Well hello!!! It's Monday at last! First of all I want to thank you for all your amazing reviews, they're so fulfilling, smart and nurturing! I'm so privileged to have you, my wonderful readers. Border-line suicidal is history now, now I'm almost leaving oxycodone and we're done! (LOL).
Aw, but you tell me I'm cruel! No I'm not! Don't hate me for updating only once a week. Of course I'd love to update more often, but I have really good reasons for not to: 1. Remember this story isn't that long. Right now, we're reaching its peak, and you don't want to start missing me that early, do you? ;) 2. I'm really concerned about delivering high quality chapters, well written and well structured. And that takes time people. 3. I'm a corporate slave, and there are days in the week I don't have time to even go to the restroom! Monday is a good day for me to devote to all of you, my beautiful readers, so, be patient! 3. It's fun! It's just like waiting for our favorite TV show each week, and we all know what that TV show is, don't we? ;)
Now, in this chapter, aw... Our poor little Kate... I do feel for her, I swear... (evil smile). But I won't make things easy for her, I can't... That would so boring, and so predictable... And I'm positive our beautiful Jack is worth the trouble, isn't he? Does he really love Scarlett? Or he keeps feelings for Kate deep inside his heart? You have no idea, right? That's exactly the point. But if you pay close attention to the subtle details, I think you might get a hint... What is Kate going to do now? What about that final bet? You make yours!
:p
Okay, now I'll just shut the f--- up and let the reading begin. Please review! Next Monday, all I'm going to say is that your going to Love it! With capital "L".
P.S. Yvette, sofia, gelly, thank you, thank you, thank you, love u guys...
P.S. 2. Philadelphia, I don't have an e-mail to reply to you, but I want you to know that I really appreciate your comments. I'm glad you liked my other story and I totally agree with you. That fic didn't catch up that much, and I didn't get a lot of reviews. Only from one amazing reader, and then a couple more. So, I really thank you for reading it. Keep telling me what you think please!
Chapter 7
Finally Friday arrived, and with it the time to meet Scarlett face to face. Ever since Jack had told Kate that he wasn't sleeping with her, he had been avoiding her and she was having a rough time with that. She couldn't help feeling she was losing the war. Yet she understood what was going on. She was being too aggressive and of course Jack, being so Jack, didn't like the fact of her being all over him without giving a damn about his girlfriend. But now she had all figured out.
The night before, when Kate heard he came back home, all she asked him was to sign the letter of recommendation for the hostess job she had told him about. She could notice he wanted to ask her further details, but she didn't let him. As soon as he signed, she took the letter and thanked him with a nonchalant smile, then walked away.
He had left early in the morning for work, as usual. She didn't leave Claire's room until she heard he was gone. Now, standing in front of the mirror, she was ready to start receiving the guests. She had chosen a turquoise dress not too fancy, neither too casual. She'd got it that day she had been shopping, imagining she'd wear it in her first official date she had with Jack.
The dress was short and fit and it definitely highlighted her beautiful green eyes. Her make-up was discrete as always, just enough to emphasize her features, and her chocolate curls rested loose on her shoulders. She completed the outfit with sexy high heels that contrasted the dress, and with drops of her favorite perfume. She looked killer.
At 8:00 O'clock she was ready for the people starting to show. Claire had told her, in one short bitchy call, the guests would be arriving at that time, and then she, Aaron, Jack, Scarlett and Margo would be showing about an hour and a half later, after having dinner. She breathed deeply, nervous about what was coming. She wanted to impress him. She wanted him to recognize the feelings she was positive he still had for her. She had to eclipse that Scarlett bimbo no matter what.
The door rang for the first time in the night. She opened it to three girls and two guys that looked like wannabe actors. They didn't even greet her and just walked in as they owned the place. She rolled eyes, but she thought they sure were Scarlett's friends. It was so obvious. Right away the bell rang again and another time, but none of the people arriving was asking who the hell she was. Sure Claire had something to do with that. Fed up, she just left the door wide open and sat on the couch at the living room, as she watched the guests coming by and taking over the living room and the terrace, with a beer she had just grabbed from a waiter's tray.
