Love's Journey 2
by Castlefan6
Authors Note This is the continuation of Love's Journey, originally authored by The Muse of Apollo, chapters 1-7 all following are work of Castlefan6' IF you haven't read the original Love's Journey please do so before proceeding with this,
I don't own Castle, I only use the characters for amusement purposes only
Chapter 8
Previously
"Can you come tomorrow at 7:30 PM, interviewing an acquaintance of Ricks for head of security, be nice to have your input as well Rick said. Let me know, Hugs, Jess"
She is careful to leave out how Rick and Mike became acquainted, that story was for Rick to tell who and when he was comfortable.
Less than a minute passes when the answer from Kate came
"I'll be there. XoXo KB
Castles Lot Next Day
12:00 Noon
Rick is sharing all of the documents he has received from First American since the deal was signed to Jess, both electronically as well as a hard copy so she could ask any questions she wanted in the lunch coming in a few minutes. Jess for her part is very business savvy and will kick anyone to the curb she feels who is disrespecting Rick. He is one of the few who knew she holds a Best Seller on the NY Times even to date.
"You nervous Rick? I mean it's natural and this is a big step, but I know you are going to be great" Jess reassures him with a simple loving kiss,
"Actually Angel, more excited than nervous at this point, I just hope Kelly comes off in person the way he does in email and phone. I think this could be a lot of fun, especially after fighting She Beast all those years" he makes a face and shrugs his shoulders "erhhhh What the hell was I thinking" that brings a huge laugh from Jess siting right by him, as always, his partner, his love, his everything.
Precisely at 12:30 the buzzer rings for the front door, Jess clasps Rick's hand and whisper's "This is it, Good Luck Love" as they make their way to the door. Rick opens the door to find an average height man, not overweight, but heading that direction, with sideburns showing more grey than black, standing in front of him, dressed in business slacks, and a polo shirt that read FAP, for First American Publishing.
"Hi Kelly right on time, I am Rick, and this is Jess, please come in, and welcome to our home"
Jess didn't believe the man's smile could get any wider, but it did as he shook Rick's hand, "It's good to finally meet you, I have been a fan of yours since the beginning and when I found out we lured you away, I wasn't trusting your career with us with anyone but me", and Jess you look so lovely, thank you both for the hospitality"
Jess and Rick both are amazed at how cordial and open this man was, compared to the suits at Black Pawn. "Thank you, Kelly, Rick has told me this is a first name basis meeting, it's great to meet you as well" "Rick has told me about your initial plans and I would love to hear more, especially the part where I get to keep him home more." she smiles
"I like her Rick, she says what's on her mind, and we welcome that, open honest communication on all levels, I've left larger corporations because I won't lie to any stakeholder."
Jess smiles, and Rick replies "Glad to hear that Kelly because neither of us are shy when it comes to letting you know what is on our mind, and this book is funding a larger project that is very near to my heart."
As the conversation carries on, both Jess and Rick find Kelly to be a breath of fresh air and exactly as he as portrayed himself in written communications. A touching moment was when Rick was explaining in broad terms a youth's time on the street, befriended by an older youth, who gave her life to save the young one. Kelly sighs deeply and says, "Life on the streets as a kid is tough, Thank God I had Grandparents who loved a tough little punk like me" and Jess is almost positive she spots a tear drop from his eye.
Kelly composes himself and says "Rick, I won't ask what the factor was to inspire you to write this, I know it is far more personal than you care to share, and that's fine. I hope we can carry this series out to a minimum of 5 books with a percentage increase for each one based on sales, and of course you retain right of control over content, layout, and marketing appearances."
"Also, FAP will be matching donations to this project through a separate account we have setup to help fund help for those who need it most." "I hope I didn't over step on that Rick," as Kelly see's the look on Rick's face,
"No, No, not at all, it's just I was an established author pulling in millions for Black Pawn and I couldn't get them to even take a chance, you don't know me from atom and are doing this."
"Oh, we know you better than you think Rick, it's no secret of your involvement with the soup kitchens and the large Anonymous donations that coincide when royalty checks are cut from Publishing houses" Kelly smiles "but of course we keep that all confidential."
"How do things sound so far Jess, Rick?" Kelly asks.
Jess turns to Rick, and he can tell she has a question, "Jess, go ahead ask anything Angel"
"Kelly, I know you mentioned minimal book tours, but can we put some numbers to that, I just can't sleep without Rick next to me?"
"Sure, we can Jess, how does nothing outside New York, or an eight-hour drive maximum, so he can technically be home every night" "How long have you two been engaged" Kelly asked.
Jess answers, "We're not" at the same time Rick adds "Yet"
"I'm sorry to be so presumptuous but you two are a match made in heaven"
Jess blushes, and just squeezes Rick's hand, ad he leans down and places sweet kiss on her lips.
The meeting ends with all parties happy, especially Jess who just can't stop hearing that one word, YET, from Rick's voice. Kelly asks that Rick wait one more week to send any of his drafts since he is leaving for a short vacation, and he has dealt with Gina before, and wants to be perfectly in accord with contract law.
"Well Rick, what do you think, everything you thought it would be?" Jess asks after Kelly has had time to enter the elevator after leaving the loft.
"That and more, no cross-country trips, since Kelly has his marketing do Skype meetings on large screens, and has a patented software where I can sign the book electronically and it appears as if I was there, a voice in the direction of future works, and an automatic bump on royalties without having to bring in the legal beagles" "How about you Love? Are you happy with the deal?"
Jess slides in front of Rick, pulls his face gently towards hers, and kisses him passionately, almost curling his toes. "Rick, no nights away from you, and they even setup matching contributions, seems like you are the man of the hour at FAP."
