Chapter 7: Leave to cool.
When i entered the suite i found a note on the bed from Tom.
Karen, Please accept this gift hung in the closet and the matching boxes on the bed. love Tom. xxx
I opened the closet and found a beautiful white and silver flowing dress and in the boxes matching shoes and a clutch bag, i stared at the dress and then i squealed like a little kid at Christmas, just then my phone rang, it was Tom.
"Hey gorgeous do you..."
"Oh my god Tom, i love the dress, I've never had a dress like this before, its amazing thank you, thank you, i love all of it" I couldn't contain myself and it was making him laugh.
"I'm glad you like it, i had help".
"Who helped?, no one here knows my size?"
"I contacted your work and spoke to Charlotte, i sent pictures to her phone of different dresses and we agreed on the one before you" he said, i could tell he was smiling.
"I have to ring Charlotte, to thank her as well, i can't believe it, it looks like something a princess would wear, i love it thank you".
"You deserve it princess, you are my princess, oh by the way Emma and Zowey said they are coming over to you they want to do your hair and make up".
I was puzzled "My hair?" I looked at it and my hair was pulled back into a pony tail.
"Yeah Zowey is Emma's hairdresser and best friend so they wanted to treat you, is that OK?"
"Mr Hiddleston, wake me up from this dream"
"Its no dream baby, see you soon"
I phoned Charlotte and we talked about everything that had happened the past two days, i had to start getting ready so told Charlotte i would ring her tomorrow and let her know about tonight, we had become close friends since she was transferred from the Taunton store.
I sat watching Zowey transform my hair from limp and lifeless to full and bouncy with curls that came down over my shoulders, Emma did my make up as i have no clue what suits me, then the door bell rang.
"That's Tom" Emma said "He's early?".
Emma and Zowey looked at each other and then at me, saying together
"He's never early?"
"He obviously can't wait to see you" Zowey said going to answer the door.
"Tom, come in" i heard her say.
"Zowey you look lovely as always, everything OK?"
"Wait here" Zowey said "I'll see if they are ready and yes every things fine".
"OMG! Karen you look amazing, Tom will love you" Emma said as Zowey joined her.
They both smiled and gave me a hug, i said thank you to both of them, then they left to join Tom for a drink, i looked at myself in the mirror and couldn't believe what i was seeing, i then picked up the clutch bag and my phone, took a few deep breaths then walked into the living area, Tom had his back to me as he handed Emma her drink, then he turned.
His face lit up with a huge smile "You look wonderful, truly amazing", he walked over to me and placed his hands either side of my head and kissed me gently.
"Hey" Emma shouted "Love birds, time to go".
We left the hotel in a limo after getting past all the flash photography from Tom's fans and the paparazzi, soon we arrived in Mayfair, the doorman at The Dorchester hotel opened the door and Tom climbed out and helped Zowey and Emma out first then held his hand out to me, i could hear the paparazzi that had followed us and i started to shake, what will they print next, oh well here goes, i stepped out holding Tom's hand, the paps went crazy shouting our names but Tom just held me close and said "Come on princess, your gonna love this". He placed his arm around my waist guiding me into The Dorchester, we were met in the lobby by the Restaurant Director Christian Laval, Executive Chef Jocelyn Herland and Michelin star Chef Alain Ducasse.
Tom shook hands with all 3 then introduced Emma, Zowey and myself, we were then shown to our table where Tom's parents Diana and James, his other sister Sarah, Benedict, Chris and his wife Elsa were all waiting, Tom introduced me to his father and sister then we were about to sit down when a voice was heard from behind us.
"Thomas, who is this beautiful creature on your arm?".
"Ken" shouted Tom and Chris.
It was Kenneth Branagh, i was dumb struck, one of the best actors i had admired since i was 14 seeing him play as Hamlet was joining us for dinner.
So i was sat between Tom and Ken, everyone chatted whilst deciding what to have, i then realized i had never ate in a place like this before, what would i even order, Tom could tell i was panicking and leaned towards me and whispered "Its OK love, if you don't know what to have i recommend".
I cut him off "I'll just have what you have, i don't know much about french cuisine".
"Ok darling, do you like snails?" he said laughing
"Yuk no!"
"I'm joking, you'll love the food i promise".
Everyone ordered and 6 of the 7 courses came out 1 after the other, i only had a bit from each plate and it was Sarah who pointed out that i wasn't eating as much as i should have.
"Karen, had a gastric band operation back in April and can only eat small amounts" Tom said to everyone and held my hand then kissed it. The evening was fantastic and it was topped off with Tom asking me to dance, he stood up then held out his hand.
"Would you do me the honor of this dance Miss Frost" Tom was beaming from ear to ear and his eyes were sparkling. Tom led me to the dance floor.
"I don't really dance, i'm more a stand at the bar girl" i winked at Tom and we laughed.
"Its OK love just follow my lead" Tom said staring into my eyes, he moved me around the floor, everyone in the room were watching us and i could sometimes see their faces, i mainly kept my eyes on Tom and spoke as other couples joined us on the dance floor.
"Thank you Tom" i said as i went to kiss his cheek but he turned and bent me into a drop and kissed me.
Everyone had dessert except me as i couldn't eat another bite so Tom had mine and i laughed with everyone else when he took it.
"What?" he said innocently "Waste not, want not".
Our table talked and talked and all had a great time together. It was lovely to sit back and just relax then Ken whispered to me.
"I have to thank you".
"Thank me, why?"
"I haven't seen Tom this happy in years and its all because of you, i've been trying to get him to come for a meal and relax for a while now, he arranged all this tonight for you". Ken said sitting back and smiling then joining another conversation.
I was shocked to learn this was all for me, just as i was about to ask Ken why? my phone rang and i excused myself to answer it.
"Hello"
"Miss Frost, this is Detective Taylor, i'm sorry to call so late but i thought i should let you know that we have caught Phillip Rogers".
I froze, i couldn't believe after all this time, they had finally caught him the man that killed my family.
"Um i, i don't know what to say, i suppose thank you" i was shaking but couldn't move.
"There will be a trial and the prosecution would like you to be there but it will not be for a few weeks yet, are you still in London?".
"Yes i am, i um will be back Monday night".
"OK i will come see you about 2pm Tuesday, have a good night Miss Frost".
"Goodnight Detective Taylor, Thank you" i hung up my phone and stood in the lobby, i couldn't stop my heart from beating in my ears, i had to sit down, The hotel manage came over to me.
"Miss Frost, are you OK?" he asked with great concern "Shall i get Mr Hiddleston?".
"Please" i said blinking back tears and trying to swallow the lump in my throat, next thing i knew Tom, Ken, Benedict and Chris were all at my side.
"Karen, whats happened, tell me" Tom said holding me close.
I straightened up and told them about the phone call from Detective Taylor, the 4 of them all looked at each other.
"That's good that they have caught him, isn't it?" Chris said placing his hand on my shoulder.
"I guess, i just thought he would never be found" i said bitterly.
Ken pulled me into his arms whilst giving the others a look, what was going on? did they know something i didn't?