Surprises
Chapter 28
Mike smiled at the 'coffee shop' Maddie had created in their dining room for his and Katie's coffee date. He was still getting used to his crutches and it was hard to just get to the living room, but nice to be out of bed.
"This is interesting." Mike remarked.
"Hannah is going to keep Oliver occupied. Gia is sleeping so hopefully she stays like that." Maddie explained. She helped Mike settle in a chair and moved the crutches.
"What's on the menu?" Mike asked.
"Chicken Club Paninis. Homemade potato chips and wild rice soup. I have regular black coffee for you. I got Katie's order so I had the proper ingredients. She opted for a latte." Maddie answered. Mike made a face but smiled when Katie came into the room.
"This looks great." Katie said.
"Good. I couldn't get exactly the same vibe, but close." Maddie answered. Katie sat down across from Mike and he smiled at her. Maddie carried a tray of coffee and whatever Katie had asked for over. "Now, I'm no waitress but this will get you started while I finish up the food. Enjoy." Maddie said. Even though the living area was open concept, it gave Mike and Katie some privacy.
"These cups are so cool." Katie remarked. Mike wasn't sure where the coffee cups came from but they were new and lent to coffee shop vibe.
"I think Maddie picked them up somewhere. They are handmade." Mike explained.
"So cool." Katie remarked. She was fixated on her cup and Mike felt awkward.
"So…when I get back on my feet; we will go to that coffee shop. Maddie wanted to give us this since it might be awhile before I can. Or…do you want do something else?" Mike asked, hoping to get some clue.
"I saw in the newspaper that there was going to be a pottery class. I know that's not your thing but I would kind of like to do it. We could wait until you can." Katie said.
"We can do that. Maybe make cups like these?" Mike remarked.
"Yeah. I like art. I missed being able to do anything all this time." Katie remarked.
"What kind of art?" Mike asked.
"Anything, I guess. I drew a lot of stuff. I still have it." Katie said.
"Can I see any of it?" Mike asked.
"Sure. I'll be right back." Katie said. She got up and walked to her and Hannah's bedroom. Maddie took the opportunity to bring their food to the table.
"Sounds like its going good." Maddie said.
"I think so. I guess I'm not sure how its supposed to go." Mike told her.
"You are finding common ground." Maddie answered. She gave Mike a kiss before going back to the kitchen. Katie came back in and handed him a notebook. Mike opened it and was shocked. There was a picture of Gia in the front of the book.
"This is amazing. Its just…ink?" Mike asked.
"Just an ink pen and some shading. I don't have anything else. I don't even have much paper left. I didn't want to ask." Katie said. It was on a piece of notebook paper and Mike knew he had to order Katie some proper supplies.
"What sort of items do you need? Besides paper." Mike asked.
"I…honestly don't know and please don't think I was asking." Katie said as Mike flipped to a picture of Lucas. It made him smile.
"I love this one." Mike said. Katie pulled it out of the notebook and handed it to him. "Thank you." Mike told her.
"This is my favorite." Katie said, showing him a picture of Christine.
"That's really nice. So; I will get you some supplies ordered. You help Maddie out around here a lot. If you can do this with notebook paper and a pen; I can only imagine what you can do with proper supplies." Mike said.
"You don't have to do that." Katie told him.
"I want to. Besides, its my responsibility to foster your talent. You have an obvious talent. I would not be doing my job if I didn't get the supplies." Mike said.
"I have missed drawing." Katie admitted.
"I…guess I didn't realize you had before more than the usual classes." Mike admitted.
"I won several awards. Mom may not have told you though." Katie remarked.
"She probably did." Mike said, feeling bad. He was completely unaware that his own daughter had a significant talent. It gave credence to what Katie had said about her not mattering to him but he couldn't change the past. He could help her get the supplies and classes she needed.e H
"These sandwiches are really good." Katie said, eating the panini sandwiches Maddie had made.
"Its all very good." Mike said.
"Yes." Katie agreed.
"Besides the pottery class; what else do you want to do?" Mike asked.
"Can I think about it? Not because I don't want to spend time together. I just don't know what I would want to do." Katie answered. Mike nodded in understanding. It was all more than he could hope for.