Regina laughed as she poured the last few drops of wine from the bottle into Kathryn's glass. The dirty plates were stacked up in the kitchen awhile the two women sat on the sofa discussing their disastrous double date. Regina liked the way Kathryn helped her to relax and feel the way she used to when she was around Daniel. Although there was no romantic chemistry between them, there was a strong bond of friendship. Goodness only knew how many times she had done or said something to Kathryn and waited for her to walk away. But every time Kathryn had come back, forgiven her and carried on as though she had completely forgotten whatever the problem had been. Regina was really trying to make more of an effort to be a better friend in return. That was why she had agreed to the double date in the first place and why she was still talking about it this evening.
"I really thought Graham was nice." Kathryn told her. "And you already know his strengths and faults from working with him."
Regina looked down at the glass of cider in her cupped hands. "That's just the problem. We work together. Anything that happens between us will just make it awkward."
"How? He really seems to like you."
"Don't."
"What?"
"He's already tried asking me out again. For now he's agreed to just be friends, which is better than dating."
"What are you so afraid of? So what if you date and fall out? You're not the type to reveal all your deep dark secrets to someone that easily. Look at us, I still don't know about most of your life but we're great friends. I doubt Graham would be the type to make things awkward at work if it doesn't work out and maybe you could just go back to being friends."
"I'm just not attracted to him." Regina tipped her head back slightly and finished her drink in one go.
"Is that it? Or is there more you aren't telling me? Sometimes you have to date a guy a couple of times to get to know him. The quiet ones take a while to open up and you don't want to miss Mr Right."
Regina took Kathryn's empty glass from her and placed it on the table. "As you pointed out, there are many things you don't know about me. My past is complicated, but when I meet the right person, if I ever meet them, I'll let you know and we can discuss dating tips."
"Then I'll have to set you up on more blind dates. Or we could go to the Rabbit Hole and see who we can pick up there?"
"Why not suggest internet dating?" Regina joked.
"Where do you think I met my accountant?" Kathryn countered. "I'm sure if you just give it a chance…"
"No. Definitely not."
"I can help you set up a profile…" She knew the words were a mistake as she spoke them, but the wine had made her careless.
When Regina made up her mind about something, it took a lot for her to change it. Kathryn was used to months of begging for her to consider the simplest things. She had since learnt to suggest things in small doses, as though Regina needed time to think things through. Kathyrn herself never rushed into anything, but Regina wanted to look at everything from as many angles as possible, just in case.
"It's getting late." Regina interrupted her.
Kathryn glanced at the clock. "Really?"
"I have an early meeting in the morning."
Used to Regina's abrupt nature, Kathryn simply stood up and went to collect her coat.
"We'll go out again soon." Regina promised, by way of an apology.
Kathryn hugged her, to let her know that she understood. "If you don't want to date, I won't push you, but I'm your friend so I just want you to be happy."
Regina smiled. "I am."
She watched Kathryn leave, then went to finish off the bottle of cider.