Chapter 13: Joy Inside My Tears

Vincent paced near the front door as he waited for Catherine to arrive. She had texted him a while ago to let him know she was on her way. Vincent always got nervous when he knew he might see VJ he wanted everything to be perfect. They didn't have a father-son connection but VJ was at least cordial toward him the few times he did see him.

Vincent heard the honk of Catherine's car horn out front and he immediately took a deep breath opened the door and headed to the car.

"Hey guys," Vincent says as he gets into the passenger seat.

"Hey," Catherine says.

VJ says a quiet "Hi"

"Ready for some hockey practice?" Vincent turns and asks VJ.

VJ smiles and nods.

"So how's your day going?" Vincent asks Catherine as they drive off down the street.

"Good I worked part-time at the hospital this morning, it got hectic as usual"

Vincent smiled missing the Children's Hospital ER he dreamed of working in for so many years. At least Tess and Catherine can still enjoy it.

"Joe told me to tell you hello"

"Joe, oh wow I haven't seen him since before my accident how is he?"

"He is great in fact he is engaged to Tess, who by the way told me to tell you you are invited to the wedding next week."

Vincent's mouth dropped in shock "Wait a minute isn't Joe married to someone else?"

Catherine giggled seeing Vincent's reaction, the same reaction she had when her best friend finally revealed her secret relationship ship with Joe.

"Long story short Tess and Joe were seeing each other, yes while he was married. They broke up he got divorced and now they are engaged to be married with a baby girl"

"No way Tess is a mom" Vincent laughed "I can't wait to see her boy do have some jokes for her"

Catherine laughed she already knew once Vincent and Tess got around each other the jokes were gonna be non-stop.

They pulled into the parking lot of an indoor ice rink called the Chiller. The same place Vincent played his hockey games when he was on the hockey team. He sighed as the memories came back of the game-winning championships and even the losses he experienced with the sport.

"VJ what position do you play?" Vincent asks

VJ shrugs "I don't know"

"He hasn't decided yet" Catherine answers. "I think he would make a great goalie"

"Goalie, that's a big important role"

"I know but they stand in the same spot I want to be able to skate on the ice"

"What about the left wing or center," Vincent says as they enter the building.

"Um, I don't know," VJ says confused.

Vincent smiles.

"He still has time to figure it out their season doesn't start for a couple of weeks," Catherine says.

They walked in the arena and Vincent took in the sights. Little five and six-year-old kids were everywhere along with parents lingering.

They found a bunch to sit on and Catherine helped VJ put on his shoulder pads, pants, practice Jersey his helmet. She then tried to lace his skates but was having trouble as always.

Vincent watched as Catherine tied them wrong he smirked and he stopped her.

"Let me help you with that," Vincent says as he grabs one of VJ's legs he placed on his lap then untied the mess Catherine made, and laced them the way he was taught. He still remembered even after all these years.

"Thanks, I always struggle every practice to tie those things, I usually end up asking his coach" Catherine laughs.

"Thank you, Vincent can you tie them again next time Mom doesn't know how to do it right"

Vincent laughs "Sure"

Catherine smiled seeing VJ warming up to Vincent.

Once Vincent finished VJ stood up and grabbed his hockey stick just as his coach blew his whistle so that the team came to the center of the ice.

Vincent watched VJ wobble his way onto the ice and skate to the center with the rest of the group.

They watched as the kids stretched and did warm-up drills before going into regular practice.

Vincent watched smiling with pride. VJ was doing well he was taller than most of the other boys on the team which didn't surprise him Vincent was taller than most kids as well when he was younger.

Vincent had been so captivated watching VJ and the team he hadn't realized Catherine was quiet she hadn't said a word in a while.

He looked over at her and saw she was staring down at her phone.

Vincent put his hand in front of her screen to get her attention and she immediately looked up at him.

"What are you doing?"

"I was reading something are you ok?" she asked with a smile

"Yes, I was just checking on you. I just noticed you hadn't said a word in a while"

"I'm sorry I usually read ebooks when I am at VJs practices you know I don't care for sports" she laughed

Vincent smirks. "What book are you reading anyway?"

