A/N: Season 2 finale. What if Gina had been delayed just a tiny little bit? This was supposed to be a short fluffy one shot. What on earth happened to it is beyond me.
This is my first time writing Caskett angst, English is not my native language and reviews make me happy as a squirrel.

"This past year, working with you… I've had a really good time."

"Yeah. me, too."

"So I'm just gonna say this…" She bit her lip and took a deep breath.

"You okay, Beckett?"

"I was wondering if your offer was still standing. About the Hamptons."Castle opened his mouth to answer but his mind went blank. He remained gaping and trying to form a coherent thought. He had not seen this coming. Beckett was looking at him, a little worried at his silence and more than a little embarrassed at having finally voiced what she had wanted to say all day. He finally managed to blurt out an answer.

"Of course! Yes, it's… But didn't you have plans with Demming?"

"I had. I… They got canceled."

"Oh. Really? Sorry to hear that." He sounded as if he did not know whether he was supposed to be sorry or not. She did not seem to be but he did not want to appear insensitive if things had gone wrong between her and Demming. But she simply shrugged.

"It's okay."

"Well, you're always welcome there, of course. But, er, I just…"

Before he could find a way to explain how his plans had changed, he was interrupted by a voice coming from behind him.

"Richard? You're ready?"

He saw Beckett's eyes dart towards the origin of the voice and her face fall as she pieced everything together. She was too late. He turned around to look at his ex-wife approaching with the worst timing she had ever shown.

"Hey, Gina."

When he looked back at Beckett, she had regained her composure and was shaking hands with Gina.

"Beckett, you remember Gina, my publisher?"

"Of course, we spoke the other day."

"Yes, I finally managed to get a hold of him".

As she spoke, Gina put her hand possessively on Castle's arm.

"So, are you both going to the Hamptons for the weekend?" Beckett asked.

"For the summer, actually. This way, I'll make sure he is a good boy and finishes his book."

Beckett had a weak smile.

"We should go, or we gonna be stuck in traffic." Gina seemed to have sensed the tension and wanted to escape as fast as possible before the situation turned to her disadvantage.

"Of course."

He looked at Beckett and searched his brain for something to say.

"Would you like to join us?" The word escaped his mouth without his wanting to. He was so desperate to set this hopeless situation right that the first thing that had come to him had just popped out of his mouth. He felt Gina's grip on his arm tighten and both women shot him a look. Gina was glaring at him; Beckett looked hurt and confused. She gave him a little smile that further tore apart his heart.

"Thanks, Castle, but no. I don't want to intrude on your holidays."

That final blow left him breathless. There was an uncomfortable silence.

"So, have a good holiday and I'll see you in the fall, Castle."

"See you in the fall." He answered with a voice that did not sound like his own. She looked at him and he was sure that her eyes were a little shinier than usual. She gave them one last smile and then walked away. He noticed that she headed towards her desk, and did not join the others who had apparently witnessed the whole exchange. Castle waved halfheartedly to them and got a few nods in return and one hostile glare from Lanie. He did not blame her. Oh, no, he did not. In fact, he would have happily let her tell him everything she thought of him for doing everything wrong, as usual. He probably would have let her hit him as much as she wanted, too. He deserved it.

TBC very soon, once I am done with my thesis.