A/N: guys, sorry for the long wait, i've had problems in downloading the chapters! im really sorry... those who replied to my whinings, thanks! hahaha... enjoy your reading...
PART 7IN THE HEAT OF PASSION
Katie rolled in her bed and fell on the floor with a loud thud. It was past noon, and she had a really painful awakening. Not only did she fall from the bed, but her head felt like hell. She felt like her skull was being sliced in the middle with a knife. She got up from the floor while rubbing her throbbing head, and made her way to the bed again.
How the hell did I get home? Katie pondered, 'coz the last things that happened last night were vague. She could barely remember a thing. The last thing she could remember was dancing with Sarah, and of course, that incident with Paris and Tara. When she looked around to find clues, she found a glass of water and two tablets of aspirin rested on her nightstand.
At the hospital, Sarah entered the locker room for the interns and found Jessie arranging her things in her locker.
"Hey Jessie." Sarah smiled.
"Hey." Jessie said, smiling back.
"So, how's Katie? Hope she didn't get a concussion or anything." Sarah grinned as she remembered how wasted Katie was.
"She's okay…" Jessie cleared her throat. "You guys seemed to hit it off last night. You up for a second date?" Jessie was trying so hard to act casual. Sarah watched her face for a moment before answering.
"Nah…" Sarah replied. Jessie's eyes snapped at Sarah's direction as soon as she heard her answer.
"Really?" Jessie realized she said it too cheery, so she cleared her throat and toned herself down. "I mean, she's really pretty and nice."
"Yeah, but a dark secret lies behind those good looks and nice personality. She's a really bad kisser."
"I wouldn't say that." Jessie blurted out before she could even think. Sarah merely gave her a knowing look. Realizing what she had just said, Jessie felt her face burning in embarrassment and guilt.
"I mean… Oh God…" Jessie covered her face with her hands. She heard Sarah chuckle.
"I knew she had her eyes on you." Sarah smiled, lightly tapping Jessie's shoulder.
"Sarah, I'm so sorry. I swear, it just happened."
"Relax Jessie, Katie isn't exactly my girlfriend."
"Yeah, but you like her."
"Sure, 'til we had that horrible kiss." Sarah chuckled. Jessie thought for a moment before asking.
"Was it really horrible?" Sarah laughed at Jessie's question.
"I was kidding." Sarah opened her locker and put her bag inside.
"What do you mean?"
"We didn't kiss. Paris Hilton got to her first and I'm not too thrilled to take on her leftovers." Sarah saw the smile crept through Jessie's face. "Whether she's the worst or the best kisser, I really wouldn't know. We decided to be friends, and besides, what can I expect from her? I mean she IS Katie Singer."
The smile on Jessie's face visibly faded. Sarah had a point. What can you expect from the unobtainable Katie Singer? Even Paris Hilton, hotel heiress, one of Hollywood's it girls, and probably one of the prettiest girls alive, couldn't tame her.
"Jessie, I didn't mean it like that. I saw the way she looked at you last night, you're special. Katie doesn't have to say that to let people know that." Sarah continued after seeing Jessie's reaction. Jessie forced a smile and shrugged.
"So, why are you with Chris?"
"He's my boyfriend."
"I'm asking you WHY you're with him." Sarah said seriously. Jessie looked up at her.
"I can't just dump Chris just because I have these feelings for Katie. I mean, it's really new to me, you know. It's too intense and it drives me crazy… SHE drives me crazy. There's too much tension, too much charge, whenever she's around my mind doesn't seem to work and…"
"Exactly, Jess." Sarah smiled.
"I'm scared."
"Of what?"
"Of everything." Jessie sighed.
"Then you need to figure it out." Sarah then looked sympathetically at Jessie before leaving the locker room. Jessie was left staring in space.
Meanwhile, at the Coffee Park that afternoon, Katie was waiting at her favorite table when Ira personally delivered her espresso. She could barely mutter a thanks. Her head was in extreme pain. If she could, she'd go to sleep, but she's had too much of that and couldn't sleep anymore anyway. She gulped at her cup of espresso, hoping it would ease the headache without paying attention to Ira.
"You're welcome." Ira said in sarcasm.
"Piss off, Ira." Katie growled at him in annoyance.
"I would if Tad's here to take care of you and make sure you don't pilfer our table napkins again." Ira joked but unfortunately for him, Katie didn't get it, as she's not in the mood for jokes, not to mention that Ira never jokes around before. Not with her anyway.