"I am reading a book called Into the Woods by Tana French"

"Must be a good read"

"Definitely I started reading it at lunch and didn't want to put it down"

Vincent went back to watching VJ after paying close attention to VJ's skills he concluded that VJ would be a great left wing. The same position he played.

"Catherine I think VJ should play left-wing," He says after some time.

Catherine looked up from her phone "Is it because you played left wing?"

"No, but kind of yes" Vincent laughed "Seriously he has the skills to be left or right wing. I agree that he would make a decent goalie too but he would get bored as a goalie. The left-wing would give him more excitement. Maybe I should talk to his coach, I know him by the way"

"You do?" Catherine raised a brow.

"Yes he was on our rival team in high school The Red Devils remember we almost got into a brawl on the ice and ended up in the penalty box during the championship."

Catherine shook her head "Of course, I don't remember. Did you forget to whom you are talking to?"

Vincent laughed again. Although Catherine went to all of Vincent's games she only paid attention sometimes. A lot of the time she was talking with her friends. She always made sure to pay attention when something exciting was happening or if the game was close. She always knew if he made any goals or had any assists which he appreciated.

"I do remember you getting into a few arguments actually. I wouldn't be able to tell who your rival enemies were though"

"I never could get you to like sports. I think the only thing you didn't mind watching was the Superbowl and usually, it was because of the ads"

"Superbowl ads are sometimes the most epic"

They both laughed and their eyes locked and lingered. Vincent had the urge to brush his hand across her cheek. She was so incredibly beautiful it was almost painful. He watched as her eyes scrolled down to his lips before she hurried and looked away. This happened with them a lot those lingering looks. He wondered what she was thinking. They never addressed it but it kept happening every time they were around each other.

Vincent continued watching VJs practice until it was over. He enjoyed watching his son learn all the basics he mastered with years of practice. As the team made their way off the ice Vincent got up and walked over to VJ's coach.

"Hey, Tyler," Vincent says to the coach.

He looked over at Vincent squinting his eyes. "No way Vincent Keller. What's up man" Tyler says walking over and shaking Vincent's hand.

"What are you doing here?... Whoa, wait a minute why am I just now making the connection VJ is your son? Dude he is the spitting image of you"

"Vincent smiled hoping VJ who was nearby on the ice didn't hear that last statement.

"Yeah, I came over to see what position you feel like he should play. His mom was thinking goalie"

"Oh no VJ is made to be left-wing everytime I put him there he does amazing. He did great as a goaltender but VJ's buddy Stephen is like a brick wall he lets nothing get past him"

"Well good to know I was thinking the same thing"

"Hey Vincent you ever thought about coaching?"

"No way," Vincent says with a frown.

"You would be great, I need another coaching assistant I think you would be perfect for the job"

Vincent contemplated. He never thought about coaching but now that VJ was on the team and he didn't exactly know what to do career-wise since he couldn't practice medicine maybe this was the answer.

Vincent looked over at VJ trying to shoot the puck past his friend who was goaltending. VJ was holding the stick wrong making it harder for him to control the puck. Vincent called him over to where he stood.

"VJ you are holding the stick at the wrong angle. You would get the puck in the goal better if you put your hands here and here," He said pointing to the hockey stick.

"Now try again" he instructs.

VJ skated back over near the goal with the puck he put his hands where Vincent told him, and he then drew his arm back and swung the stick hitting the puck. The puck flew toward the goal and hit the net.

"I did it!" VJ says raising his hands in triumph.

"see I told you," Tyler says "You would be a great coach you really should think about it."

Vincent nodded.

VJ skated back toward Vincent and gave him a high-five just as Catherine made her way over to them. She had been watching from the bench grinning as Vincent and VJ bonded over hockey.

"You guys ready to go?"

"Mom did you see I shot a goal"

"Yes I did see you did awesome VJ," She said as she grabbed his hand helping him go from the ice to the arena floor. VJ wobbled over to the bench and unlaced his skates and changed back into his sneakers.

