Twenty-three:
Rick returned to his loft about an hour after his lunch with Gates. There was something off about the whole encounter, although he couldn't put his finger on what exactly it was. He was a good judge of character normally, he had always been suspicious of the captain. But then again he remembered just how badly he had misjudged Kate, following her only to be cast aside when the better thing came along. At least that's what it seemed like to him and the photographic evidence provided by Smith did nothing to dispel those thoughts.
The sound of the front door opening pulled Rick away from the pity-party that he was having. He listened as Alexis excitedly explained something to Mindy as they were both laughing. Rick couldn't help but smile hearing his daughter's laugh. He knew that her breakup with Pi had hurt, but it seemed like she was bouncing back nicely. It was obvious that Mindy had formed some sort of bond with his daughter and that pleased him immensely.
Both women smiled as he approached them from his office, each carrying a large garment bag and a shopping bag. Rick walked up to Alexis and placed a kiss on her cheek. "Hello pumpkin, Mindy. I gather the shopping expedition was a success? Did you have fun?"
"It was great. Mindy and I got matching dresses for the premiere. How cool is that?" Alexis happily replied.
"It thought that was a fashion faux pas?" He queried.
"Not if we walk on either side of you." Mindy commented. "It's a show of support for you."
"Well thank you for the support, although I don't think that it's necessary." Rick replies as he kisses Alexis and then Mindy on the cheek. "All everyone will think is 'who's the old dude with the two babes'?"
Mindy blushes at the compliment, but Alexis grins and replies. "You know, you're right. We are a couple of babes, right Mindy?"
Mindy's blush increases and she can only giggle at the silliness of it all. She follows Alexis up the stairs to her room as she calls back to her father. "We're going to model them for you right now. So don't run off."
Castle can only grin and nod his head as they disappear into their respective rooms. He returned to his office and started thinking again about Gates. Something didn't feel right and he'd try to see if Ryan or Esposito could shed any light on the subject during dinner. He didn't like the idea of using a social occasion to probe his friends for information, but anything they could provide may help.
He was walking to the kitchen to grab a bottle of water when he heard his daughter calling from the top of the stairs. Walking back into the living room he could only stare at the two beautiful women as they descended the stairs like two fashion models. They continued down the stairs and walked a few feet away from where he was standing unable to contain his smile.
"Wow." was all he could say as Alexis pirouetted in front of him and Mindy tried to stifle a giggle.
"You like?" Mindy inquires as she spins around like a runway model.
"I like it very much. You two will be the best looking women at the premiere." Although they wore the same style of dress, the colors were different. Alexis had went for an emerald green color, while Mindy opted for a deep blue. Both floor length dresses had silver accents and beading around the bodice. The slit that ran to the mid-thigh on the side only proved just how long Mindy's legs actually were. "I may have to hire security just to keep the men away from you two." He jokingly commented as he glanced at his watch. "Shit! You and I have to be at the Old Haunt in thirty minutes. I forgot how late it was and seeing how lovely the two of you look distracted me."
Alexis looked at Mindy and grinned. "Nag, Nag, Nag. You guys have fun and tell Lanie to give me a call."
Mindy lifted her dress enough to be able to run up the stairs leaving Alexis standing beside her dad.
Rick walked over and gave his daughter a hug and a kiss. "I will pumpkin. And thank you."
"For What dad?"
"For being so nice to Mindy. I know she appreciates you taking her out and shopping with her."
"I like her dad. She's nice and I think she really likes you." Alexis replies as her face changes to a stern look. "Don't screw this one up dad."
Rick feigns a smile and replies. "I'll try not to, but you know me.."
"Yes, I do and that's why I'm warning you."
Rick turns and quickly walks into the bedroom to change. Fifteen minutes later he exits the room fully dressed surprised to find Mindy already sitting on the sofa. She looked stunning sitting there in a black cocktail dress and heels. She smiled as she rose to her feet and commented. "What took you so long?"
"You sure you weren't a fashion model? I can't believe that you could change that quickly and look that beautiful." Rick replies.
She leans towards him and places a gentle kiss on his cheek. "Thank you. And I must say that you don't look so bad yourself."
"Thank you kindly mam." Castle replies in a terrible southern accent causing Mindy to laugh. Rick walks to the closet and grabs their coats. Rick carefully drapes her coat over her shoulders and comments. "We're running late. The driver's waiting for us." He carries his coat in his arms as he follows her out the door.
