WHO: Catherine Pinkerton and Thor WHAT: A random run in that leads to a new friendship! WHEN: Recently WARNINGS: None! STATUS: Closed and Complete
Thor was very aware of the stares his muscled 6’7” form drew. It didn't help that, according to others, he was hot. He'd been in several shoots, already, including one where only creative use of sports equipment has prevented him from being naked in the pictures for all to see.
As a first local and now national so-called sports hero, he got plenty of attention. And it sometimes was good, sometimes bad. He did his best to be very conscious of the stares he got, and to try to ignore them. He'd spent a lifetime doing so, in a way, since he was also heir to the Asgardia Corporation, whether he liked it or not. That had started a lot earlier than high school. But the OC, for all the good and bad of it, was home.
Today, he was just trying to find a clear spot to eat in at the cafe he'd ducked into. He only had today free before he had to get back to practicing and studying, so every moment was precious. He was about ready to give up when he spotted one spot free at a booth tucked into a corner.
Making his way there, he spoke softly. “Excuse me, ah may I sit here too eat? This is the only open spot.”
***
Catherine was sitting in a corner booth, recipes and notes spread out in front of her as she tried to get everything straight in her head prior to her apprenticeship interview that afternoon. Part of it was on her skills as a baker and she'd prepared her best dessert for that the day before and the owner had seemed to like it but today was the part she was dreading: the actual interview. If she could get this position her career would be off to a great start. She hadn't even noticed anyone approaching until she heard them speaking to her and she looked up, eyes widening as she realized who it was. She'd watched Thor’s games as long as she could remember. First with her dad and now on her own since she'd moved out.
“Sure! Let me just move some of my papers here.” At least she didn't sound as starstruck as she felt. That counted for something right?
***
Thor smiled at her and nodded. Her expression seemed to indicate she might recognize him, but she didn’t go crazy on him or even babble at him like fans sometimes did. That was nice. At least to start with. “Thank you. I appreciate it.” He settled once she had moved some and nodded again.
“What are you working on?”
***
She gathered up her papers, moving them off to the side so that he could sit down without them being in his way. Okay so she was sitting with one of her all time favorite athletes, and yes he was even hotter in person than he’d seemed in pictures and television interviews.
“I’m just trying to prepare for an interview this afternoon. Probably stressing too much about it but working there has been a dream of mine ever since I moved here.” Okay maybe Catherine had been a little too honest but there was something kind of freeing about saying it outloud. And it wasn’t likely that it would get to anyone else. She hadn’t told him where her interview was or her name. It was safe to unload to someone who for all intents and purposes was a stranger to her.
***
Thor smiled at her, listening and eating at the same time, sipping coffee as he devoured some danishes, an apple, and an orange. “It sounds like you are on track to do things, and get what you want.” he smiled at her again and nodded.
He offered her his hand after polishing off a grape. “I’m Thor Odinson. You seem well put together, and I hope you can find things working for you.” He grinned wider. “I’ll be cheering for you.”
***
Catherine reached out to shake his hand. “I know who you are - my dad and I watched your games together before I moved. I’m Catherine Pinkerton.” It was tempting to bring up the championship games they’d watch, especially the one they’d even managed to get to see in person, but she wasn’t about to reveal that she was that much of a fan. She even had some posters of him in her room - including one from a very interesting photo shoot. Guys could have posters of naked or almost naked women so she had some of men. It only seemed fair.
“It’s really nice to meet you in person though.”
***
“Oh? I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.” He smiled to her and shook her hand, then nodded to her, smiling warmly as he lifted it to kiss it. “It is my pleasure to meet you, Catherine.” He felt honored and flattered that a beautiful woman, obviously sophisticated and smart, was actually a fan of his! He thought most of his fans were the less cerebral type, frankly.
“So, ah, who are you interviewing with, oh beautiful business lady?”
***
Catherine felt heat flood her system when Thor kissed her hand and she just had to hope she wasn’t blushing as hard as she thought she was. She’d never had anyone do that before and she had to admit that it felt really nice. “I’m meeting with the owner of Baxter’s Bakery. I’m hoping to be taken on as their apprentice now that I’ve finished culinary school and keep learning.”
