Live and Learn.
Chapter 20.
Kate emptied the shopping bags on to the kitchen bench, placing her hands on her hips as she surveyed the contents and cringed.
"I may have gone a bit overboard."
Charlie chuckled as looked around her extravagantly decorated house and the copious amount of junk food that lay on the bench before him.
"Never, your baby only turns eighteen once, but also, you'll be glad she only turns eighteen once, trust me!"
Kate sat at the bench, feeling more anxious by the second.
"Am I gonna need security guards?"
"It's okay, you've got me and Dutchy! We'll protect you..."
Kate flashed him a halfhearted smile, barely looking up at him. Charlie was still concerned about their almost kiss influencing her mood.
"Are you sure we're okay?"
Kate knew exactly what he was talking about, but she needed not to add to her already complicated life.
"Yes, of course..."
He sighed as he opened a packet of chips and poured them into a bowl.
"Okay, I'll drop it, I just, I like and respect you Kate, and I feel like we can really talk, that's all."
She nodded, still unable to look him in the eye.
"The feeling is mutual... and really, if things weren't such a mess..."
She trailed off, what was she saying? Was she actually implying that she would date him in other circumstances? Charlie could see the panic in her eyes and tried to save her.
"But they are a mess, and that's okay… but I'll remember that when they're not."
The sound of the front door opening interrupted them, Kate called out assuming it was Dutchy, but Maddie skipped into the kitchen, throwing her bag on the floor.
"Where are the shots!"
She stopped and hesitated, seeing Charlie sitting at the bench.
"Oh, umm, Lieutenant Butterworth, hey..."
He rose from his chair, giving her a hug.
"Happy birthday!"
Maddie glanced over to Kate who was looking embarrassed and gave her a "What's he doing here?" look.
Kate smiled as she pulled her in close, wrapping her arms around her.
"Happy birthday, sweetheart! And welcome home! I ran into Charlie at the mall and her offered to help set up. Umm, come with me for a sec…"
She ushered Maddie in to her bedroom and wrapped her arms around her again.
"I've missed you so much!"
Kate released her grip and rummaged around in her tall boy, she retrieved a small box and sat beside Maddie.
"So, I'm going to give you your present... and..."
Kate stopped and took a deep breath in as tears dropped from her eyes, Maddie shook her head and grasped her hand.
"Mum, is this wise? Maybe we should do it later."
She shook her head, wiping the tears away.
"No, I haven't done my make up yet and I won't be able to do it later else I'll cry in front of everyone…"
She grasped Maddie's hands and led her to the bed, they sat as Kate tried to compose herself.
"Okay, so, just let me get this out... I never thought I'd have children after your father died, and when I found out I was pregnant, I was overjoyed. I worried that the loss of your father would disadvantage you, that I wouldn't be enough, but I must have done something right because you have grown into the best daughter, and an amazing human being. I am so proud of the woman you have become, and Jim would have been too. I know he would have spoiled you rotten, and you would have been such a daddy's girl. I know we've had or challenges this year, but I want to to know I'll always be here for you, no matter what. I love you so much and happy birthday..."
Kate handed her the box, Maddie carefully opened it and pulled out a embroidered handkerchief. She unfolded it to reveal Kate's engagement ring, she looked up at her dumbfounded.
"Mum, this is your engagement ring."
She nodded and placed it on Maddie's finger.
"Yeah, and now it's yours... a piece of your dad you can always keep with you."
Maddie slid it off her finger, shaking her head.
"But mum, he gave this to you."
Kate smiled as she pushed it back towards her.
"And now I'm giving it to you."
She flung her arms around her neck as tears escaped from both their eyes, Maddie held out her hand admiring it for a moment.
"Mum, are you sure?"
"So sure, it was his grandmothers. She told him one day he would meet someone that would change his life, and that would have been you!"
Kate tucked the loose strands of hair behind her ear as she wiped the tears from her eyes.
"You remind me of him so much, and…"
Kate couldn't hold it together, she had to stop, Maddie squeezed her again.
"Thank you! And I'm so sorry for..."
Kate interrupted her apology, pulling her close.
"Maddie, it's okay, we just need to promise to talk to each other, okay?"
"Promise…"
Kate grabbed her hands, nervous about her next confession.
"So, in saying that I need to run something by you…"
Maddie smirked and nudged her with her shoulder.
"Uh oh…"
"How would you feel if I applied for a CO posting…"
"Mum! That's great!"
Kate brought her eyes up to meet Maddie's, surprised at her excitement.
"Really?"
"Yes! You said you missed it! Go for it I say…"
The doorbell rang, they rose from the bed and tidied themselves, Maddie hesitated before she exited Kate's room.
"Oh, umm, I guess while we're sharing news, I broke up with Tyler."
Kate placed a hand on her shoulder, surprised by the news.
"Oh, sweetheart are you okay?"
"Yeah, I, umm, I'm following your lead and just concentrating on study."
"You know I didn't mean that you had to break up with him."
