Coming Out or Going In
by Castlefan6
Authors Note: From a fan prompt (Castle was lent out to Robbery temporarily to work cold cases while Demming is on suspension. Lead Detective Joy Park, a woman with a big secret causes friction between our couple. COMPLETELY AU, Some Scenes and events used to enhance the story,
I don't own Castle; I use the characters for amusement purposes only, except the ones I create.
Also, we take MANY liberties with the timeline from Canon and use events from other Canon episodes to make this a more believable fiction, thanks.
Chapter 17
Crosby Street Hotel
79 Crosby St, New York City, NY 10012-3905
Three Days Later, Night of Book Launch
/_/
EARLIER AT THE LOFT
Joy was excited, and Alexis was spending time with her helping her get ready, trying to calm her nerves down. She had never been in such a spotlight before, and the unknown factor was if Kate was going to show up or not, where did that leave her if she did.
"I don't want to embarrass your Dad Alexis, he's always been so supportive of me, but this is scaring the bejabbers out of me." She smiled,
"Why would you think you would embarrass Dad? You're beautiful, your dress is lovely, thanks to someone who helped you pick it out, she smiled, and so what if she does show up, you're the lady Dad is taking, and I know Dad, you'll be the one on his arm the entire night."
"Yeah, you're right Alexis, your Dad has always been the gentleman, no matter what, he always treated me with such respect, even when, eh well when we were in college." Joy said sadly,
"If you're referring to the time Dad hit on you in front of your fiancé Cathy, he told me the story years ago one day when we were looking at pictures. I saw the three of you doing so many things, I asked him who were the pretty ladies and why hadn't he dated them. He laughed and we had the first talk about love is love, it doesn't matter who the people are.
"I think I was 9 or 10, but Dad always explained everything in simple terms, and he's never lied to me. He told me that after Kyra dumped him, he finally managed to pull himself together enough to go to a party. He said he had some drinks and of course the first pretty girl he hit on was engaged, her fiancé was right beside her.
"I asked him did he get punched out, and he laughed and showed me Cathy's picture, and explained that she was your fiancé and that you two were so in love, no one stood a chance with either of you. He told me the horrible fate of Cathy, and I'm so sorry for you Joy, even after all this time, I know it still hurts" Alexis pulled her into a hug,
"You know what Alexis, one thing your Dad always did, was make sure Cathy and I were treated fairly, and for a while, we went everywhere together with the three of us, people thought we were having a threesome in sex, don't tell your dad I said that" she laughed,
"He already told me some of the stories and told me not to believe everything I hear, especially if it's about a friend, I should always give them the chance to tell their side of the story. That lesson saved my best friend and me in High School, if I had acted without talking to her, well we wouldn't be friends today." Alexis said softly,
"Has he told you anything about him and me Alexis? I mean I know he's not over Kate, I don't know if he will ever be, but well"
"He told me he loves you, you love him, and right now you were close and taking care of each other, but you both promised to look for the one meant for each other. You should have seen him dancing around that, I think he was afraid I was going to ask him if you two were having sex" Alexis laughed,
"We make love sweetie, far different than just sex, but he's right. I know I love him, he loves me, but we're not the missing piece of life's puzzle for each other and we want each other to find that. People think that's crazy, or just a line, but honey I can tell you when you find the right person for you, nothing ever replaces it, your Dad comes a close second, don't you tell him I said that" she giggled,
"Joy, all I know was Dad was a mess, then he came home from working with you and suddenly he was happy again, he even stopped drinking in his office as he tried to write. I was getting worried about him, he cares so much for others, I just don't understand how someone can hurt him, I mean, well you are taking care of him now." Alexis said softly,
"Alexis, I know how much your Dad loves you, and I'm only going to ask you for one favor, for him and for me, OK? IF and WHEN your Dad forgives Kate, and they can work it out, I promised to let go of the sexual part of our relationship, but not the friendship portion. Rick has said if she can't accept me in his life then she could move on, so please if he can forgive her, please do so also. It would mean more than you know to your Dad and me." Joy said with a tear in her eye,
"You really love my Dad don't you Joy? Is that why you're not looking, giving him room to let the door close on Kate? You know you could force it, he loves you and I'm sure you two would be happy together, and hell, I would love to have you in our family, if you wanted to be."
Tears did fall this time, "Alexis that's sweet, are you sure you're only a freshman in college, yes I do love your Dad, and right now there is nothing that anyone could give me that I don't already have. I want him to come to me, not I sabotage Kate, I could have, many times, but sweetie when you love someone, you want them to be with the one they love."
"Here, let me dab your eye, you'll spoil your makeup, and whatever makes Dad and you happy, I will be happy with, I promise," Alexis said,
"You wouldn't have a problem that I had come out as gay?" Joy asked,
Alexis rolled her eyes, and said "Love is Love, and we're glad you're with Dad." They walked downstairs to a wolf whistle from Rick who was dressed in his Tux. He looked so handsome, Alexis crossed the room and adjusted his tie, as Joy smiled. Rick had really raised a wonderful daughter.
