Remember this.
A/N: My apologies for the delay on this chapter. Yes, I am awful. I went on a holiday to Germany, but also had to deal with the loss of a loved one and next to that my dad got diagnosed with a horrible disease. Next to that, we've just sold the family business. So I'm a wreck. Finding time to write is a pain. I hope that you guys understand.
Special thanks to maxreader for kicking my ass into gear.
Disclaimer: Just borrowing.
''I'm so sorry!'' Kate said as she collected her books and notes from the ground, along with the ones from the stranger she'd just ran into.
''It's okay- I wasn't watching where I was going. My fault, really.'' The girl smiled and grabbed the books from Kate's grip. She narrowed her eyes.''You look lost, but you don't look new.''
Kate laughed. ''That's right, third year Law student, but they are renovating our department and well- you could say that I'm sort of lost and I can't find the exit. You?''
''I'm studying Biology, this is our wing.'' Lanie said, her arms spread to ensure that this was actually the wing she was talking about. Kate chuckled. ''Though I want to be a Medical Examiner someday- Long story.'' She shook her head at herself.
''That's great.'' The girls both laughed. ''Okay, this might be weird- but let me at least treat you to coffee in exchange for our... collision.''
''Make that tea and you've got yourself a deal.'' She stuck out her hand. ''Lanie Parish.''
Kate shook it. ''Kate Beckett.''
''Beckett, that's not a very common name. Long shot but 'Beckett' as in the owners of Veritas?''
''Actually, yes.''
''I love that place! I've been coming there for years.''
''That's amazing. How did we not meet before?''
''I usually go Monday evenings, because I volunteer at a retirement home nearby and they asked me to take lonely elderly people out for dinner. Your restaurant isn't too pricey, so I can pay for most of it myself.'
''That sounds like a great idea!'' Suddenly, Kate shook her head. ''Ah, you see. Monday is my only evening off.''
Lanie chuckled. ''That explains... a lot actually.''
''What do you mean?''
''Hon, you are still wearing at least seventy percent of your work outfit - though you tried really hard to cover it up with the blazer, which I guess is something mandatory when you are studying the law.'' Kate blushed as she quickly checked out her own outfit. ''And I'd love to hear more about it, but I guess it's time we get that coffee so we can at least sit while having this conversation.''
Kate nodded. It was nice to finally have someone who was honest with her. Sometimes when working in the restaurant, her parents seemed to forget that she was actually still a person, instead of just their daughter. That was something that she couldn't quite explain. Yet.
At least Lanie had the guts to subtly tell her that she looked like shit.
The days following her encounter with Lanie had been quite hectic as the result of the extra publicity mystery writer Richard Castle had unknowingly spread. People from all over the country came to their little restaurant with some hope to spot the famous writer. The question was if he would actually show up at some point.
The Beckett's even had to hire another waitress just to cope with their increasing sales. Not only did Richard Castle give them a lot more work, he ended up giving them a lot of stress too. She could practically feel her parents slipping away. It was all too much, and yet, not enough. Yes, they absolutely needed the money, but if they kept going at this speed... Kate had no idea how long it would last. And that's what scared her the most.
Dressed in her pajamas, a simple Nebula 9 t-shirt and some boy oversized shorts, Kate made her way to her dad's office.
Jim Beckett sat at his desk, the numbers ''Well, honey, it looks like we won't be needing any money any time soon. Rick made damn sure of that.'' Kate just nodded absently. ''Which makes me wonder, have you spoken to him lately? I haven't seen him around.''
She shook her head. ''I haven't.'' Her dad opened his mouth to speak, but she was ahead of him. She quickly walked over to him, kissed his cheek and said; ''Good night dad.''
Still tired from the day before, Kate had removed herself from her bed with great strength. She couldn't wait for the Christmas break, even though the restaurant would be hell, she would get some time off in return for her services. Sleeping all day! With that thought in mind, Kate got ready and went to the university. A few hours later, after two hours of listening to Miss Miller's speech about feminism and another hour of discussing her project with her coach, she finally found herself on her way home again.
