NOTE: Thanks again to everyone who has read and reviewed, you guys are all amazing!! This is the first of the last four chapters (it was supposed to be three, but I had to add an extra one in as I was writing them), so I'm hoping to have them all up by the end of this week! To kick it off, here's Chapter Nine…
CHAPTER NINE – TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
The sounds of the busy restaurant surrounded Beckett and Demming. Despite the sights and chatter around them, Beckett was withdrawn into her own mind, not paying attention to anything but the thoughts swarming her head.
"Kate?" Tom's voice snapped her out of her daze.
She stopped shifting her food around her plate and looked up at Demming, his usual charming smile masking the concern that had been growing in him.
"Sorry," she responded. "You were saying?"
Demming put down his fork and sat back in his chair. "You seem distracted tonight. Normally, I'd assume it was a case that's got your mind spinning, but I know you don't have anything on the go…"
"I'm so sorry, Tom…" she started.
"Kate, you don't need to apologize." He replied, sincerely. "Just talk to me. Tell me what's going on."
Beckett looked up at Demming, such genuine concern in his eyes. "It's okay, I don't want to ruin tonight by talking about my problems…" she explained, part of her touched by his kindness and part of her hoping he would leave this alone.
He leaned towards her with another charming smile spreading across his face before he continued. "If you haven't noticed by now, Kate, I really like you."
She smiled back at him, wondering how she could possibly be holding back with him when he was just so great to her.
"If something's bothering you, I want to be the guy you can talk to about it." He pressed.
Beckett shook her head, as if trying to rid herself of the conflict in her mind. "Really, Tom, it's nothing. Just a tough day, I guess."
Demming studied the look on her face as she withdrew back into her head again. He leaned back again in his chair before asking, "It's Castle, isn't it?"
Beckett quickly looked up at him, completely thrown off by his question. She opened her mouth to answer him, but she couldn't find the words.
"It's okay, Kate, I get it." Demming offered, prompting a concerned look to appear on Beckett's face. He leaned forward again as he continued, "I know he's not a real cop and I know he gets on your nerves sometimes, but at the end of the day, he's an important part of your team."
Beckett's concern turned into relief. Her sarcasm took over, as if trying to convince herself more than Demming as she continued, "He's also an overgrown child, can't take anything seriously, and never listens to instructions."
Tom laughed, "Sure, but for better or worse, he's still essentially your partner..."
Those words seemed to strike a chord deep in Kate as she lowered her gaze in thought and let a smile come over her. "Yeah, I guess he is."
"And now he's leaving…" Demming continued, carefully watching Beckett's reaction. Her brow furrowed and she swallowed hard. "I know that can't be easy. Change never is. But it's only for a few months. He'll be back."
Beckett could almost feel him staring at her. She forced a smile, hoping he couldn't tell how much this was hurting her before she looked up. "You're right, Tom. Maybe it's just the suddenness of it that's got me thrown off, you know?"
"Yeah, I'm sure that's all it is" he started. Maybe he was trying to convince her a little bit now. He reached across the table to place his hand over hers. "But you know, if you ever need help on a case, I'm all in."
Kate examined Tom's expression. His smile was genuine and the care in his eyes was sincere as well. She smiled. She considered for a moment that she'd have to be crazy to let this guy go. "Have I told you how incredible you are?" she laughed before continuing, "And probably way too good to me."
Tom smiled that charming smile of his. "Maybe, but what can I say, Kate? The heart wants what the heart wants."
Kate almost winced at those words, thinking carefully before slowly rising from her chair. "I'm so sorry, Tom, but I forgot I still had some paperwork to finish up tonight. Do you mind if I take off?"
"Not at all, I know how it is." He tried not to let his disappointment show. "Do you want some company?" he asked, hopefully, as he rose from his chair.
"I'll probably get it done faster if I can give it my undivided attention." She said, avoiding his eyes. "But thank you."
Demming leaned in and kissed Beckett. "Well, have a good night."
Beckett grabbed her bag and faked another smile. "Yeah, you too. And thanks again."
Tom sat down and leaned back against his seat, watching Kate walk away. He sighed, wondering if he was just paranoid or if there was more to what was on her mind than she would admit.
