Chapter 24
Catherine was sitting in her office. She was anxious and stressed. She started drumming on the table with her nails.
Latest events happening in her life made her this way. Jackie is back. That is great. She loves her and now they have a chance to be together. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. However, she was also unhappy. Now, she had to stop her arrangement with Alexandra, which she was OK but was somehow afraid because of all the awkwardness of the situation. Alexandra repeatedly proved herself as a rational and mature adult. Therefore, Catherine hoped for her not to make a scene or another problem. Nevertheless, even if the situation will be cleared, they still will meet in the department regularly and it could make her feel uncomfortable. Another problem with this entire situation was that from the beginning of their second chance with Jackie, Catherine lied. This was especially problematic and Catherine did not know why she lied about Alexandra. Why would she hide her arrangement from Jackie, when Jackie would explain everything going on in her life?
Catherine couldn't find an answer to the question because her phone started ringing. It was Jackie calling.
-Hey. How are you?
-Catherine, this is going to be awesome.
-What exactly?
-Well, I just left the TV channel building. We were discussing my salary. They confirmed my role as a leading character. Everything is set. The Production Company and TV channel need to sign the contract for our project to start. Once it is signed, I am going to get almost the same amount I got from Neptune movie but per episode. Isn't it amazing?
-Wow. That is awesome. I am so happy for you, Jackie.
-Catherine, do you get it? I am going to move to New York. We are going to live in the same city. I am landing the greatest career opportunity of my life. Once it is signed, it is going to be a bigger project than Neptune was. This is a chance for both of us. This is kind of universe's call for both of us to go back together. I am so happy. I want to see you tonight. Do you have time?
-Yes, sure. We definitely should meet. I can cook dinner for you. Would you like that?
-I missed your cooking and it has been a long time since I have eaten a home-made meal.
-Deal then. Do you want me to take you on the way home?
-No need. I am going to have a few meetings with TV show executives and then I will catch a taxi to your house. Let's say I will be at your house by 6.30 pm. Is it OK?
-Yes.
-I want to see you as soon as possible. To hug you, kiss you and …
-What?
Catherine smiled.
-Don't act like you don't know.
-I am not sure whether I know or not. Could you please clarify?
-You know what? Why bother? I'll better show you.
Catherine laughed. So did Jackie.
-Anyway, I have to go now but see you in the evening.
-See you in the evening, porcupine.
Catherine was happy. So was Jackie. Nothing could change that. Probably all the stress she has been having recently is meaningless. Everything is going to be great...
Knock on the door.
"Oh, not again." Catherine thought to herself. She hated to be interrupted when she is thinking and this was happening the second time for past an hour. She forced a disappointed "Come in".
-Hey. Are you OK?
She looked at the person coming in. Black Chelsea boots, black jeans, and a red plaid shirt. Tall and slim woman with blue eyes holding two cups of coffee and smiling at Catherine. Before Alexandra came in Catherine did not even realize how much she missed her. She was so much fixating on the complex situation that she forgot about her as a person, a friend and a lover. She could not help herself but smile back at Alexandra.
-How are you?
-I am sorry. I did not expect you to stop by. You did not answer to my SMS.
-I am sorry about that. I wanted to surprise you but I can come in later if you want me to.
-No, no. I am glad to see you. Please sit down.
Alexandra sat on the chair in front of Catherine and held her one of the coffees.
-I thought coffee would be useful.
-You thought well. You are a total life savior.
-So? How are you? What have you been up to these days?
Catherine hushed. She did not know where to start.
-Did you remember the time when we made the arrangement in your car?
Alexandra reclined to the arms of the chair and rested her chin on her hands. She carefully looked at Catherine as if she wanted to read what is going on in her head.
-Yes, I do.
Catherine became uneasy of her Alexandra's look.
-We said we can end it whenever we want.
Alexandra calmly nodded.
-I think we should stop it.
Catherine stuttered. She did not dare to talk more.
Alexandra looked very calm and Catherine witnessed Alexandra's lips forming a kind of sad smile.
-OK.
Catherine's eyes were wide with astonishment. Again, Alexandra was very calm and acted as a mature person rather than an uncontrollable hysteric, which Catherine expected her to act like.
-Are you OK with that?
Catherine almost whispered.
-Yes, Catherine. I am OK with that. I can't force you to sleep with me.
Catherine felt a sudden relief.
-But…
Catherine looked at Alexandra carefully.
-Can you tell me why would you change your mind? I thought we were doing OK. Did I do something that might hurt you?
Catherine hushed for a little bit. She could not decide whether she should talk about Jackie at all. Then, she thought that she owned Alexandra an explanation. Especially after her being so honest and sincere with her.
-Do you remember about my ex-girlfriend? The one I was getting over with?
-The one who moved to California?
-Yeap. That one.
Catherine stopped for a short time and then went on.
-She is in New York. She is landing a job here and soon she will move here. This is a chance and I want to give it a try.
Alexandra smiled.
-Wow. That is a hell of a chance, Catherine Stark. It is really great. I am happy for you and I hope you will be happy.
-But aren't you mad?
-Why should I be mad, Catherine? I would do the same thing if Cecile were back but that is the problem. She will never be back. You have that chance. I don't. I sincerely wish you well.
Catherine's eyes filled with tears and she could swear that the same happened with Alexandra.
-Thank you. Thank you a lot, Alexandra. I appreciate it all.
-So… How do you want me to behave around you? Should I ignore you or should we be friendly but distant?
-No need to ignore each other. We still can be friendly.
Catherine smiled.
-OK. Now we had the talk, I think it would be better for me to move. I have a queue of students with their term projects.
-OK.
Alexandra moved to the door and as soon as she opened it, she heard Catherine calling her.
-Thank you very much. For everything.
She smiled and left.
Catherine could not move. She was thinking. Thinking about what it would be like if they'd met in a different time and under different circumstances.