Hey Lovelies,
Happy Hump Day!
Thanks to the legends that left a review! i do this for you ( but also to for fill my crazy fantasies haha) Little Rose, you need to join so I reply to you!
Anyway, not much to report... we'll be back to the present soon.
Fine is a 4 Letter Word
Chapter 7
The next morning Kate awoke on her couch, the last thing she remembered was crying in 2Dads arms. She prayed that he wouldn't tell anyone about her 'episode', it would definitely halt her return, she couldn't risk it. She picked up her phone and messaged him, 30 minutes later he knocked on her door.
Kate sheepishly answered the door and let him in. They sat down on the couch, she didn't know how to start.
"Ah, thanks for last night..."
He wasn't sure what to say either, he had yelled at Kate, his boss. He had never imagined that he would speak to her the was he had last night.
"That's okay, I, we, everyone, just wants you to be happy."
He cringed realising that happiness was far from something you would feel after losing someone.
"Ah, you know what I mean."
She smiled at 2Dads sentiment, she did know and it warmed her heart to know how much he cared.
"So, about last night. I just need you to know it's not a problem. You have to know that I'd never bring it on board."
2Dads watched her expression, her eyes were pleading with him to believe her. He felt terrible, he knew she would never break Navy regulations, she was Kate McGregor but her behaviour worried him.
"Kate..."
She could tell by his anxious expression and tone of voice that he was concerned. She reached out and grabbed his hand and stared into his eyes.
"2Dads, I will be fine! Please, just let me work through this!"
He sighed and smiled at her.
"You're still seeing someone?"
Kate nodded.
"Yes and when I get back from patrol..."
2Dads tucked his hand into his pocket and retrieved out an envelope. He spun it around in his hand for a moment wondering if he should hand it over. Kate frowned and playfully tapped him on the shoulder.
"What's that?"
He refused to make eye contact and continued to fiddle with the envelope.
"Ah, we bought it for you as a birthday present turned engagement present, that's why, umm, Jim's name is on the card, I thought I'd just warn you..."
He handed her the envelope, she cautiously took it from him like it was a ticking time bomb. She wasn't sure that she wanted to open it so she just stared at it for a minute, 2Dads cleared his throat wondering if he should take it back and pretend it never existed.
"You don't have to take it..."
She glanced up at him for a second.
"No, its okay, I'm okay..."
She tore open the envelope hoping that she could keep it together.
Her stomach dropped as she read the text on the front of the card, it read, "Happy Engagement" but the crew had crossed out "Happy" and written "The rules of". 2Dads watched has her eyes scanned the card, he winced sensing it wasn't having the effect that it meant to, he let out a halfhearted laugh.
"It was supposed to be funny, cos we have rules of engagement and..."
She turned and smiled ever so slightly,
"Yeah, I get it 2Dads…"
She exhaled sharply and opened the card. Inside all the crew had each written a "rule of engagement", she couldn't help but smile while reading them.
"Jim,
do everything she says, she's terrifying when she's mad.
Kate,
congratulations, he will do anything you say. Love, 2Dads"
"Kate,
no, you can't take the typhoon home when you have an argument.
So happy for you both!
Dutchy"
"Jim,
Kate is our little/big sister, oh what am I saying, she can take care of herself! You should be the one that's scared. If you need her to be more agreeable I'll give you my Guava Mojo recipe!
Charge XO"
She had to stop reading, although it made her so happy that her crew cared so much it also reminded her that she didn't have any of this anymore, no crew or family or Jim.
2Dads could see she was struggling and reached for the card, Kate resisted and placed it on the couch while wiping the tears from her face.
"It's lovey 2Dads, thanks for giving it to me!"
He pulled out the loose piece of paper that was sitting inside and handed it to her.
"It's a voucher for a hotel in Port Douglas, a bit of a break. I thought you could still use it, you know, relax before you come back out with us..."
Kate tried to compose herself but all her mind couldn't concentrate on was Jim and how happy they would have been together. She couldn't keep it in and she lost it and burst into tears, 2Dads moved closer and placed an arm around her shoulder to try comfort her.
"Kate, I'm sorry... look, I'll take it away."
Kate reached and grabbed his hand stopping him.
"2Dads, it's fine, I just, I just wasn't prepared... but I'm glad you gave it to me, it will help, thank you!"
She embraced him and gave him a squeeze, a smile spread over 2Dads face.
"I really appreciate it,and it was a good idea..."
There was an awkward silence.
"Maybe I'll see if they have some time this week, hopefully I'll be back next week."
She got off the couch and picked up her phone wandered into the kitchen to make a booking, 2Dads sat on the couch looking around her lounge room, everything that was happening indicated that she was getting back on track and her house did look normal again but he was still worried. He took out his phone and opened a new message.
"Hey mate, give me a call when you can, it's about Kate..."
His finger hovered over the send button wondering if he should go ahead, he glanced up at Kate who was pacing the kitchen on the phone. He shook his head and deleted the message.