Two and a half beers later, the wait was being endless. She noticed a guy giving her the eye, but of course she ignored him. He was kind of cute, but her days of fooling around and shameless flirting had come to an end. But before she could finish that thought, the guy was sitting next to her.
— Hi…
She rolled eyes. — Hi yourself…
— I'm Daniel… —he said holding out his hand.
— Kate… —she replied flatly, shaking his hand feebly and sipping her drink.
— You're Scarlett's sister, aren't you?
She almost chocked. That was the lamest thing she'd ever heard in her entire life and definitely the worst way to hit on her. — No way man…
— But you're related, right?
I don't believe this freak… — I don't even know her… —she snapped, visibly annoyed.
The guy swallowed and blushed. — Oh, I'm sorry, it's just… Never mind… —he stated embarrassed, as he took a long sip from his beer.
— What? —she asked, now curious.
He looked at her. — Well, the thing is you kind of look like her… a lot…
Her eyes opened wider. That man was either wasted or insane. — Uh… I'm very sorry to disappoint you, but no…
— So you're Claire's friend?
She smiled ironically. — Not exactly. I'm Jack's best friend… —she stated.
— Man! That's one lucky guy…
— Why?
— Always surrounded by beautiful women…
She smiled. It was always nice to get a compliment. — Well, thanks…
— How come I never heard of you?
She raised an eyebrow. — What you mean?
— Yeah, I mean, Jack and I work together, and he never mentioned you before.
— Does he talk about Scarlett with you?
But before he could reply, the phone rang. — Excuse me… —she told Daniel.
It was Claire's infamous signal. The birthday girl was entering the building. — Okay people, time to shout "surprise"… —she said out loud, turning off the music and the lights.
The door opened and she could see Jack's silhouette against the light outside, motioning to Scarlett to get in. Then he turned on the lights and everybody said "Surprise!", as they started throwing streamers and confetti. Kate opened her eyes wide, expectant. She wanted to see her face. But all the guests started approaching to hold her, and all she could articulate was "Oh my God, Oh my God!" zillion times.
Behind her, Claire was taking pictures nonstop and Jack was watching amused, with a bright smile on his face. Jack's mother walked in as well following Aaron, who wanted desperate to grab some streamers and confetti to throw.
Kate sought for Jack's eyes, but he was too busy greeting people and posing for pictures. Son of a bitch… She was pissed. She felt absolutely jealous, and she still was waiting to scrutinize his pathetic girlfriend. She had another beer.
After the whole hugging-greeting ritual, people finally started hanging around, having fun. Before going to the living room, Scarlett left Jack alone and walked with Claire to the bedrooms. He walked to Kate.
— Hey… —he said, looking at her up and down, his eyes full of glint.
She smiled seductively. — Hey…
— You're beautiful… —he affirmed openly.
— Thank you…
— No, thank you, for being here and opening the door for all these people…
— You're welcome…
When she was about to tell him he looked adorable in those black trousers, she saw behind his shoulder someone was coming. It was her. She was wearing black leggings with a tight sexy sweater dress that showed her curvy, fit body. She was tall, and her heels only made her look taller. Her white porcelain skin contrasted with her long, black, straight layered hair. She had big and vivid green eyes. She looked like a fucking model. She stood next to Jack and took hold of his hand. He met her eyes and smiled sweetly. Then she threw herself in his arms and held him tight. — Nobody ever threw me a surprise party! —she stated thrilled.
— How about that… —he said content.
Kate felt she was being kicked in the ass and looked away, trying to hide her discomfort. But soon Scarlett broke the embrace and looked back at Kate. — You must be Kate… —she said with a kind smile that actually seemed honest.
