This is completely unbeta'd so ALL mistakes are mine.
Hope you all enjoy.
It would be another year, maybe two or as many as three more years, before she ran into Peeta Mellark once again.
It was in front of the elevators of her office floor. She walked out of the elevator not paying attention where she was going, rushing, when she bumped into something hard. Strong hands reached out to steady her, unfortunately her iPad slipped from her hand and smacked against the floor along with a flury of paper. Someone else stepped out of the other elevators, apparently in a rush as well.
Damn new shoes.
She thought. She felt her heel get caught into the carpeting before she triped.
- Are you okay mi-
His was frozen in shock. The one face he'd been dreaming of for the past seven years was standing in front of him. He knew this was her building, and that his meeting was actually for the same company she used to work for, but after having lost track of her, he couldn't be sure that she still had the same employers, much less on this very floor.
He didn't know that Katniss, thanks to her hard work and diligence, had been promoted to head of her department and actually changed floors.
Once the initial shock of their encounter wore off, Katniss was overwhelmed by an inexplicable giddiness.
- Peeta!
She couldn't contain the excitement in her voice.
He'd spent many nights imagining how they're first encounter would be, what he would say, what he would do. Now, here, standing before the most beautiful creature on Earth, all he could is stare. He dumbly returned her smile, before his brain could begin to function again.
- What are you doing here?
She asked with enthusiasm.
- Are you on the right floor?
Not insinuating that he wouldn't know his way around an elevator but this floor never got any visitors.
- Katniss! Wow, umm...yeah!
She chuckled and raised her eyebrows in question.
- I'm sorry I have an appointment with a miss...ummm.
All his information had fallen to the floor. They both crouch down gathering items. She hands him his paperwork while he inspects her iPad.
- I'm so terribly sorry and embarrassed, I ruined your iPad.
He was blushing profusely. It was endearing.
- Please let me replace it for yo-
- Peeta, it's ok.
She said placing her hand over the one of his holding her tablet.
- Don't worry about it, I'll have the guys down in tec just replace the glass. Easy peasy.
Her smile wasn't fading
- Are you sure?
She was straightening up.
- Yes, I'm sure. So your meeting is with...?
She asked taking back her tablet.
He looked down at his folder,
- Yeah, with a Ms. Evee about catering a holiday party.
Her smile finally floundered.
- You're Three Bros. Inc.?
She asked incredulously.
- Yes.
She threw her head back and laughed.
- It seems like we were meant to run into each other today. One way or another. Must be fate.
- I-I-I dddon't understand.
What is wrong with him? Why can't he speak?
-Your meeting is with me, I'm Ms. Evee. Come on let's go talk in my office.
This was too much, too soon and all at once. In the time span of less than 10 minutes, he had literally run into the love of his life, after years of not seeing her, and not only was she the potential client, but also happened to be married.
Married.
Married.
He felt his heart beat quicken, his breaths were shorter, like he couldn't get enough oxygen into his lungs. Then something in his chest was constricting
Oh God, not now! This was not a good time for a panic attack.
Even the thought of a panic attack was making him panic! Maybe he should leave.
- I really am sorry about all this confusion. I'm sure I was the last person you expected to see today.
Close your mouth idiot! Flies could nest in there at this point.
He thought bitterly.
- Well...
Talk about an understatement.
He followed her passed a series of cubicles and up to a desk where a young red-head sat behind a computer. They spoke softly to each other and Katniss handed over the iPad. He let his eyes roam over her quickly before she turned back to him.
She looked great. Just as beautiful as ever but different somehow. Something about her hair, the way she carried herself, her posture, that skirt. Peeta blushed and looked away missing the question directed at him.
- Peeta?
Both women were looking at him.
- I'm sorry, what?
He was blushing again. It would be nice if the ground just swallowed him whole right now.
- Coffee or tea?
Katniss asks once again, giving him a warm smile.
- Um, coffee please. Cream no sugar.
They walked into a corner office with a spectacular view to say the least. Past a lounge area with a soft looking leather couch and coffee table And stopped in front of an impressive mahogany desk that was topped with paper. She offered him a seat.
- Wow, this is amazing craftsmanship.
He said admiring the piece of furniture while sitting in one of the comfortable chairs in front of it.