They arrived at the Old Haunt fifteen minutes late. Hurriedly, they made their way down the stairs and into the bar. Rick glances at his reserved booth and sees his friends sitting there arguing about something. Castle can't contain his huge smile as Lanie looks up and yells. "Richard Castle, get your skinny ass over her now!"
Rick takes Mindy by the hand and walks her to the booth. "I'm so glad you all could make it! I'm so happy to see you." Rick takes off Mindy's coat and hangs it on the hook beside the booth along with his own. Rick gestures for Mindy to take a seat and she slides in beside Kevin. Castle slides into the booth beside her. "Guys, I'd like you to meet someone special in my life, Mindy King." Rick turns to see their reaction before continuing. "Mindy, I'd like you to meet my friends and the finest that the NYPD has to offer. Detective Javier Esposito, his girlfriend and the best Medical Examiner in New York, Lanie Parish, detective Kevin Ryan and his lovely and very pregnant wife Jenny." He gestures to each one as he introduces them.
Ryan and Espo were both a little surprised that Rick had brought a 'date' with him. Lanie and Jenny were not as they follow the celebrity section of the local papers daily. They'd already seen the photos and the speculation that Mindy was living with Rick. While Jenny was thrilled with the idea, Lanie was a bit more apprehensive. She had always held out the faint hope that somehow Kate would get her head out of her ass and realize just what she was losing before it was too late. Seeing how happy Rick looked with the beautiful blonde made her doubt if it was possible any longer. She couldn't begrudge Rick. He was entitled to happiness. Lanie had always hoped that it would be with Kate.
After the introductions were made and the drinks ordered, the conversation shifted to light, safe topics. Things were going along pretty well until Kevin made some comment about a case that they had all worked on and something that Kate had said. Lanie elbowed him in the rib and Espo glared as all he could do is offer a sheepish look.
Rick was quick to pick up on the exchange and held up his hand. "Look guys, we can sit here and pretend that Beckett didn't exist or we can accept the fact that she left us and move on. You won't hurt my feelings by talking about her and Mindy knows all about it... So cheer up guys we're here to celebrate what real friends are.." Rick held up his glass as if he was making a toast.
Espo was the first to respond with a "Here, Here." and clinked his glass with Castle. Soon the others followed and the conversation flowed much smoother. It was impossible not to mention Beckett in some way. She was the common denominator that put this group together.
Mindy sat there watching Castle enjoying himself with his friends taking it all in. Jenny was quick to pick up on the fact that she was largely silent despite Castle trying to get her to talk about herself. Jenny knew what it was like when this group got together and it was damned near impossible to get them to talk about anything other than being a cop. After all, it was what brought them together.
Rick glanced at his watch and noticed the time. "Guys, I hate to break this up, but we've got 8:30 dinner reservations at Mario's and we can't be late."
"How'd you get reservations there? I heard there was a two month wait." Lanie inquires.
Castle just smiles. "Let's just say that being a celebrity has its perks.."
"Even a minor one like you?" Espo teases.
Mindy can't help but giggle at the hurt look on Castle's face after Espo's barb. Feigning an overly dramatic swoon, Castle places the heel of his hand to his forehead and replies. "You wound me detective."
Everyone now laughs at Castle's antics and Lanie can't help but add. "Maybe you should enroll in your mother's acting school. That was pretty lame writer-boy."
Jenny announces to the others that she isn't going anywhere unless a trip to the women's room happens first. Everyone starts to move out of the booth and both Lanie and Mindy walk with her to the restroom. "I'll never understand why women have to travel in herds to the restroom." Espo snorted.
"Maybe that's why you're still single." Ryan replies with a smirk. Rick can't help but laugh at the angry look on Espo's face.
Once inside of the restroom, Jenny went into her stall as Lanie and Mindy touched-up their makeup in front of the large mirror. "You know, we all tease Castle, but we've always thought of him as one of us.. I was a little apprehensive knowing we were going to meet you because Kate was my best friend.. But after seeing how you two are together, I can tell that you really care for him. He's really a great guy deserves to be happy. I had hoped that it would be with Kate, but she threw him away.. Along with the rest of us."
Mindy was surprised by the honesty of Lanie and smiled. "Thank you Ms Parish. I appreciate your candor. Rick just has a way of growing on you.."
"Yeah, like a fungus." Lanie chortled. "I like you and please call me Lanie."
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of the toilet flushing and the stall door opening. Both women stifled their smiles as they watched a very pregnant Jenny Ryan waddle to the sink. "I know what it's like to be the outsider when these guys get together and start talking shop. At least now I'll have someone to talk with if you stick around.. Are you?"
"For a while.." Mindy replies with a sly grin.