Rick glances up at the clock and see's it is now 2:30 PM "Wow I didn't know the time went so fast, do you want some early dinner, or just snacks, cuddle and a glass of wine Jess?"
"Ummmmmmmmm Let me see, dinner or some batting practice with my man, tough choice, but get over here" as she jumps on the couch with her arms open.
Rick walks over to her and picks her up bridal style, "More comfortable on the bed, besides we have a few hours to get a game in" as she giggles in his arms.
Castle's Loft
6:30 PM
"Rick, Sweetie, wake up, we have Kate and Mike due here in an hour"
"Ugh Sorry Jess, you wear me out, woman, don't you ever get tired, not that I'm complaining, just got to bump up my vitamins" Jess giggles and heads to the bathroom,
"Rick I'm grabbing a quick shower, ALONE, then you need to as well," as she closes the door ignoring Ricks protests.
Practice makes perfect, so they were both up, showered, changed and completely presentable by 7:15 PM, Rick had even started the coffee while Jess prepared the snack tray of finger sandwiches they had delivered earlier.
"Rick, we need to discuss something before Kate gets here," and Rick's face begins to pale, "I didn't say how you and Mike met, thought it best to come from you, but she is going to ask when she does her part of the interview and we need to be ready, OK?"
"Oh, yea you're right Jess, good catch, what if we tell her before we get into the vetting process,"
"What do you mean we Lover?" "That's your story to tell, I'm here for support" as she blows him an air kiss
Rick's phone pings with a new text, and as he opens it the front door chime rings, Jess heads to the door while Rick is finding his phone and checking the text.
"Kate, Great to see you again, we're so glad you could make it on short notice, I take it no Body Drop tonight?"
"Hey Jess" Kate responds returning her embrace, glad I could make it too, I know this is really important for you and Rick, and I want to help all I can." "No body drop and Karpowski is On Call tonight so I'm good".
Rick walks over just putting his phone back in his back pocket, "that was Mike, he will be about 30 minutes late," Rick says as he embraces Kate in their normal greeting, "Thanks for coming Kate,"
"Of course, Rick Kate says as she kisses his cheek ever so slightly".
"Jess, this gives us some time to bring Kate up to speed, so why don't we grab a coffee and I can update her" as he heads to the Coffee Nook and bar.
"Kate what would you like, Coffee, water, tea, or something stronger" Jess asks,
Kate laughs, "the day I turn down one of your fancy coffee blends is the day you have me checked for a pulse". She then looks at Rick and see's a very serious expression on his face, one she has seen only once, perhaps twice before and immediately begins to worry.
Jess brings the coffee, and an extra bottle of water for Rick, as he takes a very deep breath.
"Rick, whatever this is, please just out with it, you are scaring me half to death." Kate sighs.
Jess sits down next to Kate, and gently takes her hand as Rick begins,
"Kate, I know you have found out through Mother, although by accident, that I am adopted, I'm not sure how much more than that you know but there are some pieces we need to share with you. The story is not pretty and please if you can hold back I will answer your questions but just let me get through this OK?"
Jess squeezes Kate's hand as she replies, "Of course Rick, whatever you need,"
Rick explains in detail to Kate his life, beginning with his foster homes, his time as runaway, like on the streets, how close he came to death several times, how he met Rae, how she impacted him, finally through a sea of tears he fought through, her last day on earth as she fought to defend him, then his life as Martha Rogers son.
By this time Kate has moved from sniffles at the start of his story, to full deep sobs as she and Jess held each other, Jess crying with her, but Kate sobbing like she had lost a loved one.
"Kate, just hang on a little longer if you will I need to complete this story before Mike gets here, OK?"
Kate glances over and between sobs just nods yes,
Rick goes on to describe his time in the Marines, how he excelled and how a kind officer had pushed him and paved the way for promotions till finally 8 years later, at age 24 he was discharged as a Marine Captain with honors. He won't get into what honors, that's a story he and Jess need to share before he does with anyone else.
Rick pauses as Jess continues to comfort Kate, tears in her own eyes hearing it again has really hurt more now that she was so in love with this man, but she wouldn't show it, she'll be brave for Rick.
About 10 minutes later, Kate looks up with red, puffy eyes, and whispers, "Rick, I treated you so awful, forgive me, please forgive me, I had no idea, and like Martha said to me, I didn't take the time to find your story although you suffered each day to learn mine, I am a BITCH, that's all there is to it"
Rick looks over at Jess and nods for her to take the lead buying him a few seconds, "Kate, you are not a bitch, perhaps you used to act like one to make you appear tough for your job, but deep inside you are the same Kate that I and Rick Love"
Rick adds, "Kate forgiveness is a gift, accept it and move on, I don't want pity from anyone, but when Mike gets here, and things are brought up about military time, I wanted you to know, OK?"
Kate looks at Jess and asks "Jess can I give Rick a hug, I mean a real hug, I am so sorry"
Jess replies "Sure Kate, then adds don't forget I'll be timing you sister", that brings a small laugh,
Kate walks over to Rick, kisses his cheek then she initiated what could be construed as a bear hug, whispering "God, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry Rick" Rick returns her hug all the while eyes on Jess who just smiles letting her eyes approve of Rick hugging Kate as long as he needed. Some how the entire room felt like a huge weight had been lifted.
A/N We ran long with this part so next chapter Mike shows up, and plans are put in place to the actual start of Project Lost Innocence. For some guests having a problem with mature adults able to forgive and move on in life, it's called maturity, I hope you find it as well as the ability to forgive before you hate, so much healthier- Thanks for the Reads, Favorites and Follows, always appreciated. Tim
