Scarlett's Secrets (Complete)

Chapter Nineteen - Dinner with PJ

Scarlett 

I was finishing off getting ready for my dinner with PJ. I was dreading it, but I never had a choice. He is not the kind of man you say no too. I was not getting too dressed up though, because I had work after, and I don’t want him thinking I am making a special effort for him. I don’t need to add to his delusions. I was also feeling guilty going out with another man when things were going so well between Caleb and me. I need to do everything I can to get through this night. 

I was hoping to have called Caleb before my shift, but now I never had time because of PJ, I would need to wait until my break. 

I still can’t believe he is making me go out for dinner before I have a long night at work. I should be sleeping right now instead of getting ready to meet PJ. I’ve only had five hours sleep because I couldn’t stop thinking about this dinner so took me a while to doze off then I had to get up earlier than usual to get myself sorted. I got pulled out of my thoughts with a text. 

Remember Scar, at six o’clock and don’t be late!! PJ X

I don’t know why PJ feels the need to message me to remind me, he only told me a few hours ago and he knows I don’t let people down. He also texted me the details less than two hours ago.  I wish I could just not turn up, but I had to as I need to find out more information about why he wants Caleb. 

I decided to text Caleb before I headed out.

Scarlett: Hey, baby boy, I am not going to have time to call you before my shift, but I will call you on my break, well if you will still be awake anyway. I get my first break about 1230am X. 

Caleb: Hey, beautiful, that is alright. And yes, I will still be awake. I hope your shift goes well.

I look forward to talking to you X 

Scarlett: Talk to you later, looking forward to it  X 

I made sure I had everything. I grabbed my work bag to place in the back seat for when I got to work. I hesitantly got into the car, heading to meet him at the arranged place. I was dreading this, but some things need to be done to keep the peace.

I got to the Chinese restaurant that PJ chose for food a bit earlier so he couldn’t moan at me for being late as he always gets places five minutes early. He does it on purpose because then he has more of a holdover someone, makes them continuously apologise; well, not this time. 

“You are here early!” PJ said, narrowing his eyes at me as he looked down.

“I had some things to do but didn’t take me as long as I thought,” I grinned up at him.

“Hmm, sure thing Scar.” He said, sitting at the table with me.

I wonder if he knows I am bullshitting him about having things to do, I just didn’t want to be late and get moaned at for the next hour and a half. 

I could be doing with a drink right now to help me get through this, but I can’t because I am working tonight. I will just have to fake my way through it with a smile. 

“How has your day been?” I asked softly. 

“Interesting,” He said slyly, “Very interesting,” He added. 

He has been doing something he shouldn’t be. I could tell by the look on his face. I do not even want to know, the less I know, the better for me. 

“What about you?” He asked. 

“Slept for most of it, and then done what I had to do,” I said. 

“We should probably order as I will need to leave soon to get to work,” I said, staring at the menu. 

“Yes, bossy boots we can order,” He looked at me expressionlessly.

I really hope this meal passes quick. I just want to go to work and get my shift started and speak to Caleb. We order our food, and that’s when I notice PJ glaring at me.

“What? You are staring,” I said 

“I know I’m staring,” he said, just looking whilst playing with his beer. 

“Yes, you are, is there something on your mind?” I asked, “You were the one that said this was going to be a friendly dinner,” I added. 

I watch him roll his eyes for a moment, but then his face changed, and a smile plays on lips. 

“I know, I know, sorry,” He laughed, “Is there anything that you don’t look good in?” He added, his eyes not leaving me, not even for a second. 

“Thank you,” I said, with a soft smile. 

I know where he was going with this. He was going to play nice and start flirting with me. I will play along if it gets me out of here quicker. 

“This is just something I flung on. I didn’t even realise how nicely it fitted,” I said as I ran my hands down over my top.

“Well, Scar, you do look beautiful,” He winked at me.

I knew exactly what I was wearing. I chose it out before I went for my sleep today. I knew if I wore something nice and slightly revealing he would be distracted for a while. Not too slutty, though, as I didn’t want to turn up at work and get questioned. I’m not really in the mood for conversation with PJ. I just want to know more about his plans with Caleb. 

“Thanks,” I smiled, “Any new information on, you know what?” I added. 

“We aren’t supposed to be talking about work tonight,” He said, “But yes, you need to step it up because they want it done quicker than originally planned,” He added. 

Quicker? I don’t like the sound of that. I still wish I knew exactly what he did! Maybe if I knew in detail, then I would see him a different light, that wouldn’t make all of this as hard. 

