Chapter Three
-"He goes home, and Danny is waiting.
-" It's about time you showed up.
-"What are you doing here, Danny?
-"I came to check on my best friend.
-"I am fine.
-"Wait, you have that goofy smile, and I only see that when you are with Catherine.
-"He smiles again.
-"What's going on, Steve?
-"You know that blind date that I went on.
-"Yeah, and I still think it was stupid.
-" Well, it turns out to be Catherine.
-"Are you kidding me?
-"No, I am not, and we both were surprised.
-" Are you sure she didn't plan it?
-"Yes, I am sure it was a total surprise.
-"What are you going to go back to her after all the lies and joining the CIA?
-" Well, she told me what happened, and all I am going to say is that she sacrificed herself so the CIA wouldn't put me and you and everyone else in jail. They blackmail her.
-"For real? Yes, Danno for real.
-"WOW, she is something else.
-" Yes, she is, and I should have known something was wrong. I was sure she felt the same way about me, but my pride and anger got in the way of going after her.
-"You two back together?
-"We going to try and do things right this time.
-" Is she still in the CIA?
-" No, she was able to get out of under the contract by talking to the director and was smart enough to record the blackmail; it just took her longer to do it.
-"Why didn't she tell you when she came back to get you to rescue your Mother?
-"She saw me with Lynn and thought I was happy, and she thought it was best not to upset my life again.
-"I feel so bad now about what I said about her man.
-"I know you do, and I am ashamed of myself for letting you and others do it. I am going to spend every moment I can making it up to her. Sorry Danno, but I am in a hurry.
-"Where are you going?
-" We are going hiking today, so don't call or text me. Please don't say anything to the others yet. I told them I would tell them about the date tomorrow with the barbecue at the house.
-"My lips are sealed, and he did the imaginary lock and smile.
-"Steve gets what he needs for the trip and heads back to pick up Catherine. She is wearing the shorts he loves and a tank top. He can see she has her bikini under it.
-" I thought we might go swimming if there was a spot.
-" Good thinking, and yes, there is. He opens the door for her, and they take off. It is a beautiful spot, and they hike and stop to talk. Then Steve shows her the waterfall they can swim in.
-"She takes off her shorts and top, and his eyes almost fall out of her head. His heart was beating so fast, and he remembered she always did that to him.
-"What, she looked at him with a big smile.
-"You are so beautiful, Cath, and I miss seeing that beautiful face every day. He couldn't help it; he walked over and hugged her, and then kissed her. Her sweet kisses always heal his soul.
-"He is standing near the waterfall, so she playful pushes him over and jumps
-"You going to get it now, Rollins. He ducked her under the water and say you sorry.
-"Okay, I am sorry, Commander, and that sent him over the top.
-"He pulled her up from the water and kissed her like she was his last breath. They had a good time swimming.
-" They had lunch on a blanket, just smiling at one another. Uh, I told Danny you were back.
-" I am sure he hates me now. He doesn't, Cath, he was mad at you for leaving, and I was a broken mess for a long time. He hated seeing me so sad, so he went out of his way to get me to go on dates. He is happy you are back and can't wait to see you. I am having the team over for a barbecue tomorrow because they want to hear about my blind date. Will you come over too? Why don't I come over later after you had time to talk to them first. Okay, if that's what she wants.
-" He notices she looks a little sad. What is it, Cath? I know it is not your fault, but I can't go into that house yet. Why?
-" Because the last image I had of you and Lynn and the romantic dinner and her being so smug and nasty to me.
-" I am sorry, and I understand.
-" I just go through the fence and out to the beach; that's the best I can do now.
-" I am sorry I brought Lynn into our house and our bed. I hope one day you can forgive me and make it your home again.
-" I am sure I will, but it will take time.
-" He kisses her. They head back home. I really enjoyed spending the day with you and hate to leave you.
-" I did do, Steve, but we see each other tomorrow.
-" He kisses her goodbye. He thinks, why in the hell didn't I go after her or try to find out why she left? I am an idiot. He goes home and marinates the steaks he is going to cook tomorrow. Tani, Junior, and Lou would bring the rest of the meal.
-" Steve texted Catherine good night with a hearts emoji, and she texted him back and said Good night, Commander. How has he missed that?
-" The day of the barbecue, Danny tells Melissa he is going to Steve for a barbecue. He asked her if she wanted to come, but she said she and Lynn had a girl-day plan. Lou calls Danny, and Melissa goes into another room, but she hears Danny tell Lou, I know who the blind date is. But he asked me not to tell you all because he wants to tell you all together today. Okay, man, see you shortly.
" Melissa hears this but says nothing. As soon as he leaves, she calls Lynn. Lynn, I thought I should tell you Steve went on a blind date, and what I could tell from Danny's conversation is that he really likes this girl.
-" Are you kidding me? I told you I shouldn't play nice and pretend I was okay with the breakup. Now he has found someone else. Who is she? I don't know, but he is going to tell everyone at his barbecue today. You know he never invited me to any of his functions at his house.
-"Melissa, we need to show up. I already told Danny I was spending the day with you. She thinks, how about you say you misplaced your keys and stop by to get his spare? He knows we are spending the day together, so naturally, I will be with you. Okay, that might work. I pick you up in a few minutes.
Lynn gets dressed in this short, low-cut dress, making sure she looks sexy, and Steve won't be able to resist her.