"No thanks, but you can have all of your table napkins." Katie snorted. Ira didn't leave. After giving Katie a once-over, he occupied the seat opposite her.
"What happened to you? You look like shit." He said in concern. Katie sure didn't look so hot today. This is one of Katie's few bad hair days as she had her hair loosely tied in a pony tail and was wearing a really big pair of dark sunglasses. And Ira's not used to seeing her like this.
"Don't act like my brother, okay?"
"Oh please, I'm too good-looking to be your brother, Katie." Ira matched Katie's annoyance. Most days, he enjoys bickering with Katie, it's been part of their 'bonding'. But today, Katie seemed to be really out of it. She doesn't seem normal.
"You got drunk?" Ira asked, as if not knowing the answer. Katie never gets drunk. She drinks, but had never gotten drunk, ever. I mean, how can she take a girl home when she's drunk, right?
"So?" Katie sipped from her cup again.
"Why?"
"Because I was partying at Hard Rock with the Patriots and it was free." Katie answered sarcastically.
"Oh, I get it. Because every girl was all over the Patriots last night, nobody paid you any attention and it killed you." Ira shook his head. "You know, maybe the female population had actually realized that a philanderer like you is not worth any of their time. You should try moving to another State. Girls might believe you again." Ira was more sarcastic. Katie glowered at him.
"Do you have any idea how Paris Hilton wants me to call her again? Unfortunately, I had a date. In fact, she's on her way to meet me now so piss off before I kill you." Katie huffed in her seat.
"You know, you're scary when you're like that. I should call Tad and tell him how crazy you have become when he's gone." Ira left the table and sighed.
Ira watched Katie behind the coffee bar 'til a girl joined her at their table. Ira didn't recognize the person, but thought she was good-looking.
"Hi." Sarah smiled at her.
"Hey, thanks for coming. Take a seat." For the first time since Katie entered The Coffee Park, Ira saw her smile.
"Sorry I'm late. I just got off from work. We've got a lot of VA's at the emergency room, I couldn't leave right away. So, why did you want to meet me?" Sarah looked over the menu that was rested in front of her.
"Uh… About last night, I'm sorry. I got really wasted and… I don't really know what to say." Katie chuckled at herself, embarrassed and sorry at the same time.
"Don't worry, it's okay." A waiter approached them and got Sarah's order. "I'd like two lattes to go, thanks." She smiled at the waiter and the waiter left to get it.
"I hope you don't mind, I can't stay long. My mum's in town, we're going shopping together." Sarah chuckled. "We're really close and I haven't seen her a long time." Katie smiled at her.
"I'm really sorry." Katie looked apologetically at her. Sarah was amused at Katie.
"Why are you apologizing? We agreed to be friends, and friends get drunk all the time. If I get drunk next time we hang out, you'd understand, right?" Sarah smiled reassuringly at her.
"That's the point. I mean, we agreed to be friends. And yet, I still crossed the line and---"
"Wait a minute, what are you talking about?" Sarah had no clue about what Katie was talking about.
"Truth is, I'm not really sure if it was a dream or if I did it for real, but I really need to talk to you and clear things between us, 'coz I don't want to complicate this friendship. I really like you as a friend."
"Katie, just go straight to the point, okay? The suspense is kind'a killing me." Sarah chuckled.
"I think I kissed you last night." Katie sighed.
"I remember your lips grazing my neck but it wasn't because you're kissing me. You were too drunk to stand on your own so I supported you and let your head rest of my shoulder." Sarah told Katie.
"No I was talking about the part when you brought me home and I kissed you when you helped me get to bed." Katie frowned, wondering why Sarah couldn't remember what she was talking about. Or maybe it was really a dream… Katie thought.
"I wasn't the one who brought you home. I would have, but Jessie said she was having a migraine, so she brought you along." Sarah's smile widen upon seeing the flustered look in Katie's face.
"Jessie?" Katie squeaked.
"Yup… Jessie." Sarah grinned.
"Are you serious?"
"Yeah." Sarah stifled a laugh.
"She… She's the one who changed my clothes?" Katie cleared her throat.
"I supposed. She wouldn't have allowed Chris to do that for you, and Grace is still in Chicago, right?" Sarah watched Katie's reaction. Katie looked frozen for a while, staring at the table, unmoved. The waiter finally brought Sarah's order and Sarah paid for it.
"Thanks." She smiled at the waiter again.
"Did I really kiss her?" Katie looked up to meet Sarah's jovial smile.
