Catherine was surprised at how quickly they made it Newark once they left New York. "I didn't realize that it is just across the river," she commented.
"Yeah," Jim grinned. "At night you can see the Manhattan skyline from various parts of the city."
"Wow. So you visited the city often when you were growing up?"
"Some. My Mom would take us over to go shopping and for special events. But it wasn't until I got older that I really learned my way around New York. Mostly I stayed in the old neighborhood here when I was growing up."
"Your parent's still there…or any of your family?"
"Mom and Dad passed away some years ago. My brother moved to New York about fifteen years ago. And my sister, well…last I heard she was still in Newark but it's been awhile."
"You don't talk?"
"Not really," he sighed. "Long story…basically she believed everything Nancy told her about me; they were friends growing up and I guess she wanted to keep her friend. She never would hear my side of things…"
Suddenly Catherine was sorry she had asked. She could hear the hurt that still surrounded his failed marriage. "I'm sorry, Jim. I didn't mean to bring up bad memories."
He shrugged as he made a turn at a light. "It's okay. I have a feeling I'm going to be facing a lot of old memories this weekend. But maybe it's a good thing, you know? Maybe I'll finally be able to let go of some of it. But that's not really why I wanted to come."
"So what was the real reason?"
"Remember I mentioned my buddy, Corky Simms? Well, he's got cancer, you see…and this might be the last time I get a chance to see him."
Instinctively Catherine reached out and touched his arm. "Oh Jim…I wish I had known…"
"Why? Would it change anything?" His expression was unreadable and his voice even. Catherine wasn't sure what he meant by the question. "Uh, I don't see how it could," she said honestly. "It's just…well, it's going to be bittersweet."
He glanced at her and nodded. "Yeah, probably. Only…"
"What Jim?"
"I don't want to think about that part of it too much and I doubt Corky does either. Just too ole pals getting together; that's what it'll be."
"Of course," she smiled. Men, she thought.
They pulled up at the Robert Trent Hotel. "They decided to have the Reunion here. It's where we had our Senior Prom," he commented.
"Cool," she said as she surveyed the historic building. "It looks really nice."
"I got us adjoining rooms. That way we can have our privacy but still be in earshot."
"Sounds good."
After checking in, they made it to their rooms and Catherine found herself standing in the middle of hers, surveying her surroundings. Not the Waldorf, but nice… She heard a soft knock at the adjoining door and stepped over to open it. Jim smiled from his side. "Everything okay?"
"It's nice," she said. "Bet it looks like yours?"
He peeked around the corner and nodded. "Yep."
She stepped back, leaving the door open for him to follow, which he did. "Hey, you hungry or anything?"
"No, not yet. Just thought I'd hang out my clothes real quick," she told him.
"Okay, well…the sign-in is downstairs beginning at four and there's cocktails followed by dinner on the roof."
"I'll be ready."
"Okay," he said, working his fingers nervously. "I'll see you in a little bit then."
"Yeah…and hey Jim, just leave the door open if you want to."
"Ah…okay," he replied as he disappeared through it.
She dazzled him again when she appeared in the doorway, ready for the evening's activities. He stood dumbstruck as he took in her appearance, his throat suddenly dry. The pounding of his heart in his chest resounded in his ears as he felt blood rushing throughout his body.
Jim's reaction to her wasn't lost on Catherine. As she had finished dressing, making the last minute adjustments and adding the final touches, she knew that she looked damned fine. But the sudden color in his face and the twinkle in his eye told her just how good she looked. Catherine had always enjoyed being admired by men, liked the power she felt when she caught their eye but with Jim standing there awestruck, she felt something different. It wasn't about power with him; his look of appreciation reached deep within her, touching her at her core. She felt the color rise into her own face as she realized that she wanted more from him than a fun night filled with flirtation; she just wasn't sure what she was after. One thing was certain; if she followed through on her thoughts, Jim could be hurt. Catherine didn't think she could stand being the reason for anymore pain in his life.