"Well Ladies, the limo is here, we have to leave to get there to set up for the VIP signing, sorry this is going to be so boring for you Joy," Rick said
"Are you kidding me, what did we three do in college when we were all broke?" Joy asked,
Rick smiled, his big smile, "We people watched"
"Exactly, so I'm so happy to get a chance to see you in action." Joy smiled
"Alexis, we never got a response from Kate, so I'm not sure if she's going to show up or not"
"Don't worry Dad, I'll be nice, Joy, and I already talked about it. Let's go, you don't want to be late" as she headed for the door, Rick looked at Joy with a look of love, he mouthed "Thanks"
XxX
Crosby Street Hotel
Main Ballroom
Alexis, Joy, and Rick walked into the ballroom to find stacks and stacks of the latest book, High Heat, with cardboard cutouts life-size of Rick, a few smaller poster boards of Kate were positioned near the stacks of books, but you could easily miss them.
"Wow Rick, this is great!" Joy exclaimed, "look at how many of you I get to take home with me", she laughed
"Now you've done it Joy, his head is big enough already, as Rick pouted, sorry Dad, you know I'm just kidding" Alexis amended just as Gina walked up to them.
"Thank you for getting him here on time Alexis, Joy, I know I would be calling him for the third time to see where he was at without you two" she laughed, Rick looked at her with a pouty face, then laughed,
"You probably would, the venue looks great Gina, you and Paula outdid yourself this time," Rick said with a smile,
"Well, if I could pull you away for just a few minutes I'd like to go over the schedule, we have your single malt if you'd like to grab a drink. I'll bring him back soon, I promise" Gina said,
"So, Rick, we have heard from all but three of the VIP guests, we sent out the three hundred, counting their plus-ones, and we are expecting 294 guests so we'll have to hustle to get them all through the signing and give you some time before the public signing.
"I'll try to keep the line moving, but I know some will want to camp out and tell you all about their grandkids, I know you love to talk to your fans, but sweetie, we need to keep it brief, OK?" Gina said kindly,
"Well if your kindness doesn't work have Paula throw them out" as they both laughed, it was true Paula was anything but tactful.
"Rick, don't you want to know who the three no responses were?" Gina asked
"Not especially, but go ahead and tell me, I'm sure the Detective, excuse me, Lieutenant is one of them, and I'm guessing Conolly isn't coming he wasn't feeling that well at the last card game," Rick said in an even keel,
"Well you guessed the two, and Captain Montgomery isn't coming he's in the middle of a fishing charter, he told me you'd understand" Rick started laughing,
"Yes, I understand, the sucker is staying in my beach home and puts a fishing charter above seeing me, I'm glad he's learning to relax in retirement. Joy and I will have to drive out, you're welcome to come if you wish, not sure what Alexis's plans are now that she's all grown up, she doesn't share so much" he frowned,
"I think she wants to spend as much time with Martha as she can, you said it, she's growing up and realizes now that her Grams won't be here forever." Gina said sadly, "Let me check with Tony, we may meet you out there for a weekend unless you're in a hurry to get back to your Mansion, or Castle, Rick" she smiled as she escorted him back to Joy and Alexis.
"Did he give you any problems Gina?" Joy asked kiddingly,
"No, he behaved, we have to get ready I see some of the early arrivals starting to file in, see you in a bit, knock them dead Rick" she leaned in and kissed his cheek and walked away as Alexis and Joy smiled.
"Are you nervous Rick, I mean you've done this so many times, I bet it's like riding a bicycle, "Joy said softly,
"The day I stop being nervous is the day I quit; it means you don't care enough about your readers to care what they think. I never want to go out like that, I want to do it on my terms." Rick said as Joy felt his palms begin to perspire,
"Hey, look at me, look at me, Rick. You'll never disappoint your readers, you got this, and Alexis and I will be right here for you, now you knock them dead sweetie" Joy kissed him long and deep, not worried if Alexis saw since they had their talk and she had received her blessing.
Gina was making her way to the stage as Rick, and Joy walked hand in hand behind the curtain to await his cue,
"Good evening to you our VIP Audience, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support of Rick Castle, and Black Pawn. We have an open bar, appetizers are on the opposite wall and both will remain open until 7:00 PM, to allow the teardown before our general session.
"This as you know is the precursor to the exciting finale of the series, so we are excited to present what I think is one of Rick's best works. Please put your hands together and welcome the man of the hour, our own Rick Castle," as she stepped aside when Rick appeared and applause filled the ballroom, Gina handed him the microphone kissed him gently, and left the stage.
"Thank you, thanks everyone, Gina doesn't take enough credit for her contribution to the success of this and all my books. I also need to thank Paula Haas, she knows how to push me to within an inch of my sanity, but she loves me, and her efforts are a big reason why I'm here with hopefully our 24th Best Seller.
