I honestly don't know where this year has gone…

I'm so sorry I haven't updated in soooo long, and it's a short chapter :(

I wish I could promise that it won't be so long next time, but we're coming into the silly season, and I work in retail, so sucks to be me. Plus, I'll also be doing my boss's job, so I will be in charge of 16 stores across two states till Feb so double the fun.

Thanks to my loyal readers! And to the guests who comment, please join so I can reply to you!

If I don't post anything before, hope everyone has a safe and happy Christmas and New Year!

Xo

Somebody That I Used To Know

Chapter 18

Mike returned to the house as Kate skulked out of the bedroom looking worse for wear.

"I'm too old for a hen's night…"

Mike chucked halfheartedly as he flicked on the coffee machine.

"Yeah, you were on fire last night. I guess it was just like one of our big nights with the crew, except

Dutchy, where'd he get to?"

Kate sheepishly approached him, only glancing into his eyes for a split second. She so desperately wanted to confess her insecurities and the kiss.

"Mike, I…"

Mike tilted his head, confused by her tone.

"Everything okay?"

She looked up at him, trying to build up the courage to explain.

"Yeah, just all this wedding stuff you know… it's a lot."

She hung her head, shameful she couldn't tell him the truth. Mike wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head.

"Yeah, lucky you've got great friends. Stacey said something about getting your dresses this arvo?"

Kate wiggled out of his grip.

"Stacey? When did you see her?"

"Oh, um, I just ran into her this morning…"

Mike turned his attention back to the coffee make, trying to hide his shame from lying. Placing a pod in the coffee machine, he cleared his throat.

"So, you got plans for today? I don't mind getting Aria from Ally's if you want to sleep off your hangover."

Kate rubbed her face with both hands as she sat at the kitchen bench.

"I don't even know what day it is…"

Mike placed a cup of coffee in front of and gave her shoulder a squeeze.

"Well, I'm just gonna go have a shower, then get Aria."

Kate nodded as Mike kissed her head and headed for the bathroom.

Kate pulled into the car park and parked in the bay with the best view of the beach. She got out of the car and perched herself on the hood. The cool sea breeze hit her face, and she closed her eyes. Exhaling sharply, she opened her eyes and lost her zen as she saw Dutchy running towards her. Choking on her own breath, she coughed and spluttered as he stopped in front of her.

"The sight of me jogging takes your breath away, does it?"

Her face twitched, not knowing know how to respond. Why was he joking with her when, the last time he spoke to her, he was basically yelling at her? Moments from the previous night flashed into her mind, causing her cough to worsen. Dutchy rubbed her back attempting to help, a few moments later she managed to compose herself. Realising his hand was still in contact with her, she tried to inconspicuously move away from his touch.

"You good?"

She nodded, unable to look him in the eye.

"Yeah, thanks…"

"So, about last night…"

Kate held up her hands, stopping him mid-sentence.

"Don't worry, I don't remember much. I think it was Charge's guava mojos"

She lied, her mind was not equipped to deal with the potential fallout from the conversation.

"Oh, so, you don't remember us talking…"

"Nope."

Kate shook her head vigorously, trying to convince herself it was true.

"Okay, well, then about the other night at the supermarket. I'm sorry, I get it, you're with him, you have a kid and a history and… it's okay."

He brushed his hand against her shoulder giving her a reassuring smile.

"You're happy, and you deserve to be happy…"

Kate stood there in silence, not knowing what to say. He flashed her another smile and turned to walk away. Kate snapped back to the moment and took a step to follow him.

"Dutchy…"

He turned back to face her, tilting his head ever so slightly.

"Yeah?"

Still unable to look him in the eye, she focused on a point on the ground in front of her.

"Is that all?"

He took a second and nodded.

"Yeah, I'll see you at the end of the aisle."

Later that night, Jack paced Kate's deck waiting for him to return with drinks, tapping him on the shoulder with the glass he jumped a little. Kate chucked as she took a sip from her glass.

"You got something on your mind, sailor?"

He exhaled sharply. Why, after so long could she still read him like a book. Flopping on to the lounge, he downed the glass.

"Just, didn't think I'd be hanging out with you the night before your wedding."

Kate clinked her glass with his and finished hers.

"Yeah, me either…"

"So tell me why you're here and not at home with Mike and Aria?"

"I dunno, Stacey said it was some tradition, actually, she should be here by now…"

Jack poured her another as his eyes wandered over to her again. Kate grew tired of his childish behaviour, she slapped his shoulder, shaking her head.

"That's it? That's really what's on your mind?!"

Jack eyeballed her for a moment, he cared for her, he needed to be that person.

"Okay, okay… Katie, are you sure about this?"

Her face wrinkled as she tightened her grip on her glass.

"Sure about what?"

Jack swallowed his second drink in two minutes, he needed some dutch courage knowing his next statement would not go down as smoothly as the whiskey.

"I just, I just wouldn't have picked Mike for you, that's all."

Kate took another sip from her glass, hoping his question wasn't implying what she thought it was. Jack glanced out the corner of his eyes, he knew she was pissed, and regretted his words immediately.

"Kate, I…"

"No, you don't get to judge. You left me… and, what business is it of yours…"

He was about to apologise when she stood above him.

"And secondly, even if you were right, you're bringing this up now? The night before my wedding?

You've got to be kidding me!"

Jack grasped her arm, while her voice was fully of anger there was a hint of uncertainty. He continued, he had already come this far.

"Honestly, I just didn't think you'd actually go through with it, and I just wanted to make sure you're doing this for the right reason.

"What are you talking about? Jack, you haven't had an opinion this whole time and now you have

one, don't tell me you think I should be with you?"

Kate could see she hit a nerve by the pained look on Jack's face, he swallowed his pride, he just wanted to help her.

"Kate, I'm just trying to look out for you."

Kate jumped from her chair and stood over him.

"Yeah, so tell me why you think this is such a bad idea."

He hesitated, knowing he was only acting on a hunch and he was stepping over the line.

"I just, I see how you are with Dutchy…"

Kate shook her head and walked to the door and opened it.

"If you can't be happy for me, then maybe you should go."

Jack sighed and left, walking to his car he began to doubt himself, maybe he was wrong, maybe he didn't know her as well as he thought. Sitting in his car shook his head at himself, she hadn't changed; he knew her, and she was hiding something.

Banging on his door, Jack was determined to get some straight answers. Mike opened the door,

startled to see Jack's harsh expression.

"Captain Raymond..."

"Don't Captain me..."

He shoved past Mike, letting himself in.

"We need to talk."

End Chapter 18