Kate's just finished doing her hair when she hears a knock at the door. She goes to it, swinging it open to reveal a girl with long brown curls staring at her, dark brown eyes wide and a little panicked.
"You're not Rick," the girl says, a bite to her tone. Kate's smile falters.
"Uh- no, but he'll be back soon," she replies. "If you don't mind me asking, who are you?"
"I'm Kyra."
"Oh," Kate says, eyebrows raising. "So you're Kyra."
"And who are you?"
"Kate. Rick's girlfriend."
She watches Kyra's face fall, and then they both turn their heads to the sound of footsteps down the hallway. Kate visibly relaxes when she sees Rick approaching them, lips set in a firm line, and she tries to hide her grin when he brushes past his ex-girlfriend, pressing a kiss to her temple instead.
"Rick," Kyra says admonishingly, surprised that he doesn't throw even a glance in her direction. "Can we talk?"
"No," he tells her, turning to Kate. "Get your coat, I called ahead and booked a table for us at the restaurant." He waits for Kate to be out of earshot when he turns to his ex and says, "I don't know what you're doing here, but just- don't. Okay?"
"I just want to talk to you about the way we left things."
"I don't," he says, grabbing Kate's hand when she appears at his side again, pulling her into the hallway. "We have breakfast to get to," he tells Kyra, doesn't wait for her response before he is leading his girlfriend out of the building.
At breakfast, Kate is quieter than usual. She engages in the conversation plenty, but it's all halfhearted, like she's got a lot on her mind.
"Penny for your thoughts?" he says, breaking the silence.
She gives him a small smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes.
"I'm fine," she tells him.
"Kate, come on. Just tell me what you're thinking."
He watches her contemplate that, clearly unsure as to whether she should voice her thoughts or not, but she must decide that it's better if she does.
"Kyra showing up today," she starts, staring down at their plates, trying to find the right words, "That doesn't change anything, right? Between us?"
"What? What do you mean?"
"Maybe it's stupid… but she left you, Rick. You didn't leave her. I know she hurt you, but now she's back and clearly still interested in you and I'm just not really sure where that leaves me."
"Hey, hey," he says, taking both of her hands and holding them tightly in his over the table. "That leaves you where you have been for the past couple of months. Right by my side. Okay? I don't care what she has to say to me. You, this? That's what I want and what I will continue to want. I'm happier with you than I've ever been with anybody, Kate. I love you."
She sighs in relief and gives his hands a squeeze, flashing him a watery smile. "Love you, Rick."