***
Thor smiled to her, his eyes alight, and then he reigned himself in, and chuckled. “Good luck, my friend.” He nodded. “Would you care for me to wait, then take you to lunch after, for good luck?”
His grin was warm. “I know that such things can be nervous making.” He had always had nerves when applying for things.
***
That smile was a lot more captivating in person than she’d ever found it on tv and the cautious part of her was telling her to say no to lunch with him but there was a part of her that was all but screaming for her to say yes. How often would she be getting asked out to eat by a celebrity? Even living out here that wouldn’t happen often and she had to admit that to herself.
“I don’t know how long the interview will take but...maybe we could go out to dinner to celebrate my getting it? If it’s longer than you’re willing to wait to eat lunch?” Her face heated up a little as she realized what she’d just suggested but she was going with it. What was the worst that could happen? Thor say no?
***
Thor nodded, without hesitation, not the least bit shy of the idea. “Sure. I’d be glad to.” He smirked at her with a gentle grin. “Or both?”
How often did you get a pretty woman willing to go to lunch or dinner with you? One who was not fawning over you or trying to get in your pants or money? Not often, not even in Thor’s life. And so he was ready to pounce on that chance,
***
Catherine grinned back at him, relaxing a little bit. Today was definitely looking up already. Lunch and dinner with one of her favorite athletes? Who just happened to be hot and easy to talk with? All she’d had planned for today was her interview and now she had a sort of date. Or two. Maybe luck was on her side today after all.
***
Thor smiled as he saw her relaxing. He nodded to her, feeling relaxed himself. A nice meeting, for sure. She was smart, creative, and highly driven. All good things, he felt.
Maybe today would be perfect.
“What's your favorite kind of food?”
***
“A bacon cheeseburger and fries. I know it’s not the healthiest choice but - it’s my absolute favorite thing to eat. And I have had the hardest time finding a place that sells them without trying to make them healthy somehow since moving out here.” Catherine admitted to him without any embarrassment. “What’s yours?”
***
“Yeah? Sounds delicious. I know a place, maybe.” he grinned at her. “My favorite food? Homemade peanut butter. Not the dry, tasteless stuff, but sugar in, nutty or creamy, full on churned-by-hand peanut butter. That stuff is the food of the gods.” He nodded grinning widely.
***
“Only maybe? That doesn’t sound too promising,” Catherine said, teasing a little bit as she leaned forward in her seat slightly. “Have you ever tried it with homemade jam on a sandwich?” Making jam was one of the ways she’d found to make a little extra money in school. The initial output of money had been insane but after a few batches she’d started breaking even. It was never going to be her career but it was a good way to spend a few hours when she didn’t feel like going anywhere or just sitting around.
***
Thor snerked. “I have, but not in years. You know a place?” He grinned at her, eyes alight with warmth and amusement. She was pretty damned cool. She was someone he liked, already. He was hoping that she was free definitely for those meals.
***
“I might know a place where you could get some.” Cath said, winking at him. She liked him. He was as easy to talk to as she’d always thought he’d be watching interviews he’d done. And he’d definitely helped her relax before the interview this afternoon. She was really hoping they’d get to hang out more. She heard her cell phone chiming out the alarm she’d set to make sure she gave herself plenty of time to get to Baxter’s Bakery. “I hate to say it but I have to go if I want to get there on time. I can text you when I get done so we can meet for lunch?”
***
“No worries. Go, have a great interview, and yes, please.” He smiled to her. “My number is [number]. I’ll talk to you later, Catherine.” And if his voice caressed her name a little, well, he was happy. And that was okay, right? Right.
He rose as well, nodding. “I should take care of my errands before then.”
***
Catherine put his number into her phone quickly and slid it into her bag with her papers as soon as she was sure it had saved and stood up, giving one last glance to make sure she had everything before moving over to his side of the booth and leaning down to kiss his cheek on an impulse. “I’ll talk to you in a little bit Thor.” She gave him another smile before walking out the door, optimistic that she’d get the position. And if for some reason she didn’t? Well she still had plans with a hot guy for afterwards.