Who: Tom Prince and Veronica Mars When: Friday, July 31 Where: Coffee Shop What: Engagement news, Baby news, et cetera Rating/Warnings: Low/None Status: Complete
Veronica hadn’t been sleeping much lately. Even with Viv staying in Sharon’s room the baby still kept her up at night. Plus having Sharon’s mom there? It was a big help but a lot of people in their tiny apartment. It was crowded and she heard every time Sharon’s mom got up during the night on top of all the baby noises.
With the no sleeping Veronica wasn’t exactly looking on top of her game. Her hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail, her pantsuit was wrinkled, there were huge bags under her eyes that she didn’t even bother to try and cover with make up. Who had time for that shit? It was safe to say she was going to need plenty of coffee this morning. Good thing it was her weekly coffee date with Tom.
She was late of course, again due to the no sleep issue. Hurrying into the coffee shop she found Tom already there waiting for her. “Hey,” she greeted not even bothering to attempt a smile.
Tom was sitting at his table with a pastry (cut in half, because they often shared) and two drinks. Hers was her normal, his his own. He glanced up from his phone when he saw Veronica come in and sit down across from him and concern instantly crossed his brow.
“Veronica.” He said, not unkindly, “...you look like shit.”
“Thanks,” Veronica replied sarcastically picking up her coffee, taking a much needed sip. “You try living with a newborn. Let’s see how cute you look.” Another sip. Caffeine was good. Caffeine was needed. “Anyway, what’s new with you, Prince? You look extra happy today,” even exhausted, Veronica was still observant.
“I’m extra happy. I’m engaged.” Tom grinned over his coffee cup. He lifted it in a toast. “You didn’t tell me the baby was born! Mazel tov.”
Engaged? Tom? What the hell? “You’re what now? Did I hear that correctly?” Maybe the lack of sleep was making her hear things. “Sorry, things have been a little crazy since she was born, but yup she’s here. Since Sunday.”
“Congratulations.” Tom said, grinning happily. “Does Sharon need anything? Are you all right? I can send by dinner or something.” He offered, completely ignoring her questions about his engagement. They could come back to that later. “She’s healthy, is she? Mom and baby doing all right?”
“Apparently I look like shit,” she smirked taking another sip of her coffee. “But no we are good. Sharon’s healthy. So is Viv. Her mom is staying with us for now. Though I wouldn’t say no to a free meal.”
“I’ll send one by. Lasagna, garlic bread, salad. Enough for a couple of meals.” Tom said, already making plans in his head. Actually, he could send an email to his assistant and have it done tonight. Easy peasy. “I’m glad to hear everyone’s happy and healthy, but… you really should get more sleep, Veronica. You can stay in my guest bedroom anytime you like.” He smirked.
“Thanks,” this time it wasn’t said sarcastically. She truly did appreciate the meal. “You do know I have a boyfriend now, Tom. I don’t need to use your guest room anymore. Besides I don’t think I want to stay with you and your finance?”
“Rose wouldn’t care.” Tom said, waving a hand as if brushing that thought off. He shrugged. “Escaping the noise of the newborn is more important than Rose and me having the place to ourselves.” He couldn’t help but grin at the word. “I still can’t believe we’re gonna get married.”
“I would care,” Veronica would much rather listen to Viv crying all night than hear whatever sounds Tom and Rose made in the privacy of their own home, thank you very much. “I can’t believe you’re going to get married. What’s wrong with you?”
“I honestly have no idea.” Tom replied. He shrugged his shoulders. “I’m just… head over heels in love with her. And I want to spend the rest of my life with her. I’ve never felt that way about anyone before. Ever. Not even my own family.” No offense, Eddie.
“Okay, stop,” Veronica even held up her hand to stop him. “You are getting way too mushy,” it was almost making her lose her appetite. But not quite. Speaking of, she picked off a piece of the pastry and popped it into her mouth. “Congratulations,” even if marriage wasn’t for her she still had some manners.
“It’s ridiculous.” Tom agreed. But he stopped like she asked, then lifted his cup. “Thanks,” he added with a smirk before he sipped. “You gonna be my best man?” He teased.
“Yeah, no. I’ll leave that for your brother.” She replied with another sip of coffee. “How is he by the way? Hit you with a cane yet?”
“Yes. Repeatedly.” Tom said, chuckling softly. “He’s…I think he’s doing better.” Tom felt bad that he wasn’t there more for his brother. He made a mental note to check in with him about… everything. “It’s a big shock to have shit like that go down. We’re all still reeling.”
“Good for him,” Veronica would have to give him a high five for hitting Tom with a cane. Wait, could blind people high five? “Yeah that’s a lot to deal with. Poor guy. These past few weeks have been insane. Not that we should expect any different where we live,” with that she finished off her coffee. “Refill?”
“Yeah.” Tom held out his cup to Veronica. It was her responsibility to get the refills, since he bought the originals. Cheaper for her, and … a little more fair? Distribution of labor, and all that. He poked at the pasty while she was up handing off cups to the barista.
Veronica grabbed his cup and lazily walked over to the counter, man was she tired. After handing in the two cups to the barista for refills she returned to the table. “She’ll be over in a minute,” Veronica told Tom stifling a yawn as she took her seat.
This was the barista that liked to flirt with Tom. (Tom normally flirted back. There was no law against flirting, right? Even if he knew it wasn’t going anywhere.) She came over to their table, holding two full cups, and smiled at the pair of them. “I’ve got your drinks!” She said, setting the cups down on the table.
Tom glanced up at the girl and nodded with a smile, but then gave his attention back to Veronica.
The Barista looked a little put out. She frowned, then tried a different tactic. “Can I help you with anything else?” She flipped her hair and leaned over, pushing her boobs practically into Tom’s face.
Tom was nonplussed. He shook his head. “No, but thanks, anyway.”
The Barista’s frown spread. She turned to wipe down the next table, pushing her backside this time in Tom’s direction.
Tom didn’t even look.
Veronica watched the exchange between Tom and the barista, her own mouth practically falling open. Her eyes followed the barista as she walked away before turning her attention back to Tom. “Okay, seriously. What the hell happened to you?” and if he went back into the mushy crap she might just have to taser him.
“What the hell happened to me what?” Tom asked. It didn’t really make sense, but he was genuinely confused about what she was asking. He cocked his head to the side, much like a confused dog looking up at a ball or treat.
“Did you not see how she was just throwing herself at you?” she raised a brow sipping her coffee. “You used to hit on her all the time,” this was just too weird. This wasn’t the Tom Prince she knew.
Tom glanced over at the barista, then back to Veronica, frowning. “...I wasn’t really interested. Haven’t been for a while. Maybe putting up the show is a bit too much energy now.” He had to reserve it for his fiance.
“Clearly,” Veronica replied with another sip. “That’s good though. For Rose and you. Guess you really did find ‘the one’” she used her finger for air quotes. She still wasn’t sure she believed in all that. “Really though. I’m happy for you. As long as our coffee dates don’t have to stop that is.”
“Veronica,” Tom admonished playfully, “like I would let anything come between us and our coffee dates.” He lifted his cup as if in a toast.