It wasn't long before she returned. Quietly, she slipped inside, removing her shoes at the door and finding her daughter fast asleep on the sofa. She went in search of Gil and was led to the kitchen by the sound of a gentle commotion. On entering the kitchen, she found the man in question tidying away some dishes and obviously unaware of her presence. She folded her arms and cleared her throat, getting his attention.
"Oh hey, Cath," he greeted her quietly with a slight smile. "How was your date?"
"Oh it was okay, I'm not sure that there will be another though," she laughed a little, approaching him. "How was your evening with Lindsey?" she tilted her head.
"It was nice," he began. "We watched some DVDs, talked for a little while then the next I knew, she was fast asleep," Catherine smiled. "Would you like a drink?" he asked, offering her a beer.
"Yeah, why not?" she replied, setting herself on the counter beside him. He handed her the beer and leaned slightly on the counter next to her. Catherine reached past him for another bottle, and offered it in Gil's direction.
"I can't, I was under orders not to have more than three and I'm afraid I've reached that limit." He smiled sheepishly. Catherine rolled her eyes and pushed the bottle into his hand. "You've done your part and Lindsey's asleep now so it's all good," she smiled back.
A moment passed before Gil spoke up. "So, what happened on your date?" He asked curiously, taking a sip of beer.
"Oh we just talked." Catherine paused. "Or should I say he talked… the whole time," she laughed, shaking her head. "I mean, I know on the first date you're supposed to be getting to know each other but he didn't even give me a chance to begin telling him about myself," she whined.
Gil raised his eyebrows and muttered into his bottle, "good job." He took another sip of beer and concealed a smile.
"Oh shut up, I don't talk that much," Catherine giggled, nudging Gil, causing him to spill some beer down his chin. "You had that coming," she laughed, taking a sip of her own drink, before lowering the bottle to her lap with a sigh. Her smile faltered and she looked up at Gil with an expression he couldn't quite decipher. Nervousness perhaps? It was obvious she wanted to ask something and she bit her lip a little.
"Did Lindsey say anything about what she thought of me going on a date?"
"No, it didn't come up. Why?" Gil asked a little concerned.
"Oh, I don't know." She looked at her hands. "I don't really know how she feels about me and the whole dating thing. I mean, I know she seemed enthusiastic about me going tonight but she never really asks about my date afterwards or if I'll be seeing the guy again." She explained quietly, making eye contact with Gil again. "It's like she assumes it's just a one night thing to get me out of the house for a while and socialise or something. I don't know how she'd feel if I found a guy and decided to settle down with him, you know?" Catherine bit her lip again.
"I think she would be pleased for you, Cath. It's been a long time since Eddie now and I think all she wants for you now is to be happy. She would adjust to having a guy around. For you, she would." Gil comforted.
"Yeah?" Catherine asked, not entirely convinced.
"Yeah, of course," Gil confirmed, placing a hand on Catherine's arm. She smiled at the gesture and covered his hand with hers. "Thanks," was her reply, receiving a gentle nod from Gil. The friends sat in a comfortable silence before Gil spoke up, unable to hold back his curiosity any longer.
"So what would this… guy be like?" He raised an eyebrow and smiled nervously. He heard the question in his head and wished he hadn't asked. But it was already out there and he couldn't take it back now.
Catherine was a little taken aback at his forwardness but laughed. "Umm… I don't really know." She thought about it for a moment and was certain that if it wasn't for all the wine she had during dinner, she probably wouldn't have answered. But her judgement had been somewhat altered and she found herself answering him anyway. "Romantic? And caring I guess. He'd have to be able to make me laugh too," she smiled. "And… protective of Lindsey and me but not overly so. Maybe good in bed too," she blushed, drinking her beer.
Gil laughed shaking his head. "You never fail to surprise me, Catherine." She joined in his laughter.
"Well, it's not really that important but if I was being honest, I don't know if I could marry a guy if the sex wasn't great." She took a sip of her beer while Gil's laughter continued to fill the kitchen.
"Ssshh, you'll wake Lindsey," Catherine giggled, gently slapping him in the arm with the back of her hand.
"I know, I'm sorry," Gil whispered, still laughing quietly. He finished his beer, placing the empty bottle in the recycle bin.
He took a deep breath, regrettably knowing that it was about time for him to leave. He had been enjoying their banter. "Well I guess I should get going now anyway. You must be tired after all that listening you had to do," he teased. Catherine rolled her eyes, also finishing her drink.
"I'll see you to the door," she hopped down from the counter, holding onto Gil for support.