CH4
Kate woke up in the morning and found her internal alarm clock was a little off. It was already almost 8:00 am and Kate just didn't usually sleep in that late.
Kate also found that she had a strangle hold on one of the pillows. Kate was holding it tight to her body. Plus she had migrated over to Castle's side of the bed. She had probably been trying to seek him out in her sleep.
Kate did feel a bit lonely lying in this big bed all alone, and naked.
Kate got up and turned on the shower and used her cherry scented body wash that had found its way over here from her apartment.
All of Kate's make-up, hand and body lotion along with her own razors to shave her legs with had migrated over here too.
Kate wasn't really sure just how much of her was still at her apartment.
What was in the kitchen and all her books, furniture and paintings or pictures on the wall was just about it. Now that she thought about it.
Castle had never actually asked her to move in with him and yet it seemed she had done so anyway.
Kate's hair was still just a little wet as she opened the bedroom door to head for the kitchen in search of breakfast.
She found Alexis sitting at the counter eating already. Martha was nowhere in sight. "Morning Alexis." Kate calls out as she runs a hand across her shoulder on her way past and into the kitchen.
"Hi Kate." Alexis was glad to see her. Before when dad left on book signing tours she was left alone with grams, this was so much better.
Kate saw what Alexis was eating. "Is there any of that left?" Kate was interested in something light too.
"Yea, it's all cut up and in the refrigerator." Alexis tells Kate as another piece of cantaloupe goes in her mouth.
Kate opens the refrigerator and searches for what she is looking for. The Tupperware bowl of sliced fruit comes out along with the butter. Bread goes in the toaster while the fruit goes in a bowl and the Tupperware goes back in the refrigerator.
With her fruit and toast Kate moves around to Alexis's side and takes a section of the morning paper that Alexis isn't reading and opens it up on the countertop putting her bowl of fruit in the middle of it with her piece of toast hanging out of her mouth.
"Did dad call you last night?" Alexis knew that he did but thought it polite to ask.
"He did actually. He moaned about having to sign his name time after time. Then he moaned about how Gina wouldn't leave him alone." Kate added wondering what Alexis's response to that would be.
Alexis giggles a little. "Yea dad always comes home complaining of writer's cramp and how his hand will never work right again. That he needs to get one of those speech writing programs since he'll never be able to type again." Alexis giggled again. Her dad did it every time and his hand was always as good as new.
"It sounded like he was mad at Gina. She was at the door trying to get him to go somewhere with him." Kate wondered what did Alexis think about that.
"Gina always drives dad nuts. Even when they were married. … It's not that I hate Gina or anything; I just don't see why dad married her in the first place. All she did was make dad mad and spend his money." Gina never paid any attention to her which was fine with Alexis. It meant she didn't have to deal with her.
For Kate that answered what Alexis knew about why Castle had married her? It also gave Kate a clearer picture of Gina. One she didn't like very much.
"We will still on for today?" Alexis asks hoping her work hadn't called her.
"Yup, we are good to go. I'm looking forward to it actually." Kate really did want to spend time with Alexis. "After we are done I can help you with your Monday job with Lanie if you want." Kate really did want to help her.
"Maybe we can share a cab tomorrow since we are both going to the same place." Kate offers.
"That would be nice." Alexis gets up and rinses out her empty bowl and puts it in the dishwasher. "I'm going up to my room to get ready. Leave at 9:00?" Alexis offers.
"I'll be ready." Kate tells her. Watching Alexis hop up the stairs happy for some reason.
Alexis grabbed her phone and looked up the number for the spa and made an appointment for the two of them at 3:00 pm. Hopefully Kate wouldn't be called into work.
Just before 9:00 am Alexis was back downstairs finding Kate sitting at the breakfast bar nursing a bottle of water. "Ready? The car service should be downstairs waiting for us." Alexis tells Kate.
"All set. " Kate stands leaving her bottle of water behind.
As they step out of the building they find a car with a d river waiting. "Where to first?" Kate asks.