“Can you tell me anything else, like what he has done?” I asked. 

“No, Scarlett, I can’t tell you anything else,” he frowned at me “I did say no talk of work tonight so no more questions.” He added.

“OK, I was just curious.” I smiled.

“Anyone would think you cared about him Scar,” He said, staring at me and waiting for me to say something.

I never answered. 

“Nothing to say about that?” He asked, “Do you have feelings for him?” He added, slammed his hands on the table. 

I need to fix this situation; PJ is getting angry. I can see it in his eyes, it’s a look I’ve seen many a time, but it’s not usually aimed at me.

I reached over the table, placing my hand over his, and looked him straight in the eye. I put my best smile on my lips. 

“Of course not, he is not man enough for me,” I said, biting my lip, “Plus you know me PJ, I prefer the single life, with a little fun here and there,” I added, stroking the top of his hand with my fingers. 

I felt sick to my stomach every second I was doing this, but I watch as he began to relax, and the anger slowly started fading from his eyes. 

I took my hands away and sat back on my seat correctly. I can see him smiling over at me. He has definitely calmed down.

“You know I’ve always been fond of you.” He said his smiled widening. 

“PJ, you know that nothing will ever happen between us again, there are too many complications,” I said quietly.

Little does he know that it’s nothing to do with the complications. What happened between us was just a thing that meant nothing, but Caleb now he means something. 

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” He said. 

Does he honestly think I am going to have s*x with him again? It was a one-time thing. I was drunk and lonely, so was he. That was three years ago. I think it is time he gets over it. 

I decided not to argue with him. Instead, I got back to eating my food. He can think what he wants, but I would never go near him again! 

“Let’s enjoy the last thirty minutes before you need to go to work,” He said, winking at me. 

“Yes, your right, I don’t have long before I need to leave.” I smiled 

I wish he would just eat and drink and stop talking to me so this dinner will be over with quicker. He also needs to stop staring at me; he makes me slightly uncomfortable. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to be at work as much as I do now. 

I turned away from him, trying to devour my food without being obvious. And we did finally get finished, PJ paying for dinner. I thanked him politely. I would rather have paid for it myself, but he would never allow that. We headed out after, PJ walking me to my car. 

“Let’s do this again sometime Scarlett. I enjoy your company.” He smiled before kissing me on the cheek.

I felt myself flinch, but I hope he didn’t notice.

“Yes, it was nice to sit down with you,” I said.

“You flinched Scarlett, are you scared of me? Do you think I would hurt you?” He said as he edged closer into my face, pushing my back against a wall. 

“No, PJ, I just wasn’t expecting it, that’s all,” I said smiling.

“If you are scared of me, then you should be scared of your new boyfriend, Caleb,” PJ said with an evil look on his face.

“He is not my boyfriend,” I said firmly. 

He moved in closer to me, and before I knew what was happening, his hand was around my throat. 

“I know you lied to me, Scarlett, I was watching,” He hissed, “He never left until this morning, did you enjoy f*****g him,” He added in a snarl. 

“Wait; what? You’ve been watching me?” I asked, trying to wriggle away. 

His grip is getting tighter; it’s beginning to hurt. If he doesn’t let go soon, I will end up passing out. I can’t believe he has been watching me. He can’t trust me.

“I have rented accommodation across from your home Scarlett,” He growled. 

“OK PJ, he stayed over but nothing happened, we just drank quite a lot, and I let him stay over instead of trying to get home,” I said with shortness of breath. 

“That better be the truth because if I find out it isn’t, it won’t only be him that will need to watch his back,” He warned, letting go and walked away. 

I stood there, the tears falling down my cheeks. I never wanted him to see me cry. I can’t believe he did that to me! He has never hurt me like that, and that is how I know he is serious. Caleb and I both need to watch our backs. 

I would need to wear a scarf because, with the grip he had on me, I knew there would be marks. I was officially scared, but I can’t show him that fear, he will pray on it if I do. 

I really need to get going to work shortly as my shift is due to start in twenty-five minutes. I need to get an excuse sorted because I will get so many questions if my neck does mark. 

“PJ,” I shouted, he turned to look at me.

“Honestly, we didn’t have s*x,” I said, “That is the truth,” I added with a hint of sadness in my voice.

“Hmmm,” PJ said.

“PJ, why should I be scared of Caleb?” I asked. 

He never answered me. He walked away. I need to find out more information and quickly.