"Tyler thinks I should coach," Vincent says as they wait for VJ.

"Really?!"

"Yeah I never really thought about it but the more time that has past the idea has been growing on me"

"I think that would be a great idea, you practically eat sleep and breathe hockey it's only right you teach it" she smiled.

"Mom can we go get ice cream before we go home" VJ asks as they make their way to the car.

"Oh no you will spoil your dinner," She says.

"Oh please, oh please" VJ begged giving her puppy dog eyes.

Vincent laughs as he watches Catherine give in to VJ's pleading.

"Fine but you have to eat all your dinner, especially your vegetables"

"Deal!" VJ says as Catherine buckles him into his car seat.

"VJ what ice cream flavor is your favorite?" Vincent asks.

"Chocolate" he smiles. "Mom likes Moose Tracks ice cream"

"I know," Vincent says " I am the reason she loves it so much. One day she asked me to buy her some ice cream. I was not paying attention thinking I picked up a chocolate swirl ice cream. Only once I gave it to your mom she yelled at me because I got the wrong flavor." VJ giggled "She ended up trying it and loving it. So it ended up being a happy mistake "

Catherine laughs as she remembers the day she tried the best ice cream flavor in the world. She was disappointed at first only to fall in love with the newfound flavor. Then she remembered how that night ended and she felt her cheeks turn red as she blushed.

Vincent looked over at Catherine seeing her blushing cheeks and realized they both had the same thought. The day Catherine discovered moose tracks ice cream was also the day Vincent and Catherine turned their bodies into sexy sundaes. Vincent had planned on trying that again the night of that life-changing tragic accident.

"Vincent, what flavor are you getting?" VJ asked

"I like cookies and cream"

"Mom I changed my mind I want to try cookies and cream too"

Vincent was surprised to hear VJ change his ice cream flavor to his.

"That's fine VJ" Catherine smiled "Someone really likes you" she whispered to Vincent.

Vincent grinned. Vincent and VJ were on their way to becoming great friends. This made him so incredibly happy he wanted a close bond with his son.

There was a park right across from the ice cream shop so they decided to let VJ play on the jungle gym before they headed home. VJ climbed to the top with his ice cream cone in his hand. Another random little boy at the park befriended VJ and they played together as he finished his ice cream.

Vincent and Catherine sat together on a bench and ate their ice cream as they watched VJ play.

"Thanks for inviting me today this was great" Vincent smiled.

"Of course. I told you I want VJ to know his dad"

"Speaking of, Tyler knew VJ was mine but, I am not sure if VJ heard that part when we were talking"

Catherine's face looked terrified she didn't want VJ to find out in that way.

We are going to have to tell him soon especially if Vincent going to coach on his team. Since VJ seemed like his normal self she was gonna assume that VJ more than likely did not hear the conversation.

"He seems normal I think if he had heard he would have been acting different"

Vincent nodded. Finishing the last of his ice cream.

Catherine looked over at the swings.

"So when was the last time you been on a swing?" She said as she stood up and walked over to the swing set.

Vincent got up and followed her.

"It would have to be high school because I definitely don't remember getting on one as an adult"

Catherine sat down on the swing and Vincent instinctively got behind her and lightly pushed her.

"I miss this," Catherine says after some minutes.

"What do you mean?"

Catherine immediately put her feet down to stop the swing.

"Oh my god did I say that out loud" Catherine's face turned red with embarrassment.

Vincent laughed "So you didn't want me to know that"

Catherine covered her face and laughed "No that was supposed to stay just a thought in my head"

Vincent pulled Catherine on the swing back near his chest and held her close for a few seconds. Catherine's heart rate jumped erratically. She leaned into his embrace. He then whispered in her ear "I miss it too" Then he let her go and continued to push her lightly on the swing.

Vincent looked up to see what VJ was doing only to find him watching them from the top of the slide. He didn't know how much he saw or what VJ was thinking but that wasn't good. Vincent backed away from Catherine and went and sat back on the bench.

