X: Meet the Sammlers

A few days later, Katie and Jessie were shopping for groceries. Sometimes they held hands but Jessie was too quick to let go. Afraid someone would recognize them.

Katie frowned. She watched Jessie as she tried to pick out some of the vegetables.

Commitment…

Am I ready to break my heart again?

Jessie turned and smiled at Katie.

I feel like I'm shutting her out.

But I can't help but be afraid…

But she is so worth it…

Maybe someday Katie…

I won't be afraid anymore…

"Jess?" Katie walked up to Jessie and took some of the vegetables and put them into the basket she was holding.

"I'm lucky." Jessie blurted and she stared at Katie's face.

She's beautiful…

JESS! JESS!

Jessie turned to the person, it was Grace.

OH MY GOD!

GRACE!

"Hey…" Jessie nervously greeted.

"Didn't know you were doing shopping…" Grace smiled and noticed the woman with Jessie.

"Hi… My name is Grace. I'm Jessie's sister-in-law." Grace shook Katie's free hand.

"I'm Katie. I'm Jessie's…" Before Katie could continue Jessie cut her off.

"Friend..." Jessie gave out a weird smile.

What's wrong with her?

Isn't this what she wants?

Me meeting her family…

Katie frowned with her confusion and turned her gaze to her shoes. She was unsure of what to say.

"Well… I'll see you Jess. Nice meeting you Katie." Grace smiled and walked away.

Katie…

Could she be...?

No… Jessie's straight…

Grace grinned and went on her own shopping spree.

"What was that about?" Katie asked Jessie still with a frown on her face.

"What?" Jessie turned pretending not to know what Katie was talking about.

"You cut me off when I was about to say I was your girlfriend."

"Katie… Honey… They… Don't know yet…" Jessie replied trying to get away with a smile.

"Oh…" Was all the came out of Katie's mouth as they continued to shop.

And here I am worrying this woman wants me to meet her parents…

She doesn't even want to make the relationship out in public…

Katie sighed and just gazed at Jessie. She was still trying to pick out which lettuce was fresher.

Funny…

She could call me girlfriend without even asking me…

But she couldn't tell anybody else…

You were way over your head Singer.

She's just like the other girls.

Jessie was looking for apples when she felt Katie was far from her. She turned and looked for Katie. When she saw the brunette, she couldn't help but feel sad.

I have to make it up to her somehow…

I know…

Jessie grinned. She returned the apples she was holding and walked towards Katie. She took Katie's hand and squeezed it gently. It made the brunette turn her gaze towards her. Jessie leaned closer to whisper into Katie's ear.

"Katie… I need you… Badly..."

"What do you think we should do with that?" Katie asked arching one of her brows.

"You're the smart one… You can think of something." Jessie smirked and slowly walked away from Katie.

Katie followed Jessie with her gaze.

Jess…

Believe me I need you badly too…

Then suddenly an idea popped out of Katie's head.

That should do it…

No more interruptions…

Just Jessie and me…

And a whole lot of loving!

Katie took out her phone and started to make reservations.

Jessie turned and saw Katie talking on the phone.

You're so dense Singer.

I tell you I need you and all you do is talk on the phone.

----

Eli was packing some of his clothes when he heard the doorbell. He ran down the stairs to check.

Karen.

"Mom!" Eli gave his mother a hug.

"Aren't we supposed to go there not you go here?" Eli asked as he took the bags from his mother.

"I wanted to see how you two worked… How's Jessie?"

"She's fine mom. She's out. I should tell Grace you're here."

"Call Jessie too. A family dinner is in order." Karen said as she stretched her legs in the couch.

----

"Tad! We're having dinner at home! Want to come?" Grace yelled from her office.

Tad who was walking down the hall heard it.

"What time?" He yelled back.

"Eight! Karen's home! Remember to bring something!"

"Right!" Tad replied.

---

Jessie and Katie were fixing the groceries they bought in Jessie's kitchen. Jessie would constantly give Katie glances. She wondered if the brunette got her message.

Is it me… or she just didn't get that it was a seductive suggestion?

I'm losing my touch am I?

Jessie shook her head. When they were finished unpacking and cleaning out her countertop. Jessie felt Katie's hands on her waist. The brunette's lips were on her neck. Jessie grinned.

Thought you'll never make a move Singer…

Guess I haven't lost my touch…

"Jessie honey… I was wondering… Maybe we could go somewhere…" Katie mumbled in Jessie's neck.

"Where to?"

"Four Seasons…" Katie turned Jessie to face her.

She gave the blonde soft kisses on her lips.

"What for?" Jessie asked between kisses.

