Chapter 22
On Sunday morning, Catherine was standing in front of Jackie's hotel on the West 55th street. She entered the hotel and sat down on one of the couches in the lobby. Then, she typed with shaking hands, "Good morning. I'm in the lobby." She touched the send button. Not a minute passed and she received a response, "Comin'."
She was very anxiously. Seconds were like hours. They just wouldn't go. She breathed deeply and exhaled hugely. When she opened her eyes, she saw her.
Jackie changed her haircut into a more progressive and short one. She lost a little bit weight but she still looked great.
-Hi...
Hearing her greeting made Catherine realize that she is real.
-Jackie.
They were facing each other and smiling at each other. Then Jackie threw herself at Catherine. While hugging her, Catherine was inhaling her smell.
-I've missed you, porcupine.
-I have also missed you, Catherine. A lot.
They decided to apart in order not to get too much attention. Then, they moved to the restaurant.
-Tell me. Tell me everything, please. What have you been doing all this time?
Jackie looked very desperate to learn about Catherine.
Catherine told her everything. She only missed the parts about Alexandra.
-I am so sorry, Catherine. I wish there were a way to help you.
-It is OK.
Catherine reached out and hold her arm.
-I am doing quite well. Don't you see?
She smiled and saw a smile emerge on Jackie's face.
-What have you been up to?
-Well, you know about Neptune movie. It did not resonate with all the expectations but it was good enough. That of course, resulted in other short term and profitable projects. That also means that I am neither wealthy nor poor. Now I am focused on chasing bigger projects and that is the reason I am here.
-You are landing a job in New York?!
-Well, I don't want to jinx it but apparently, I will. There is a new sitcom. It is a new genre for me: comedy. But I read the scenery it looks great. It will be like "Friends" but for the new generation. I think it will work out and will last at least 5 seasons, which means 5 years in New York.
Catherine was speechless. Jackie is going to live in New York. The same city she lives in.
-Superb. When are you moving?
Jackie laughed at her.
-I am not sure. We are still on the verge of negotiation. We are waiting for the TV channel to approve it. Once it is done, I'll go to LA to pack my stuff.
-That is amazing.
-You think that is amazing? Do you know what I think is amazing? For me, finding out that you are also going to be in New York, that is amazing!
Catherine smiled.
-So, where do you live?
-Not so far from here.
-Really? Is Ethan home?
-Yes.
-You know, I would love to see him.
Catherine looked at Jackie as she was scanning her. Jackie was looking at her with a smirking face.
-We can go to my place. You can pet him. He will be very happy to see you.
When they entered the apartment, Ethan jumped on them. He was running and jumping around Jackie. Seeing that scene, almost made Catherine's eyes fill with tears. They were all home again.
Catherine asked whether Jackie would like to drink something and receiving a positive response went to the kitchen. She took two cans of diet soda. She opened the first one and as she wanted to open the second one, she felt someone's hand on her back. She turned around and saw Jackie standing close to her.
-Catherine... I missed you.
Catherine put both her hands on Jackie's shoulders and slowly pulled her closer. Like at good old times. Their lips brushed against each other and that was the moment, Catherine decided to take the initiative and not to delay this. She wrapped Jackie with both hands and kissed her.