- Thanks. It was a hand-me-down from my former boss. He has a brand new office, so several of us inherited his old stuff.
She took the seat besides his instead of behind her desk.
She explained to him that she was fairly new to her new position and trying to get organized. They had just completed a huge project the week before and still had some housekeeping to do.
That would explain the generic feeling about the room. It lacked personality. There was a work table to the side surrounded by rolls and rolls of paper, what he can only imagine were plans. To the other side of them was a small bookshelf filled with thick tomes of reference books. Her walls were bare. She needed some sort of artwork.
She took a deep breath.
- Peeta, catering?
A very wide smile spread across her face.
- This is so great, you'd always wanted the business to expand in that direction.
Peeta smiled with pride. She knew that he dreamt of branching out of basic bakery services. His father always listened to his boys' enthusiastic ideas, but his mother didn't. It took a lot of convincing her to expand their menu to sandwiches and gourmet coffees to attract a larger clientele, especially around the lunch hour.
It wasn't until a Starbucks opened a block from them, that she realized their business had to evolve to survive.
- It hasn't been long. My brothers were on board from the beginning but we didn't have the necessary installations, and those had to be close enough to the bakery because we are all still very active there, so it was just a lot of details to work out. Three Bros. Inc. has been up and running for a over two years now.
Peeta was beaming, very proud of his families' accomplishments. After all it's all the hard work in the past years that kept him sane.
Katniss was staring, enthralled by his accounts.
- Peeta…two years? That's it? Do you know how many recommendations we were given of you? P.R. was very emphatic about me talking to you before anyone else, even though this shindig is all up to this department.
Peeta laughed and shrugged smugly.
- What can I say. Its due to a lot of hard work, original recipes and mostly excellent word of mouth. We can't complain. It helps that all three of us are very creative and good with food.
He laughed. Peeta laughed. Katniss had forgotten that beautiful sound. She was lost in thought for a second. For the first time since the elevators she wasn't smiling. It took her secretary, Lavinia walking in with their beverages to snap her out of her thoughts. That and the appreciative look she saw her give Peeta before walking away.
- Well, Congratulations, Peeta! Truly, I'm happy for the Mellarks.
She stretched her mug towards him, it took him a second to follow suit.
- To your success!
Katniss toasted. Peeta carefuly clunk his cup to hers.
- From your mouth to God's ears.
His voice was intent but his eyes were locked in with hers.
Peeta cleared his throat and shifted into professional mode. He spoke about the house specialties and everything they can do depending on her selection. The more he mentioned choices and options, the more overwhelming this project felt to Katniss. She'd never done this before, organize events of such a massive scale. Her smile became a scowl. She didn't know which way to go and let him know as much.
- Well have you decided on a theme?
He asked. Very much in control of the subject at hand.
- A what?
She looked confused.
- It's a holiday party, shouldn't the theme be the holidays? I still need a seperate theme besides that?
Her eyes were as round as saucers.
Peeta chuckled silently.
- You do. It establishes the tone of the party. And its kind of necessary to set up a menu. I can't very well offer you filet minion with tapioca pudding for dessert. Do you want a buffet, or canapes, or a sit down dinner with a cocktail hour? Will it be open bar? The wine selection should be based on the meal. What are your plans Katniss?
He hoped she could hear the love with which he said her name.
Her shoulders were slumped and she looked defeated, completely out of her league. Her eyes danced from image to image from Peeta's portfolio. While her left hand fiddled with her earring.
- Katniss if I may, why are you in charge of this and not P.R.?
She started.
-Every year a different department is in charge of the festivities. That way no one gets left out or is misrepresented. This year its us, and since I'm in charge, the responsibility falls on me. P.R. just hands over the budget. They'll be in charge of the anniversary dinner of course, sometime next year since all the corporate heads as well as associates will be in attendance.
Peeta nods his head in understanding.
- Effie, head of P.R. and the bosses wife by the way, was very emphatic that this be black tie. I had thought of a Christmas Carnival. You know, set everything up on one of the parking lots, bring in rides, hire a Santa Claus with his reindeer, game booths, junk food, make it about the families but she shot me down.
She looks pensive.
- If you ask me she probably has a brand new designer dress she wants to show off.
Peeta chuckled.
- She also said something about a snowball, whatever that is. I don't understand. I should have googled it!
