Act 40: Catherine
"Beats christening the whole house back home uh?" Cooper jokes.
I punch him lightly on the shoulder feeling blush colouring my cheeks. "Hush."
"I don't know, from my experience christening the house is quite fun," Byron deadpan.
This time Nancy, Jude and I almost choke on our beers. "Dude, there is such a thing as an overshare even between us," Jude chortles making a weird face.
We all burst into laughter.
"Am I the only one who doesn't fantasize about christening our house?" Nancy asks with a chuckle.
"Please, you and Derek did it in the attic," Jude points out without missing a beat while Nancy's jaw drops on the floor and her face takes a reddish shade.
I look at Nancy in disbelief, surprised that Jude was privy to that detail and I was not. "What the… do you mean to tell me that all of you have done it in the house and I haven't?"
"You can't blame us for your crappy timing," Cooper shrugs.
"I can't believe we're talking about that," Byron reflects. "What's next? Who's member of the mile high club?"
When four of us bite our lips not to smile and look away Byron snorts. "Never mind," he shakes his head.
"Snacks?" Allan comes to us with bowl full of appetizers he and his brothers cooked with Lindsey and Sara.
We help ourselves and thank him before he walks away. "I have to say, that girlfriend of yours is my new hero," Jude states as he's munching on his appetizer.
I beam with pride and automatically look for Sara, I barely lay my eyes on her that she turns to me and smiles back with a wink before returning to her conversation.
She surprised me today with a gathering of all the people I care about at Nancy's for my birthday. I don't mind birthdays, I just never make a big deal out of mine. I don't care about getting old and I do like enjoying a full day focused on myself, I'm just never one to make big parties and such.
I was expecting to have a simple lunch at Nancy's, but as soon as I stepped in her yard I was overwhelmed by everyone wishing me happy birthday. Once I was over my surprise and had time to greet everybody, Nancy told me that it was Sara's idea.
Nancy's boys and Lindsey are playing perfect hosts, attending to everyone's need, they all dressed in black and white which make them really adorable.
"I agree, not only she made it possible for us to be here but she actually managed to have Mom attend the party," Byron nods. "Honestly I could marry her."
"Hey, back off, she's spoken for!" I push him playfully and send him a mock threatening glare. "Alright, I'm going to mingle a bit," I announce. "You should do the same."
I go around the yard talking to people. Everyone is having a good time, laughing, teasing, debating and not to spoil anything the weather is great. I don't remember the last time we had the occasion to gather like this but now I remember why I like it so much, and the fact that I'm the centre of attention does wonder to my ego. I'm really touched by everyone's presence and frankly it's my best birthday of the past decade.
I don't get to spend much time with Sara because she's playing hostess and guiding my nephews and Linds as they wait around.
"Cath!" Warrick waves me toward him and the boys. "How are you, birthday girl?" he gives me another warm hug.
"I feel excellent," I beam.
"You should, this is great. It has been ages since we've had something like this."
"I was thinking the same. I don't know how Sara pulled it off, but she did great."
"Our girl sure knows how to spoil you," he nods.
"That she does," I beam. Once again I watch Sara moving among the guests, making sure no one is missing anything.
"You got it bad for her, uh?"
I turn back to Warrick and see him grinning at me affectionately. The guys were surprised upon finding out that Sara and I were dating but once over their shock they were happy for us. Unlike what I had feared nothing changed, and they don't tease mercilessly, everything is just like before.
"Yeah, I do," I confirm. "You know if eight years ago you'd have told me that I'd find everything I'm looking for in a partner in Sara Sidle, I'd have laughed until I cried. Yet, look at me now, I'm with her and I'm happy. She's good with me, she's amazing with Linds, my brothers think she has super powers, Nancy likes her and she has won my mother over."
"Lilly?" he looks at me clearly impressed.
"The one and only. I tell you, I wake up every day feeling like I've won the lottery and the last thought I have before sleeping is to have a chance to enjoy all this for one more day. So far, so good."
"I'm really happy for you," he nods. "The way I see it, all those years of struggling you went through weren't in vain, this is the rightful reward."
"I like the sound of that," I agree.
"Cath! You have to hear this!" Nick exclaims as he joins us.
"What is it?"
"Guess who asked me out, yesterday?" Nick waggles his eyebrows.
"Frances?" I immediately mention the lab tech that has caught Nick's eyes a few months ago, Nick is quite the charmer but the girl seems immune to his charm which only makes Nick more interested.
"I wish, but no."
"Come on, spill," I prompt.
"Carson."
"Ah!" I pump a fist in the air. "I knew it! I told you I wasn't the one he was flirting with!" I chortle. "So? Are you going?" I waggle my eyebrows teasingly.
"Nah, I told him that I was only sweet on the ladies. He's coming with us the next time we're all going out though."
"You're okay with it all?" Greg asks with a frown. It's not that Nicky is a macho man, but it is true that sometimes he can be a tad uptight about things, even though he has considerably opened up over the years.
"Are you kidding? It's an ego boost, it means I'm so hot even the guys want me," Nick busts with pride waggling his eyebrows.
"Fair point," Greg concedes with a tilt of his head.
I turn to Warrick and hold my hand out. "You owe me fifty bucks," I smile with my tongue between my teeth.
"Ugh…" Warrick fishes in his pocket. "Damn it."