"You see… If we do THAT here… Your brother… or your mailman… or whoever might come knocking to interrupt. Right now honey… I can't take that…" Katie bit her lip and stared at Jessie.

"But we don't have…"

Katie cut Jessie off.

"I already made reservations. All they need is you and me." Katie kissed Jessie again.

"Ok…" Jessie bit Katie's lower lip gently.

RING! RING!

The smile faded from their faces.

Not again…

Slightly, Jessie pushed Katie aside to get to the phone. She mouthed "I'm sorry" as she picked up the phone.

Katie just sighed and turned to face Jessie. Frustration was written all over her face.

"Hello?"

Jess, it's Eli. Mom's in town. Better hurry and get dressed because we're having a family dinner.

Jessie was silent for a second. She looked at Katie who was obviously disappointed.

If I leave her now it would be like…

I have to invite her…

We can go as friends... Right?

Jessie smiled.

Jess?

"Yeah. Ok. See you later." Jessie hurriedly hanged the phone.

"You have to go?" Katie asked sadly.

"Yes. But you're coming with me." Jessie smiled and gave Katie a sweet kiss.

----

"Is Jessie coming?" Tad asked as he took a sip of hot chocolate.

"She is. She'll be here soon." Eli answered.

"So anyone seen the man she's dating?" Karen asked.

Eli and Grace looked at each other and shrugged.

Tad paused.

She might be dating Katie Singer.

But she didn't really mention her.

I might be wrong.

"Tad? Have you met the guy?"

"No. I haven't." Tad smiled.

They heard a cab pull up outside.

"Must be Jessie..." Eli said and opened the door.

In the cab, Jessie decided to play it safe.

"Katie… I can't tell them yet… So… If they ask…"

Katie cut her off.

"I'm just your friend." Katie gave out a faint smile.

I was afraid to call her my girlfriend.

Why am I hurting she can't show me off to her family?

Damn it…

Katie snapped her head back. She breathed in deeply and went out of the cab.

Jessie was planning to kiss her but didn't have the chance. Jessie looked at Katie who was already out of the cab. She felt guilty.

I'm sorry…

She herself went out of the cab after paying the driver.

"JESS!" Eli greeted.

"Who is this lovely friend of yours?"

"Katie Singer." Katie said trying to sound happy.

But no matter how hard she tried. Jessie caught the tone. This brought daggers to the blonde's chest.

I swear I'll make it up to you Katie…

I promise…

"Come in! Come in!" Eli motioned them to come in.

They had dinner with the family. Katie sat beside Tad while Jessie sat beside Grace. Karen and Eli sat at the ends of the table.

"So Katie… What do you do?" Karen decided to get to know Jessie's new friend.

I don't want to make her feel uncomfortable.

Katie swallowed her food. Drank water then replied.

"I paint. I sometimes help art directors on galleries and I do portraits."

"Wow! Have you done recent shows? I had the chance to watch one of your shows in Manhattan!" Tad exclaimed.

He remembered attending one. And he thought the show was amazing.

"Thank you. I will have one. Probably before Christmas." Katie smiled.

"Jess! The director wants you to sing on the Christmas party by the way." Grace piped in.

"But Tad's the director!" Jessie replied confused.

"Well… Yeah… I'm requesting you. You know the kids love you and your voice." Tad grinned.

"Right…" Jessie replied and locked eyes with Katie's.

Katie just looked back at her. Her face was emotionless.

I didn't know she can sing…

Katie silently cursed herself.

The next few hours were spent with stories about the hospital, Eli's work, and Katie's work. It was getting late. And Katie was starting to feel drained. She decided to go home. She stood up. But before she could speak, Jessie held her hand and led her out the porch.

"Katie…" Jessie whispered.

So softly Katie could barely hear the words. But Katie still understood them.

"It's fine Jess…"

They held hands discretely.

"I didn't know you can sing." Katie smiled.

She stared at the snow falling from the sky.

"It's been a while since I did." Jessie looked up as well.

"Would you mind if I hear you sing?" Katie turned to look at Jessie.

"Oh… No… I haven't…" Jessie replied nervously as her gaze turned to the brunette.

"Come on…" Katie smiled.

Jessie smiled back. She wanted to tell Katie three words. But if she did someone might hear. Looking at the brunette's eyes she thought of the words.

I love you…

The snow softly fell around New York City. And from a distance two hearts silently longed for the other. The sound of an angel's voice singing a Billie Holiday song could be heard. This brought these hearts together.

--

Yes, the strong gets more
While the weak ones fade
Empty pockets don't ever make the grade
Mama may have, Papa may have
But God bless the child that's got his own
That's got his own

--

Unknown to these two hearts a person was watching. This person smiled.