Chapter 1: "I Like It"
Working in perfect harmony the improbable crime-fighting duo deftly manipulated the knobs and levers on the gleaming apparatus that only a few years ago Kate had refused to even acknowledge. The result of their joint effort was two perfectly brewed cups of coffee. The obvious symbolism of their combined endeavor was never lost on their coworkers; however, Kate and Castle seemed oblivious to what was so apparent to everyone around them. Their relationship had grown well beyond the traditional partnership, but neither was willing to admit it to the other or in Kate's case…even to herself.
They sat alone in the rare quietude of the break room of the 12th Precinct enjoying their coffee. It had been a long week and everyone else had gone home. The pair had just arrested and booked the suspect in their latest case and were discussing the loose ends that would need to be tied up when they returned on Monday. Their conversation turned to the upcoming weekend. After months of planning and preparation, the fundraising gala for Johanna Beckett was this Saturday at the Plaza Hotel's Grand Ballroom.
"Are you ready for tomorrow?" Castle asked.
"Um…I guess," Kate replied anxiously. "My dad is excited. He said he was looking forward to meeting you. I told him prepare to be underwhelmed," Kate joked.
Castle feigned a hurt expression followed by an enthusiastic smile. "Have you ever been to the Plaza's Grand Ballroom?" Castle asked eagerly. Kate shook her head indicating that she hadn't. "The great Truman Capote hosted his legendary Black & White Ball in the Plaza's Grand Ballroom. Like Capote's ball, this will be an eclectic mix of New York socialites, Hollywood idols, artists, authors and writers, political powerhouses, and of course…a few underprivileged cops. Capote decided to host a party that would be his 'great, big, all-time spectacular present' to himself," Castle explained excitedly. Kate listened with amusement as her partner described the ball with a buoyancy in his voice akin to a star struck teenager describing his first rock concert. The animated look on Castle's face while he cheerfully described Capote's infamous gala all of a sudden turned into one of genuine admiration.
"Unlike Capote, this party is going to be your great, big, all-time spectacular present to your mom and her legacy." As Kate's eyes met Castle's, she couldn't help but wonder how he still managed to do that after all this time together…knock her off balance, that is.
"Thank you, Castle," she managed in a whisper.
Kate began nervously tapping her fingers on the table as she was suddenly struck by the enormity of the event. Even with Castle following her around and chronicling her life in two bestselling novels, she had managed to keep her private heartbreak out of the public domain. Very few people had ever caught a glimpse of the pain and isolation her mother's murder had wrought in her. Now she was allowing it to be laid bare for the entire world to see. She was grateful for the opportunity to honor her mother in such a magnificent fashion, but she felt exposed in a way that quite frankly scared the hell out of her.
Castle could teach a master class on Kate Beckett's every facial expression and her apprehension was not lost on him. He was one of the few people who had the occasion to see the tiny fissures in her otherwise impenetrable facade. He knew she was nervous and scared. Castle also realized that if she managed to make it through her mother's fundraiser, it would be a huge step in Kate's healing process. And Castle was determined to make sure the remarkable woman sitting across from him, trying so desperately at the moment to summon up her bravado, made it through to the other side of this tragedy.
Castle cautiously interlaced his fingers with those that Kate had been unconsciously tapping on the table allowing her time to pull away if that was what she needed. She didn't pull away, but hesitantly spread her fingers to interlock them with those that Castle was timidly offering. The simple connection had a soothing effect on Kate. Kate looked up from their clasped hands to read the expression on Castle's face trying to understand the meaning of his gesture.
"Throughout her short life, your mother displayed an extraordinary strength and courage…the kind of strength and courage that I've only seen in one other woman," Castle continued with unwavering conviction. "Kate! You are your mother's daughter!" A grateful smile crept across Kate's face as she almost imperceptibly squeezed Castle's hand. Castle smiled as he slowly withdrew his hand from hers to grab his jacket off the back of the chair.
"Plus…you're lucky," Castle said with an amused grin.
"Lucky, eh? How's that?" Kate replied with a faint laugh grateful for the levity he was apparently interjecting.
"Because you've got me…and whether you like it or not, I won't leave your side tomorrow…not for a minute."
"Castle!" Kate called after him.
Castle turned around to face her as he reached the door. "Yea?"
"I like it!" Kate said, surprising herself and Castle with the spontaneous admission.
She immediately lifted her mug to her lips taking in a mouthful of coffee in an effort to conceal the self-conscious smile spreading across her face. Castle returned her awkward smile and left the precinct with a renewed sense of optimism.