Walking Away

Author's Note: Go watch Deadly Game, then come read this one.

"You sure you know what you're doing?"

Richard Castle, world famous mystery writer, pressed the button to take the elevator down, away from the 12th, away from his friends, away from her.

"She's happy with him and I need to accept it. There's nothing more pitiful than a man following around a beautiful woman who clearly has no interest in him. Isn't that what you said?"

Gina reached out and placed her hand on Rick's forearm. "I said that to make you write, not to tell you to give up hope."

"There is no hope that she will suddenly see me as anything more than a nuisance and fall into my arms. I've accepted it."

"I think you're reading this situation wrong. I thought she seemed upset."

"She told me to have a nice summer and we shook hands. How did you get upset from that?"

"Rick, why did you formulate this elaborate charade?"

"You said you didn't mind."

"And I didn't. I don't. But you made her think we were going off to the Hamptons together as a couple."

"I didn't want her to think I was leaving because I couldn't take seeing her and Demming together. The last thing I want is her pity."

"Rick—"

"Or yours. Thank you for helping me, Gina. You're a good friend and an excellent publisher. Now go back to your fancy power lunches and I'll go nurse my wounds and finish the book."

"Are you sure?"

"I'll be fine, I promise." He leaned down to kiss her on the forehead. "Thank you again. I owe you."

-o-o-o-o-o-

Kate struggled to keep control of her emotions. She could feel the concerned looks coming from the Captain, Lanie and the boys on the other side of the door.

Walking to her desk, she thought through the situation. Logic only, she told herself, don't think about how foolish you feel. He asked you and you basically said no. He's a healthy male and he has every right to take any woman he wants to the Hamptons. You have Tom.

You had Tom.

So now you have no one, but your feelings are not hurt. It just wasn't meant to be. Castle may not even be coming back at all. The thought made her gut clinch uncomfortably. She took a deep breath and let the fear subside. He was going to come back, in the fall. He said so.

At least she hadn't gotten the words out that she'd been trying to prepare in her mind since breaking it off with Demming. Hey Castle, I've changed my mind, I'd love to go to the Hamptons with you. Hey, did I mention I'm in love with you?

She could only imagine the look of pity that would have shot across Castle's face.

Speaking of pity, she turned back to where her friends had watched the whole scene play out. They all smiled at her as they returned to their desks or back to their offices.

"Hey Esposito, where are you on the case notes?"

"Everything's in the system, just need you to look over it, boss.

"Great, thanks!" she faked a smile, and focused on her computer to access the reports.

"Beckett?"

"Yes, sir?" she plastered another big smile on her face and turned toward the Captain.

"You just wrapped up a case, and the boys can finish up. Why don't you go on home?"

"I'm fine, sir. Really."

To be continued. Reviews are greatly appreciated.