Tear Away

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

The next day Scarlett went back to the gallery to ensure that no evidence of the party remained. Jane had built the reputation of her company not only on being able to throw great events but on excellent after care. It was the reason that most of her clients returned.

Scarlett made sure that she was at the gallery bright and early. Partly because she hadn't been able to sleep from so much excitement running through her veins, and partly because she was eager to see Mark again. Walking in the front door she was greeted by the receptionist.

"Good morning Gladys, just thought I'd make sure the clean up last night went well."

"Hello Scarlett, feel free to go through." Looking around Scarlett was sure that she was the first visitor that the gallery had that morning. She's never seen it so quiet and it was completely different to a few short hours ago. Waking into the exhibition space Scarlett surveyed the scene in front of her. She was amazed that the caterers had managed to clean up so well. Looking around there was no trace of the previous evening's activities.

While Scarlett was glad that there was no cleaning up that needed doing she was disappointed that there was no reason to stay in the gallery, she was still hoping that she'd see Mark before she left. Deciding to take her time in going back to the office Scarlett found her way to Marks office, on the off chance he liked to be in work early. Unfortunately, when Scarlett knocked on his office door she noticed that the door was locked. She sighed and turned around to walk back to the gallery entrance. Waving goodbye to Gladys on her way out of the gallery Scarlett set off for the short walk to the office.

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When Scarlett managed to get home that evening she was wearing a huge grin. Walking into the kitchen she saw Tom sat at the table on his own with the latest copy of Hello magazine.

"What are you looking so happy about?" Tom looked upset but Scarlett noticed that he was trying to hide his red eyes beneath his fringe.

"Because of this." She pulled out an envelope from her handbag and passed it to him. He took the envelope and quickly opened it. He found a small card inside with a Blue Nose Bear on the front. Tom glanced up at her as she sat at the table with him, before looking back at the card. He opened it and began to read:

Dear Scarlett,

Thank you for all you did for the gallery last night, it was a wonderful event and I'm sure that the reviews in the Echo will reflect this. Unfortunately I made a terrible mistake last night and I'm hoping you can forgive me. I forgot to set a time and place for our drinks. If you can forgive me and would still like to get together please call me.

Mark

X

Tom bounced up from his chair and landed in Scarlett's lap. It wasn't an overly comfortable embrace but Scarlett appreciated it non the less.

"So, did you ring him?" Asked Tom, no trace of his earlier upset visible.

Scarlett nodded. "Saturday evening."

"This is so exciting. Do you know what you are going to wear?" Tom moved back to his own seat and Scarlett rubbed the feeling back into her legs.

"Not yet, I was hoping you and Craig could help me with that."

Scarlett left the sentence hang in the air as she watched Tom's reaction to Craig's name being mentioned. She guessed that something had happened between the two men but she wasn't sure what yet. She didn't know how to ask him about it or even if he'd want to talk about it. Tom had never been very forth coming when talking about personal issues, and Scarlett had always believed him to be more interested in the superficial, hair, make-up, clothes, and celebrities. She felt like she'd got to know him a little more when she saw him upset but didn't yet know what to do with this knowledge.