Kate came back into the room and he quickly shoved his phone back into his pocket and smiled.
"How'd you go?"
"All Good..."
She smiled and plonked herself back on the couch.
"Yep, all booked in for tomorrow actually, can't wait."
2Dads stood and squeezed her shoulder and smiled.
"Good, and try to relax okay?"
She nodded, 2Dads made his way to the front door, he turned before leaving.
"It's good to have you back, Kate..."
She flashed him a smile as he shut the door. The smiled faded from her face as the door clicked shut, she glanced at the card sitting on the couch and reached over and picked it up, she was about to open it but she stopped herself, it was too painful. She rose from the couch and shoved it into the same drawer where she hid their photo together.
She walked over to the kitchen sink and opened the doors and stood there for a moment, she shook her head at herself and slammed the doors shut and went upstairs.
Later that afternoon Kate sheepishly knocked on Mike's door. She was about to walk away when it swung open, she turned back to see a surprised Mike.
"Ah, hi..."
"Kate, everything okay?"
Kate let out a frustrated huff.
"Why does something have to be the matter for me to come and see you?"
He motioned for her to enter.
"Sorry, Kate..."
She hung her head, she wanted to try and make things right.
"Sorry, look I just wanted to come and apologise for the other day, I'm trying to, umm, get myself together and I thought the first step was apologising."
"You don't need to apologise Kate..."
"Yeah, I do Mike and I need to take responsibility for my actions... I need to deal with things and I wasn't doing it very well. So, umm, do you accept my apology?"
Mike reached out and touched her hand.
"Of course... so you wanna stay for lunch?"
"Oh no, I umm, I'm going on a mini break..."
"Kate McGregor on holiday? I don't believe it!"
"Yeah, see, new me!"
"Well, have a good time!"
The next morning Kate pulled up to the Sheraton hotel and got out her car, she slid her sunglasses onto her head and admired the resort. The valet approached her and cleared his throat.
"Ma'am, are you a guest here?"
"Oh, yes..."
He held out his hand of her keys, she placed them in his palm and smiled
"Thanks..."
She grabbed her suitcase out of the car and wheeled it into the foyer, she approached the desk and was greeted with a friendly looking gentleman.
"Checking in?"
She nodded and handed over her ID and credit card.
"This place is beautiful.."
The man behind the counter nodded and continued to type on the computer.
"Yes, 5 star, the best, a great choice Ms. McGregor... Anyway so are you up here on business or pleasure?"
"Ah, business..."
She paused, she didn't know why she lied.
"Great, well would you like a quiet room then?"
"Yeah, that would be great..."
"Oh, sorry I have a voucher..."
Kate rummaged around in her bag and found the piece of paper and handed it to him. He typed on the computer entering the voucher into the system.
"Oh, yes..."
She watched at his eyes scanned the screen, his expression saddened for a moment then he glanced back up to her forcing smile back on to his face. Kate tilted her head slightly, confused about his expression.
"Is something the matter?"
James realised that he had given something away, he tried to put on his best customer service face.
"Not at all jus,t umm, have to fix something with your booking..."
Kate sighed, she knew what was going on.
"Did someone call? I know that the booking was supposed to be for 2..."
James winced trying not to react and not wanting to make her feel uncomfortable. Kate sighed a little and tried to smile through it.
"It's okay, James..."
He gave her a halfhearted smile.
"At least you've got people watching out for you..."
"Yeah, I do..."
He handed back her ID and card and activated her key card.
"Great, all sorted, enjoy your stay, and if there's anything I can do to make your stay more enjoyable please don't hesitate to ask, my name is James..."
Kate froze hearing his name.
"Thanks James, will do..."
Kate pressed the key card to the sensor and swung open the door, she smiled as she walked into the room. It was bright and welcoming, she placed her suitcase at the foot of the bed and unpacked her clothes into the wardrobe. She walked around the room opening drawers and cupboards, in the lounge she opened a small door and found the mini bar, her eyes gazed over the multiple mini bottles of booze, she immediately shut the door and sat on the couch. She tapped her feet on the floor, she didn't really know how to relax, her life was so hectic and real downtime was a rarity.
She got up and glanced out the window down to the pool, it was fairly quiet being the start of the week. She went back into the bedroom to get changed into her bathers and grabbed a towel.
She lay her towel on one of the lounges and placed herself on top, she wiggled herself into a comfortable position and placed her sunglasses over her eyes. She closed her eyes for a moment trying to take in the peace and quiet. Seconds later the tranquility was disturbed by a scream and a splash of water hitting her. She bolted upright and removed her sunglasses to see what had caused a commotion. An enchanting woman was woman splashing around in the pool with a very handsome man, the woman looked over to her and noticed her annoyed expression. She swam over to Kate's side of the pool and propped herself up on the side.
"Oh, I'm sorry did I get you?"
Kate's smiled politely as she wiped the water off her body with her towel.
"Yeah, but it's fine, really..."
The woman got out of the pool and wrapped a towel around herself.
