Tony: I know, now that I have Pepper its not supposed to hurt me that my Ex wife if dead. But hearing the news from my daughter I hadn't seen in 14 years was impossible.
Once Natasha knew where her room was, I found Pepper. "What the heck was that about Tony?" Pepper asked, her voice actually rage filled.
"I'm sorry," I said.
"You were not only married previous to marrying me, but also had a daughter!" Pepper said.
"In my defense, the two weren't supposed to ever come up again," I said.
"Cause that makes it so much better," Pepper said, sarcasm tainting the words.
"What do you expect me to say Pepper? I said I'm sorry. And obviously I can't just take back the past," I said.
"You could have told me," Pepper said, "What would I have said?"
"That I was being a bad father by not being around her. That I haven't been involved enough with her," I said.
"Well that's all true," Pepper said, shrugging.
"See," I said, pointing at her, "That's why I didn't tell you."
"Well, at least then you could have been part of her life," Pepper said.
"It never would have changed the arrangement. Her mom said she would quit her job, and leave, but only if I wouldn't show her my way of living, if you get my drift. I would stay away," I said.
"Wow," Pepper said, "About her job, is that a job you tend to give to the girls you like?"
I laughed, "Baby, don't get upset when I say you were her replacement." Pepper huffed, unamused. "I hired her in the limbo before my dad gave me the company. She was a childhood friend, straight out of college, who needed a job. So I gave her one. She was my personal assistant."
Pepper nodded, "You grew up together?"
"Yeah," I said.
"She told you that her mom...right?" Pepper asked quietly, suddenly getting sympathetic.
I looked away from Pepper, looking around. "Yes," I said finally, trying to hide my sadness.
"Do you need some time?" Pepper asked, putting a hand on my shoulder, in an attempt to comfort me.
"I'll be in my workshop," I said, nodding.
I went down and sat. How did this happen? This wasn't something I could fix with a wrench and some bolts. I closed my eyes, realizing everything that had happened wasn't going to go away. I felt a lump in my throat. Then I looked around, not wanting anyone to see what I was about to do. Then I cried.