Chapter 21
-Hi...
Jackie's voice was like a lullaby for Catherine. She did not even realize how much she missed that voice.
-Jackie. Oh god. Hi.
-I hope you are happy to hear me.
-I am. I am happy.
-How are you? I hope it is not a bad time. I called you yesterday and you did not answer.
Catherine paused. She well remembered why she did not answer. She just did not want Jackie to know.
-I'm fine. Sorry, I went to bed too early and did not see your call.
-It's OK.
-So, what you have been up to?
-Nothing special. Just as usual. I wanted to check on you. How is New York? Do you enjoy it?
-Well, it is not like home but I try to get used to it. Stop... How did you know that I am in New York?
Catherine heard Jackie's laughter on the other side.
-I googled you a few days ago and saw information about you in NYU website. Then I decided to give you a call. I hoped for you not to change your phone number. Thank god, you did not. I have really missed you.
Catherine's response did not make itself wait for too long.
-Me too.
-You know, one of the reasons why I called you is, I will visit New York at the end of this week. I thought, if you have time, maybe we could meet and have a cup of coffee maybe.
-Yes. That would be great! I'd love that. When exactly will you arrive?
Catherine was nervous. Jackie is coming.
-On Saturday night. Sunday morning I will be available. We could also have breakfast if you want.
-Yes, anything. I mean, you are coming here. We can do whatever you want to do.
Catherine couldn't calm herself down. It was Jackie, after-all. She wanted to see her. As soon as possible.
-This is my number. Just in case, there will be a change of plans.
Catherine knew there would not be any change of plans. She will cancel everything just to meet Jackie but she did not say that in order not to seem desperate.
-OK.
-Do you know somewhere we can go? Somewhere silent with a few people.
-Jackie... I am afraid that I am not so much familiar with New York.
-Oh. Then, maybe we could meet at the restaurant of the hotel?
-That sounds good.
-Then, I will text you on Saturday and let you know the address.
-I will be waiting.
-We have so much to talk about but I have to go. Anyways... we can catch up when we will meet.
-Sure.
-It was great to hear your voice.
-The same for me. Thank you for calling back.
-See you, Catherine.
After hanging up, Catherine stayed in the car trying to understand what happened. She just made a plan with Jackie. Yesterday she was not even thinking about her. She immediately remembered about Alexandra and felt guilty. But it did not last long. Alexandra and she were not in a relationship. What they had, was an arrangement. Business like arrangement. She turned on the engine and drove home.
As soon as she opened the door, Ethan welcomed her and wagged his tail. Being in a very upbeat mood, she kneeled down and squeezed his cheeks with both her hands.
-You won't believe what happened. Jackie is coming.
As soon as Ethan heard Jackie's name he jumped on Catherine and tried to lick her face. Catherine laughing tried to push him.
-I know. I know. I am also happy. Maybe you also will see her.
She kissed his nose to calm him down and moved to the bedroom. Without taking her clothes off, she laid down on the bed smiling. She couldn't stop it. It was Thursday. Two days later Jackie will be in New York. Two days. It so long she thought to herself...
Catherine woke up at four in the morning. She fell asleep on the bed with her clothes on.
By 7 am, she had a shower, clothed up and sat at the kitchen table to have breakfast. Thinking that Jackie might have texted her, she checked her phone. There were one missing call and a text message. Alexandra made them both. She checked the SMS.
"Hi. Wanted to check whether you are OK. Hope you are all well. In case you need something, let me know."
It was sweet of her. But Catherine did not want to talk to her. She even put herself a mission to avoid her this week as much as possible. It was Friday and Alexandra did not have a class in the Psychology department, which meant they would not come across each other.
During the lunch break, she joined Professor Collins and they discussed department issues. Even Collins made her a comment about looking more cheerful than ever. Catherine smiled and thanked but still could not hide her smile. However, a call interrupted her. It was Alexandra again. She excused herself and left the table.
-Hi, Catherine.
-Hi.
-Are you OK?
-Yes. It is just a very bad time.
-Sorry, I was worried about you and texted you but did not receive a response.
-No, need to apologize. It is my fault. Sorry. Umm... I felt exhausted and left for home. Once I got in, I immediately fell asleep.
-Oh. Do you need help? Would you like to grab a coffee? Maybe meet later in the evening? As friends… Not that the way, you know.
Catherine paused.
-Look... Don't take it the wrong way. But I feel like to be alone these days. I want some privacy. At least for a couple of days.
-Did I do something wrong? Did I bore you with my stories?
-No, no. It is me. I need a little bit time by myself. I promise to call you once I get well.
-OK. Catherine...
Alexandra's upset voice stopped Catherine from hanging up.
-Yes?
-Take care of yourself.
-I will. Thanks.
On Saturday afternoon, she received a text message from Jackie with the address of the hotel and the time they supposed to meet for breakfast. Butterflies erupted in her stomach when she thought about meeting Jackie in less than 24 hours.