Peeta sat with his left ankle crossed over his right thigh, looking the very image of ease and comfort. Totally at home. He was thrumming his thumbs on his thighs. He stopped at her words.
- Katniss, our winter formal sophomore year was snowball, remember. The girls are meant to dress in some shade of white.
She squints her eyes at him trying to bring back a memory.
- Oooooooh. No wonder it sounded familiar, but Peeta, we didn't go that dance. You were dating whats her face, the crying Cheerleader, what's her name?
- Cashmere? Why the crying cheerleader?
Looking confused but amused as to the turn in their conversation.
- She would cry for anything, playing up the role of the sweet damsel in distress. Every time you wanted to break up with her she turned into a bawling mess, I had to do it for you and she was maaaad!
Peeta laughs nodding, acknowledging the memory.
- She wanted to scratch my eyes out, you had to pin her against the lockers while she screamed about how it was all my fault.
- That's right.
- You know the only reason she dated you was because you were JV Wrestling MVP, right? Your title gave her status.
- Good times!
Peeta added laughing.
- No they weren't! Her bestie, Glitter-
- Glimmer
- Whatever! Anyway, she told the track coach that I had easy access to steroids because my mom was an ER nurse at Panem General, and that's why I was so fast. I had to pee in a cup before every meet all season!
Peeta had tears in his eyes from laughing so much. It was contagious despite her indignation with the memory, and was unable to hold back a couple of chuckles.
- That idiot could've gotten my mom into a lot of trouble.
- Yeah, but you showed her. You became JV MVP for track that year even though she was a junior and you were only a sophomore.
- That girl was delusional, she wasn't even a contender for MVP. All that silicone and hair extensions weighed her down.
They both laughed.
Conversation flowed for the next two hours. Lavinia refreshed their coffee twice. Katniss noticed how each time she'd step closer and closer to Peeta. Once even leaning into him. He didn't seem to notice.
Katniss wondered if she should mention something to her. This is their work environmentand not the local bar where such behavior might be acceptable. Peeta wouldn't be the only handsome stranger that would find himself amongst them. Was she going to be pressing herself against one of the handsome CEO's as well. Johanna's going to have a field day with this one.
He helped her come up on a theme for the party. Basically, since Effie wanted a snowball evening, then that in itself would be the theme. They would recreate the frozen forests like a scene out of Frozen
Then it was decided on cocktails and hors-d' oeuvres for the first hour, a formal sit-down dinner and a dessert-coffee bar for after. Very traditional. He made suggestions for menu possibilities and dates for samplings were set up.
- OK then at the first sampling I'll give you my list for the dessert bar and you can let me know what you'd like.
She noted how his face took a serious expression when it came to his work. That's why it was him that sat in her office right now and not either of his brothers, Will or Rye. Peeta was a natural around people. He was good at listening and reading others so he pretty much knew how to always say the right thing. Born a natural charmer, he could sell. He'd make a killing in corporate real estate, were he interested in that sort oh thing.
- Um. It won't be me at the samplings. My interns get that treat.
He looked disappointed.
- I have final word, make the closing calls and sign contracts but based on their reports.
- Oh. O-OK , ok.
- They're going to be doing the heavy lifting on this thing, made sense that they get to enjoy the perks.
- It does, it makes sense. It's kind of cool of you too.
She smiled shyly.
- Katniss, if you need help with this, with anything...I- my door is always open. You know where to find me.
- Thank you, Peeta.
She leaned forward on her chair.
- Peeta it was truly really great to see you and to know that things are going so well for you.
She smiled at him again.
Not as great as they should've been.
He thought sadly as he cleared his throat.
- I was thinking about asking you to join me for coffee, you know, continue catching up and all, but...he held up his empty mug…
She laughed.
- What are you coffee-logged?
He laughed.
- We're going to be working together, so we will be seeing a lot of each other.
She smiles at him. God, he missed that smile. She sighs as if breaking the trance she was under.
- I know you are a very busy man and I don't want to keep you from anything.
He was being dismissed. He understands that she has work to do, so does he, but he hasn't seen her in over seven years…the rest of his life wasn't enough to be around her. He stood as did she.
- Thank you for this opportunity Katniss.
- Nothing to it. Everything coming to you, was on your own merit. But again, I'm sorry about all the confusion earlier, with the name and everthing.