VJ came down the slide and ran over to Catherine. Not sure what he said to her but Catherine got off the swing and headed his way with VJ right beside her clinging to her arm.

"VJ's done playing and ready to go home"

Vincent tried to make eye contact with Catherine but she wouldn't look at him.

Vincent wasn't sure if Catherine was still embarrassed about what she confessed or his response. He knew that when he pulled her close she felt something just like he did.

VJ sat quietly in the back seat for the rest of the car ride. Vincent wasn't surprised when they pulled up at Vincent's to find he had fallen asleep.

Vincent smiled over at Catherine who finally was able to look at him again.

"I had fun," Vincent said "Thanks for getting me out of the house"

"Your Welcome and thanks for helping with VJ he really appreciates it"

"Of course," he said. He cleared his throat "About earlier I didn't mean to..."

Catherine cut him off "It's fine, we were just in the moment" she reassured him.

Vincent nodded.

"Well, I'll see you later. Tell VJ goodbye for me" Vincent said as he exited the car.

Vincent went home that day feeling like he was having the best day ever. It had been such a long time since he had a day like today. With this newfound coaching thing, he finally felt like he had something to look forward to. He finally felt like he had a purpose, not only that VJ actually liked him. VJ had so many questions about hockey he wanted to know everything. He couldn't wait to spend time with them both again.

As soon as Vincent got into his house his phone started to ring. It was that reporter again. Dana Stone calls at least once a day wanting to interview him. So far he has ignored all her calls. Vincent liked his privacy he didn't want to be sensationalized. She had tracked him down once while he was at the police station helping Evan. Vincent didn't realize she would be so stunning. He almost gave in to her beauty and persuasion but he still managed to tell her no. She left him alone for a few days but started calling again.

Vincent headed to the kitchen to start dinner he had been craving chicken tacos for the past few days today he actually felt like cooking them. He kept thinking about today's events and spending time with Catherine and VJ it was amazing. If he took this coaching job he could see them both more often. He liked that idea.

Vincent chopped up pieces of chicken breast and bell peppers and onions as he listened to music. He sang along to Lenny Kravitz's American Woman when he heard a knock at his front door.

Vincent made his way to the front door. Looking through the peephole he saw it was Dana. No way! he thought.

He opened the door to her smirking at him.

"You are a hard man to get a hold of," she says

"What do you want I told you no interviews," Vincent said annoyed

"I know but I feel like your story needs to be told. An article on you would be inspiring"

Vincent wasn't in the mood his stomach was growling, and he was ready to get back to making his chicken tacos.

"Why don't I just come in and talk to you about my angle for my exposé? Then you can decide. I feel like if you get to know me then you can trust me"

Vincent sighed and opened the door wider to let her in.

"Nice place she says as she looks around"

"I was kind of in the middle of doing something," Vincent says as he makes his way back to the kitchen. Dana followed and watched Vincent finish the last of his chopping. He turned on the stove and placed the cut-up chicken into the pan.

Dana sat on his kitchen island bar stool and got to the point.

"Vincent I've been interested in you since I first learned of you helping Evan with the serial rapist case weeks ago. I did some digging" She smirked. Vincent looked up at her curious about what she found out.

"I found out you were in a coma for years after a nearly fatal accident. you were an aspiring doctor and come from a great family. You now have a knack for solving police cases."

"So far so good," Vincent says as he continues sautéing his chicken. "But that still isn't a reason to do an article on me I am still in the process of getting my life back together. Isn't there some other cop or politician you should be writing about?"

"I could yes but politicians are boring your story will be something to talk about"

Vincent pondered the situation, What could an interview hurt? "Do I get to read the article before print I don't want any surprises?"

"Of course, I will make sure you approve of everything" She smiled seeing Vincent finally change his mind.

"So I'll be back in a couple of days to do your interview, As a matter of fact, why don't we make it a date and you can cook me dinner since I see you are good in the kitchen" She flirted giving bedroom eyes.

