the only boy too, I’m still trying for that attention clearly.” He laughed. 

“It’s gotta be working by now I imagine.”

“I suppose, but you never really get over your childhood, do you?”

“True, but I imagine being raised around three women made you more attune to women’s needs. I’ve already noticed it.” 

“How so?”

“You offered to buy me a drink which was kind but instead of leaving me to go get it, and be left alone with my drink, you had me go with you so I could be assured it and I was safe. It’s a small gesture but an important one.”

“Well I don’t know if that’s,” Anna cut him off,

“No, it’s a very kind and important gesture to someone who never puts her drink down in public. Thank you.” Tom reddened a little more as he decided to just accept the compliment 

“I’m glad you feel safe.” They both looked at each other with identical soft smiles. Tom knew where he’d like this evening to go, but he still had to be sure of her intentions. She had approached him after all, a fan of his work, and he didn’t need anyone trying to sleep with him just to sell the story somewhere. He decided to ask a question he could get an ass kissing response to or a real response to see if his gut instincts were right. “So to change the subject, besides Titanic of course, what's your favorite movie?”

“Oh that’s an impossible question to answer. There are so many movies.”

“That’s fair, but can you narrow it down to a few highlights.”

“I guess off the top of my head, I’d have to say, Singin in the Rain, The English Patient, um what else, oh and definitely Jurassic Park. Those are some go to movies for me. Oh and Before Sunrise.There’s hundreds more though”

“Interesting choices.” Tom said with a smirk. 

“Why’s that? Is my movie taste a red flag or something?” Anna wanted that comment to climb back into her mouth. “Red flag” was a term mostly used in romantic endeavors which she was not able to believe this was. 

“Not at all, it’s interesting because I’d put all of those movies on my top ten list as well.”

“Well I mean, they’re perfect movies.”

“I’d have to agree. Have you seen the pictures of the practical effects of Jurassic Park?”

“No, I don’t think so.” Tom pulled his phone out of his pocket. He quickly googled something. He shifted slightly to stand next to Anna and stretched his arm out slightly to show her the pictures of people in dinosaur costumes and working on the T-Rex. Anna instinctively got closer to Tom, their bodies touching very slightly, neither pulling away.

“Oh my god, is that a raptor with tiny sneakers on? This is amazing.” Tom got a little closer to her to zoom in on the pictures. She was trying so hard to play it cool but she didn’t know how successful she was being. “I have seen this movie maybe a thousand times and I had no idea there were people running around inside those dinosaurs”

Tom slouched a little, despite Anna wearing slightly heeled boots, he was still quite a bit taller than her. He was trying to bend down without looking like he was talking to a child. As he got closer he got a waft of Anna’s perfume. Whatever it was, it was intoxicating. Some kind of flower he assumed but wasn’t sure what. As he got closer he realized it was her hair. It smelled so good he got lost in it. He realized Anna was talking and shook his head out. 

“Pardon?”

“Did I bore you with my Jurassic Park anecdote?” Anna laughed. 

“No no I uh, just remembered something and got distracted.” Tom stood back up, put his phone back in his pocket, trying to get back his senses. 

“Oh do you have to go?” Anna’s heart sank. She understood but wasn’t ready for this to end. 

“No no. Sorry. Please continue.”

“No it really wasn’t that interesting the first time. Are you sure you don’t have to go? I really feel like I’m keeping you.”

“Maybe I’d like to be kept.” Anna’s eyebrows raised. He was flirting with her, she was sure of it now. She didn’t know why but she wasn’t sure she cared anymore. The real question was if she would be able to flirt back. She wasn’t great with flirting in most situations but flirting with a sexy movie star seemed pretty out of reach for her. 

“Well, I guess I’ll continue to keep you, then.” Anna’s face scrunched up as she heard how moronic that was. She giggled, trying to recover from it. She looked down at her half drunk vodka soda and started fidgeting with the straw. She swirled the ice around to gain her composure again, she slowly looked back up to Tom, raising her head slightly. She saw he was still looking so she twirled her hair before making eye contact and smiling. 