"Why don't you ask her?" Sarah got up from her seat. "I'll see you around, Katie." Sarah waved goodbye and left The Coffee Park. Katie sat in disbelief.
Things are more complicated than I thought…
Katie stayed longer in The Coffee Park than she intended to. Ira kept throwing worried glances at her, not used to seeing her so anxious and worried. He saw her wasting table napkins again (not drawing, just wasting), but he didn't say anything about it. Katie doesn't seem to be in the mood for anything right now. He knew he'd actually get to her nerves if he says anything. So, he let he do what she wants to do, as long as he can keep an eye on her. He knew something was bothering Katie.
Jessie was alone at the penthouse unit, impatiently waiting for Katie to come home. She has no idea where she was. She was getting worried, 'coz Katie didn't leave a note or something. Not that Katie has to. They're just friends and roommates, which frustrates Jessie more and more as she thinks about it. She really wants to talk to Katie, despite of not knowing what to talk about. There are issues she needs to be cleared between them. And when it's cleared, she doesn't know what happens after that. She's scared, but she wants to put a name to the feelings that she's developing for her.
Jessie almost jumped out of bed upon hearing the sound of the door opening and closing. She practically ran down the stairs to find the person who coma in, knowing it was Katie. When she reached the living room she couldn't find her, so she looked for her in the kitchen. When she didn't find her there, she headed to Katie's bedroom.
The sound of knocking awoke Katie out of her daze. She stared at the door, listening to the knocking that went on until she answered. She knew it was Jessie. But she was reluctant to answer the door. Now that Sarah told her that it was Jessie who brought her home, that just validates her action; the kiss probably really happened last night and it wasn't a dream at al. Jessie's probably knocking to talk to he and confront her about it, scream at her maybe, or hit her.
Fucking alcohol… Katie cursed herself. She then gathered her poise, let out a deep breath and went to open the door. Act normal, Singer… Katie then reached for the doorknob, and flung her door open.
A smile formed in Jessie's lips upon seeing Katie. I would have to say that Katie has a talent in acting, 'coz after letting out a few deep breaths, she managed to regain her composure and confidence, and was now again standing in front of Jessie, with her usually charming smile.
"Hey Jess, what's up?" Katie tried to even her tone. Better not let Jessie know that she knew about the stupid thing she did last night. Maybe it wouldn't make things awkward, to just let both of them move on and forget about what happened.
"Where have you been?" Jessie knew it's not in her place to ask, but she just couldn't help herself.
"At The Coffee Park pissing Ira off." Katie laughed. Jessie chuckled.
"Oh… Are you feeling okay? I mean, last night, you sort of passed out. I left aspirin tablets for you."
"Yeah, I found it when I woke up this afternoon, thanks. It helped a lot." Katie smiled.
"Good." Jessie smiled while staring at Katie. Katie didn't know what to say next, she closed the door behind her and headed to the stairs.
"I got to go work on my paintings. Thanks again." Katie was about to run upstairs when Jessie called after her again.
"Katie, wait." Jessie said. Katie stopped on her tracks, her heart pounding in her chest. She slowly turned around. Katie was apprehensive, but didn't let Jessie see through her.
"Yeah?"
"I don't really know how to start, but… We really need to talk." Jessie looked seriously at her. Katie paused a while before speaking.
"Jess, look, I'm sorry."
"About what?" Jessie's face contorted into a frown.
"For ruining your night. You're supposed to spend quality time with your boyfriend and yet I had to get drunk and be taken care of. I didn't mean to burden you. You could have just left me at the doorstep, it would have been fine." Katie joked and chuckled, trying to lighten up the situation and to divert the conversation to something else. Jessie fixed her eyes on her, the frown disappeared from her face but her expression was hard to read.
"I wouldn't do that to you." Jessie said softly.
"Really? Wow, you're probably my only friend who wouldn't do that." Katie smiled. Jessie's heart was protesting at Katie's mention of the word 'friend', but didn't voice her protest out.
"Katie, it's not really what I want to talk to you about." Jessie said. Katie tried to keep her face void of expression, but deep inside scared of what Jessie might want to say.
At least she didn't slap me when I opened the door… Katie consoled herself. She tried not to blink when her eyes meet Jessie's. It was as if Jessie was trying to read her.
"What do you want to talk about?" Katie smiled again, trying to act innocent and clueless. She has to avoid this conversation to preserve her friendship with Jessie. Jessie didn't answer. She remained looking at Katie's eyes, never blinking once. Katie's eyes were starting to hurt, so she finally blinked.
