Promises You Can't Keep (A Tom Hiddleston/Lee Pace Fan Fic)

Part 1 ~ Chapter 15

Lee's POV

It's been too long since I've seen Mallory. I've left messages and sent texts, I've even sent flowers. Though she's been kind enough to send a text every few days to say she's well but she still doesn't want to talk to me, I want to see her... I need to see her. I need to explain it to her. Maybe it will even help explain to myself what's happened.

I finally decide to play dirty and do the one thing I'm sure will get a response - I send her a baby gift. Though she's decided to refrain from learning the baby's gender, I know she plans to decorate the nursery in a Star Wars theme, thinking that the theme is appropriate for either a boy or girl.

I found a baby blanket with BB8 embroidered on it with space for the baby's name.

For the little one to help sway him or her to the Force... not the dark side, of course. XOXO Lee, I write out and sign the card that is enclosed. I managed to fit it into a florist box to disguise it as a flower delivery. After I received confirmation from the courier that it'd been delivered, I am left to wait to see if I will receive a response.

My cell phone buzzes on my desk and I quickly end the call on my office phone to answer.

"Mallory? Hello! How are you?" I say in rapid succession.

"Hello Lee. I'm well," she says. "Thank you for the gift. It's very sweet, though I had hoped that the baby may become a Sith Lord." I laugh at her response, giddy at the mere fact she's speaking to me.

"So, you're well, then? You're taking your vitamins and eating properly, I hope," I say, desperately trying to figure out how I might ask to see her.

She's silent for a bit before responding. "Yes, of course I am."

I feel my time is running out on this conversation, so I decide to move boldly.

"Mallory, can I make dinner for you tonight at my place? I'll make sure we're not interrupted," I ask as I plan to ask Dr. Patel to cover any calls.

"Okay," she says after a bit of hesitation. I do a fist pump in the air before responding.

"Great! I'll pick you up then?"

"There's no need, Lee. After all, you'll be much too busy preparing a gourmet meal," she says, and I know it's a good sign that she keeps joking with me.

"Of course. How about you come around at 7?"

"I'll be there. Is there anything I can bring?"

"Just yourself," I say.

"Okay. I'll see you at 7."

"See you then, Lovely," I add as there's a knock on my office door. "I've got to run. See you soon," I add as I hear Mallory sign off.

I can't help the smile on my face as I call to whomever knocked, "Come in."

"Well, don't you look happy today?" Paloma asks as she opens the door. I rein in my smile, trying my best at a friendly-professional demeanor.

"How are you, Dr. Preston? Getting settled, I suppose?" I ask. I'd been avoiding her since her return, but I knew she'd find me eventually. I refuse to ponder the reason I'm avoiding her no matter how much my subconscious is prodding me to examine my feelings for her.