— Happy birthday Scarlett, it's nice to meet you… —she lied, shaking her hand.
Then Claire came by and grabbed Jack's shoulder. — Jack, can I talk to you for a sec?
He nodded and walked with Claire, leaving Kate and Scarlett alone.
— I was really looking forward to meet you… —Scarlett said.
— Oh really?
Scarlett threw a smile. — Yeah, all Jack's friends are my friends, and I really hope you have a nice stay while things start working out for you again… —she explained.
Kate was actually surprised. She expected Scarlett to be bitchy towards her, but she could feel she actually meant what she had just said. She was speechless. — Thanks… —she uttered.
When Scarlett was about to say something else, the wannabe actors called her. — Scarlett!
She rolled eyes. — Those freaks, I used them as models once and now I can't get rid of them. I don't even know their names —she confessed to Kate in a lower voice— Excuse me…
Kate sighed deeply and laid on the couch, defeated. Then she felt some little eyes staring at her. It was Aaron, who was watching her with curious, yet shy eyes, as if he was trying to remember where he had seen her before. She smiled. — Hey Aaron…
The boy's eyes opened wider and he immediately approached and stood in front of her. — How you know my name? —he asked curious.
She couldn't help but caressing his hair. — I met you the day you were born…
— Really? —he asked amazed.
— Yeah…
— What's your name?
— I'm Kate…
— Aaron! —Claire said out loud— Don't bother her…
— He's not bothering me… —Kate assured standing up.
But Claire gave her a harsh look and took her son away from her. — Go find your granny sweetie… —she told the kid as she turned her back on Kate and walked away.
Kate just shook slowly her head in disapproval. She ran her fingers through her hair. — You don't seem to be having a good time… —Jack said from behind her.
She turned around. — I am now…
Their eyes locked in one complicity look. She had another sip of her beer, trying to drown her emotions. But then another interruption came by. — I think confetti was a lame idea. It will take forever to sweep it out… —Margo told Kate with a bossy tone.
Kate frowned, confused. — Excuse me?
— You're the party planner, aren't you?
So they think I'm the party planner. Fucking Claire… Jack rolled eyes and shook his head. — No mother, she's not a party planner…
Margo raised an eyebrow. — Then who is she?
— She's Kate mom, she's a long time friend of mine…
— It's a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Shephard… —Kate said with a bright smile, as she held out her hand. But Margo's look hardened immediately. It was evident she knew who she was. With a disdainful look in her eyes, she shook Kate's hand almost with disgust. — Hello… —then she turned to Jack— Where's your sister? I've must talk to her…
— In the terrace, I think…
Without saying anything else, Margo walked away, leaving Kate with a "What the hell…?" look on her face. Jack noticed and spoke. — She's always like that, don't take it personal… —he said to comfort her.
— Wow… —she replied, stunned. But right away Jack was no longer paying attention to her. His eyes were fixated on the terrace, where Scarlett was motioning to him to go join her. — See you around Kate… —he said nonchalant, as he walked to the terrace.
Kate sighed deeply. Things were absolutely fucked up. She tried to stay calm. She had to study her rival, right? She took a deep breath and walked to the terrace as well, where everybody was getting ready to sing "Happy Birthday" as the cake arrived to the table were Scarlett was.
She blew out her candles and then the cake was served. Kate hadn't eaten a thing, of course. She just kept drinking and watching Scarlett close. She wanted to discover her weak point. But the truth was Scarlett was close to be the epitome of perfection. She was smart and kind, and her conversation was indeed amusing. She wasn't pretentious or a bimbo, and she was great at telling jokes. Everybody liked her. Not only Claire was her best friend, but also Margo seemed to like her a lot. She was great with Aaron too. Even Kate had a hard time not laughing at her jokes from the corner where she was. Scarlett was so adorable she couldn't hate her.