"I owe my entire career to my daughter, Alexis, my first and biggest fan, and always willing to tell me the truth, even when it's painful. I still remember her first review when she was younger, she read a few lines and looked at me and said, 'Daddy, this sucks' Rick smiled as the crowd roared and Alexis turned red. Anticipating the question from Joy, she nodded, "Yes I did, Joy, I was 8 or 9" she smiled.,
"This book is different than any that I have written, I owe that to my dear friend, and Executive Vice President of RCE, in charge of operations for RCE Investigations for our west coast, Joy Park. For those that have skipped ahead to the dedication page, yes this is the Joy that this book is dedicated to.
The sound of pages turning could be heard throughout the crowd, then silence as Rick began to read the words from his notes,
"To Joy,
Thank you for teaching my heart how to heal, for your true friendship over all these years, your tireless efforts on this book, and for restoring my belief in love, I hope it makes you as proud of me as I am of you. – Rick"
Rick read the dedication as Alexis hugged a crying Joy, the dedication came as a complete surprise to her, she knew how much they meant to Rick and his books. She was there when he dedicated A Rose for Ever After to Kyra, and at that time, both she and Cathy thought it was just about the most romantic thing any male had ever done for any female.
The dedication wasn't lost on someone else either, two ladies were just making their way into the ballroom, still able to hear Rick speaking as their VIP badges were verified. Kate Beckett and Roz Karpowski looked around, both ladies looking dressed to the nines, Roz walking on into the ballroom, Kate stopping by the bar to order a vodka martini. Roz was approached by Alexis and greeted with a smile and a huge hug.
"Roz, it's so good to see you, I didn't know you were coming tonight. I know Dad added you to the VIP list, but he told me you responded that you were already coming as a plus one" Alexis said as she pulled back,
"Hi Alexis, yes I did. Your Dad sent the largest bouquet of flowers I have ever seen, I thought I was going to have to rent another apartment," she smiled. "Kate had already asked me to come with her, I know she was really torn between coming or not, so she needed some support," Roz said softly,
"That's great you have her back Roz, I understand. Dad said if she showed up to be sure to make her feel welcome." Alexis said as Roz was a bit taken back in shock,
"Well, your Dad is always the gentleman, always making everyone feel at ease. How is your grandmother, she's such a hoot? I know she has a lot more life left in her, but she does need someone there to ensure she's taking her medications with WATER, not wine" as they both laugh,
"You're right Roz, and Carmella has already set her straight, threatening to hide all the booze if she doesn't behave." Kate Beckett has approached from behind, and said softly,
"Hi Alexis, it's good to see you again," Kate said softly, as Alexis turned around,
"Hi, Det, eh Lieutenant Beckett, how have you been?" She replied politely,
"Please Alexis, it's Kate, I've been well, how about you and your family, I hope you're enjoying Stanford?" Kate asked,
"Most days yes, but there are days, that well, you've been there" Alexis replied, and Kate smiled,
"Upperclassmen are always a pain in the ass, you just have to pay your dues and soon it will be you enjoying pulling the pranks," Kate smiled
"I can't wait, really. May I show you to the appetizers and food setup, I see you have a drink Kate, do you need anything" Alexis asked, showing her manners as she promised.
Roz and Kate followed her around the bar, and there was the food table, well tables with all sorts of variety of food, cheeses, fruits, you name it, you could almost bet it was probably on the table somewhere.
Rick hadn't spotted the two ladies as they walked in, but as he did a room survey for his daughter, he caught sight of Roz first, then Kate. She looked different, it was her hair, she had cut it, not as short as when they first met, but it was definitely shorter than when the last time he saw her. He wasn't ready to speak to her just yet, as he felt a familiar hand take his, looking down he saw the beautiful almond eyes of Joy.
"Rick, take your time, sweetie this is your world, you control it, so when you're ready talk to her hon, I'm fine. You KNOW what we have, where we stand, you need to talk to her, if not for her at least for yourself. I'll be right here if you need me, OK?" she leaned in and kissed his lips gently.
Rick looked into her eyes, "You're something else you know that. Thanks, and you're right, I do need to talk to her. I'll do it, I promise, I just have to pick my spot," he replied,
Rick was making his rounds thanking some prominent guests when he heard a voice, he hadn't heard in months come from behind him.
"Hi Rick, look I know this is probably a bad time but do you think we could talk, I mean I'll wait until you're free, I don't mind," Kate asked,
Rick turned and said, "Hi Kate, sure, look I have to sign books for the next hour, but I have a break between the VIP and General sections of this Kick-Off, so if you don't mind waiting, enjoy the food and bar and we can talk,"
"That would be great Rick, thanks, it's a great venue Roz is still overwhelmed and Alexis was so polite when she greeted us, I know it was tough for her, but she was a real lady, you should be proud."
"Thanks, and I am, well, I don't have to tell you how I feel about her. It's hard to get used to her moving on with her life, and Mother, well, none of us are sure how much gas she has in the tank. I'm sure Roz has told you, eh, let me get to signing books and we'll talk in about an hour. Enjoy yourself" he said as he turned took Joy's hand and walked to the signing table.
TBC