Vincent looked into her eyes trying to figure out her motives.

Dana is gorgeous Vincent couldn't deny that. He noticed how attractive she was immediately at the police station but didn't think much of her outside of that. Dating was the last thing on his mind. He only knew what he heard about her and it wasn't particularly good.

She had hypnotic blue eyes and shoulder-length auburn hair, she had a sensual aura that exuded confidence. Vincent could tell she was used to getting what she wanted at all costs. Even the way was dressed spoke volumes she made sure that her pantsuit fit tightly around her curves. Her V-neck shirt under her jacket gave a peek-a-boo of cleavage without being over the top.

"Sure," He says hesitantly.

"Great we are all set," Says as she gets up from the stool.

Just then they both heard the the front door being unlocked and opened. JT announced he was back as he sat his things down in the foyer.

Vincent walked Dana to the front door. JT looked on in surprise upon seeing Vincent and Dana walking his way. Vincent had been avoiding Dana's calls all this time now here she is in the flesh.

"Hey JT," she says.

"See you soon Vincent" Dana says as she leaves out the door.

"What was that about," JT says.

"I've apparently given into Dana and am now being suckered into a Dinner date interview.

JT chuckled "No way!"

"Yeah she is a hound I figured she wouldn't stop asking I might as well get it over with"

"So it's a date, like a date date?" JT asks amused.

"Well she did seem to be flirting with me but I guess so," Vincent says not completely sure.

"Dana is pretty hot I think you should definitely get to know her"

Vincent turned and headed back to the kitchen.

Vincent went back to cooking sauteeing the veggies and adding a chipotle seasoning to the chicken.

"Why does everyone want to pair me off with someone so bad?"

JT sighed. "Probably because you still seem to be in love with Catherine who is married"

"Jumping into a relationship isn't going to change that, it's going to take time"

"You do not have to get into a relationship just some dates and some fun you deserve it after everything you have been through"

"I hear you JT but I've got too much healing to do. I don't feel one hundred percent yet. I want to have some kind of job and stability in my life before I go there"

"Fair enough, I still think you and Dana could have something"

Vincent sighed "New subject I am thinking about coaching hockey"

"What no way! That's cool man. So how did it go with Catherine and VJ today?" JT had been curious all day.

"It went very well. I had a good time. I saw my old high school rival he is VJ's coach, he is the one that brought up the idea of me coaching"

"I actually think it's a good idea you are very well versed in hockey"

"Helping the little kiddos learn hockey will give me something to do. I know the pay is not that great but I still have my inheritance so I should be fine"

Vincent was finally done cooking and was now putting together his tacos on the plate adding cheese, lettuce, tomato, and sauce. He was so ready to scarf down the three tacos he made.

"VJ is gonna play left wing just like his dad" Vincent smiled with pride. "We going to have to tell VJ about me being his biological dad sooner than later now that I am his coach. People are going to start making connections"

"That is good that's what you wanted," JT says grabbing some of the leftover tacos Vincent made and helping himself to some.

"Yes it is but I am still kind of nervous What if he rejects the idea"

"ugh! I hope not that would be awful"

"Way to make me feel better JT" Vincent laughed taking a huge bit of his tacos. They are good and savory with a hint of spice, Vincent smiled his tacos came out perfect.

"Seriously I think VJ will be fine if that happens Catherine will make it right"

Vincent raised a brow "I thought you didn't like her?"

"I don't not, not like her I just don't like what she did"

Vincent continued eating pondering everything.

"I can't believe agreed to do this interview"

"Welp, I can't wait to see how this plays out" JT smirked.

AN:*hides* I know, I know it's been along time I am sorry.. but I'm back I think... Also, the way I have this story going I have to change something. Vincent's coma has been changed it was four years, I now have to change it to FIVE years to fit the direction I am going. I am going to go back and changing the earlier chapters as well so from here on out it's five years NOT four. Anyway that is all. What do you think about this chapter? Do you think VJ suspects something? And what is going on with Catherine?