"Katie, about last night, when I helped you get to bed, we---"
"Oh my God, I didn't puke on you, did I?" Katie purposely interrupted her, trying to avoid talking about the kiss.
"Uh, no." Jessie shook her head in confusion.
"Thank God." Katie smiled in fake relief. "I'm sorry for interrupting. I really couldn't remember anything that happened. I just want to make sure I didn't do anything stupid to embarrass or gross you out or anything. So, what do you want to talk about again?" Katie was getting good at this acting thing.
"You… You don't remember?" Jessie asked in a tone that sounded like disappointment.
"Nope, but I assume you're the one who changed my clothes?" Katie grinned, which made Jessie's face flush a bit red. She had a hard time while doing that, forcing herself to look away while taking Katie's garments off. She practically didn't breathe all that time. Her hands which occasionally get in contact with Katie's skin last night while changing her clothes increased her desire to touch her more. Only God knows how she was able to stop herself from taking ALL of Katie's clothes off. Jessie had to take a long cold shower as soon as she returned to her bedroom.
"Uhm… Yeah." Jessie forced a smile.
"So, is there anything else that I need to know? Like, me lying in the middle of a street, or picking a fight with a bystander, or hitting on that gorgeous concierge downstairs… Did I?"
"No… There's nothing else. You can go back to your work now."
"Okay… See you around." Katie smiled again before turning around and climbing up the stairs to her workroom just beside Jessie's room.
Now what do I do? Jessie let out a deep sigh.
The next few days went sort of depressing for Jessie. When Grace was still in Chicago, she had to eat dinner alone every night. Katie had always been out, or if she's home, she'd be locked inside her workroom painting and Jessie couldn't bother her. They rarely talked and barely see each other. When Katie sleeps somewhere else, Jessie couldn't help but worry, or sometimes get jealous, 'coz Katie's surely with some random girl and doing things Jessie doesn't even want to imagine.
She wanted to talk to someone, anyone, but Grace wouldn't be coming home in the next few days. Zoe is halfway around the world, and although her older brother Eli is in Queens doing music, she couldn't call him. She doesn't know what to tell him anyway. Letting him now about the feelings she's harboring for Katie, who's a girl, would probably shock him.
And that night, after her shift at New York General, Jessie found herself heading to The Coffee Park. She was staring at her glass of caramel frappe when she heard somebody talking.
"Mind if I join you?" Jessie looked up and saw Ira smiling at her.
"Be my guest." Jessie smiled back. She then looked at the small stage set up at the other end of the room. "What's up with that?"
"That is my marketing proposal." Ira grinned.
"What?" Jessie chuckled.
"That's a stage for performers, you know, the like of Norah Jones, John Mayer, The Wreckers. It's my marketing proposal that took a long time for Grace to approve. I thought it would attract more customers, and I think it did." Ira motioned at the entrance where people seemed to co9me in one after another. The place was packed and Jessie was lucky to have found a table.
"Who's performing tonight?" Jessie asked curiously.
"Ryan Cabrera."
"Hmm… Nice." Jessie smiled.
"Why are you alone?" Ira steered the conversation back to Jessie. Jessie looked up at him.
"Well, Grace is still in Chicago with Tad, Sarah's schedule at the hospital was changed, wo we don't see each other that much anymore, and Eli's in Queens. I don't really have anyone to hang out with. Katie's usually out with girlfriends, or ex-girlfriends… Or whatever." Jessie looked away from Ira.
"Yeah, I don't see her that much around anymore either." Ira studied Jessie's face. She seemed bothered about something, kind of like the way Katie was acting the last time he saw her.
"Ira, can I ask you something?"
"Hey, I got nothing else to do here. Ask me anything you want."
"How would you know if someone feels for you the way you feel about them?" Jessie played with the table napkin in her hand. Ira grinned.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean fell, like electric feel, like the atmosphere is charged whenever you're around each other, like your heart is jumping out of your chest whenever that person smiles at you or touches you, like you feel happy and contented just by looking at that person, and you feel so right despite of knowing how wrong it is." Jessie sighed.
"What's so wrong about being in love?" Ira asked in amusement. Jessie's jaw dropped.
"Love?" Jessie felt a lump in her throat. That's not what she's expecting to hear from Ira.
"Yeah." Ira nodded in confirmation. Jessie looked agape at him.
"I'm not talking about love."
"Jessie, you ARE." Jessie fell into silence then let out a deep sigh again." And what's wrong about that?" Jessie didn't answer. Too many things are confusing her and she needed answers, and Ira seemed to know the things to say. Somehow, she trusts him.
