For reference: I went with production order and not airing order because I enjoy it more when Castle isn't with Gina while schmoozing with Natalie Rhodes.
I own nothing. On with the story.
He walks in with a swing in his step, a liveliness that has eluded him for some time now. I've read the papers, and while I know not to take them at face value, this time, I think they're on the money. So why does he look so happy, so devil-may-care only days after breaking up with Gina, again? Soul mates they may not have been, not this time nor the last, but Rick doesn't take relationships lightly and his jaunty gait makes me suspect that something has distracted him from what should be a time of light drinking and heavy writing.
He's wearing a deep maroon shirt that does amazing things for his eyes, but a questionable plaid jacket that reads more 'learned professor' than 'playboy author'. I really should talk to him about reintroducing the pinstripes and day-old stubble if he wants any chance of wooing the detective away from her doctor. A little flash wouldn't go astray now and then.
I'd stood behind this counter, watching as they'd stumbled the hard way through their first impressions; had witnessed them realize early on that outward appearances give false facts. And with each day I'd see that they'd learn a little more, discover another detail, or expose a painful part of each other's personality, ever so slowly becoming closer. Yet, I fear that if someone doesn't make a move soon, they'll fall into the friend zone and god only knows how long it would take to dig themselves out of that abyss.
"For someone who just broke up with his girlfriend and yet still has the dubious honor of having to report to her, you're looking awful chipper this morning, Rick," I greet him with a grin and take the coffee tumblers off his hands. "The usual?"
"Yeah," he agrees, a grin playing about his lips. "The usual," he says, confirming by his lack of denial that he indeed has broken up with Gina.
I go about making his lattes while he whistles a little tune; Feeling Good if I'm not mistaken. He really is taking this breakup well and I would put money on the fact that Kate has something to do with it.
Taking a little extra time to draw a design in their foam – matching hearts that they'll never see once I attach the lids - I watch him as he fiddles with his sleeve, the same goofy grin still playing about his features. Behind him another customer appears, and I fear that I'll have to cease my inquisition before it's even begun. Luckily the girl who's helping me out this morning notices and quickly stops cleaning the windows to take care of her.
Crisis? Averted.
"So, what's makin' you so happy today, Ricky?"
"What's not to be happy about?" he asks, "The day is young. The sun is shining and the birds are singing. Why shouldn't I be happy?"
I raise an eyebrow, and a pointer finger, waving it in his direction. "One: it wasn't so long ago that it would be an abomination to even see you before noon, let alone with a smile on your face. But I'll dismiss that one since I know a certain detective is a providing all the motivation you need to get up and going each morning."
"Touché."
I raise another finger. "Two: you just broke up with Gina and it's splashed all over Page Six. I don't want to tell you that I told you so but I think we all saw that coming. Nevertheless, a little brooding and irritation would be expected."
"It was just… time," he sighs, and it's the first hint I've seen that there are some lingering feelings about their separation. "If anything, I feel guilty for letting it go on as long as it did. What else you got?"
"Third…," I stall. Honestly, I've got nothing. Kate hasn't been in for over a week and without having talked to her, I'm somewhat in the dark as to all that is happening. "Third, this is Manhattan."
"Oh… kay then?" He smirks, obviously pleased that he's gotten me stumped. "Your point?"
"This is Manhattan, and pigeons don't sing. So spill already; I've got customers to serve here. Why are you so unusually happy this morning?"
"Nikki Heat," he breathes, barely above a whisper.
He's been so busy recently; what with following Kate around and juggling the mess he made with Gina that I doubt it's the fictional persona he's actually talking about. Hell, I'd be surprised to hear that he's written anything of late. So what has Kate done to bring about that sound of awe in his voice? More importantly, when will he decide to lavish his attentions on her rather than her alter ego?
"You've hit on the zone?" I ask, not believing it. He doesn't have the wild-eyed and slightly dreamy quality that encompasses him when he's on a writing jag. But why Nikki and not just Kate? "The writing is really that good?"
"Oh no," he clarifies with a chuckle. "I haven't written a word in weeks."
Yep, that sounds more like it. "So, Nikki Heat what, exactly?"
I am so confused and another patron has entered the Hut. The morning rush is just beginning and if I don't get some answers soon, I'm going to have to let him off the hook; even though it'll annoy me all day.
Just because I have my own relationship at the moment doesn't mean that I have given up on my favorite set of star-crossed lovers.
"Natalie Rhodes, in the flesh," he says, a goofy grin plastered all over his face. "She's started shadowing Kate for the movie. You heard that she's going to be Nikki?"
"Oh, yeah. But no. Oh, no, no, no. This is bad, Rick."
Is he insane? Why on earth would he set that up? Isn't it enough that he never lets the poor woman have a moment's rest? Now she's going to have twopuppy dogs following her around, watching her every move. It'll be enough to drive her to drink.
"Jess, this is awesome!"
Yep. He's insane.
"You don't think Kate deals with enough by just having one civilian following her around?"
"It was her idea."
"I highly doubt that."