“Please do.” He smirked, one eyebrow raising. His heart was beating faster now. That was it for him. He wasn’t just interested in her, he was completely smitten. “I’m enjoying learning about you. Now tell me, what made you move to New York? Did you have a job right out of university” 

“No, I moved here without a job. I had money saved from working through college. I used it on getting an apartment with a few friends. We had way too many people in a three bedroom and I got a job as a waitress when I got here.”

“You just knew you wanted to be here?”

“I knew I had to be here. I’ve wanted to live in New York City since I was a kid. I almost went to college here but it was cheaper if I stayed in Connecticut and since I didn’t really know what I wanted to study I just stayed so I could save money. I graduated in May and was here by August.”

“That’s amazing. Why did you want to move here?”

“Just, a feeling. You ever just know you need to be somewhere?”

“Yes. I know exactly that feeling.” He felt like he was currently having it. “Has New York lived up to your expectations?”

“It’s nothing I expected. I romanticized it quite a bit of course. But I love it. It’s home.”

“Speaking of, it’s getting late. How exactly are you getting home tonight?”

“Subway. It’s a few blocks away and then a straight shot til my neighborhood.”

“Are you sure you’ll be okay alone?” He suddenly was aware that no matter how much he didn’t want the night to end here, she might want it to. He felt as though he was being forward all night, but suddenly he realized perhaps they were not on the same page and didn’t want to be too presumptuous.

“Yeah, I do it all the time. I’ll be fine.” 

“Why don’t I get you a cab? This way I can be sure you got back home alright. My treat.” 

“No that’s okay, I appreciate it but I assure you I will be fine.” 

“Well can I at least escort you out, before they start putting away the tables?” Anna looked around. The hall was almost completely empty. She hadn’t realized they had talked all night. 

“Yes that would be lovely.” Tom took her empty glass and put it on a table nearby and returned to Anna’s side. He let her walk slightly in front of him for a moment, when he was next to her he placed his hand gently on the small of her back to guide her. He felt her shiver slightly so he looked down to make eye contact to make sure she wasn’t uncomfortable. She looked up at him, her eyes searching his but she seemed to welcome the touch. They stepped outside and Anna turned around to face Tom. She opened her mouth slightly about to speak when Tom said,

“I know you said you’d be fine but what about if we shared a cab. I’ll pay the driver extra to get you to Brooklyn,” Anna knew this was dumb. He had no idea how far Brooklyn was in relation to wherever he was staying, if he was heading further uptown it made no sense at all. But something about his eyes made her agree. They were kind and warm while also being inviting. It almost hypnotized her. 

“Okay. If that will make you feel better.”

“It will.” He stepped out by the street and hailed a cab. When one pulled over he opened the door and held it for Anna to get in. She stepped in and slid over so Tom could get in next to her. As he situated his suit jacket, he placed his hand on Anna’s thigh, over the fabric of her skirt. It was a light touch but one he hoped conveyed his feelings. Anna looked up at Tom. His gaze was mesmerizing. She was about to place her hand in top of his when the cab driver interrupted,

“Where are you going?” They both ignored him. Tom leaned in closer to Anna. He whispered into her ear,

“You know, I have some champagne in my hotel room, if you don’t want to end the night here.” 

“Yeah, I’d like that.” Anna’s voice was so soft she hoped he heard her. This was not something she ever expected when she approached him earlier that night. 

“Sorry, the Crosby Street Hotel on Crosby and Spring street” Tom said to the exasperated driver. Anna placed her hand on top of Tom’s, her fingers sliding in between his. He lifted his hand slightly and clasped her fingers within his as he rested their hands on her leg. He rubbed her hand with his thumb, the sensation both soothing and sensual. 

“Are you sure you’re comfortable? I don’t want to presume anything of course.” Tom whispered to her again.

“Yes, I’m comfortable. I appreciate the verification though.” 

Anna didn’t know how it happened, but she knew her life wouldn’t be the same.

*********

Thanks for reading!