Peeta shook his head.
- Katniss don't appologize for using your married name. That's silly. No-
- I'm not married.
She scowled in confusion.
- Then why the name change?
Now he was confused.
- My interns' nickname for me. They said Everdeen was a mouthful and refuse to call me, Katniss.
He was feeling dizzy again but this time it was because of the sheer joy that she wasn't completely out of his reach.
He got up. She followed suit. He stretched his hand out to her.
- Thank you, just the same.
He needed to get out of there before he continued making a total idiot out of himself, very sure that the hope he was feeling right now was spread across his face.
She looked at his hand for a second then up into his eyes and pulled him for a tight yet platonic hug.
To say he was shocked would be the least. Katniss didn't used to be touchy-feely and hated any display of affection. Here she was voluntarily touching him even if it was just an amicable gesture.
So he relished in her warmth. Her cheek was pressed up against his. Her scent invading his senses. Long ago, he'd made a promise to himself that he would not forget her smell. Going so far as trying to recreate it around his home but never quite succeeding. Honeysuckle and moss and something else that is only Katniss'.
...
He returned to the bakery later that evening. Rye was just finishing the prep for the next day. Business had grown so much that they had the need to hire additional bakers and servers who attended the sandwich counter, but the Mellark boys didn't feel right if they weren't involved with every aspect of their livelihood.
- How'd it go?
- It went very well.
Peeta answered quietly. Rye picked up on his mood.
- Are you sure? You don't look pleased. Why, was this lady a bitch? Or wait, she's high maintenance older woman who hit on you?
Peeta grimaced.
-If you tell me that this was a super hot chick who came on to you and you hit it, I'm gonna be so jealous that I didn't go with you.
- Why would you being there change anything?
- Because I'm the hot brother!
Rye chuckled as Peeta threw a kitchen towel at his face.
- Then?
- She's not a bitch but the exact opposite; and yes she's super painfully hot and no she didn't hit on me, unfortunately, and we have menu samplings all next week so you and I will have our work cut out for us. Happy?
He couldn't help but feel disappointed. Was he really expecting Katniss to show any interest?
- But I was hit-on by the secretary so there's that.
- Was she hot?
This man has a one-track mind.
- Jesus Rye, really? I don't know, I was working, not picking up girls. Besides I'm not interested.
- Yeah, that's a news flash. If you weren't paying attention, then how do you know the sec was hitting on you and that the boss was hot?
Peeta glared at his brother for a second then dropped his eyes to the floor.
- Because the boss had all my attention.
He took a deep sigh remembering how much Katniss smiled at him.
- And the sec. rubbed her boobs up against my arm and it wasn't accidental either.
- Maybe I should go with you next time?
Rye suggested wagging his eyebrows.
- Yeah, maybe you shouldn't.
They both laughed. But Peeta wasn't ready for his family to know Katniss was in his life again, even if it was only as a client. He turned toward the stairs leading to his apartment above the bakery.
- I'm going to crash, I open tomorrow.
- I cooked today, left you plate in the fridge.
Rye called after him.
- Thanks.
He answered over his shoulder.
He lay in bed that night staring out the window. Another sleepless night. How many times did he pray for the opportunity to see her face just one more time? Now it seems he'll be seeing her often. Close, she is so close and yet so far away.
He'd imagined their encounter so differently. In one scenario, she'd run to him, jump in his arms and they'd confess to each other how sad and lonely they've been all this time apart, between long, wet, salt-flavored kisses.
God, I have to stop watching those Nicholas Sparks movies with Delly.
In the second scenario, she'd be angry, furious, maybe so much that she'd try to run away from him or maybe boiling over in frustration and rage and then exploding. But anger was good. It meant she still cared. He could deal with the anger.
Instead he ran into friendly Katniss, successful, secure, and incredibly sexy Katniss who smiles and gives out hugs and has a playful nicknames given by her staff. Gracious, beautiful Katniss, who wore that pencil skirt like a second skin, swaying her hips and batting her eyes. Indifferent Katniss who was amicable and pleasant like if she'd just run into any other classmate from District Twelve High, and not him.
Peeta was in no-man's land. How do you come back from no-man's land?
...
Three weeks. It was another three weeks before Peeta saw Katniss Everdeen again.
