IV. Moving In

Catherine stood back and admired her work. "What do you think, sweetheart?"

"I think it's wonderful." Nick's deep Texan drawl made her jump, and Lindsay giggled.

Laughing, Catherine countered, "I wasn't talking to you."

Nick clasped his hands over his heart in mock-pain. "That cut deep, Cath," he paused, "But really, I love it." He grinned, studying the spare room in the women's house. "It's very…" he wrinkled his nose, searching for the right word, "…homey." Snapping his fingers, he gave Lindsay a hi-five and winked. "A t.v in my room… video games all night long…" he trailed off, hoping she would catch on.

"I think not!" Catherine's hands flew to her hips, and she shook her head. She wagged a finger in the Texan's direction. "I can always kick you out," she chastised.

"You won't," he said confidently, rendering her speechless. Gazing at the room, he added, "You're a great designer, by the way. Fantastic." He kissed her cheek quickly before challenging her daughter to a battle of the Millennium Falcon vs. the Lady Raider.

"I'm gonna kick your butt," Lindsay informed him as they wandered out of the room. "I play that game so much it drives Mom crazy 'cause she can't watch her t.v. shows," she complained. Nick just chuckled.

The spare bedroom which Catherine had redecorated was painted a deep forest-green to match the dark carpet, and she had bought a generous double bed with fluffy green pillows. It wasn't too feminine, she decided, but still nice. A set of oak dressers and a bedside table and a lamp completed the room, and she had left it up to Nick to do the rest. After all, it was his room.

An illusion suddenly blurred her vision, causing her to lean against the wall for support. It was one of her, Nick, Lindsay, and a baby, having a great time at the beach. Where, she didn't know. What bothered her the most was how Nick was acting- it was almost like they were a couple. Catherine quickly snapped to attention.

But we're not. And we will never be.

It didn't make her sad, at any rate, it was Nick. They were friends, nothing more. However, the thought continued to plague her as she prepared supper and listened to her daughter and the father of her baby argue over who was better at blowing up the Death Star.

A/N: Sorry for the long update wait, I got major writer's block. Please keep reviewing; I can't believe how much y'all actually like this story! Wow! -Shay