Chapter 3:

Setting Beckett Straight

Kate Beckett went inside her apartment and headed straight for her bedroom. Without bothering to even change clothes, she flopped down on her bed and tried to close her eyes. However, she soon found that sleep was going to elude her. Her thoughts refused to stop racing long enough for her to even feel how tired she really was. She thought of the past week's events and how the case had taken many interesting turns, how many long hours she had stood in front of the murder board, pondering the evidence and the different scenarios. Her thoughts then took a very different turn as she realized that while all of this was going on, Castle had been right there with her, offering support, coffee, and helping form theories. Even though this was something he always did for her, she felt somehow that this time something had changed. She was beginning to realize that she needed him.

At this realization, her eyes snapped open. She rolled over, grabbed her phone off her nightstand and proceeded to call her best friend and medical examiner, Lanie Parrish. Lanie always was trying to push Castle on Beckett, so Beckett figured that Lanie wouldn't mind having a Castle-centered conversation that didn't center around her annoyance with him. Right now, she decided that she was more annoyed with herself.

Lanie sounded alarmed when she picked up the phone. "Kate? What's wrong? Are you okay?"

"Why does everyone keep asking me that? What, do I seem like I'm on the verge of freaking out or something? First Castle, and now you."

"We're just concerned, is all. You've been stressed lately. I can tell you haven't been sleeping. You've been snapping at Castle more than usual, and have even been short tempered with the boys. So, either you start telling me what's going on, or I'll have to call Castle to help drag answers out of you. Jesus, Kate! You can't keep going like this. You're shutting everyone out. I hate to say it, but soon you might not have anyone left to keep you from running and reliving your nightmares. So I'll ask you again. What the hell is wrong with you?"

"This case scared me, Lanie. It brought back all the memories I wanted to forget. Things about my mother. The pain I felt when that detective was there. The difference between that girl and me? She got closure. I never did. The whole time that I struggled with this, Castle was there getting in my face. I didn't mean to snap at him as much as I had, but I needed to release all the emotions he was trying to make me feel." Kate explained, managing to offer her best explanation without breaking down.

"What emotions were those?" Lanie asked, puzzled.

"He was trying to protect me and make sure that I wasn't being eaten away all over again. I have never had a guy want to do that for me before. Then, to top it all off, he invites me to go off on vacation with him—"

"Wait," Lanie cut her off. "He did WHAT? When did this happen? How did I miss this?"

"He asked me tonight. He came back to the precinct after everyone went home. Apparently, Alexis "dismissed him" to go spend some time with her boyfriend, so he came looking for me. I was cleaning up when he found me, but I was a little upset. Again, the memories were getting to me. So, when Castle showed up, we hashed it out again. He said he thought I needed a vacation. He mentioned that he was going away to the Hamptons for a while so that he could get his writing done. He said that he thought it might be a good idea if I went with him so that I could relax and focus on something else for a while," Beckett paused, waiting for Lanie's reaction.

"Well, are you going to go? Have you given him an answer yet? What did you say?" Lanie asked, almost breathess with excitement for her friend.

"I told him that I didn't have the time. I have work to do. Murders don't stop because I'm on vacation. Besides, I'm pretty sure that Castle's only interested in me going because he thinks it might make him lucky. I'm sorry, Lanie. I just don't want to be another notch on his bedpost. I'm so much better than that." Beckett finished.

"Do you honestly think that that's really what he thinks of you? Seriously? Girl, I'mma smack you. That man follows you around with his tongue hanging out, that's for sure. However, have you even bothered to open your eyes and see the way he looks at you? The man is willing to take you on vacation! Hell, if I were you, I'd be all over that in a heartbeat! The man cares for you. I think you care for him too, and that scares you. So, here's my opinion: you're going to accept that man's invitation, go to the Hamptons for the week, and have the time of your life. Oh, and if Writer Boy decides to make a move, you're going to let him." Lanie demanded.

"That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard! Castle could have any woman that he wanted. Why would he even bother looking at me?"

"Why wouldn't he? You're smart, sexy and give him a run for his money. You don't let him walk all over you, and you're the only one he could even consider a challenge because you seem to be immune to his charm. However, I don't think those are the only reasons why he's attracted to you. You're just going to have to ask him that someday yourself. Might I suggest bringing that up while on vacation with him? That seems like a good idea. He couldn't exactly avoid you then." Lanie countered.

Damn, Beckett realized. Lanie had a valid point. However, something else nagged at her.

"What if it doesn't work?" she asked her friend. "What if I say yes, go on vacation, open up to him about things, and then everything falls apart? He's a good friend. I don't want to do anything that might make me lose him. I've seen it happen before…two people open up that can of worms and then they end up resenting each other and everything that they stand for. I don't want that for us. I can't let that happen. I'd rather sit in silence," Beckett worried, trying to make her friend see her position on how absolutely insane this whole situation was.

Lanie shook off Beckett's fears. She knew that some of what she said was true, but she could easily see that her friend was deflecting the situation. Kate never really enjoyed having serious conversations about Castle, especially when it came to talking about how she really felt about him. She supposed that that would all come in due time.

"Shut up, Kate. You're just being stupid now. Look, I want you to go on this trip because you really do need a break from things. I also think that it could be fun and that you would really enjoy yourself. A hunky guy who just so happens to be one of your best friends wants you to have a good time. You said he's going to be working, right? So, he's probably not going to be all over you as much as you think he's going to be. Stop worrying. You'll be fine. Now, as much fun as this conversation has been tonight, we do have work tomorrow. Get some sleep." Lanie said tiredly.

"Fine. Sorry, I bothered you, Lanie. Have a good night." Kate sighed.

"You didn't bother me, Kate. I'm here for you anytime you need me. All you have to do is ask. Good night."

After hanging up with Lanie, Beckett replaced her phone on her nightstand, rolled over and tried once again to fall asleep.

Morning, however, would bring Beckett a surprise that she never would have expected…

A/N: Thanks to all who are still with me! This chapter was half written when I posted my second chapter, but I never had the chance to finish it because work got in the way. Luckily, today is my day off, and I've had the chance to think of an abundance of new ideas for this story. Reviews are like candy; keep them coming!