It was a particularly busy time for the bakery. Fall had arrived and with it the month of October and a high traffic of weddings. If Mellark's was fast becoming renown for its catering excellence, it had long been in the public's eye for their wedding cakes. Yes, they were incredibly delicious, made to a specific whim and desire, but it was the artistry for which they were so sought after.
It was through his sensitivity to beauty that Peeta's hands were capable of creating intricate detailing rendering them master pieces, and he enjoyed every therapeutic minute he devoted to his art.
He was in the middle of making peonies out of fondant when he heard the bell to the front door.
He was alone, the afternoon rush was over, the mornings prep was complete and ready and the closing staff had left for the day. All that was left was for Peeta to do was lock the doors and turn-off the lights. He was so engrossed in painting petals that he'd forgotten.
Damn!
He thought.
- Be right out!
He wiped his hands on a towel and stepped out of the kitchen through the swinging door.
He had barely taken A step when he froze. There she was standing in the middle of the bakery. She had her back to him. Her attention engrossed by the sight before her. The place was vaguely familiar yet so different, so many changes.
Seeing her stand there was as if no time had passed. So many memories of them as kids standing in the very same spot, flooded his mind. It helped that today she looked like the old Katniss, his Katniss, and not like the successful professional in designer heels who met with him in her corner office with a view. She wore practical twill work slacks that fit her snuggly and walking boots. She had all her hair pulled over her right shoulder as she braided it. The white button down was neatly tucked into her slacks but her sleeves were rolled up passed her elbows.
- Looks different doesn't it?
She turned her head and looked at him. A smile so wide spread across her face when she saw him, a long forgotten warmth spread throughout his body.
- Peeta!
- Hey, Katniss. So what do you think?
He said waving his hand towards the room.
She looks around herself once again.
- It looks great, Peeta. Truly. Congratulations. I must admit I wondered about the sandwich shop.
- Would you like the grand tour?
- Really?
He nodded. Her eyes opened in excitement.
- Sure.
He offered her his arm which she gladly took.
Together they walked around his home away from home. He explained that at first the sandwich shop was just another counter added into the bakery space. His mother was constantly complaining about the lack of space and the overcrowding, especially during the lunch rush. So when the cobbler next door retired a few years back, they jumped for the opportunity to stretch and finally kickstart the catering business since the problem of needing extra kitchen space would be solved.
- So we started knocking down walls and made two large spaces, one for the front and the other for the kitchen. It makes coordinating everything so much easier. Only the outside entrances to the upstairs apartments remain separate.
Katniss was listening intently.
- Do you rent those out as offices?
- No they're living quarters. Rye lives above the deli.
- What about the bakery, is that still your dad's office?
...
Since Katniss left, Peeta refused to go out anymore. The guilt and sadness made him unsuitable to be around multitudes. His moodiness ranged between brooding to melancholy to bitter and resentful. At the bakery he had to be exiled to the kitchen for the same reason.
This attitude went on for months? So more often than he liked, Finn, who was uncontrollable these days, would show up stupid drunk at his doorstep at the wrong hours of the night, pounding on the door loud enough to disturb his neighbors. Peeta often wondered why he didn't just go home.
They were both nursing broken hearts but why couldn't Finn just understand that Peeta's approach to his grief was different, less destructive.
Tonight was no-different. Finn was drunk and probably even stoned, and fed up by Peeta's martyred guilt, he had nothing to be ashamed of after-all and, Katniss, true to her drama queen tendencies, was over-reacting.
- Don't call her that!
His voice was cold. He was getting annoyed by his friend.
- What? Drama queen? Isn't she though?
The comment went by ignored.
- Come on, Peety. I know Katniss has always been intense but this time she took it too far, don't you think?
Peeta sighed. He wasn't getting into the deep stuff with a drunk Finnick.
- Erasing herself from this place like nothing? You messed up once. Once, Peety, once!
Peeta was losing his patience.
- And it was so obvious it was just a hook-up. You'd think you'd been having an affair or something.
Peeta was on the verge of anger. He didn't need to excuse Katniss to anyone, but Rye had implied as much not too long ago, as well.
- You might be a little more understanding if it had been done to you. I hurt her. I HURT. HER. I promised I never would.
- Oh here we go, here comes Saint Peeta defender of the cheated and forgotten.
Finn laughed at his own stupid joke.
