The Same Last Name
Summary: Catherine Chandler knew that Vincent Keller didn't love her when they married. But his background indicated that the woman about to have his baby needed to become his wife. Catherine believed that he would grow to love her with time. However, the baby died at birth. Leaving without explanation, she headed North. Five years later, Catherine and Vincent cross paths again. Could they get a second chance?
A/N Hello everyone! New story...Yay! This story is loosely based on the book "The Same Last Name" by Kathleen Giles Seidel. If you've read the book, some scenes may sound vaguely familiar. If not, I recommend that you find a copy of the book and read it. You won't regret it. Now, on to the story...
Chapter 1
Catherine Keller looked up as the three sleek vehicles pulled into the driveway of the resort she worked at. It wasn't unusual to see cars of that caliber, but for some reason, Catherine felt strangely different upon seeing those. An awareness crept over her, something that she hadn't felt in five years. Shaking her head, she instead focused on the man who was making his way toward the desk where she stood. A small smile graced her mouth.
The gentleman stopped in front of her. He had on reflective sunglasses. Instead of seeing his eyes, Catherine saw her own reflection. Her brown hair was swept back into a high ponytail, with small tendrils escaping around her ears. Her Hazel eyes were bright. She looked at the man expectantly. "Welcome to Spatastic! How may we serve you today, sir?" Catherine greeted warmly.
The man finally took off the glasses and met her gaze. His eyes widened. "Well...hello," he drawled, and Catherine became aware of his thick British accent. "I'm certainly glad I was talked into coming here now..."
Catherine's smile became a little tighter. "Can I help you?" she asked, a new crispness to her voice. The smile that had started on his face faded.
"Yes..um...my name is Evan Marks, and I'm part of a party of six. We will be here for the next three weeks."
Catherine began typing the information into the computer. A small screen appeared, confirming the reservations. Pulling six key cards out, Catherine handed them to Mr. Marks. "Here are your key cards, and I am also printing copies of the spa itinerary as well."
Taking the items from her, Evan glanced at her name tag. "Thank you so much...Cat. I hope to be seeing much more of you while we are here." Catherine gave him a wane smile, hating men that flirted like that. Over the last five years, she had dealt with plenty of others exactly like him. Turning around, he began to walk back to the front door. Stopping suddenly, he pulled a folded piece of paper out of his pocket. Handing it to Catherine, he explained, "This is a list of our names and each of our cellphone numbers." Catherine took it from him, not even glancing at the typed words upon it. With that, he made his way out the door.
Catherine tossed the paper on the desk, on top of a pile of papers that would end up in recycling before the day was out. She had no intention of bothering any of these people, so why keep the list?
A short while later, the girl who had been hired to help for the season, Heather Anderson, came waltzing through the door. Catherine rolled her eyes, hard-pressed not to berate the girl for her tardiness. It was not the first time, nor would it be the last. Catherine knew that she had been with Josh, the pool boy.
"Hey, Cat! I just saw some REALLY hot guys getting out of some pretty pricey vehicles. I hope at least one of them is single!" Heather practically drooled.
"I thought you and Josh were together?" Catherine asked the girl. Honestly, she couldn't keep track anymore. Heather just shrugged.
"It's never a bad thing to keep your options open," Heather said, winking at Catherine.
"You do that then," Catherine replied, her focus already shifting to other things. But Heather wasn't done talking apparently.
"I wonder what their names are?" Heather said, a dreamy expression on her face. Catherine remembered the list of names.
"There is a list of their names on that folded paper there," Catherine said, gesturing toward the pile she had tossed it on. Heather grabbed the paper eagerly. Scanning it, she said absently, "Hey, Cat. There is a guy with the last name of Keller on here. Isn't that your last name?"
Everyone around the spa called her "Cat" and few knew her last name. She preferred it that way. Her past was a carefully guarded secret that she didn't like to share. Carefully, she replied, "Yes, but its a common enough name. I doubt it's anyone I know." She refrained from admitting it was her husband's last name.
"Still, we could totally go out and check on them. Then we can see if you know this Vincent Keller."
A strange buzzing sound began in Catherine's ears. Everything around her began to blur. Vincent? No, it couldn't be! Not here! What was he doing here? Had he found her after all this time? She had disappeared from his life so suddenly. Was this her punishment?
And how in the world was she going to avoid him?
A/N Well, there it is. The first chapter. Is it worth it to continue? I will tell you right now, I can't guarantee when updates will be. I have two other stories I am writing and need to work on those as well. I recently got out of the hospital after having my gallbladder out. I was in and out of the hospital for about 3 weeks, so I am totally behind on my stories. Just making everyone aware of my situation. Review and let me know your thoughts! Till next time...