"Yeah, that was my decision, but you were right in the fact it's not fair on him while I wasn't sure about, well everything. And, of course, he was so good about it, he's still coming tonight, with Liv and Nate."
Kate raised an eyebrow.
"Nate?"
"Yeah, well, he's part of the group too."
"So, you guys have sorted things out?"
"Umm, not really, but… It doesn't matter right now. I'd better go get the door"
She opened the door and ran to the front door, she screamed seeing Liv in her Gabrielle costume.
"Yes! I love it! Ride or die!"
Liv stepped aside to reveal Nate in his Hercules costume and Tyler in his Iolas costume, Maddie couldn't help but giggle at their sight of their bare muscular chests. Kate was about to shut the door when she heard someone clear their throat, she peered out the door and hesitated seeing Mike. Maddie turned back and noticed the uneasy look on her face and peered out the door.
"Oh, I, umm invited him… I want you to be happy, Mum, no matter who it is, plus he had to bring Nate and Tyler..."
She gave Kate a hug and opened the door. Wider, Maddie sensed they needed a minute, she called out to Charlie.
"Hey, Butterworth, we're going to Dutchy's, you coming?"
Charlie walked out of the kitchen confused about the change in venue.
"Why?"
He stopped seeing Mike, realising why Maddie was being so insistent.
"Oh, yeah, sure."
He gave Mike a friendly nod as he headed for the door.
"Captain..."
They left, leaving Kate and Mike in an awkward stand off, Kate hovered awkwardly near the door.
"Hi..."
"How are you?.."
"She invited you?"
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure it was her way of saying she's okay with us..."
He went to lean in to kiss her, but she stopped him, knowing he may have a different reaction after she told him her news.
"Mike, I need to talk to you about something."
"Sounds serious…"
She walked over to the couch and sat, he followed confused about her tone.
"Well, yeah, I've decided I'm going to apply for the CO posting on Brisbane."
Mike's face dropped, it' wasn't the news he was expecting.
"Oh, I didn't think you would apply after the last conversation we had."
Kate wasn't sure if she should reveal the source of her newfound confidence, but she couldn't keep it from him, they couldn't build their relationship on half truths.
"Well, umm, I ran into Maxine..."
"What?"
"Yeah, she actually suggested that I apply."
Mike wasn't comfortable with them interacting, he knew they were both sensible women, but he couldn't help but feel ganged up on.
"Can't you see that she's jealous and wants to break us up?"
Kate was stunned by his accusation, if she was being honest, the thought had crossed her mind, but only for a split second. Maxine was a professional like her, she was more afraid that Mike would want to use it as an opportunity to cause doubt so she wouldn't apply.
"You really think she'd do that? She's at Fleet Command, Mike, I mean, you guys broke up a while ago and…"
"Well, what happened to giving us a real go?"
She was thrown by his change of reasoning, what was the real problem? Maxine or her wanting to go back out to sea?
"Mike, it doesn't mean we can't."
"No, but it makes it a lot harder."
Kate's defenses went up hearing the frustration in his voice.
"Okay, so you don't want me to apply?"
He crossed his arms over his chest, feeling cornered.
"Well, it sounds like you've already made up your mind!"
"Mike, c'mon, I thought you'd be happy for me. You of all people should understand, we did this on and off for years because you couldn't give up being at sea.
He stood above her, arms folded across his chest, his rage increasing.
"Oh, so this is payback?"
Kate couldn't believe what he was saying, she stood not wanting to feel like a child being lectured.
"What are you talking about? Mike, seriously, you can't..."
Mike shook his head, walking away from her, towards the door.
"Maybe, like always, it's the timing."
He walked out not letting her have the last word, Kate collapsed back onto the couch and hit one of the cushions out of frustration.
She spotted the bottle of vodka on the table and grabbed it, taking a swing. She knew she needed to focus on Maddie tonight, she couldn't let more Mike drama ruin the night, she took another swig and headed to her bedroom to get changed.
Charlie peered out of Dutchy's window hearing a car door slam, he spotted Mike sitting in the car shaking his head, his winced as Mike punched the steering wheel and started the ignition.
Charlie he knew something had happened, he needed to check on Kate. He snuck out the front door and headed back to her house. Poking his head in the front door, he called out.
"Kate?"
There was no response, he wandered around the house looking for her, he saw her bedroom light on and knocked on the door.
"Kate, are you decent?"
Again, there was no response, he knocked harder and peered in. His jaw almost hit the floor seeing in her costume. She stood there wearing a black leather outfit, a tight corseted top which pushed up her assets, making them look double the size. It was fitted down to her hips and had a diamond shaped cut out exposing her belly button. The skirt was short, shorter than he'd imagine she'd ever wear and the whole outfit was covered in silver studs. It was completed with knee high lace up leather boots and her hair was teased and wavy, she wore dark eyeliner and false eyelashes.
"Holy shit!"
Kate jumped and turned, hearing his voice.
"Charlie?"