- Shut-up. I knew you wouldn't get it.
Peeta rubbed his hands across his face. He was tired.
- Peety you are too uptight. You're always so uptight. You see, that's why I had to help you out that night.
Finnick flopped onto the couch getting comfortable, ready to sleep.
- What night? What're you talking about?
- That night Peety, at the bar, when you wanted to bail on me. I had to get you to relax.
Finn yawned. Peet sat up in his chair and listened intently.
- Snuck it in your beer. Drank it all up.
He starts laughing at the memory already in a sleepy daze.
- You loosened up mighty quick after that. Chicks flew to you like flies. I knew you had it in you my man! And you were loving it!
His giggles were getting drowsier.
-Hell, you were loving it so much I almost thought you were going to fuck that one chick right there on the dance floor. Get us kicked out.
He yawned.
- Then you left...running after that other one. Didn't see you for two days.
Finn appeared to have fallen asleep. Peeta sat in shock after hearing his confession.
- Called your phone. Worried. Called Katniss, too. Worried.
His world was crumbling all around him. He'd often wondered what had happened that night, why he couldn't remember. Every now and then, snippets would come to him only confusing him more. It had never been clear what was real or not.
Now he questions if its better to have found out or not.
With eery control, he waited for his friend to sober up and drove him home in silence.
The next day, the moment Finn walked through the doors of the kitchen, Peeta jumped him.
Finnick was tall and strong but he had nothing on Peeta. It didn't help that Peeta, fueled by anger and frustration, was on an adrenaline rush. It took Rye, his father and another bakery employee to pull him off an already bloodied Finnick.
- What the fuck did you give me?
Peeta kept yelling at Finnick, over and over again.
- Ex. Just one Ex. man!
- You ruined my life! She left me because of that.
- I'm sorry, Peety, I'm sorry!
Finnick was crying. Whether it was out of pain for his wounds or remorse for Peeta's accusations, no one knew.
- You fucking ruined my life, you piece of shit! Get out! Get out!
Mr. Mellark helped Finnick to his feet and towards the door.
- Don't you ever fucking come back!
They could hear Peeta's screams out into the parking lot.
He needed to speak with Katniss. She had to know the truth. Everything is different now, he had hope that she could find it in her heart to look past his indiscretion. It's been months but he had to try, he couldn't give up, not now. But showing up at her office was no help. Katniss was no where to be found. He did however find Johanna.
-Johanna please can I talk to you, please?
-You have some nerve Mellark?
-Its not what you think, please. If you let me explain to you, you'll understand.
She looked at him. Really looked at him. The disheveled appearance, the weight loss, shoulders slouched in defeat, lifeless eyes with the bags underneath them as a testament to countless nights without sleep. It's like deja vu, except that before it was Katniss who bore the burden of so much pain. It made her heart ache.
-Look, what I think doesn't matter. I've got to admit that there were times when I wanted to go to you and see if something could've been done. It's not for you to know but for a very long time she didn't look any better than you do right now. I was worried.
He listened.
-But she made the choice of getting her shit together, no matter how much it hurt. And trust me it hurt a lot. I spent many days and nights making sure she remained sane.
She reached out and grabbed his hand in both of hers.
-Peeta, she's met somebody.
The look on his face made her backtrack.
-I'm not saying its anything romantic. By no means is she ready for something like that yet. They aren't even dating, just talking.
It took every bit of strength within him to not burst out crying as every last drop of hope drained from his heart.
-They're friends. Just friends. He's a good guy and for the first time in months she looks normal again. Like she has faith that things will be good again someday. There's life in her eyes, she smiles again….
She held his hand tighter as she felt him begin to shake. She's strong but there's no way she can hold him up if he passes out.
-What I'm saying is, Peeta, give her a chance, man. It took a whole lot for her to get to this point.
He looked like he was about to break. He didn't realize he was crying until she wiped his tears.
-I'm sorry things turned out this way for you, very sorry. I would have bet anything on you two.
He opened his mouth trying to speak but no sound came out.
-Do you have a way to get home, should I grab you cab?
Somehow he was able to muster the strength to nod his head. She gave him a hug and said she was sorry once more.
Before she closed the door to the awaiting cab she looked at him and gave a sympathetic smile.
-If the love you two had is meant to be, she'll make her way back to you. I believe in that.