Some time later the guests began to leave. The few that remained were the closest friends. Scarlett began telling about her stay in Barcelona, and soon everybody was laughing out loud when she began teaching dirty words in Spanish, without Margo listening, of course. At some point Jack left the terrace for a moment, only to come back with Scarlett's present.
Kate almost chocked in her sip when Scarlett opened the big box, decorated with a cute bow. It was the Armani dress she had tried on the morning after she came into Jack's place. Of course Scarlett loved it and covered him in kisses and hugs. Kate was two seconds away from puking.
She left the terrace and sat at the living room again. Soon after, she saw Jack walking to the kitchen, followed by Claire. She waited some seconds and followed them too, almost tiptoeing. She overheard their conversation.
— So, a dress huh?
— You like it?
— Oh yeah, it's gorgeous… I thought you were doing it tonight… —Claire said.
— There's too many people here…
— You're not having second thoughts, are you Jack?
— Why would you even think that? —he asked somehow annoyed.
— Well I'm just asking…Because that would be so very stupid of you…
— Don't you talk to me like that… —he snapped.
— I… I'm sorry, I didn't mean… —Claire said with difficulty.
He cut her off, changing his tone. — Hey… I know what you're thinking, about Kate being here… You don't have to worry Claire, that doesn't make things different… Nothing's going to change, alright? —but Claire stayed silent— Alright? —he insisted.
— Okay…
When Kate heard their steps approaching, she slipped away. She almost ran into Scarlett, who was walking some girl to the door. She couldn't see Kate. But Kate could watch her intently. That was when she noticed what she was dealing with. All of the sudden, she realized what that Daniel guy was talking about. Yes, Scarlett resembled her somehow. Scarlett was an alternative version of her, more sophisticated maybe. If she had her hair straightened and dyed in black, she could indeed pass easily as Scarlett's elder sister. All Scarlett was missing were the freckles. How was she going to beat such a substitute of herself?
Then Kate couldn't help but think she could actually be like Scarlett. If she didn't have that past, if she had stayed by her mother's side and went to college and grow up to become a professional, just as any other ordinary girl... She smiled wryly remembering that time she pretended she was a photographer, before she robbed the bank. Fate was laughing out loud at her, it seemed. But what disturbed her the most, was the fact of admitting Scarlett really loved Jack. Better yet, she deserved him.
She couldn't take it anymore and ran to Claire's room. She locked herself in the bathroom and puked her guts out, along with the mixed emotions she had constricted in her chest, her anguish and the zillion beers she'd had. She leaned on the sink and wet her face, ruining her make-up completely. — Fuck! —she said to herself, trying to fix it.
When she left the bathroom and walked into the room again, somebody was waiting for her.
— Not feeling so good Kate? —Claire said with a wry smile as she leaned on the door she had just closed behind her.
Kate opened her eyes wider. — Uh, no… I think I'm food-poisoned…
Claire chuckled. — You seem more Scarlett-poisoned to me… —she stated sarcastically.
Kate sighed and rolled eyes. — What do you want Claire?
— The question is what do you want, Kate…
— I'm not following you… —Kate said, starting feeling the hangover taking over her body.
— What exactly are you doing here? Because you don't expect me to buy the whole "I split and I'm starting over" bullshit, do you?
— And you don't expect me to start explaining myself to you, do you? —Kate snapped.
Claire's look hardened. — Well, actually Kate, I do…
— I don't think so… —Kate said determined, trying to pass over her and open the door. But Claire remained static. — Come on Kate, don't be anymore difficult…
Kate sighed, seeing Claire wasn't giving in. — What do you want me to say?
Claire smiled sardonically. — Just don't tell me you're here for Jack… Don't tell me you came back because you love him… —she said with an incredulous look.
— What if I do? —Kate challenged.
Claire smiled widely in disbelief. — Then I'll have to ask you, why?
Kate looked at her confused. — Why what?
— What made you change your mind?
— What you mean?