"What if it isn't right?" Jessie looked at him in trepidation. Ira felt sympathetic. He could see her having a hard time dealing with this 'love' thing.
"What are you talking about? Isn't love the thing that they teach in the bible? If it's wrong, then why did Jesus let himself be nailed to the cross to proclaim his love for mankind if love is wrong?"
"Of course it's right. I mean, it's Jesus saving us from hell, right? But that's different." Jessie let out a sigh again. "What if it's complicated, what if you're feeling for someone whom you're not supposed to have feelings for?"
"But does it feel right?" Ira smiled at her, as if seeing through her. Jessie looked at him in the eyes.
"It feels so right…" Jessie couldn't help but smile.
"Then what are you so scared of?"
"It's just… It's complicated."
"Everything in life is complicated." Ira said.
"I don't know what these feelings are, Ira… I'm not sure about--- I always thought I knew everything, that I understand everything, but now… I'm confused."
"If you really want to know how she feels, I think you should ask HER." Ira smiled. Jessie's face contorted and looked up at him.
"I didn't say---"
"Guys are not as stupid as you girls think… Don't pay for the frappe, it's on the house." Ira smiled at her and left the table to introduce that night's performer. Jessie was left alone staring at Ira's empty seat. She tried talking to Katie but Katie's not giving her the chance.
This is killing me… Jessie shook her head, then left The Coffee Park.
Despite of Ira's advice, Jessie still haven't talked to Katie. She wanted to, God knows how many times she tried, but it's either Katie's really busy or she's just avoiding her.
Two days later, Tad and Grace, finally came back from Chicago. Tad's dad was doing okay now, to their relief. Grace seemed happy about the outcome or Ira's proposal. Their sales had definitely soared after they decided to hire musicians to perform at the café every night. If this goes on in the next six months, they might actually have to find a bigger area.
That morning, Jessie jogged around the block with Grace and picked up cappuccinos and bagels on their way back to the penthouse. After settling their food on the dining table, Jessie pulled a chair and sat on it and picked up a cup of cappuccino for herself. Meanwhile, Grace went to get the butter from the fridge.
"I'm gad Tad's dad is fine." Jessie said. She didn't have much time to talk with Grace last night since she went straight to The Coffee Park after leaving her things at the penthouse.
"Yeah, we went to this cardiologist, Dr. Summers, and he's amazing. In a few days, it was as if Tad's dad didn't have any heart attack at all. He's feeling better."
"Well, he's the best cardiologist in Illinois, Grace. I'm not surprised." Jessie smiled.
"So, how's work?" Grace joined Jessie at the table. She grabbed a bagel and spread some butter on top of it.
"Exhausting but fine." Jessie sipped from her cup.
"And Katie?" Grace took a bite of her bagel.
"I don't know, she's not around most of the time."
"What? I clearly instructed her not to leave you alone. Is she here? I'm going to kill her."
"Grace, stop treating me like I'm a ten-year old. And she's not my babysitter. Just let her do what she wants to do." Grace eyed her stepsister. She seemed upset, but couldn't put a finger as to what's making her upset.
The two were eating in silence when they heard the sound of footsteps. Their heads turned to the direction of the dining room and saw a figure of a woman leaving the penthouse. Grace and Jessie exchanged looks.
"Who was that?" Jessie frowned.
"Probably Katie's latest one night stand?" Grace assumed, but was pretty sure she was right. This happened so many times in the past. No point in assuming otherwise now. Jessie's jaw tightened. If she had been in the living room when that girl passed by, she would have tripped her on purpose.
Grace went back to eating her bagel. She could feel Jessie's tension, and was silently rejoicing that Katie's stupid one night stand was generating a strong reaction from Jessie.
"So, have you seen my mom?" Jessie broke the ice, and to divert her attention to somewhere else.
"Yeah, she wants to let you know that she's doing great and is having the time of her life with Henry." Grace smiled. Henry is Karen's (Jessie's mom) therapist, turned boyfriend. Jessie smiled back. She was glad that her mom found someone who makes her happy, after her dad.
Just then, they heard footsteps again, this time, it was heading their direction. Grace and Jessie expected it to be Katie 'coz there's nobody else in the house. Or so they thought.
"Paris Hilton?" Grace didn't realize she said it out loud when Paris Hilton actually walked into their kitchen and went straight to their fridge, wearing Katie's favorite big t-shirt with the New England Patriots logo in front of it, and probably nothing else underneath. Hearing her name, Paris turned to them with her trademark smile.
