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His face softens a bit.

“What have I told you about barging in?” He exhales a heavy breath as I take one and try to explain.

“Harriet was gone. I honestly had no idea they were here. But I was looking for the additional files Anderson requested.” I walk to my desk and begin looking.

“Fine. Grab the files and be on your way. Good luck this weekend,” he tells me, gathering up his things to leave.

“Good luck? That’s the best you can do? What about the files?” He’s really leaving?

“What about them? Find them on my desk. They should be on the top. Since you’re so capable, as you seem to like reminding me, it should be no problem,” he snips out, hitting his mark.

“So you’re just gonna chase after her again?” I throw my hands up in the air, the movement reminding me I’m not completely sober.

“I’m not chasing, not that it’s any of your business. This is about Drew. This has nothing to do with Willow.” His face is red, and for the first time in a long time, I feel Piers’ anger directed at me. And I know he’s lying. This may be about Drew, but this has everything to do with Willow.

“Like hell it doesn’t! You always take her side!” I can’t stop, even though I know it’s not fair. I know it’s going to make him even angrier. But I can’t help it. When do I get to be angry? When is it my turn? Will he ever choose me?

“It’s not about sides,” he growls, grabbing his jacket and walking away. “It’s not about you or me. Or her. It’s about him. My son,” he yells as he walks out the door.

“Open up your eyes and think past yourself for a fucking minute, Scarlett.” He slams the door shut, and the sound is as loud as thunder booming around me. Another perfect storm I’ve found myself in the middle of.

I walk on shaky legs to the desk and collapse into his chair before letting my head crash forward on the desk. Taking deep breaths, I try to keep the tears at bay, but they pour from me and fall like rain. And for the first time in a long time, I let them, bleeding myself dry of their salty betrayal. Tears for every wish I wasted and every dream that never came true. Today is just another sad reminder, that not everyone gets the fairytale. He was supposed to be my storybook ending, but she was his happy ever after.

####

Cohen

I woke from a nearly sleepless night. After walking the streets of west London to clear my mind, I didn’t climb into a cab until just before dawn. Tired of taking cabs and needing a driver for my trip to the country, I called in a favor to an associate for a driver—someone who works for cash and doesn’t ask questions, the perfect combination for a delicate situation.

While waiting for him to arrive, I go for a run, hoping to relieve some of the tension coursing through my veins. It has the desired effect on my body, but my mind still works overtime, trying to make sense of this all as I stand in the shower washing away the sweat from my run. My past, James, his illness, the company, Piers, and now Scarlett.

Thoughts of her invade my mind, and I’m tempted to end the shower with cold water, but a message alerts me the driver is here. Tick-tock, I remind myself.

Our first stop is Scarlett’s. And it’s not just about the plan. I’m really wondering how she’s recovering. Last night was…pretty fucked up.

I’ve never been so careless before. Something about her was unexpected, in a way that makes me want to see what else she’s hiding behind the façade she’s built so carefully around herself. Seeing her so vulnerable last night left me unsettled—and that’s not a state I’m comfortable being in. Before I have too much time to dissect what that means, she emerges from her house as a car pulls up. We follow her to the office. I send Harry, my driver, for coffee, as I stand in my preferred spot across the street from Piers’ office.

Not long after Scarlett enters, I catch a glimpse of fiery red as Willow and her son exit. Oh, shit. That probably didn’t end well for anyone, and she doesn’t look too happy. They walk away, and the lad points to a sign ahead, The Ships Wheel pub. Deciding to get my head in the game, I leave my self-assigned post and head to the pub, careful not to be seen as I cross the street and hurry past them into the pub.

Shooting Harry a quick text to let him know there has been a slight change in plan, I order a drink and wait. Not quite sure what I’m going to do, but hoping to at last get close to Willow, I stand near the bar. The bell jingles as they step in, and the barman hollers, “Pick a seat. Anywhere ye like.”

Looking for someplace near the window, they find a booth, and the lad climbs in first.

Before she can sit down, I make my move, bumping into her and spilling a pint right down the front of her blouse.

“Oh shit! How clumsy of me. I didn’t see you there,” I rasp out, turning on my full charm. “Here, let me.” I press napkins to her front while she swats my hands away.

“It’s fine, really. Just a bit of lager. It’ll dry.” She shakes her head, inspecting the damage.

“Oh, bollocks! I see you’ve got a little one with you! I apologize for my foul language,” I continue. “How about I buy you a pint?”

When she finally looks up, I see warm hazel eyes. Not the kind I could get lost in, but beautiful nonetheless. My mind drifts to Scarlett and her own unique shade of blue before I shut it down. Focus!

“No thank you,” she replies, sliding into the booth.

“Please, it’s the least I can do,” I offer, stalling.

“No, really. Thank you, but we’re meeting someone.” She nods to the empty seat across from her. Of course. Piers.