3 days later String was released from hospital to re-cooperate at the cabin. Michael had organised flying him up there.
At the studios.
"Look, I'm sorry Mr Carlson, but String isn't available at the moment. Cait can do the stunt perfectly well, you've seen her work before and was mightily impressed as I recall."
"Yes, yes, but it's not what we agreed Mr Santini."
"Well, take it or leave it. Do you want your stunt done or not?"
"Fine, but if we could just get it done in one take, I would be most grateful." said Mrs Carlson as he walked away.
"No change there then", whispered Dom to Cait. "I've got to admit Cait, we could've done with String this week, I've hardly had time to turn around."
"Well, he's back tomorrow isn't he?"
"Yeah, I'm gonna fly up and get him in the morning. Say, Cait, are you OK here if I get back to the hangar and carry on with that service job?"
"Yeah, sure Dom. But is it OK if I head straight out to meet Ben after I'm done here though….can you spare me?"
"No worries Cait, and I promise not to drag you away this time." smiled Dom.
Cait got the stunt done in one take and headed out to Eagle Hills to meet Ben. She had Volleyball training first and then the long-awaited date with Ben.
"You're pretty good you know." said Ben as they were making their way into the restaurant.
"Good? What do you mean?" asked Cait.
"I was watching you play earlier. Made the team yet?"
"I didn't see you!" smiled Cait "and yes, I've made the team. We have a match soon"
They were taken to their table.
"How's Hawke?" asked Ben
"Fine, but I don't know" replied Cait fiddling with her napkin."
Ben reached across and put his hand on hers.
"What do you mean?"
"Oh, I mean he is fine, he is coming back to work tomorrow. I just haven't seen him for a week that's all."
"I saw the look of horror on your face when you found out he was in the hospital Cait, are you sure there isn't anything going on between you? I mean, I really like you, but I don't want to get so far down that road and then find out it's been a journey without a destination."
"Ben, I'm sorry, it's complicated, only it really isn't" sighed Cait. "Whether I have feelings for Hawke or not, they won't ever be returned so I am moving on and I think I would like that to be with you. So, no more talking about Hawke Ok? Anyway, what about your ex, you still seemed pretty hung up on her when we first spoke."
"Ah, like you Cait, it's complicated, but let's not talk about Sarah either OK?"
"OK" beamed Cait.
Ben and Cait spent the evening chatting about their lives and getting to know each other. The evening went by in a flash. When it was time to leave Ben called a taxi and told the driver to drop Cait home first.
"Can I see you again?" asked Ben as they pulled in at Cait's apartment block.
"Sure" smiled Cait "I'd like that." Cait leaned in and her lips met Ben's.
"I'll call you tomorrow" whispered Ben, breathlessly
"Make sure you do" replied Cait before opening the taxi door and heading into her apartment.
Cait went inside and dumped keys on the table by the door. She found herself smiling. That was some kiss she had to admit. Was this really going to be the happy ever after she dreamed of? She hoped so and besides, she couldn't spend her whole life pining for String. He was her friend, nothing more and she needed more. She needed someone to love her and someone to share her life with. Feeling quite content she headed to the bedroom to get changed. No sooner had she started to get undressed, but the phone rang.
"Hello"
"Cait it's me Dom."
"Hi Dom, is something the matter?"
"No, well yes, I've managed to put my back out lifting a box of parts."
"Dom! Do you need some help, shall I come now?"
"No, no it's OK, I managed to get home. Ev was here, so he sorted me out. It's just that….well…"
"Well, what Dom?"
"I won't be able to fly up to the cabin in the morning to get String. You'll have to do it."
Cait's breath caught in her throat but her heart sank. She didn't really know how she felt about having to face String after her outburst at the hospital and especially when he would be expecting Dom to collect him.
"Cait, you still there?" asked Dom
"Yeah, sorry Dom, OK, I'll go and get him. You just rest OK and give me a call if you need anything."
"Sure thing Cait. You know what it's like, it's been out before. Couple of days and I'll be a right as rain."
"OK Dom, well take care you hear?"