"Hi." Paris said.
"Uh, hi." Grace squeaked. Paris continued raiding their fridge. Grace looked in disbelief, Jessie looked in annoyance. Not finding what she's looking for, Paris turned to Grace's direction again.
"Do you have a whip cream or something?" Paris sweetly asked Grace.
"Uh, no, but we've got chocolate." Grace smiled. Paris then looked for the chocolate dream and found it. She grabbed it and closed the fridge.
"Thanks." Paris then walked out of the dining room and headed back to Katie's bedroom. Grace turned to Jessie in disbelief.
"Did Paris Hilton just walk into our dining area?" Grace was ecstatic.
"Uh-huh." Jessie answered with not much enthusiasm.
"You don't look so shocked." Grace frowned.
"Why would I be?" Jessie frowned.
"It's PARIS HILTON." Grace said. Jessie rolled her eyes.
"I know. She's Katie's ex, or so she said." Jessie retorted. What is she doing here?
"Really?"
"What, you didn't know? I thought you guys are friends?" Jessie didn't really want to talk about anything Paris right now.
"She told me but I didn't think she was serious. I mean, why would Paris Hilton even look at her?" Grace laughed in disbelief.
"Who would Katie even look at Paris Hilton?" Jessie retorted. "Don't underestimate your friend, Grace. Katie Singer CAN get any girl that she wants and dump them like a hot potato whenever she wants." Jessie snarled at Grace. Grace frowned at Jessie's rage, then remembered the other girl who just left the penthouse before Paris showed up.
"Wait, isn't there another girl that---"
"I think you miscalculated." Jessie gout up from the chair and picked up her cup of cappuccino.
"Oh… One night 'stands'." Grace corrected herself, emphasizing the 'stands' part. Jessie rolled her eyes and marched out of the dining room. But before totally leaving, she turned around again.
"And why did you have to suggest chocolate?" Jessie growled at Grace and went straight to her room. Grace watched her, dumbfounded.
"Hey, I was trying to be polite." Grace replied. Too strong reaction… Grace thought.
Jessie was already at the hospital when Katie finally went out of her bedroom. Grace heard the sound of her footsteps and assumed Katie headed to her workroom. Grace followed her. After stopping in front of the door, she knocked. Katie opened the door.
"Hi Grace." Katie said
"Wait, that's all I get? I don't get a hug or something? I've been gone a long time. Didn't you even miss me?" Grace whined. Katie looked amused and smiled. She gave Grace a hug. Then, while hugging each other, Grace hit Katie on the back of the head.
"Aww! Why did you do that?!" Katie rubbed the back of her head. Grace attempted to walk into the workroom but Katie blocked her way. "You can't come in."
"What? Why not?"
"'Coz I'm busy working."
"So? You never blocked me before." Grace attempted to walk past by her again.
"You can't come in." Katie repeated firmly.
"What are you hiding? Is Paris still here?" Grace narrowed her eyes on her.
"Nobody's here. And wait, don't turn this around. Why did you hit me?"
"I can't believe you brought two girls over." Grace crossed her arms.
"What are you talking about?"
"That girl who left before Paris came out for a whip cream?" Grace reminded her. Katie's face flushed red upon hearing about the whip cream.
"I didn't bring her over, Paris did."
"Like that makes any difference! That slut." Grace growled.
"We didn't--- Grace, there was no ménage a toir, okay? It's not what you think. I don't do that." Katie said in exasperation.
"Then who was that and why was she here?"
"Her name is Elaine Reynolds. She's an agent for artists, like me. She has connections everywhere in America and Europe. Paris called her to talk to me about my paintings since I'm planning to show it to public next year. She liked it, so I guess I'm going at it."
"And she checked your paintings so early in the morning because…?" Grace asked suspiciously.
"Because she's flying to Italy at 9:00 o'clock in the morning and wouldn't be coming back in two months. This morning was the only time she's got." Katie sighed.
"Oh." It was the only thing Grace could say.
"Is there anything else you want to say?"
"I can't believe you really dated Paris Hilton." Grace said. Katie rolled her eyes and slammed the door on Grace's face. "Katie, come on!"
"Get lost, Grace." Katie said on the other door.
"Jordana Brewster is so hot." Tad grinned. He was sitting on the couch of the penthouse apartment that night with Katie watching the movie D.E.B.S. They haven't hang out for a long time and decided to bond by watching DVD. He's not really into chick flicks and wouldn't have agreed to watch this movie if Katie didn't force him to, and if it weren't for the four sexy sultry spies in the lead, not to mention Jordana Brewster as the supervillain, he wouldn't have watched it.
