She'd given herself a handful of days to try and figure out what she wanted to say. It wasn't exactly an easy topic to broach, considering how dear Natasha was to her. But the sense of betrayal wasn't going to fade, not until Pepper actually got some answers. So she communicated with Natasha for the second time since Billy had revealed the truth behind Susanna's existence, and the cessation thereof. The first had been to cancel their normal coffee date; no explanation given, just a short and simple request written in professional script.

The second was no less politely delivered: I'd like to talk to you this evening. Would you mind if I came to the shop after it closed?

The other woman gave her consent, which led to Pepper opening the door to the coffee shop despite the clearly visible closed sign. She walked over to the counter, knowing Natasha would be expecting her, but at the same time unsure of exactly where to begin. She would have had her reasons; she was Natasha, and Pepper had no doubt there was some strand of logic she couldn't yet see. That and the days between had kept her temper in check, if barely. Now, however, it was starting to wear thin.

There were so many things Pepper still needed to know, and answers she dreaded hearing.