No Strings Attached

Chapter Twenty-Five

"Ms. Bardot? Are you alright?"

My eyes tear away from the Out of Order sign taped to the bathroom door to the security man standing behind me. It's a Sunday. No one is here so I thought I should get the shock and discomfort out now, standing in the lobby where my ex-husband tried to take his life.

I want to be able to walk through this place without ever having to so much as glance at this bathroom again.

"Yes, I've just got some things to do before the week starts."

I know that wasn't why he was asking me if I was alright, but I just don't think I could attempt to answer the real question today. I'm glad he doesn't try to correct me.

I walk for the elevators, riding up to soft Christmas tunes. It was snowing when I touched down in New York. I bought a cheap jacket at the airport so I could come straight to work.

The hallways are dark and deserted on the way to my office. I flick on the light to my private space, feeling relief to be back in my comfort zone. I notice Rebecca has decorated my desk with Christmas lights, smart enough to have taken the opportunity to do it while I was away.

I shake my head, setting my bag down. It's nearly sundown.

I reach for my phone, dialing Norman's cell number. He picks up almost immediately.

"Scarlett. You've seen the papers?"

"Yes. I'm at the office. I'm going to write a statement. I'll send it to you before I send it out."

"Alright. Is there truth to it? Why were you with him?"

"He was introducing me to his stylist. It was a harmless meeting blown up by a group of girls that are crushing on him."

"Scarlett, he's a womanizer. He is constantly seen with new women. His last publicist had more plastic surgery done than my third wife and lasted only two months. You have to be cautious of how you interact with him. He may get the wrong message."

Fuck. I lean forward, rubbing my face tiredly. "I know, Norman... I didn't think clearly."

"That's understandable considering all that's happened this weekend, Scarlett. I know you care about this company more than anything."

Oh, this doesn't feel good. I have to clear my throat to speak. "I'm writing the statement as we speak. I'm going to clarify that I am his publicist and that our relationship is purely business related."

"I think it'll go away in a few days. Don't worry about it, Scarlett."

"Thanks, Norman. I'll be in touch."

I wait until he hangs up before I pull up the company website.

***

With a steaming cup of tea in my hands and a book open against my thighs, I stare out of the window at the falling snow, not really seeing it. My phone rings for the second time on the coffee table. I reach over, picking it up, knowing who it is without checking.

"Hi."

"Hi."

I set the mug down onto my leg, breathing in deeply. "Sorry I didn't call sooner."

"I figured you were busy fixing things."

"Yeah, but I think the statement will end any rumors."

"It was very eloquent."

"Thank you."

I hear only silence on his end.

"Are you okay?" I hear myself ask.