— Yeah, I mean... Ever since he first met you, he's made the impossible to protect your ass, to show you he loved you for real… he even risked his own life… and you never gave a shit. That didn't make him worth of your precious attention, so I'm asking you, why now?
Kate looked down. — I… It's complicated…
Claire laughed. — Oh Kate, you don't tell me about complicated…
— You don't understand Claire… —Kate assured, afflicted.
— You're not going to tell me you got away because of that "curse" thing, right? You're not going to use the whole "You're going to die if you stay in touch" crap as an excuse, are you? Because I think you're well aware that was bullshit. After all, both you and us are pretty much alive, right? —Claire snapped, starting losing her temper.
Kate ran out of words. Yes, she was right. That wasn't the reason she'd left Jack behind. — No Claire, I… I got away because I was the one that wasn't worth of him…
— And what makes you think you are now?
Kate felt insulted. — I love him Claire… I always have… That's the truth. And I don't care if you believe me or not, but that's the only reason I'm here…
Claire finally lost it. — Oh yeah? You love him huh? Then where the hell were you when he tried to kill himself, again? Where were you when he almost died of an overdose? Where the fuck were you when he went into rehab and everyday he had to attend AA meetings? Tell me Kate, where was all that love of yours when he needed him the most? —she asked cruelly.
Kate couldn't help it and tears began rolling all over her face. — Claire, I…
But Claire went on. — His own mother didn't want anything to do with him! And all he asked was for hearing your voice on the phone! He just wanted to see you! —she said enraged.
Kate cried in remorse. Claire went on. — And what about me? You brought my child into this world, Kate! I needed your help! I thought you were my friend. But you didn't give a fuck about me either, just because he is my brother…
Kate opened her eyes wider. — That is not true Claire! —she affirmed in despair.
— Then why you never picked up? Why you never called back? I left zillion messages in your voice mail begging you to just listen to me for five seconds… —she affirmed, her voice braking and tears beginning to show in her eyes.
Kate froze. Of course she never got her messages. She had moved to another state and changed all her phone numbers, obviously. — I never got them… I never knew you were trying to find me…
— Of course you never knew! You were to busy pampering your husband!
— I never married him… —Kate replied immediately, desperate.
— As if that mattered…
Kate didn't know what to say. Hard as it was, she knew Claire was somehow right. It didn't matter all the love she had always felt for Jack, because she had never proven it. And now it turned out she had let down Claire too, without even knowing. — I am so sorry Claire, I never meant to hurt you, neither of you…
But Claire wiped her tears and put herself together again. — You don't love Jack, Kate. You just want to use him, as you always do. Ever when things don't go as you want, you turn to him to get away with it and then you just dump him… But this time it's not going to happen… I'm not going to let you…
— That's not true Claire! I do love him, and I've never used him!
— You love him huh? You dare to say you love him! Well, if you love him that much, if you really love him as you say, then you're going to go back the way you came from and you're going to leave him alone... —she demanded.
— And what if I don't?
Claire's eyes were burning in fury. — It's too late Kate. He's with Scarlett now, and I believe you're smart enough to see he loves her. So you better get the hell out of this place… You're not good for him…
That was just too much. — I think he's a big boy now, Claire. If he wants me out, he's going to have to tell me himself. —Kate snapped.
— Don't you make me Kate… —Claire menaced.
— Hey! —Jack said out loud after opening the door— What the hell is going on here? —he asked stunned, noticing the tension between them.
Both women looked at him startled. — Jack, hey… —Claire said, trying to conceal. Then she looked back at Kate. — I was just telling Kate about this friend I have at work, his wife works at Real Estate. I can give you her number, I'm pretty sure she can get you a great deal… —Claire said gently, hypocritical as could be.
But Kate smiled wryly at her. — That's so kind of you Claire, but I think I can find myself a better deal…
Claire wanted to kill her with her look, but Jack prevented it. — Claire, I'm driving Scarlett home and then mom, you want to come or you're staying longer? —Jack asked.