Legacy
425 Rogers Ave, Brooklyn, New York, 347-955-5155
Is what Alexis tells the driver.
When they arrive Kate finds it's a small store. Well maybe not small but it sure was skinny. There was a black wrought iron fence and gate just out front that was taller than either of them. Even though Kate had on heels, as usual. Plus the front door was a lime green color. You couldn't miss the place if you tried.
Sunday morning traffic had been heavy on the way over here and the shop didn't open until 10:00, so they had a little less than 10 minutes to wait.
While they waited Kate was looking at the display window and there was a full length black dress that she was already in love with. If she was this hooked already Kate figured her checkbook was in big trouble.
They were both finally inside and started looking around.
Alexis found something that she thought might look great on Kate so she pulled it down and all but shoved her into the dressing room to change.
There was a mirror inside and Kate got a first look at it before she stepped outside for Alexis to see.
Kate could see Alexis's eyes light up the second she exited. It was almost a duplicate of what Kate had done in the changing room. "That has you written all over it Kate." Alexis loved it.
Kate was grinning as she spun in place. "We'll take it." Alexis tells the sales lady who had opened the store.
Kate had sought out the black dress in the display while Alexis was in the changing room after finding something they both liked on her.
Kate flipped the price tag around so she could read it and instantly jerked her hand away like she had been burned or something. It was beyond expensive. Still Kate just stared at it.
Alexis stepped up next to Kate after coming out. "Go try it on Kate." Alexis nudged.
"Oh no Alexis, it's far too expensive. It would devastate my check book." Kate wasn't going to spend that kind of money.
"You don't have to buy it, just try it on." Alexis takes it down and shoves it into Kate's chest. "Try it on." Alexis tries to glare at Kate.
Kate loved it in the mirror and Alexis loved it when she stepped out. Kate was grinning. It was fun to dream but it was just too expensive.
Kate came back out changed again carrying the dress with the intent of putting it back in place.
"What about those slacks over there. You could wear them into work. They might work with your high heeled boots." Alexis offers a consolation prize.
Kate puts the dress back and goes to look at the slacks.
Alexis with black dress in hand takes everything over to the sales counter and pays for everything. With everything in bags already, Alexis is standing at the door ready to go. "Coming Kate?"
Kate snaps out of the slacks she was looking at, they were kinda nice. Just not what she was looking for.
Kate followed Alexis outside and watched her drop the bags in the trunk.
Owen
809 Washington St., nr. Gansevoort St.; 212-524-9770
Alexis tells the driver as they both get in the town car.
This place was nothing like the last place. While this one was just as long and skinny looking. It was all brick. The floors were a dark hardwood. The walls were all exposed brick as was the ceiling of all things.
Kate instantly found a jacket that was almost all zippers. It was black with three zippers up the front and one at each shoulder. The rebel Kate inside her loved it! Right up until she got to the price. $1,795. After trying it on it went right back on the rack.
While Kate was in the changing room trying on something she had found that maybe she could afford, the jacket came off the rack and was bought and paid for and in a bag and out in the trunk of the town car before Kate even got out.
The sales lady had caught on fast and they had pulled this stunt two more times before they left. This place just didn't have anything meant for Alexis, but it had rebel Kate Beckett written all over it.
It did however have something Alexis was buying for her dad. It was an almost perfect match to Kate's jacket she didn't know she had. It had a main zipper up the front and three zippers at angles across the front creating pockets. $1,450 on sale for $850.
"It's for dad." Alexis tells Kate. Making Kate wish she could afford the jacket she had tried on. They would look good together in their matching jackets. Maybe Kate could bring out the rebel in Castle. She just couldn't afford it.
Alexis dropped the bag in the trunk when Kate wasn't looking, since it was getting full and most of the bags were Kate's, she just didn't know it. YET!
It was now 1:30 pm. "Lunch?" Alexis offered.