She's met somebody.
She's met somebody.
She's met somebody.
She's met somebody.
She's met somebody.
He doesn't remember much after that. Not the ride home. Not walking in the door to the apartment he once shared with the love of his life. Not his house phone ringing or his cell phone pinging, much less the pounding on the door or the voices outside of it as the super is letting Rye and his father inside.
- Oh my boy.
Peeta heard his dad say as he was being lifted into his arms. It was being engulfed by his warmth that reality came crashing all around him.
She's met somebody.
She's met somebody.
She's met somebody.
she's met somebody.
She's met somebody.
For the first time since he was a boy, Peeta held on to his father and cried.
He moved into the apartment above the bakery. His brother dealt with terminating the lease to his apartment and together, the Mellark men worked on conditioning the new living space and removing his belongings from the old.
...
Lost in his memories of darker times, he missed Katniss calling out to him. It wasn't until she touched his elbow that he snapped out of his thoughts.
-I lost you there for a second.
You could never lose me, he thought looking into her eyes.
- Sorry, umm…I ummm…I live above the bakery. The office was moved a while back.
- Must be nice to have your brother as your neighbor, I miss Prim like crazy.
- He was actually my roommate upstairs until the other building became free. But yes, it is nice.
They looked at each for a long moment.
- Am I keeping you from anything important or from getting somewhere or to someone?
She said, scrunching her face in playful guilt.
- As a matter of fact you are, give me a second…
Her face slightly fell in disappointment
He hurried over to the front door and locked it, changed the OPEN sign to CLOSED, and turned-off the front lights leaving them in a soft glow of the counter lights.
He turned to her with a shy smile.
- Now I am all yours, how may I help?
She chuckled.
-I feel terrible for taking up your time after hours. You offered your help with this party thing and I need advice. Effie is driving me crazy with questions.
He laughed and held his hands behind his back, to have something to do with them and to keep from tucking that loose strand of hair behind her ear.
- You are in luck. I am still on the clock. I was working on a wedding cake when you came in. Join me in the kitchen and we can talk.
His smile was warm and inviting.
She felt and looked guilty. She knew she was dead tired, he must be as well. Why is she here, what is that pull that brought her here?
- Can I bribe you with coffee and pastries, or have you eaten? Or how about I make us some sandwiches because I haven't had dinner?
He smirked.
It doesn't matter what they do together just as long as she stay, by his side.
- Well if you're putting food on the table…how can I say no?
He smiled wide and moved toward the door holding it open for her.
- This way.
Conversation lasted for hours. He had an answer for all her questions. Turns out putting events together came very easy for Peeta. Having grown up in the merchant quarter meant he knew so many people, had access to so many different vendors who in themselves could act as links to others.
And then he had so many ideas. He kept showering Katniss with possibilities and she listened enraptured. Sometimes lost in his creativity or his ability to say the right thing, or it maybe it was just his long eyelashes.
He put her fears to rest. That night in that one conversation, she had hope that she could actually pull this off.
Katniss couldn't help but notice the twinkle in his eye every time she had a doubt about something and he was able to come up with a solution for her, those incredibly clear cerulean blue eyes that could still look into her soul.
There was the way he still scratched his right eyebrow when he was thinking hard to bring back a memory. Just like when they were kids. She loved that little quirk even way back in the day and that made her smile. Peeta noticed and tried to not let it take his breath away, even if just for a second.
Then there was the comfortable silence they'd sit in while she took notes of everything he shared. She would scribble furiously while he made petals. So many petals one after another. Apparently the bride to be, loved peonies. Tonight she found a new appreciation for them, too.
Peonies and Peeta's hands.
How could she have forgotten those hands. So strong and rough, calloused by a lifetime of work, scared by the love of a trade that has been the legacy of generations. Yet, so gentle and soft, with an agility and precision to create beautiful fragile things. Not to mention delectably delicious things.
- Omg, Peeta!
He laughed at the fake accent she used.
- This sandwich is sooooo good! I can die right now a very happy woman.
He laughed. That laugh.
- Please don't. That would be very bad for business, anyone dying while eating my food….
And he shakes his head in mock disapproval.
She laughs. That laugh. He could spend the rest of his life listening to that laugh.
Hope the pace doesn't discourage anyone from following their journey.