Jenny gives her a big smile and turns to Lanie. "Oh, I like her. Just enough sass to keep Rick in his place. He needs that." She turns and leads the women back to the booth where the men were standing, waiting for them. The ride in the stretch limo was filled with small talk and pleasant conversation. A light snow had begun to fall and was beginning to cover everything. Mindy stared out the window taking it all in. Rick sat beside her holding her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze as she watched out the window.
Jenny and her pregnancy became the primary topic during dinner. Everyone laughed as they listened to her and Kevin explain how they were preparing for the big moment when she went into labor. How they had set up drills and practice runs that followed different routes to the hospital based upon the time of day. The meal itself was excellent as was the service and atmosphere of the restaurant. Everyone understood why there was a two month wait. Of course Rick picked up the tab for their meal. Both Ryan and Espo made a half-hearted attempt to chip in on the bill which Castle immediately refused.
Castle could see that Jenny was starting to tire of it all and suggested that they return to the Old Haunt for after dinner drinks. Kevin and Jenny both begged off citing tiredness and Rick said that they would take them home. They piled into the limo and drove through the city to the Ryan's home. After exchanging hugs and handshakes, the couple promised Rick and Mindy that they would let them know the moment Jenny went into labor. Soon the limo was back on its way towards Rick's bar. It was Lanie that suggested that maybe they should try out the new club that was getting a lot of attention in the local media.
Rick looked over at Mindy. She smiled and nodded in agreement without him asking out loud. Lanie was quick to pick up on this and smiled to herself. Rick put down the partition window and gave the driver instructions for where they wanted to go. Castle pulls his cell phone from his pocket and makes a quick call. About fifteen minutes later the limo pulls in front of Fireflies, the hottest dance club in town. Paparazzi were camped out on both sides of the street hoping for a celebrity to arrive. They exited the limo and Rick gave the driver instructions that he would call when they were ready to leave.
The car sped off and Rick walked hand in hand with Mindy as Lanie and Espo followed to the front of the line outside the entrance. Rick walked to the doorman/bouncer and announced that he and his guests were on the list. After giving the doorman his name he scanned the list and motioned for the group to enter. As they enter the club both Lanie and Javier give him a questioning look. Castle simply shrugs his shoulders and responds "Let's just say that I know a guy.." Everyone drops off their coats and the hostess takes them to their table on the upper level of the club. The music was loud and the floor was packed with people. Soon after they were seated, a waitress came by and took their drink orders. They sat there for a few minutes in relative silence, everyone taking in the ambiance of the club. A few minutes later the drinks were served as they discussed the club's atmosphere.
"I didn't come to the hottest club in New York to discuss the decor. I came here to dance." Lanie stands and pulls Espo up from the seat. "You coming writer-boy?" She challenges Castle.
"I'm not much of a dancer, but I'll give it a try if I can talk this beautiful lady into joining me." Castle smiles and gives Mindy a wink.
Mindy rises up from her seat and extends her hand to him. "I thought you'd never ask."
The two couples walk down the stairs to the dance floor. Lanie and Espo jump into the fray and begin to move to a fast song. Castle stands just outside the area where the dancers were trying to work up his courage. He had been told that he danced like an epileptic robot by more than one partner and tried to avoid any fast songs that required skills. Luckily, the fast song came to an end and a slow one began. Rick took Mindy by the hand and lead her onto the floor. They began to slowly move to the music, their bodies pressed together. Mindy rested her head on his shoulder and he pressed his nose to her hair.
A citrusy smell invades his senses. He tried to place the smell with a particular fruit and failed. The only thing he knew for sure it wasn't cherries. That smell will forever belong to Kate. He chastised himself for allowing himself to focus his attention to anyone other than the woman in his arms at the moment. They continued dancing as she lifts her head from his shoulder and looks into his eyes.
She saw the faraway look on his face and asks. "What's wrong Rick? Did I do something?"
Castle gives her a sad smile. "No. You're perfect. For a split-second there, I actually thought that we were a real couple and not a cover."
Mindy places a soft kiss on his lips and replies. "We can be as real as you want.."
Lanie had been watching the two together dancing and had mixed emotions when she saw Mindy kiss Rick. It was obvious to her that the woman had feelings for Rick. She hoped for his sake, that it wasn't simply a rebound relationship.
The paparazzi lurking in the club had also witnessed the two kissing and had captured in on his hidden camera. A picture like that would bring him a few dollars from one of the lesser known papers. It was a slow night as far as celebrities go in the club. Most have made their way to warmer climates to celebrate the holidays or went home.