sCH 2

Author's note: Sorry everyone, I know it's been a while. Slight writer's block, but I think I'm over it now. Hope you like this chapter.

Disclaimer: I own nothing. I don't even own the computer I'm currently typing this on, so please don't try to sue me.


The next night found Kat sitting with Ria in a small bar not far from the Lightman Group. It had been a long day and the two had decided to go have a drink before going home for the night.

As the waiter set a drink in front of Ria, he shot her a smile. Kat worked to stifle a giggle behind her drink, noticing how his blonde hair fell into his dilated eyes as he looked Ria up and down. Ria not even looking up at him, took a long sip from her drink. The waiter licked his lips as he walked away.

After he was gone Kat couldn't hold in her laughter any longer. Looking up at Kat as if she'd suddenly lost her mind Ria asked, "What's so funny?"

Kat was still unable to answer for a few seconds, finally catching her breath long enough she answered, "For someone who is able to read people, you certainly don't pay much attention."

Confusion crossing her features, "What are you talking about?"

"If that waiter was any more into you he would have attacked you."

Her eyes widening suddenly, Ria's mouth dropped open, "What?"

Picking up her drink Kat shook her head before taking a long drink. "Ria, I have never had a guy look like that at me. I don't know how you could possibly have missed it."

A small smile played across Ria's lips as she shook her head, "No, I'm sure he was just being nice."

"Sure." Kat laughed as she shook her head again. "Why are you so sure he couldn't have possibly been into you? Would it be such a bad thing?"

"No, not bad." Ria said pausing to take a sip. "I just hate having to shoot people down."

"Shoot him down?" Kat asked incredulously looking back at him. He was gorgeous, tall, great body, dark blue eyes, and slightly shaggy blonde hair.

"Yeah." Ria said, another smile tugging at her lips.

"Why on Earth would you shoot him down?"

"Because… I'm already seeing someone." Ria smiled, picking up her drink again.

"What! Ria, why didn't you say anything! That's great!"

"It's a new thing. I didn't want to tell anyone yet. I just want to see how things will work out."

"Well I'm so happy for you!" Kat beamed up at her friend.

"So, how are things going in that department for you?" Ria asked, desperately wanting to get the attention off of herself.

"Well working two jobs and going to school leaves very little time for anything else." Kat said looking sadly into her glass.

"I can understand." Ria, reading her face wasn't sure what to make of the sadness. Deciding to change subjects she quickly asked, "So how is the other job going?"

"It's ok." Kat smiled, "I have never been so thankful to have tips in my life. You have no idea how much it helps out."

"Oh you'd be surprised," Ria chuckled, "I've done my time waiting tables."

Kat slowly sipped her drink as she thought. "Well I should say it's great when you get tips. I got stiffed last night. This table was just horrible."

"What happened?"

Kat quickly retold the story of what happened the night before with Pete as Ria listened intently. Seeing the same reaction on Ria's face that she'd felt the night before Kat finished. "He just looked so sad when he said he had to leave. I wanted to do something so badly, but there was nothing I could do."

Ria continued to shake her head, "I hate people who like that. I don't understand how people can be so cruel. He may not have been touching his son, but words can be just as bad."

"I've never heard someone talk to their child like that." Kat sighed looking up as the door to the bar opened. Shocked, Kat almost dropped her drink as she saw a boy walk in. "Oh my God!"

"What? Kat what is it?" Ria asked, craning her neck but still unable to see the door from her angle.

Kat still not taking her eyes from the door quickly got up, "It's Pete!"