Men are so shallow… Katie rolled her eyes.
"Think you can introduce me to her?" He wiggled his eyebrows at his bestfriend who was sitting beside him.
"I would, if I KNOW her." Katie replied in annoyance.
"You mean you don't?" Tad joked. Katie scowled at him.
"What are you trying to imply?"
"Nothing." Tad shrugged. After pausing for a while, he spoke again. "If given the chance, would you date her?" He stared curiously at her.
"Why are you asking me these questions?" Katie narrowed her eyes on Tad.
"No reason. Just random thought, I guess. And it's just a question, why won't you answer?"
"No I won't."
"You won't what?" Tad frowned.
"I won't date her." Katie said firmly.
"Why not?" Tad asked in disbelief.
"'Coz if she's like that," Katie motions to the television, "in real life, our personalities are gonna clash. We'd probably be comparing statistics of our conquests and compete with each other over women. I don't want that."
"Hmm… Afraid of some competition?" Katie just rolled her eyes and decided not to answer Tad's question.
"Who would you want to date then?" Tad continued.
"Do I really have to answer that?" Katie asked impatiently.
"I just want to know. Come on, you already dissed the sexy sultry crime boss, who would you date among those spies?" Tad was still referring to the actresses of the movie D.E.B.S.
"Sara Foster." Katie answered without hesitation. Tad grinned at her, and Katie frowned. "What?"
"Why, because she's blonde?" Tad nudged her.
"No. Because she's sexy." Katie scowled at him while correcting him.
"Sexy with blond hair and blue eyes? Kind'a sounds familiar, don't you think?" Tad winked mischievously at her. It was taking all of Katie's self-control to stop herself from kicking Tad.
"You know what? I changed my mind. I'll date Devon Aoki." Katie got up from the couch.
"Where are you going?" Tad watched her walk to the direction of her bedroom.
"To find my baseball bat and whack you in the head when you're not looking." Katie replied in mock sarcasm. Tad snickered.
"Ha-ha."
"I'm just gonna get my celphone." Katie smiled at him. Tad nodded.
Katie hadn't come back since getting her celphone which is taking longer than Tad expected her to. He then got up from the couch and followed Katie at her bedroom. The door was slightly ajar, so, he slightly pushed it open. He peeked on the door but didn't see Katie around. He assumed that Katie was upstairs in her workroom. She he climbed the stairs.
Unknown to him, Katie was inside the bathroom of her bedroom, staring at herself in front of the mirror for minutes now, her mind wandering with thoughts of Jessie.
Tad, upon reaching the door of Katie's workroom, found the door unlocked, and flung it open. He walked in, looking around for clues of Katie but realized that Katie wasn't there. He would have left after realizing that, but the sight of her paintings caught his interest. He had always admired Katie's talent. He's one of Katie's most loyal fans and has his own special collection of Katie's works. So, he decided to walk around and check out Katie's most recent paintings. And one caught Tad's attention.
Jessie's unframed portrait which was freshly painted on the canvass.
He looked at the painting in astonishment. When he looked up, that's when he realized he wasn't alone. Katie was standing at the doorway looking at him. The expression on her face wasn't clear. It was blank. But he understood her. Katie's eyes said it all.
"Katie..."
"Don't say it, please..." Katie looked at him pleadingly.
NEW YORK GENERAL HOSPITAL…
"How long do you plan to stand there and try to melt your locker with a stare?" Sarah joked. Jessie turned around in surprise and smiled upon seeing Sarah. It was the first time they had seen each other in a few days since the change in Sarah's schedule. Jessie was just preparing to leave when Sarah came in for work that night.
"Hey." Jessie finally reached for her bag inside the locker and closed it.
"Going somewhere?" Sarah opened her own locker and put her bag inside and pulled a freshly washed blue scrub suit.
"No." Jessie smiled.
"And do what, bore yourself to death?" Sarah joked. "Jessie, all work and no play isn't healthy."
"So what are you suggesting?" Jessie chuckled.
"That you go out and play." Sarah laughed. Jessie blushed but smiled anyway.
"Sure, I'll do that."
"So… Have you figured it out?" Sarah closed her locker and turned to face Jessie. Jessie looked at her a moment and frowned.
"Figure what out?"
"Your feelings for Katie." Sarah said. Jessie stared at her, not knowing what to say. She's still not sure.