"Sure, but I'm selecting this time. … And I'm buying. No feedback from the peanut gallery." Kate wags her finger at Alexis.
Katz's
205 E. Houston St., at Ludlow St.; 212-254-2246
Kate tells the driver.
Neither one of them were going to finish a single sandwich if they ordered separately, they were so huge. So they decided on a single sandwich and split it.
They settled on a Katz's Brisket $17.95 (try a little tenderness). Alexis didn't know where the bread was to make it a sandwich, while Kate saw it as a little pile of heaven.
Still it took everything Kate had to finish her half. Alexis had to wrap her half up and take it to the car with her.
Ritz-Carlton
50 Central Park South, second floor, New York, NY. 212-521-6139
"Alexis, what are you up to?" Kate wanted to know why they were going to a hotel. And an expensive hotel at that.
"You'll see. It's a surprise." Alexis tells her and does not wither under the Kate Beckett glare.
Alexis took them up to the second floor and walked into a place called "La Prairie"
"We have a reservation for two, under Rodgers." Alexis tells the lady up front. Getting Kate to lift an eyebrow but remained silent over it.
"Of course, two Total Eclipse. … If you will follow me." And Alexis grabs Kate's hand and drags Kate behind her, afraid Kate would bolt and run on her.
"The changing rooms are in here. Just wrap one of the towels around you and come back out and select a table and someone will be with you shortly." And the lady goes back to her desk up front.
Kate and Alexis are lying side by side and half an hour later Kate is moaning in pure relaxed joy.
"I am soooo going to kill your father when he gets home. Right after I kiss him." Kate moans out with a little rattle in her voice as someone's hands are pounding out the kinks in her back. Getting Alexis to giggle lightly.
Kate is sitting in a chair all nice and comfy and relaxed like she has never been before. She can't see a thing thanks to whatever is on her face. They had told her but it all went in one ear and out the other.
Someone was working on one hand while someone else was working on one of her feet. All the while thinking if her phone rings now because there is a body drop someone else is going to die for interrupting this.
Shoot me now, I'm in heaven! Kate would work out how to thank Castle and Alexis later. After she came back down from heaven.
Total Escape
3.5 hours / $555 USD
This little piece of paradise will restore, replenish and rejuvenate. 60 minute Swedish, Deep Tissue or Aromatherapy Massage, 60 minute La Prairie Signature Facial and The Perfect Manicure and Pedicure.
A calm and relaxed Kate Beckett got out of the car at the loft just a little after 7:00 pm. The driver opened the trunk and Alexis started handing out bags for Kate to carry.
"Just how much stuff did you buy for yourself?" It all had to be Alexis's since Kate knew she hadn't spent any of her money.
Alexis gave Kate two more. "Actually those are all yours." Alexis cringed for what was to come.
"WHAT?" Kate was going to kill her.
"Just take them upstairs Kate, they're all yours now." Alexis needed Kate to take them upstairs. Once they were in her closet they became hers.
Kate was glaring at Alexis all the way up in the elevator. Maybe if Kate started at her long enough Alexis would break and explain herself.
Alexis unlocks the door and opens it since her hands were mostly empty and Kate's were full.
"There you two are." Martha was up and waiting for them before ordering dinner to be delivered. "What store did you two buy?" Martha noticed all the bags Kate was carrying.
"This is all Alexis's doing. I didn't spend a dime." Kate drops them on the sofa.
Martha shared a high five with Alexis for her devious hard work. "Well let's see what you've got dear." Martha wanted to see what Kate had.
"It doesn't matter Martha since it's all going back." Kate counters. She would take it all back after she got off work.
"They won't take it back Kate if you don't have the credit card that was used to purchase it, and I'm not giving it to you. So open them up and let's see them." Alexis counters knowing Kate didn't have a choice. "I'll phone in an order for dinner to be delivered." And Alexis pulls out her phone and uses her dad's credit card to pay for the order.
Martha just stood there looking at Kate with a "Well?" look on her face.
