Yesterday she was taken off guard, but today she is ready to see him. Excited if she is honest. She has put on her green silk dress, her most beautiful. She has spent time doing her makeup and choosing her jewelry. Tommy has certainly never seen her so stylish. She wants to have the upper hand this time, to impress him.
But when he enters the cafe, once again it's him that takes her breath away.
Today he is charming, less aggressive than yesterday, but she can tell he is still nervous when he takes her hand to help her get in his car.
She thought they were going to the picture house. But they enter a club.
"I thought you were taking me to see Charlie Chaplin."
"I am."
"This isn't a picture house."
"No, it's not a picture house."
"So how will I see Charlie Chaplin?"
"You will see him and you will hear him, just like I promised."
"There you go, there's Chaplin." Tommy points his finger in the direction of a group of people, among them is Charlie Chaplin.
"Oh my god, that's him!"
"Mmm-Hmmm"
"That's really Charlie Caplin in person."
"Yep. He is in England promoting his film."
"And how the hell do you know Charlie Chaplin?"
"I don't. I know his bodyguard, Wag McDonald, it's that chap there. Wag was a bookie in Birmingham…Wag is also a Romani Gypsie, as is Chaplin, but he keeps it a secret…"
"See, we all have our secrets, Grace. Come on, I'll introduce you."
She is so thrilled to meet Chaplin and even dances with him. But really, even with the movie star so close all evening, she can't keep her eyes off of Tommy.
She feels like she is living a dream. Everything is so perfect.
He is charming with Chaplin and his entourage, but still very serious and quiet.
When they dance and she feels her heart beat so loud, he has to feel it too. She hadn't forgotten how his touch made her feel so precious. How his eyes could tell her so many stories, stories of longing and buried hurts. She thinks he can read love in hers.
When she feels the touch of his fingers on the skin of her back, she shivers. The caress is so light and sensual. She knows at that moment that, if he asks her, she will go to his place. Even if she regrets it after. She doesn't want to resist.
They are in the car when he suggests a last glass of whisky.
She accepts.
As soon as they've entered his house they are kissing. She feels so cherished in his arms, he says her name so reverently.
He undresses her, his lips never leaving hers, "I haven't spent a day without thinking about you".
Her heart races, she wants to tell him that she hasn't either, but rather she asks if he has someone.
He esquive the question by telling her he has a horse. She isn't convinced, but in the end she doesn't care.
(...)
He has offered to take her back home, but she said she would take a taxi.
What they shared was amazing…but nothing has changed. He was so passionate a few minutes ago, but now he is so cold, so far away it seems. She thinks it's her betrayal that still lingers between them.
She wishes her dress was easier to put back on, she wants to leave.
"Can I see you again?" Tommy asks in a breath.
She is hesitant, he caresses her arm, and says her name in a whisper full of hope "Grace?"
She doesn't want to become his mistress. That would just serve to hurt them furthermore.
He takes a step back and looks at her coldly "Did he propose?"
"Who?"
"Your lawyer?"
"Who has told you?"
"So, he did."
"A few days ago."
"You said 'yes'?"
Grace closes her fist or else she would slap him :"We wouldn't be here if I had!"
"But you didn't say no."
"No"
Tommy, a hint of hurt in his voice, "Why?"
"Because… he is smart and sweet… and he is kind to me–"
"-and he's rich!" adds Tommy.
Grace can't deny it, but she is affronted by Thomas' insinuation.
Tommy goes on trying to get a rise out of her, "...From a very wealthy family... That marriage would allow you to be part of the high society."
"What is the point of this conversation?"
"Do you love him?"
"I've told him I needed time to think about it. He respects me and I admire and respect him."
Tommy provoking : " So, you're going to tell him about tonight."
"It's late, can you hail me a taxi please?"