Part XVII: I was supposed to Ask
Back in New York, Katie was busy shopping for new curtains for her apartment. Jessie was still at work so she dragged Russell and Sarah along. She started from the flower printed to the checked printed curtains. Jessie reminded her plain colors would have been nice. For Katie, she was going to buy plains and prints today, just because today is special.
"Ok… Katie… Spill… My feet are tired… We've been shopping for home stuff since ten! You're inviting us tonight… What's going on? Spill it!" Sarah glared stomping her feet.
Katie smiled and looked at the curtains on display.
I have to buy new glasses for tonight.
I think the ones back home won't do.
"Do I hear wedding bells?" Russell inquired.
Katie just simply nodded and smiled at her friends whose eyes grew wide.
"No kidding?" Sarah had her mouth opened in surprised but she was happy for her friend.
Katie nodded again. She couldn't help but laugh this time.
"FINALLY!" Russell and Sarah hugged each other and giggled.
----
Jessie was in her office arranging some of her charts when Grace barged in slightly out of breath.
"Hey Jess… Your girlfriend called me. Said your mom would be arriving later."
"What? Why would mom fly in later?" Jessie turned to her step sister.
"No idea, that's what she said. I'm just the messenger. I might be late though."
"You're coming too?" Jessie grew wide-eyed.
Oh my God…
Oh my God…
OH MY GOD!
"Well she invited me and Eli. Didn't she mention anything?"
"No… All I know is she's going shopping with her friends today. For curtains…" Jessie paced around her office, trying to figure out what Katie is up to.
"Well, my mom and Rick are coming in a date late. I told Katie and she said it was alright…"
"MY DAD? What is happening!" Jessie yelled slightly stressing herself.
"Hey… Hey… Maybe she has a surprise?" Grace held on to Jessie's shoulder, making her relax.
"I hate surprises…" Jessie frowned.
"Well I think you're going to have one later." Grace replied grinning at an utterly clueless blonde.
----
"Well aren't you glad we're useful?" Russell clapped his hands amazed with the rearrangement they had just done.
"I'm just thankful you're gay Russell." Katie laughed only to be silence by a slap on the head by Sarah.
"If it wasn't for his creativity you wouldn't have something fabulous for tonight! You have outdone yourself dear!" Sarah blew a kiss to Russell who grinned in reply.
"Oh God… What time is it?" Katie asked a bit worriedly.
"About three why?"
"I forgot to get the ring… I have to go you guys. Take care of the pasta will you?" Katie hurriedly took her coat.
"Well alright. What time does Jessie come home?"
"Maybe five or six... Better be out by four. Be back by seven. Got it?" Katie looked up to her friends as she opened the door.
"Got it. Take care!" Sarah yelled and waved goodbye.
----
Her office was now tidy and she was on her way home. Passing by Tad's office, she saw his light still on.
"Hey Tad." Jessie greeted warmly.
"Hey! Oh… I was on my way to your office. You could take a ride with me. Hope you have enough food. Seems Katie invited everyone tonight." Tad smiled and stood up from his chair.
"What?" Jessie began to get confused again.
"Well, you seem to have a party at your place. Thought you'll need a ride. I'm invited too. Something wrong?" Tad asked.
"No nothing is wrong. Let's go…"
Their ride to Jessie and Katie's apartment was silent. Neither knew what was in store tonight. Although, Tad had an idea, he dared not bring it up. Somehow he wanted the right time. As they reached the apartment, Jessie sighed knowing Katie must have been shopping at present time. The lights were still off. It meant Katie had probably forgotten something again. She smiled.
Always forgetful when it comes to shopping…
But never forgets anything about us…
"We're here." Tad smiled.
They both walked out of the car and into the apartment.
"WOW!" Tad looked at the living room as Jessie turned the lights.
Jessie was also in awe.
So…
Romantic…
"I think your girlfriend just out did herself." Tad grinned and plopped down the couch.
"Yeah… I'll get you some drinks…" Jessie was about to go to the kitchen but Tad took her hand.
"I don't want to lose you Jess. I know where this night is going to…"
"What? I don't understand."
"Your family is on their way here… Your friends… What do you think she's about to do?" Tad asked moving closer to Jessie who fell onto the couch.
"I don't know…" Jessie's eyes grew afraid.
Tad was dangerously closing in.
----
Flowers… Check!
Ring… Check!
Katie reached their apartment and saw the lights on.
Good Jessie's home first.
We could tell them when they arrive…
Wait…
Whose car is that?
Katie shrugged the thought. She happily took her key out and slowly opened the door.
"Jess… I've got…" Katie stopped dead on her tracks.
Jessie…
On the couch…
Her lips…
Against Tad's…
I…
Katie stood there frozen; dropping the flowers and a small black box on the floor.
Jessie's head was swirling. She couldn't absorb what was happening.
Why is Tad kissing me?
And I don't I feel right?
Jessie cursed herself silently and pushed Tad away.
You're silly Jessie…
It doesn't feel right because you love…
Jessie turned her gaze to the open door. Her eyes were in shock.
"Katie!" Jessie hurriedly stood up and looked at her girlfriend.
Katie was pale and emotionless. Katie bowed her head slowly and began to walk out the door.
"Katie it's not what you think!" Jessie moved away and followed Katie. She found the black box as she was about to go out of the door. Jessie picked it up and opened it.
She was going to ask me…
To marry her…
Tears fell from Jessie's eyes. She wiped them and hid the ring in her pocket. She left a sad Tad on her apartment. But Jessie didn't care because her mind was set.
I'm not going to lose you Katie…