Welcome Back

Welcome Back, Kate

Chapter Three

***Present Day***

"I can't believe you have this in your office!" I laughed and walked over to Sam's bookcase, picking up a framed photo.

"Yeah," Sam chuckled, "People tend to stare at it but never have the nerve to ask who you are."

The photo was from my opening night. In it, Sam, Josh, Donna and I were sharing a laugh in my dressing room. We were all holding champagne glasses. Sam's arm was around my scantily clad waist.

"I don't even know who took it. It just showed up in my inbox one day. Josh has a copy too."

"I think CJ took it." I said, almost to myself.

Silence.

I set the picture back down and meandered back to my chair. I folded my arms on Sam's desk.

"So, do you have a vacation over Christmas?" He asked.

"Nah...only on Wednesday. My understudy's going fill in. I'm spending the day with some relatives in Manhattan that I haven't seen in years."

Silence.

"How's your mother?"

"Good, thanks. She's coming up to New York tomorrow night.

Silence.

"Do you still have your apartment here?"

"Yeah. My friend Chrissy is staying there. She likes it a lot better than living with her parents." I chuckled. "I'm staying with a friend of hers in Brooklyn, so it works out well."

Silence.

We sat there staring at each other. Finally, I spoke to him.

"Sam, I actually have a good reason to be here. Besides that I miss everyone."

He smiled at me.

"You see...I only have a six month contract with the show. I was invited to continue, with a year long contract this time." I cracked my knuckles.

"Aren't you going to take it?"

I avoided the question. "I love Broadway, Sam, I really do. It's the most awesome feeling in the world."

"But...?" He prodded.

"But...I feel...like I belong here." I said, looking down. " Now that I'm known, I can go back to theatre anytime. But how often do you get to work in the White House? I love Broadway, but this is home."

Sam looked puzzled. "So, what are you telling me, Kate?"

"Sam, when my contract runs out in January...can I come back?"

"You don't have to ask. You can always come back." Sam confided, leaning towards me.

Two weeks later, I was back at the White House.