Claire threw an evil smile at Kate. — Nah… I'm leaving with you. Without the birthday girl, the party is over, right? Good night Kate… —she said and then left the room, leaving Jack and Kate behind. He just threw Kate a questioning look, but her face remained blank.
A couple of hours later, Jack was back home. He found Kate sitting at a table in the terrace, a glass of champagne in her hand. He walked to her and sat at the table in front of her. — What are you doing here?
Kate was a mess. — What are you doing here? I thought you were staying with Scarlett…
— She's seeing her dad early in the morning… —he explained.
— Have a drink with me… —she said, pouring a glass of champagne for him.
— I told you I don't drink anymore. —he said with a short smile, shaking his head.
— Come on Jack, it's just a tiny little glass of champagne… —she said with a suggestive smile.
— And I'm a recovering alcoholic, Kate. I'm sorry… —he refused.
She bit her lip and looked down. — Fine, then I'll have it for you… So, you're not going to ask me?
He looked at her confused. — Ask you what?
— What do I think of your girlfriend? —she asked back with an impish smile.
He chuckled. — No…
She burst out laughing. — I knew it, I knew it… But I'm going to tell you anyway…
He laughed softly, shaking his head. — Alright then…
— God Jack, are you kidding me? I mean, she's so… She's twenty-fucking-eight for God's sake! How many years are you older than her, ten, eleven?
— Are you asking me how old I am Kate? —he asked wryly.
— I know exactly how old are you… But that's not the point…
— Then what's the point?
Kate laughed again. — This Daniel guy, you know? Your friend Daniel?
— What's with him?
— He thought I was Scarlett's sister… He says we look alike… And you know what? He's right! Your girlfriend resembles me! Isn't that crazy? She has no freckles though, and freckles are sexy… —Kate said, drunk as could be.
Jack looked down and rubbed his forehead. — You know what? Yes, she looks like you. That's what I thought when I first started dating her… —he said frankly.
Kate went mute. She didn't expect him to admit it. Jack went on. — But there's something in her that doesn't resemble you at all…
She asked expectant. — What?
He looked at her nostalgic. — She didn't give up on me…
When he was about to stand up, she reached for his hand and stopped him, trying hard to stifle her tears. — Jack, you've got to listen to me…
But he didn't want to hear it. — Don't Kate… don't say anything. Everything's fine…
Then he pulled his hand from hers and left the table, but she quickly followed him. — No it's not… You have to know… —she said grabbing his arm and making him face her.
But he cut her off again. — Kate, you're drunk… If you say something, you'll sure regret it in the morning …
— I won't, I won't regret it… —she said, tears showing in her eyes.
He sighed, looking down. He hated seeing her suffer. — Let's put you in bed… You need some sleep…
He took her hand and walked her to Claire's room. He turned on the light on the nightstand. He sat her on the bed and took her shoes off. Now she was openly crying in silence. She had him so close, yet so far away. It was so unbearable. He pulled out the blankets and tucked her in. But she sat on the bed and threw herself in his arms. — Just promise me something Jack…
He held her back, he couldn't help it. She kept whispering in his ear. — Promise me you'll be there for me… Promise me we'll always be friends…
He broke the embrace and cupped her face with one hand, wiping away her tears with the other. — Kate, I'll always care about you…
— You promise me Jack… —she demanded.
He looked at her intently, a particular longing glint in his eyes. — I will Kate… I'll be there for you…
Then he kissed her forehead sweetly. Right afterwards he made her lie down and turned off the light. Then he left the room, leaving her behind. When he got in his room, he sat on his bed and ran his palm thought his face in despair, sighing deeply.
Back in Claire's room, she burst into tears against the pillow. She had so lost him. It couldn't be, it just couldn't be, she kept thinking. But she didn't want to give up yet. She had to risk it all. She had to make one final bet.