He stepped inside the room, unable to take his eyes off of her.
"Umm, you look, ah, you're Callisto, right?"
Kate nodded as she fiddled with the leather skirt that barley covered her behind, feeling embarrassed by his starstruck look.
"I look ridiculous, don't I?"
She folded her arms over her exposed mid drift, feeling out of her comfort zone. Charlie shook his head and pulled her arms away from herself.
"No, you, you look amazing, like… I'm actually speechless…"
Kate immediately felt the heat rise to her cheeks and turned back to the mirror.
"You're sweet… but, maybe I should pick something else."
"No, don't you dare! I forbid it."
He stepped closer wondering if he should just forget what he saw, but the sad expression on her face upset him, she needed to talk about her feelings, it wasn't fair.
"So, are you okay?"
She was sure that he didn't see anything but his tone made her think otherwise.
"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"
"Kate, I saw Mike storm out of the house, what happened?"
Kate sat on the edge of her bed, she felt bad always unloading on Charlie, but he had asked.
"Well, Captain White, his ex, I saw her yesterday…"
Charlie held his hands up, stopping the conversation.
"Wait, Knocker is Flynn's ex?"
Kate nodded but then realised he was the one who had spoken to her.
"Yeah, and don't play dumb, I know you spoke to her…"
"Okay, yeah, you got me, but I didn't know she was a part of all of this..."
"Well, she's not really, but it makes it even more complicated."
"Dare I ask what she said?"
"She wanted to encourage me to apply…"
He sat next to her, giving her a friendly nudge of encouragement.
"See, I told you, you're a shoe in!"
"Yeah, but it may have wrecked my relationship in the process."
"So, what? Mike doesn't want you to be happy?"
"Charlie, it's not like that, you know that, I think he's just scared it will be like last time."
"Yeah, okay, but he's obviously not happy the roles are reversed?"
She shot him an unimpressed look.
"It feels like you've been talking to Dutchy."
"Oh, c'mon, Kate, I'm not playing devil's advocate, it just sounds like he only wants you to be happy if it's convenient for him…"
Kate rose from the bed, unable to stand his judgemental glare.
"I knew you wouldn't understand, what happened to not having an opinion?"
He got up following her, sick of sugar coating it.
"Well, you're the one telling the story, I'm not convinced he's a good bet, and I think, deep down, you know that too…"
She hated everyone had doubts, including her. If someone sensible like Charlie could see it, why wasn't she convinced?
"Kate, I don't want to cause trouble, and trust me, this is hard…"
She stepped closer, challenging him, she was sick of people having opinions and not backing them up.
"Really? Tell me, what is hard about this, for you?"
He eyeballed her for a moment and dropped his gaze, exhaled sharply.
"Because…"
He couldn't help himself, his body took over. The next thing Kate felt was his hands on her cheeks and his lips against hers. She desperately wanted to pull away, but she couldn't, her arms wrapped around his neck and her body sank into his.
She wouldn't have stopped if it wasn't for the sound of the front door slamming, she froze hoping they hadn't been caught. They separated and Charlie poked his head out the door and ran to the front of the house, Kate stay put, too scared to check. Charlie peered out the front window and saw Mike getting into his car, he cursed under his breath and headed back to Kate's room. He was about the tell her who he saw, but the stressed look on her face made him change his mind. She winced as he re-entered the room.
"Do someone see us?"
"I don't think so…"
"Charlie, I umm…"
She immediately felt guilty, he had kissed her, and she had enjoyed it. But she wasn't sure if she enjoyed it because she was mad at Mike, or because she actually had feelings for him.
"Kate, I'm sorry I've just made things a hundred percent more complicated, but maybe that's what you need, a comparison. Look, if you think Mike can give you everything in the world you deserve, well, then tell me to shut up and go, but I don't think you will."
She couldn't help herself, she went back to being defensive.
"Oh, and you think you can make me happy?"
Charlie knew he could, but he knew it wasn't his job to convince her, she needed to believe it for herself.
Mike pulled over, he was livid, he couldn't believe what he had witnessed. Kate told him he didn't need to be jealous, he had told her he loved her and apparently it wasn't enough, she still wanted to go out to sea. A dark thought entered his mind, he couldn't stop himself, he pulled on his phone and dallied a number.
"Hi, yeah, long time, mate. I, umm, I need to call in that favour, yeah, thanks, I'll see you in 20."
Charlie and Kate stood in her room at a standstill, neither of them knowing what the other was thinking. Kate cleared her throat breaking the silence, she couldn't deal with this now, not today.
"Can we just get tonight over and done with and we'll discuss this tomorrow?"
He laughed halfheartedly.
"Yeah, you don't need any more stress tonight, right? I'll just go get changed, my stuff's at Dutchy's."
He went to leave but turned at the door.
"Oh, and Kate, about your costume not being you, I beg to differ. Callisto was fearless, she didn't take any crap from anyone, I just wish you could channel her when is comes your love life."
End Chapter 20.