One thing that had always endeared him to her was the fact that everything you needed to know about Jim Brass showed in his face. As she looked into his eyes in that moment, she knew that he had feelings for her that went beyond friendship. So what are you going to do with that? She asked herself.
Finally he found his voice and with a wave of his hand towards the door asked if she was ready. She smiled and nodded, following his lead. The ride down in the elevator was quiet. Jim glanced sideways at her several times, his heart still in his throat. Geez, how am I going to be able to behave myself with her looking like that? At some point, I'm gonna make a fool of myself, I just know it. He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. But she looks so damned good! Of course she does, you dolt, his inner voice teased. What did you expect? It is Catherine. You're going to have to hold hands with yourself all night long to stay out of trouble, you know. And so, as the elevator doors opened Jim was standing inside, his fingers interlaced and his hands in front of him, wondering if he should have any drinks at all that night because the last thing he needed was for alcohol to do his talking.
They stepped out of the elevator car into a crowd. Jim's hand went to Catherine's back protectively as he guided her through the crowd. He located the sign-in table and stepped into line. Catherine leaned in and whispered, "recognize any body?"
"Yeah, I see several of my classmate's parents," he chuckled.
Just as they stepped up to the table they heard someone calling from behind them. "Jimmy, hey Jimmy…"
Jim turned, looking for the source of the call. His face lit up. "Corky!" Catherine saw his face and remembering that Corky was his main reason for wanting to come, turned to meet his childhood buddy.
A refined looking man approached smiling and waving. Catherine liked what she saw at first glance. He was a couple of inches taller than Jim and had a full head of gray hair that framed a handsome face with sparkling blue eyes. His features were strong, almost chiseled with a strong jaw finishing the effect. As he walked towards them, it was apparent that he was accustomed to commanding a room and others moved out of his way without thinking. "Jimmy, I'm so glad you could make it," he said as the two men shook hands.
"Me too, Corky….me too," smiled Jim.
Corky looked at Catherine and smiled. "I'm Charles Simms…or as Jimmy here calls me, Corky." His manner was gracious and welcoming and Catherine couldn't help but be charmed by the man. "Oh, I'm sorry," said Jim quickly. "Corky, this is Catherine Willows. She made the trip with me from Vegas. Thought I'd show her the sights."
Catherine smiled. "It's nice to meet you, Corky. Jim's been sharing some stories about the two of you."
A soft chuckle rumbled out of the man as he smiled at her. Then winking, he turned to Jim. "Your taste in women has improved, I see, Jimmy."
Jim smirked. "It could only go up, Corky. But Catherine's…"
Before he could say more, Catherine slid her arm through Jim's possessively and jumped in. "I'm looking forward to hearing more stories about Jim when he was growing up. We've shared so much, but he hasn't said much about his younger days. I've teased him about being a menace to society, Corky and I'm excited to finally be able to talk to someone who can fill me in."
Both men chuckled but Jim was wondering what she was doing. It's like she wants him to think we're an item, like she's my girlfriend or something. Why?
"Well look, Jimmy. a bunch of us are over at the bar. Why don't you get all signed in and join us?"
"Okay, sure…" answered Jim. Corky disappeared back into the crowd.
Jim turned to Catherine. "Hey, I appreciate you acting like that…I mean, like you're my girlfriend and all, but you really don't have to. It's enough just having you here with me, you know. I don't want you to think…"
Catherine reached up and put a finger over his lips. "I promise, I won't do anything I'm not comfortable with. And in the meantime, if your old buddies think I'm your girlfriend, well…let 'em drool." As she stood looking at Jim, she could see Corky at the bar with some other men, all staring at Jim and talking among themselves. Evidently Corky had delivered the news that Jimmy Brass brought a girlfriend.
Jim knew he was wearing a silly grin but he didn't care. "You're something else, you know that don't you Catherine?"
Pinching his cheek, she winked. "Just don't forget it, Jimmy." Glancing over his shoulder, she saw the admiring looks of the men as her familiarity with Jim registered in their minds.
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Ooooo, thank you so much for the wonderful reviews. Hopefully thigs will start picking up now for our nervous couple...well couple in waiting, maybe?