She didn't even think of him that often anymore, he was just a memory. Not to mention that she hadn't heard from him since they had gone and seen Forbidden Planet. She could do this- it's just that... How do you get over someone you never even dated? Kate sighed as she turned into her work uniform.
All went pretty well that day, until...
''Good afternoon Beckett.'' Kate jumped.
''Hey Castle, what do I deserve this honour to?'' She said, while walking over to the next table.
''I sense some sarcasm.'' He said, obviously aware that he had deserved this. ''This has obviously nothing to do with me not showing up for two weeks again without mentioning anything, right?''
''Of course not.'' She bit back sarcastically.
''Okay, so it is.'' He took a deep breath and tried to avoid looking her in the eye. This did not go unnoticed by Kate. ''I went on a book tour and honestly, I did not know until the last minute.''
''You seem to have a lot of that recently.''
He sighed. ''I know.''
''Would it have killed you to pick up the phone and say 'Hey Kate! I'm going away for two weeks, I'll talk to you later, alright?' It not that hard.'' She turned on quickly on her heel.
''I messed up, I know.'' He said raising his voice while grabbing her arm to stop her from walking away. ''Listen, Kate-''
She pulled her arm away from him. ''No Rick, you have to listen, you can't just come into my life, change everything and then walk away. I thought that we were friends. It has been tough-'' She took a deep breath and continued. ''You know what never mind. I'm not going to invest into this so called relationship if you- leave.''
''Please Kate, let me make it up to you?''
''Just.'' Kate spotted Johanna walking through the kitchen door with a concerned look on her face. She took a deep breath and tried to calm her racing heartbeat. ''Give me time.''
''Kate.'' He pleaded.
She ignored him and blazed passed her mother on her way to the kitchen.
Rick stood there, gaping. Johanna immediately noticed Kate looked tense and decided to walk up to Rick instead of her. His face was filled with emotions. Good, she thought, he should feel ashamed of his behaviour. This, however, did not mean that she was going to let him suffer.
''Richard, I'll talk to her she has a lot on her mind lately. You should know that she has had it pretty rough the last two weeks- without going into details. Would you like a cup of coffee in the mean time?''
''No, but thank you Johanna.'' He ruffled his hair. ''I will come back tomorrow and the day after that, day after that- if that's what is necessary to make her realize that I need her just as bad as she needs me.''
Johanna decided not to comment on his statement and just nodded. He gave her a weak smile and moved his right hand to reveal a small bouquet of flowers hidden underneath his jacket. Rick handed it to Johanna.
''I wanted to tell her I was sorry.''
''Richard?''
Castle stopped in his tracks. ''Mother is that you?''
''Who else would it be, darling!'' It was only then, he realized the music came from his living room. Oh shit not again. He looked at the pile of coats hanging, or well, lying over one of his chairs which had been stationed in the hallway for this occasion, apparently. ''Listen, I may have invited a few people over and it sort of just turned into a party. I hope you don't mind, my place is way too small for this kind of events. There are just a few people from the theatre, cast and crew you know the deal kiddo.''
''Mom.'' He pleaded. She finally looked him in the eye. ''You are going to have to stop doing this.''
''Richard is that you?!'' An unknown voice called. Rick took a deep breath and plastered a smile on his face.
''Yes, yes, it's me. Please wait in line for an autograph ladies and gentlemen, I can only do so much at the same time, I'm still a man!'' Other people joined them in the hallway and laughed at his joke.
''I told you he would show up!'' Martha gushed to one of her theater friends.
'I've got to get out of here' was the only thing his mind was screaming at him. He made a few social blah blah talks before excusing himself to the bathroom. Just a party, my ass! His mother had even invited his publicist.
He mentally kicked himself for suggesting to change the locks so she couldn't break into his apartment again. The worst part was that he had hoped to just come home, order some food and lounge for the rest of the evening. Anything to keep him from thinking about her.
It had been stupid, obviously, to just leave for his book tour when he was told to (even though he did not know there would be a book tour the next morning). He could've called! But why would she care about him? Why would he call her to say he wouldn't be around? Did she care?
Of course she does.
That's why she reacted that way.
Way to go Richard.
