"Well ... I use to live in Montana."
"That's kinda far away."
"Oh yeah." Catherine said shaking her head. "Well... I left when I was 16. It wasn't getting any better in Montana and my parents were just... not helping" Gil listened to Catherine talk about her life. He didn't get bored, but he was interested in how a girl like Catherine could make it in a big city by herself. He felt sorry for her and watched as she struggled to get the words across. "I um ... I needed a job. I needed a place to stay. And in Las Vegas ... those things are hard to come by. So I did the best I could. Got a job at the club and met Eddie..." Catherine watched the emotions play out on Gil's face as Eddie was mentioned.
"Eddie?"
"Oh. He's my ex. Don't worry yourself. He was... a bastard, in short terms. I got rid of him but for some reason, he thinks we're still together."
"Do ... do you need someone to talk to him or ... ?" Catherine giggled and shook her head.
"I don't think that's neccessary, but if things get worse... I'll think of you."
"If things get worse? You mean ... things between you two are bad already?"
"You could say that. Eddie just doesn't know when to quit, that's all. He just hangs around and hope I'll take him back..."
"Will you?"
"Of course not. He's put me through enough. I don't ever want to talk to him again!"
"Well ... where are you staying now?" Gil could already tell this was going to be one person he was going to care about. Even though they've only been knowning each other for an hour or so, he could tell she was going to be someone specail in his life.
"At my friends house. I've been there for about 6 months now. Things are kind of cramped there. She lives with her boyfriend and her daughter. So ... things get pretty hectic in the house..."
"You... you can't find a place of your own?"
"I try... but places are so expensive. They're asking for a months pay just to rent the place!" Gil chuckled and shook his head.
"That's Las Vegas..." Catherine nodded and took a sip of her drink. "Well ... if you want, you could always come and stay at my place. If you want, you know?" Catherine slowly smiled and looked into his eyes. He wouldn't hurt me. He wouldn't hurt a fly.
"Gil... really. I'm too much trouble."
"Just consider it. If you ever get tired of living with your friend... think of me."
"Thank you, Gil." Their food came and they ate. Conversation for the two came easily. It wasn't like the uncofortable and boring dates Catherine went on, where conversation was hard to come by. They talked about everything. The weather, school, jobs, money, science, anything they could think of. They were practically best friends by the end of dinner. When dinner was over, it was late. Gil led Catherine to his car and let her get in first.
"So... where exactly does your friend live?"
"She lives by the supermarket. The road to the left of the parking lot."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Why?" Catherine said giggling.
"That's the same street as my townhouse."
"You're kidding!"
"No. Really. I'd... I'll take you to it."
"Deal." Catherine said smiling. She settled herself back in the seat as Gil drove to his house. Pretty soon, Catherine was staring at a rather large townhouse. She looked over at Gil with a questioning face.
"Okay. You don't believe me? Here's the key. Go unlock the door." Gil said smirking. Catherine yanked the key out of his hands and walked over to his door. She unlocked the door and turned to face Gil as the door swung open. "Told ya it was mine..." Gil said playfully walking up to her and taking the key back.
"Um... Gil?"
"Yeah, Catherine?"
"I told you. Cath is fine with me."
"Yeah, CATH?" Gil said chuckling.
"Would you... would you mind if I stayed over tonight?"
"Of course not. Stay... by all means. Stay as long as you want."
"Gil. Just for tonight. Really. Are you sure you're okay with this?"
"Of course I'm sure. But ... can I ask why tonight of all nights?" Gil said smirking.
"Well ... Eddie's car is parked in the driveway of Alison's house."
"Alison? I take it that's the friend you're living with?" Gil said shutting the door. Catherine jumped on his couch and looked out of his window.
"Yeah. He's been parking his car there for the last week and he stays there until I have to leave for work."
"You don't do anything about it?" Gil said turning on the kitchen light and taking off his jacket.
"Like I said... I try but he keeps coming back..."
"Well um... you must be pretty tired. So ... you're room is across from mine. The room on the right."
"Thanks..."
"You have extra clothes right?"
"Damnit! I knew there was something I had forgot..." Catherine looked back out of the window and sighed. "I could go walk over there and get me some clothes..."
"But... isn't... Eddie in the driveway?"
"Yeah... ya know, it's okay. I'll just sleep in this."
"Well I could lend you some clothes, it's not that big of a deal."
"Gil... really. You just met me. I don't think you would like to let me wear some of your clothes..."
"Why not?" Gil said smiling. Catherine threw up her hands and smiled.
"Okay. Okay. You win. But... I doubt I'll fit in them... Gil?"
"Hmm?"
"Do you mind if I get a shower? I feel ... a little..."
"Go ahead." Gil said smiling. Catherine slowly got up and walked over to where Gil was standing in the kitchen. He was leaned against the counter, looking out of the window at Eddie's car. Catherine hugged him and smiled.
"Thank you, Gil. For everything."
"No problem, Cath." She walked off to get her shower. Gil sighed. What did he get himself into! He was falling in love with someone he had JUST met. He didn't even know if she felt the same way about him. He dragged himself up stairs and got the clothes for Catherine. He knocked on the bathroom door and waited for Catherine to answer. "Cath? It's me... I'm just gonna toss those clothes in for you..."
"Okay!" Gil slightly opened the door and placed the pajama pants and dark shirt on the floor. His eyes drifted to the figure in the shower. Her body was outlined by her shadow. He bit his lip and slowly closed the door. He decided he needed a shower of his own, now.
TBC ... :-)