Kate knew she had lost this round, but had learned to never go shopping with Alexis again. Kate didn't want anyone to think she was with Castle for his money.
Kate picked up one of the bags from Owen which was the black zipper jacket that had a price tag that was more than she made, net, in two weeks.
Kate loved the jacket and knowing Alexis had bought one similar to it for Castle had her smiling.
"Interesting." Martha commented. It was not to her taste.
The next bag Kate pulled out was from Legacy. Kate pulled out the full length black dress and held it up next to her.
"Oh Katherine, it's gorgeous!" Martha was impressed. "Go try it on dear, I want to see you in it. … Go, go!" Martha waves her arms at Kate to get her moving.
Kate was grinning as she went into the master bedroom to change.
Kate stepped out after changing and twirled for Martha to see all of it.
"Katherine dear, that dress was made for you." Martha loved it and was smiling at her.
Kate was also smiling and feeling giddy wearing the dress. "Richard is going to love you in that dear." Martha was impressed.
Kate was feeling great and was almost ready to start giggling she felt so good. Thinking about how much fun it would be for Castle to take it back off of her. Then her cell phone started ringing.
Kate went in search of her cell phone. "It's Castle." Kate tells Martha.
"Go into the bedroom dear, we'll keep dinner warm for you after you are done." Martha shoos her back into the master bedroom.
With the door closed. "Hi Castle." Kate coos out at him still feeling so happy.
"I take it you have had a good time today." Castle could hear it in her voice.
"It's been great Castle. Shopping with Alexis has been fun." Kate wasn't even mad about her buying all these clothes for her.
"How was your spa trip?" It was Castle's idea after all.
"It was so relaxing! Thank you Castle. …. For everything." Alexis had used his credit card Kate was convinced.
"I'm glad you liked it. You deserve to feel happy." Castle just wanted her happy, no matter what it took.
"Thanks Castle. …. I love you." Kate's tears started. She loved Castle and she was in deep.
"I love you too Kate. … Any plans for tonight?" Castle had a plan if she didn't.
"Not really, I think I have to give a fashion show for Martha with what we brought home." Kate giggles. And when did I start giggling?
"Good, when you are ready for bed and IN bed text me and I'll call you." Castle tells her, since he has a plan.
"You want me naked and in bed Castle?" Kate goes back to teasing.
"So bad you wouldn't believe. But it's your choice. … Now go give my mother your fashion show and text me when you are ready. …. till later Kate." Castle tells her.
"Bye Castle." Kate ends the call wondering what he has planned. Kinda hoping it was phone sex.
Kate took her phone with her back out to the living room where she found Alexis and Martha waiting for her with dinner ready already.
Kate handed over her phone to Alexis. "Take my picture?" Kate asks of her, and stands back and strikes a pose.
Alexis takes a picture and hands the phone back to Kate. Kate takes the picture and sends it to Castle.
Kate was just starting to eat after changing out of the dress when her phone buzzed.
Kate picked it up and read the text from Castle. "WOW! … Wolf whistle." Getting Kate to laugh. Still wondering what Castle was up to.
Like the night before Martha was the first to leave the younger people to themselves and went to her room.
Alexis was next indicating that she just wanted to read her book and verify when Kate wanted to leave for work in the morning so they could share a cab.
Kate decided to sit on the sofa and read her book from the night before.
It was a couple of hours later when she decided to go to bed. Kate had changed into her sleep clothes and sent Castle a text telling him she was in bed waiting for him.
A moment later her phone rang and gave her a screen that she had to accept. Not understanding but she pressed the OK button. "CASTLE!" Kate could see him. Kate's smile was huge and it was melting Castle.
"Can your charger cord reach?" Castle asked. "I want to go to sleep hearing and seeing you." Castle told her.
Kate squealed like a teenager who was in love and scrambled for her charger.
It was an hour later when Kate went to sleep listening to and seeing Castle happier than she had been for some time. Barely getting out an "I love you", before she was asleep.