Before he knew it, he was out the door as he fished his car keys from his pocket. He jumped in his car and had no trouble finding the acceleration pedal. Rick found himself driving automatically to Veritas, a place that he was slowly started to call home, where he could be himself - until he had to go screw it up.
The traffic light hit red and he had to hit his brakes. The car behind him smashed his horn.
Rick took a deep breath and collected his thoughts.
Enough with the thinking, you're going to get yourself killed if you keep this up.
The bell rang. Seriously on the one night I have off!
Kate groaned and made her way down the stairs quickly where she angrily (yes, this is possible) opened the front door. The moment she opened up, she knew she had made several mistakes. Clothes. Person behind the door.
''Hi- um nice pj's.''
''Castle.'' She crossed her arms, realizing she was, in fact, not wearing a bra. Also wearing the shortest of shorts and a black tank top, not a great combination. ''What are you doing here?'' She demanded.
''Hoping you to give me a second - no, third chance.'' He said with a cheeky smile, hoping she would not notice him subtly checking her out. The work outfit was one thing, but seeing her dressed down was a whole other category. Now he could imagine her - Focus.
''And what makes you think that I am going to be so forgiving?''
''Well, you opened the door, so that's a plus. I'm not sure about the rest of the 'forgiving' part. I am a very willing participant in wanting to take you out for dinner tonight though, as a way of saying 'I'm a huge jackass and I should've called you before leaving the city because I care about you and I think that you care about me too and I don't want to lose you because you make me feel like I can't breathe without you here and I just- Kate, I just want you to be friends with me.'' He finished within one breath. She wasn't even sure if she was hearing it all correctly.
Caught off guard, she said. ''I guess?''
''I guess, what?'' He said, his eyes hopeful.
She lowered her voice. ''I'll have to go change, wait here.''
''Wait here?'' She nodded. ''Yes, yes, I can do that. Oh- she is. Okay.''
He waited semi-patiently in front of her front door, it was quiet chilly outside so he decided that it would be best if would close it while waiting outside for her. Logic thinking, which was something he should do more often, he realized.
After a few minutes the door knob turned and he was greeted by a beautiful girl with a very hesitant smile. He realized that he had only begun to make it up to her, he would have to get out the big guns to remove this horrible mistake he'd made.
''You look beautiful.'' She blushed and he couldn't believe he'd said it out loud. Friends, Rick, Friends. Friends can call each other pretty.
''You look tired.'' He laughed at her bluntness as he followed her to his car.
''Ah, at least you haven't changed.'' He said as he opened the door for her, she settled and he quickly walked around to get in as well.
He settled and turned to her as he started the car. ''So what are you craving for, Chinese, Indian, Dutch?''
She turned her gaze away, looking out of the window. ''Actually, I was really looking forward to a Big Mac.''
He laughed. ''MacDonald's it is then.''
''We don't have to get out of the car, right?''
''No. I could just go in and order while you wait in the car and after that we can go and find a nice spot somewhere to eat?''
She nodded, a soft smile on her face. ''Sounds good.''
The car ride back to her place was silent with unspoken words flowing between them. They were going to be okay. Rick had gone in, as he promised, to order and came back with way too much food, which eventually was eaten in its entirely anyway. He'd driven them to his place where he got a blanket from the back of his car and they made their way to the top of his building. They sat there for several hours, on the roof, just eating and talking. It wasn't until he saw her shiver, even though she was wrapped in a blanket, he'd decided to call it a night.
At some point during the drive back to her place, Rupert Holmes's Pina Colada had come onto the radio and Rick had sang along. And there might have been some dancing involved as well, as much as you can move in your seat while driving. Kate couldn't stop laughing and had joined in, surprising them both.
As they stopped at a traffic light, he turned to her with a goofy smile. ''You've gone soft on me.''
''What? I have not.'' She said, trying to compose herself.
''Yes, you have. I can see it in your eyes, your actions-''
''Trust me, it was not a conscious decision.'' She took a deep breath, trying to control her raging heartbeat. ''I guess I'll make it a little harder for you?'' She said teasingly.
''That's all I'm asking.''