"No, you were relaxing and minding your own business, sorry, hey, let me buy you a drink to make up for it..."
Kate wived her hands in the air dismissing her offer.
"No, that's really not necessary..."
"I think it is... C'mon!"
She reached out and pulled Kate to her feet and dragged her to the bar, she turned to the man in the pool and leaned down and gave him a kiss.
"I'll be back soon..."
Kate hesitated a little.
"Look it's really okay, I don't want to pull you away from your husband. You're obviously spending some time together..."
The woman laughed and pulled Kate further towards the bar.
"He's not my husband, he's umm, fun..."
They sat at the bar and the woman ordered 2 cocktails.
"Oh, I'm Jade by the way…"
"Kate…"
"So, you here on holiday?"
"Yeah, just a quick trip before I go back to work..."
"Nice, what do you do?"
Kate paused, she didn't really want to divulge that she worked in the Navy.
"Ah, government..."
Jade let out a laugh and nodded towards the bartender.
"I think we'll need some shots too!"
Kate shook her head insistently.
"Oh no, I can't do shots! I'm actually trying to have a dry holiday…"
"Kate, you work for the man, you need a drink."
The bartender placed 2 cocktails in front of them, Jade glanced at Kate's uncertain expression.
"Okay, so what's telling you that you need a dry vacation? Seriously?"
Kate wasn't normally the type of person to reveal personal information to a complete stranger but somehow it seemed easier.
"I just have been on it a lot lately, I've been on leave…"
Jade playfully tapped her on the arm.
"Yeah, well drinking at work is frowned upon right? C'mon Kate, you're in a tropical paradise, it would be rude not to have a cocktail."
Kate took a moment, maybe this is what she needed, a friend who didn't know the real her, the sad broken woman who lost her fiancée. She was on holiday after all and would probably never see this woman again, she could be anyone she wanted, someone completely different. Kate let out a huff of defeat.
"Okay, lets do this!"
Jade let out an excited squeal and called the bar tender over.
"2 shots of, hmm, surprise me!"
Kate laughed and sipped her cocktail, Jade put her cocktail back on the bar and excitedly patted her arm while swallowing her mouthful.
"What are you doing tonight? I heard there's some crazy pool foam party at one of the hotels... you wanna come?"
Kate realised that she didn't bring any clothes to go out in, well not for clubbing anyway.
"Ah, yeah I guess but I don't have anything to wear."
"That's fine, I've got plenty of stuff, afternoon make overs!"
She clinked her glass with Kate's and they both took a sip, Kate glanced back at the attractive man in the swimming pool.
"What about him?"
"Oh, it's okay, I can catch up with him later..."
She let out a giggle and nudged her with her elbow.
"If you know what I mean..."
Later that day and 7 cocktails later Jade and Kate stumbled up to Jade's room.
Jade rummaged around in the wardrobe and fond a few pieces of clothing for Kate and held them up in front of her.
"What do you think?"
Kate could help but laugh.
"If my crew at work saw me in these, they would think I've gone nuts…"
Jade looked mildly offended and raised an eyebrow, Kate took another sip of her drink.
"I don't mean, look I wear a uniform every day and I'm in charge, they've never really seen me in anything else than that and a maxi dress.
Jade shoved the pile of clothes in Kate's arms.
"When I'm done with you, they won't recognise you!"
She walked over to the tall boy and fished out a bra and tossed it on the top of the pile and gave her a wink.
"you need a bit of oomph! Call out when you're dressed, I'll freshen up our drinks."
She grabbed the glass out of Kate's full hands and shut the door behind her.
20 minutes later Jade was becoming impatient and knocked on the bedroom door.
"Kate? C'mon, I'm dying to see you!"
Kate stood in front of the mirror tugging down on the hem of the tight, petite dress that barley covered her bottom.
"okay, I guess I'm ready."
Jade flung open the door, and her eyes widened as she saw Kate.
"You look hot as!"
Kate turned to face her, Jade handed her a drink.
"I dunno…"
"Kate, you have a banging body, don't hide it…"
Kate attempted to take a few steps in the stiletto heels, she wobbled like a baby giraffe taking it's first steps.
"I feel like a different person..."
"That's the point! Look, I have fun Kate, I'm not a relationship person and well if you hear me calling myself Layla tonight well, just go along with it..."
Kate scrunched up her face not understanding her reasoning.
"So you lie to them? What if you meet someone great?"
Jade chuckled slightly.
"Well, if they're amazing then they'll understand why I do this... so..."
Jade walked over to her suit case and brought out a large box, she opened it and pulled out a long, wavy brown wig and placed it on Kate's head.
"Now you can be a completely different person, you don't have to be "Straight Kate" who works for the government tonight…"
Kate positioned herself in front of the mirror and looked herself up and down nodding with approval. Jade walked up and stood beside her and smiled.
"So, I'm Layla, nice to meet you…"
Kate flicked the long strands of hair behind her shoulder and a devious smirk came across her face.
"Hi, I'm Brooke..."
End of Chapter 7
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