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“Scarlett? Are you going to tell him?” His question hangs heavy in the air.

“No, and you won’t breathe a word of it to him either. You hear me?” I end it. “She’s back, and it’s all he cares about. If he wanted to defend my honor, he’s about two and a half weeks late,” I huff out, massaging my neck with my hand.

“Fine, but what the bloody hell happened?” I hear the clink of ice and suddenly feel bad for bringing it up. Teddy only has the occasional pint, but the heavy stuff means he’s at his wits end.

“This is why I wanted to have dinner and drinks, to go over all this in person. I didn’t mean to add to your stress.” And it’s the truth falling from my lips once more. I don’t want to push away what’s probably my last remaining friend.

“I’m sorry,” he offers.

“It’s fine. I know you’re really busy. Look, we can just talk about it later.” I shouldn’t have said anything.

“No, now,” he demands.

And I spill it all. The gory details, the come on, the brush off, the party, Alan, the attack. Once my mouth opens, it comes flooding out. It feels good to tell someone. To say it aloud. To have support. I think part of the reason I’ve been walking in a fog is because the weight of the trauma combined with everything was just too much. Telling Teddy was the right choice.

“Christ, Scarlett!” His voiced is laced with panic. “I’m so sorry.”

It helps having someone else know, even after the fact. Even though Cohen was there, it was like he was a part of the fog with me. A shadow, a dark knight. That moment with him was like having a dream after a nightmare. The two scenes clash in my mind. How I could have went from one to the other is beyond me. But his hands healed with their touch.

I leave out those details, but the professor is observant, even over the phone.

“And what of this mystery man?” he questions, playing the role of overprotective big brother.

“Nothing. I never saw him before that night and never heard from him again,” I reassure him. “I’m fine, really. I didn’t mean to worry you. But you can’t tell Piers. I can’t handle anymore awkwardness between us. This thing with him is…I just don’t know.”

He remains silent now, always wanting to remain neutral when it comes to us. “Scarlett, I don’t know what to say.”

“I know. You don’t need to say anything, Teddy. Thanks for listening,” I whisper, trying not to get overly emotional. “What’s done is done. I just don’t know why he keeps pushing me away.”

“You know I’m always here for you, right? I wish you would have rang sooner, told me. I would have came. I’m not much of a knight, but I’m here.” And I know he would be in a heartbeat. He packs a lot of muscle under all that tweed. Years of being bullied motivated him to bulk up.

“I know,” I tell him. “Thanks, Teddy Bear.”

“Will you ever call me Theo?” he chuckles.

“Nope.” I can’t help the little giggle that slips out.

“Didn’t think so.” He sighs across the line. “Take care, lady.”

“I will. Bye. Don’t forget to eat!” I order before he disconnects the call.

After hanging up, I decide to stick around and drown myself in more work to keep the memories, both good and bad at bay. Even memories of tall, dark knights who rescue women who didn’t think they needed rescued.

I’ll focus, kick some arse, and then maybe take a long weekend. Feeling a weight lifted, I decide I may even go out tonight. No more pouting, no more feeling sorry for myself.I’m done.

#####

After losing track of time while pouring over the seating chart for the Mid Summer’s Night Gala, my stomach grumbles like thunder, reminding me that I haven’t had lunch since my assistant brought me a Greek salad earlier. I’m positively starved. Patting my midsection to calm the roar, I check my watch to find it’s nearly quarter to six. So much for wrapping up and heading out early. Just as I’m closing up my computer for the evening, my mobile rings. Piers? Seeing an unfamiliar name flash across the screen catches me off guard. I fumble to grab it and crack my elbow on my desk. Shit! That hurt!

“Hello,” I breathlessly answer.

“Sorry, mate. Wrong number,” a gruff voice replies. Oh.

I just can’t understand why he keeps pushing me away. I’m just really not in the mood for going out now, I decide to go with an old favorite, a place I used to frequent quite a bit just because of its character and close proximity to work. Ordering the fish and chips and a pint sounds like just what I need.

Taking a moment, I go to the toilet, run a comb through my hair, and apply fresh gloss to my lips before grabbing my things and heading out for the night. Maybe tomorrow I’ll go to Kensington or do some shopping. I haven’t been to Harrods in a while and that’s one of my favorite things to do. Oh! I need to check on my dress. That reminds me, the masks came for the gala. And I need to let Piers know another donor has been added as a platinum sponsor.

Screw it. I’m calling him. The gala is less than a week away, He has to talk to me sometime. Walking out to get in the lift, I ring him. He picks up right away. Finally!