Chapter 83
"But Vincent I would be glad to help!"
"I know that Catherine, but part of our communities unity is working together to solve problems. You could watch for times when those efforts have failed and provide help at those times."
"Will you help me to know when that is Vincent?"
"I will," he told her simply.
During the rest of the meal they shared news of their day. Vincent was eager to hear all about her new job. She told him about Joe and Jeff, but left out the fact that Jeff had asked her out. She told him how interesting the work was and how much she was enjoying it. He could tell from the glow in her cheeks that every word was the truth.
In turn, he told her that he had been working on opening two new chambers. What he didn't tell her was that these new chambers were a room adjacent to his. One would become a bedroom for them when they got married, and the other would be a nursery. His current chamber could then become a living room for them. He and the work crew were working hard to make this a surprise wedding gift for Catherine.
Catherine was surprised that as they lay in each other's arms after making love that night, Vincent told her he would be leaving soon. Her protest was met with his firm assurance that he needed to be up early in the morning to help the work crew.
Her pleas with him to stay long enough to make love one more time were successful since he was unable to refuse her anything.
Thursday was pretty much a repeat of Wednesday. More paperwork added to the stack on her desk. Jeff flirting with her every chance he got. Asking her out again as well as being turned down again. Dinner with Vincent although this time Catherine had stopped on her way home to get Chinese take out. Then her least favorite repeat of the day, Vincent once again did not stay the night, saying that he was still helping out the work crew.
Friday started out the same, more work, Jeff flirting, asking her out and being turned down. It was at lunch that everything changed. Jeff had once again been out of the office for a time so had tried to impress Cathy by bringing her food. He had brought her pastrami on rye, which would have been fine, however, when she opened the styrofoam box, lying next to the sandwich were two large spears of dill pickles.
Cathy got one whiff and ran for the bathroom. Jeff looked on in surprise as she dashed by Joe on her way out of the room.
Joe shook his head as he walked passed Jeff's desk and muttered, 'morning sickness' before entering his office.
Jeff slapped his head with his hand thinking he should have known! When Cathy came back to her desk, the sandwich was gone and a concerned Jeff Radler was there with questions. "Does the fiancé know he left behind a calling card?"
"It's not his child, not that it's any of your concern," she told him taking a seat.
"You move fast then Radcliff. Didn't you only dump him a couple of months ago?"
"There is no way to plan who or when you will fall in love with someone Jeff."
"I guess not. I hope he's worthy of you Cathy. You are a pretty great lady."
"Thank you. He is pretty amazing," she answered.
"Oh I am sorry about the sandwich. I had no idea it would affect you that way."
"No problem. It wasn't actually the sandwich that set me off. It was the pickles. Some women crave them when pregnant, but for me they set off the morning sickness."
"Let me get you something else for lunch then! Soup maybe?"
"My friend Jenny should be here any minute. We are going out to lunch. So thanks I appreciate the offer, but it is unnecessary."
Before Jeff could reply her friend walked up to them with Joe Maxwell at her side. "Hey Cath! Are you ready? I wanted to show you the dress I found for the wedding if we have time."
"Who's getting married?" Jeff asked.
To be continued….