Camera Obscura-Katrick, Rated K+ for crude language.
7
Tom Brady called her early on Sunday and told her the paper would no longer need her services. Since she hadn't turned in any usable work, there would also be no paycheck. He was sorry things hadn't worked out, but her rampant unprofessionalism reflected poorly on her, and that she was not to contact them again.
Kat was so angry that she lost the power of speech. It happened occasionally, and she had to take deep breaths to calm down. Obviously, Drew Abbott was connected to somebody important, or they wouldn't kiss his ass the way they did. They had to know what a fucked up loser he was, and were just blowing smoke up her ass to avoid any litigation.
She had a term paper to write, and she couldn't do it here at chez Stratford. With her annoyingly chirpy sister and her father going on about STDs, she was at her wit's end. The local library was closed on Sunday, but she had seen a combination coffee shop/bookstore near the fringes of the Gaslamp Quarter that looked like it might have the right accoutrements.
"Dad, I'm going out. Don't hold supper for me," Kat called, slipping out the door before he could waylay her. With a sigh of relief, she jumped in the car, enjoying the thrill she got every time she started up the biodiesel part of the car. Her father had bailed her out, but she had done most of the dog work with the control panel. It had given her a taste for auto tech and she decided she wanted to know more. Maybe she could peruse some manuals on restoring old sports cars while she was at the store. They were bound to have something that would catch her fancy.
When she arrived downtown, there was a ton of free parking. As she crossed toward the store, she saw a black motorcycle parked in front. With a frown, she saw a single black helmet and felt her not-quite-cheerful mood plummet. "Please, please, if ever I asked you for something, let this be someone else's motorcycle."
He can't be here. I am so not stalking him. I'm not even sure we're even talking anymore.
Kat passed by the large bow window that traversed half the length of the store, and all it took was one glimpse to spot Patrick Verona, ensconced behind the counter. "Christ," she muttered, knowing she had to do this, even knowing what he would automatically think.
See, this proves you are stalking me, Stratford.
Right you are. I have a complete dossier on the tiniest detail of your life, and I update my blog every night with the details.
She passed through the door and of course Patrick saw her right away. His gaze caught hers for a long moment, but all she caught from the exchange was indifference on his part. He turned back to his customer like she didn't even exist.
So this is how it's going to be. Goody for me.
Kat discovered that the store was large, full of nooks and crannies and cozy couches with convenient side tables. She found a cubicle with a comfortable chair and settled her laptop and books down. The delicious odor of coffee came her way and she decided to order a latte, so she could at least prop open her eyelids enough to get her paper done.
She passed a few aisles with towering shelves and finally found the coffee bar. To her chagrin, Patrick's gorgeous cousin Lucia was draped across one of the couches with her nose buried in a fashion magazine.
Maybe I can slip by without her seeing me.
"Fancy seeing you here," Lucia crooned, placing the magazine face down and stretching. "So what can I get you?"
"You work here?" Kat asked in surprise as Lucia moved silkily to the counter, slipping on an apron and a cap.
"Not exactly. I am filling in for Rachel."
Kat crinkled her brow. "Don't know the name."
"Patrick's aunt? The one who practically raised him after his parents died?" Lucia seemed to enjoy handing out bits of information like party favors.
"Oh, I didn't know." Kat looked at the menu behind Lucia's head and ordered a soy latte.
Lucia started mixing the ingredients and looked over the top of the machine at Kat. "How could you know? It's not like you really know Patrick, or that this place has been in his family for 50 years."
She'd once hinted that he couldn't read. Well, the joke was really on her, wasn't it? "You're right. Are we done now?" she said acidly, realizing she did not like or appreciate the scrutiny this rather curious woman was placing on her.
"As soon as you pay up." Lucia held out her hand and a slight smirk crossed her perfect lips, and that's when Kat realized it was a family trait.
She handed a five to Lucia. "Keep the change," she said gruffly, before turning on her heel and nearly colliding with Patrick. "Crap."
Oh, this just gets better and better.
*****
This was a freaking nightmare. The very person he was least ready to face had just walked through the door. Patrick didn't know how to react, except to close off his feelings and return to his work.
This store belonged to Rachel, and it would his one day if he wanted it. It had kept the Veronas alive for 5 decades, and even Rachel's husband Pete had quit his teaching job to join the business. He had been instrumental in bringing in musicians to play at the coffee bar, and notable authors for readings. And with Pete's business acumen, they had expanded into text books, so now all the college kids came here for bargains. On the second floor, they specialized in music and movies, and also sold used disks. All in all, it was a solid and profitable venture, even in this lousy economy. Patrick had worked here since he was tall enough to see over the counter, and he felt invested in its success.
The fact that Kat Stratford was now privy to this part of his life did not please him. No one at school knew about this, and he wanted it to stay that way. Maybe he could threaten her with violence if she spilled her guts, but that wouldn't work, because she'd only try to beat the crap out of him. No, fighting was not an option.
He took a deep breath and sauntered down the aisle closest to the coffee shop, hoping to catch a glimpse of her without her seeing him. Patrick got his wish, but not in the way he expected. His cousin's voice was raised in that provocative tone which meant no good for the person in her sights. And unfortunately, Kat was front and center at the coffee bar, a hapless and unwilling participant in one of Lucia's dramatic turns. When he heard the part about his parents, his eyes burned with a combination of grief and anger.
Lucia was out of line and had no business spewing his personal business to anyone, let alone the girl who had ditched him the other night. She caught sight of him and he threw her a warning glance that ended with the family smirk.
Kat was inches away when she turned around, and her face reflected a mixture of ire and possibly…regret. Patrick noticed her fingers trembling as they gripped the mug. "You're about to drop that," he pointed out, wondering if he should take it off her hands before she had a meltdown.
She started babbling as she set down the mug. "Yeah. Sorry. I shouldn't be here. This shouldn't be happening. I swear to God I didn't know this was your store, or I would never have….I fucked up, I am so sorry…I have to leave."
Patrick's hand shot out and caught her elbow. "Please. Stay."