"Well, she approved it at any rate. Natalie contacted her. I had nothing to do with it."
"Yeah, well just wait. I've heard about how hardcore Natalie goes while prepping for a role. Sooner or later, Kate is gonna crack and you are gonna be the one feeling her wrath."
I'd read that the starlet dabbled in autoerotic asphyxiation in the name of a B-list horror movie, landing herself in the hospital for a day, and the psych ward for another forty-eight hours on suicide watch. Nothing good can come from that actress taking on the role of Kate.
"You cannot dull my pleasure, Jess. I couldn't pay for better entertainment than watching those two interact. It's hot!"
Well then, I think. Maybe now he gets an idea of how I feel watching them. The repartee that he shares with Kate has provided both ample ideas for my own writing, but also left me blushing a few occasions as I've found myself caught up in their magic.
I just wonder if Rick knows what he's getting into; I wonder whether he can restrain himself from saying something idiotic, or doing something that will end up setting himself and Kate back even further. He needs to tread lightly where Natalie is concerned. He's been coerced into bed by more than a few beautiful actresses and while a rebound fling might not be a bad idea, one with his muse's stand-in would be a terrible, no good, awful idea.
"Yeah, well just be careful what you wish for. Don't get your muses mixed up. Cocky doesn't suit you, Rick."
It totally does, but I'm not going to be the one to tell him. That coat on the other hand… I'd usually have no qualms about giving him my opinion on that.
"Speaking of which…"
I hesitate. Do I tell him that he looks like he's been playing dress up in the geriatric ward of the local old folk's home? I have a feeling that his current approach to outfitting is a subconscious attempt to portray a level of earnestness to Kate. Something that probably isn't a bad idea and yet…
"What?"
He stands up straighter and the coat billows out, accentuating his somewhat… expanded waistline. Yeah, I definitely need to tell him. There's serious, and then there's frumpy. Besides, what are best friends for?
"That jacket." I wrinkle my nose and shake my head. "Not your best look. Whatever happened to the Armani? The Yves Saint-Laurent?"
"It's not an image I want to project these days," he says with a hint of indignation.
"Still, something a little less… grandfatherly might up your chances of catching a certain young lady's eye."
He knows exactly who I'm talking about and his eyes brighten as he bites his lip.
"I'm not on the market, Jess," he lies.
"Mhmm, sure you're not."
"Can I have my coffee now?" he asks with an exasperated sigh.
I chuckle, finally handing them over. "Yeah, I guess I'll let you off the hook for now."
"One of these days I'm gonna find a coffee house with a less nosy owner," he tells me, pointing an accusing finger in my direction but with a twinkle in his eye.
"Starbucks is across the street," I give back, not believing him for a second.
"Maybe I'll go there tomorrow."
"Hey, it's no skin off my nose."
He raises both his eyebrows.
"But you won't," I smirk. "You love me too much."
"You're right." He grins. "But just remember, Jess, turnabout is fair play and I have yet to learn all the juicy details of your newfound relationship."
"Looking forward to it," I smile, waving as he turns to leave.
I grin as I return to the counter, thinking about my own relationship. Things have been going well and I can't resist the need to check my phone, grinning wildly as I find a message from Erin asking if I wanna go see the latest action flick playing at the movies.
*Not really*
I reply vaguely, not elaborating on the why, knowing it will annoy her and already anticipating her piqued reply. Truth be told, I hate action movies. I'd much prefer a romance or a psychological thriller. But I'm not opposed to going to see one with her. Maybe I'll get some action.
*Jess*
*What do you mean 'no'?*
*Come on, take one for the team!*
I giggle as the replies come in short succession, a sound that rarely escapes my lips, and the noise catches the attention of my barista who stares at me with widened eyes. I can clearly picture her furrowed brow, the downturned curve of her lips as her fingers fly over the screen. For all her bravado and happy go lucky attitude, there's a softer, girlier side to Erin that I adore. It's slightly needy, but I've realized that it's nice to feel needed in recent weeks. I cover my mouth to suppress any future outbursts while replying with one hand. It's awkward typing this way, but I know I have to stop her texting tirade before our conversation leaves me having a full blown laughing fit. It's almost too easy to mess with her.
*But I'd be happy to go anyway, and hold your hand.*
She replies with a red-faced emoticon and an apology, and I leave her one last message before putting my phone back on the shelf; I have to get back to work.
*Besides, maybe I'll get lucky and round second base while you're distracted by the explosions.*
Bet you didn't expect to see me posting again so soon. Thanks to the many who reviewed last chapter; the response blew me away. I didn't have time to get around to replying to them but know that they meant the world and truly inspired me to get off my ass and find the time to squeeze this chapter out. That's a fair trade-off right?
Much thanks and lovings to both Kylie and Kellie for the betas. That's right, two of them. I am indeed a lucky girl. If you liked something about this chapter, it's probably their fault. It you hated something... blame them too!
I'm kidding! Sheesh! ;)
Avi: We have 'Roons to be writing. Date tonight?
Alrighty, fess up! Who went and looked at the episode to check out Castle's terrible coat?