"Uh… I got to go." Jessie turned to leave.
"Jessie…"
"There's something I need to do." Jessie rushed to leave the hospital.
The lights were off when Jessie reached the penthouse. She found Grace's note on the door of the fridge saying that she'd be staying at Tad's for the night. As usual, she's having dinner alone again, 'coz Katie wasn't around either. After dinner, Jessie didn't lock herself inside her room like she usually does. Instead, she stayed in the living room waiting.
Jessie heard the sound of footsteps at around midnight. She couldn't be mistaken. She knew whom those footsteps belong to. Call her crazy, but she knew she can recognize Katie just by hearing her breathing or her laughter. Her heart was pounding hard in her chest, anticipating that Katie would unlock the door and walk in any moment. Feelings rushed all over her: dread, excitement, anxiety; she could feel it all at the same time.
And Katie walked in. Jessie's eyes visibly lit up, the shine dancing in her eyes. She sat still her seat, staring at Katie's approaching figure after locking the door. Katie looked surprised seeing her in the living room. But she managed to hide her reaction and smiled at Jessie heedlessly. Despite of how much this set up was affecting Katie in ways she could never imagine, she knew she has to control herself around Jessie. It's hard but it's the only thing to do.
"Hey." Katie smiled, and walked past by the couch in the living room and headed to her bedroom. Jessie returned the smile. Katie tried not to look back. Katie opened the door to her room, and was about to close it when some force prevented it from closing. Somebody pushed the door really hard on the other side. Katie frowned, and there walk in Jessie.
Katie stood in confusion. Jessie was standing before her, staring at her, watching her. Katie felt self-conscious with the way the blonde was looking at her. There's something about the look on Jessie's eyes.
"Jess, is there anything I can---" Katie wasn't able to speak anymore, as she felt Jessie's lips crash into her without warning. She was surprised, but couldn't deny that she was overjoyed by what was happening. But despite of the cloud in Katie's head, her mind still decided to work, and she slowly pulled away, her breath hitching.
"Jessie, wait…" Katie tried to move away. Jessie's making her want more and more, and if she doesn't stop attacking her lips right now, Katie knew she wouldn't be able to stop herself later. Taking advantage of Jessie in her most irrational behavior is something Katie wouldn't want to do.
Instead of answering, Jessie merely gave her a look and leaned in to capture Katie's lips again. Katie couldn't help it, she yielded into Jessie's intruding tongue presently trailing her bottom lip. This was Jessie's side Katie never thought she had. Katie was enjoying the moment far too much, and her string of patience was about to reach its end.
Better stop now or never… Katie forced herself to pull away from Jessie.
"Jessie, are you drunk? Jessie, wait..." Katie knew Jessie wasn't. They just kissed, and there was no trace of alcohol in her breath or in her mouth. But there's got to be some logical explanation about Jessie's behavior right now.
"Katie…"
"What?" Katie asked, her voice husky due to the building desire inside her.
"Shut up…" Jessie smiled, and pulled Katie for a kiss longer than the first ones. It was fierce, passionate, more exhilarating than jumping from an airplane or winning the lottery. Katie couldn't argue anymore. Her mind stopped working. She felt herself being pushed, and she relented. After a few steps back, she felt her legs hit the edge of her bed, and her lips remained in contact with Jessie's.
Katie just found herself being laid down the bed, with Jessie hovering on top of her. The kiss slowed down, this time, it was more gentle. Jessie's lips left Katie's and was now teasing the skin on her right cheek, an inch away from her ear. Jessie's hand made its way under Katie's blouse, trailing her bare skin. Katie closed her eyes. Jessie was driving her crazy.
Jessie then stopped teasing, and pulled her face above Katie's and stared down at her. A smile formed in her lips, which Katie felt she was obliged to return. Jessie reached down to touch Katie's face.
"Jess…" Katie muttered, but couldn't say anything else. Katie couldn't take the torture anymore. She had been controlling these feelings since the first day she saw Jessie. And now, with Jessie's body on top of her, it's just too much. Katie turned Jessie around the bed, with her now lying on top. She saw the desire, the longing in Jessie's eyes. So Katie captured her lips, their kiss now fiercer than the first, her hands charging to get Jessie's clothes off her.
Jessie's heart was yearning for Katie, for someone she shouldn't even be involved intimately with. It was against everything she had ever believed in... So despite of her fear and confusion, she leaned in to the temptation, to the desire of her heart, against her very own judgment. She let herself get carried away by the intense feelings that got bottled up in the last month...