A/N: Ok everyone the original Chapter one (Chapter 6- Taking Sides) has been deleted and now the story has all the intended content. The second chapter is no longer the original Chapter 1. It is an update with new content. Go back and read it if you haven't already. Now on to Chapter 3 (which may be showing Chapter 4 but we all know it is Chapter 3) And before I forget thank you for your reviews and of course reading my story.
Chapter 3- Counting the Days
Caroline did as Kate had asked. Had a wholesome meal, a glass or two of red wine and retired promptly to bed with a book in hand. But a lot of good the book was to her. How could Caroline concentrate on reading? She was far more occupied with glancing at her phone every millisecond. Watching for (well really dying for) Kate's text to come through. Essentially, proving true that old adage "a watch pot never boils." Then her phone pinged - finally, after seemingly a century of restless waiting.
"Perfect in NY! Thumbs up for mum. Had to show pic of you before Flora went to sleep. Evening to myself now. Can only think of YOU! K xxx"
Caroline did not return the text. Instead, she picked up the phone and rung Kate.
"I had to hear your voice - I've not disturbed your peace and quiet have I?"
"Oh Caroline, when could you ever do that. I'm glad you rung. Did you remember to eat…?"
"Yes, I did just as you said. Glad your mum's on track."
"No one could be happier than she herself. She loves Flora and me being here but I think she loves her independence more. I'm certain now I'll be home in 14 days."
"No, sweetheart…13 days… gone midnight here. But who's counting?"
It was the little things – innocuous in every way- that they talked about. Flora and how she was missing her mum-mum; Aunt Auggie and Kate's mum and their silly but affectionate bickering back and forth; Aunt Auggie's vacation plans, the weather; the traffic. Small talk that made them laugh. Made them miss each other like crazy and they had only been apart from each other one day. Well, technically two days if you counted like Caroline.
"It must be awfully late there Caroline. Reckon we should say goodnight? Or you'll be an ogre again tomorrow - Poor Beverly."
"I promised Beverly no more life as an ogre. I'm on my best behaviour from here on in."
"I'm glad but I still should go. It's been a very long day. Goodnight my love, I love you."
"I love you too, sweetheart. Sleep tight." Caroline was now satisfied…sure that all was good with her and Kate. The worse was behind them. No more dark demons hid away in the cupboard waiting for just the right moment to plunge and tear apart their marriage.
Part Two- 12 Days and Counting
"It was such an unbelievable surprise, us running into each other halfway around the world. Who would expect it?"
"Richard?" You ran into Richard?" Richard was Kate's ex-husband so Caroline did her best not to infuse jealousy into her voice.
"What…why would he be in New York? Exactly at the same time as you?" Caroline's further questions made obvious her feelings.
"Coincidence I suppose. Anyway we decided to take lunch together tomorrow. Aunt Auggie doesn't start her vacation for two more days so she's promised to see to mum whilst I'm out."
"Lunch? Well…do you think that's a good idea? You know… with your mother and all. Then there's Flora."
"My mother will be just fine. Aunt Auggie has been looking after mum by herself for the last few weeks and she'll continue after I leave so I don't see a problem there and I'm taking Flora with me."
"Taking Flora? Our Flora doesn't take kindly to strangers or unfamiliar places." What Caroline wanted to say was: their Flora doesn't take kindly to ex-husbands or lunch dates with them. And neither does her mum-mum.
"Caroline! If I didn't know better I'd think you were jealous. He knows about you…that we're happily married. We are still happily married. Aren't we?" Kate teased.
"Right. You're running off with your ex-husband to some restaurant in New York City, which I'm absolutely certain will be the very height of posh. And as for me? I've got a Saturday afternoon hot date with a senior citizen. I love Walter but really how unfair is that? "
"Richard is long over trying to impress me, Caroline, if that's your worry."
"My worry is I don't have you here with me. In my arms- in our big empty bed. And I'm going strictly round the bend without you here."
"Caroline- I've only been gone 3 days."
"Yeah but…I miss you- tons. I'm afraid my visit with Walter won't change that."
"I wish I knew how I could get you out of the doldrums. But I'm here and you're there…."
"Ummm….Are you alone? I mean… are you free to…you know…talk?"
"Caroline! You don't mean?"
"Yep. I do."
To be continued
End Note: 2 updates in one day. Don't get spoiled now!