-" Meanwhile, Steve texted Cath and said everything was ready and he would see her in about an hour.
-" Everyone is anxious to hear about Steve's blind date.
-" Big Kahuna, you want on a blind date? what next? You eating one of my new dishes! Everyone laughed. It's not going to happen, big guy.
-"I know you all have been waiting patiently for me to hear about my blind date. First, I thank you for being so concerned about me. Thank Tani for getting it set up and into the 21st century. I know I've been a grump.
-" Danno said, and that is putting it mildly.
-" Danno, please shut up.
-" Sorry, please go ahead, Steven.
-" I have to say this woman is perfect; we share many of the same interests, and she is beautiful. He grinned, I felt like I had known her half my life.
-" Junior is beaming; he truly hasn't seen him this happy since he moved in with him.
-" Tani said wow, boss, is it love at first sight?
-" He laughed. Yes, Tani, I think it is.
-" Everyone is shocked that he is acting this way and seen to be truly happy.
-"What is her name, boss," Tani asked. They only use a profile name for the app for security reasons.
-" Danny standing there just rolling his eyes.
-" Her name is Catherine? Everyone said, Catherine? Lou said what a coincidence. She has the same name as your ex.
-" Not the same name but exactly the name, yes it is Catherine Rollins.
-" Everyone is truly shocked, and jaws drop. Are you serious? Yes, I am, and I couldn't be happier.
-" How the hell did this happen? Ask Tani.
-" Well, Tani, as you said, she and I had a lot in common. That is what made me say yes.
-" When did she get back to the island? Ask Lou.
-" She has only been back for a couple of weeks. Her best friend also talks her into doing it.
-" Wow, what a story! Boss, are you sure you want to rekindle your relationship? Lou said, "Remember how hurt you were when she left. "
-" I want to go into details, but Catherine was blackmailed into lying to me and joining the CIA. It took her this long to find a way to get out of that contract.
-" Why didn't she tell you? She was going to when she came back to rescue my mother but assumed I was happy with Lynn and didn't want to destabilize my life.
-" Junior walked over to him. I'm happy for you, Sir
-"Tani said me too, boss. Do I know how to play matchmaker or what? Who next? and she laughed.
-" Lou said Man, I am happy for you too; just don't pull a gun on me in case she is kidnapped again, and they hugged and laughed.
-" Danno said Ramboette is the only one that can keep this animal under control. I am happy for you, buddy.
-" Kamekona said my favorite customer is back; I am going to go see her now.
-" You don't have to because she coming over here to see everyone.
-" He heard the doorbell ring. He thought she decided to come in through the house.
-" That must be her; let me go get her. He jogged off to get her.
-" Wow, can you believe that said Lou? What a coincidence, and our old Steve is back. Yes, he is, and I, for one, am thankful, and they all laughed.
-" He opened the door because he thought it was Catherine. it was Melissa and Lynn standing there.
-" Hey Steve, I lost my keys, and Daniel has a spare. He told me he was going to be here today, so I stopped by to get it. I hope you don't mind. Lynn and I were out having a girl's day, and she offered to bring me. He looked at Lynn, and she smiled.
-"He was fuming on the inside but hated to be rude; yeah, that's fine; everyone is out back. He takes them through the kitchen and out back.
-" Everyone expects to see Catherine, but instead is Melissa and Lynn.
-" Hey guys, Daniel I lost my keys and need your spare.
-" Why didn't you text me to meet you out front?
-" Daniel, I didn't think it would be a big deal to stop by. We are not here to cause trouble.
-" None of them had actually met Lynn besides Danny and Lou. Lynn says hey, everyone; I am Lynn, a friend of Melissa and Steve. Steve had his Seal stare on his face. She walked over to stand next to him and tried to hug him but he stepped to the side. Everyone says hi real low.
-" At that moment, Catherine walks into the backyard; she sees Lynn standing next to Steve with her, trying to hug him before he steps away.
-" Lynn is shocked to see Catherine and figures she must be his blind date.
-" Catherine doesn't let Lynn get to her, she says hi everyone.
-" They all go over to the and hug her, and welcome her back.
-" Steve then hugged her and said I didn't invite her and didn't know she was coming.
-" Lynn said Catherine, I didn't know you were back.
-" Why would you?
-" I mean, Steve said he wanted nothing to do with you ever again.
-" Lynn it time for us to leave. Melissa grabbed Lynn arm and said, let's go.
-" Lynn stopped and said bitch you never be with him.
-" Steve yells Lynn, get the hell out of my yard now. We are not together and never will be.
-" Melissa dragged her out then.
-" I am sorry, everybody, about that, but this is a celebration. I have the woman I always loved back in my life and I plan on keeping it this way. Besides what happened earlier, they had a good time, catching up with Catherine and the things the team had done since she had been gone.
-" After everyone left except Danny. He said Cath, I am sorry for some things I might have said once you left. Steve told me the truth, and I should have known you wouldn't leave him on your own. I told him once that you are the best thing that happened to him. Please forgive me.
-" I do Danny, and I know how it seems, but I would do anything to protect him and my Ohana.
-"I for one, am glad you are back because this animal has been unbearable. He hugged her and go over to Steve.
-" He said, Steve, I am sorry about Melissa coming here with Lynn; I had no idea.
-" I know; see you tomorrow, buddy.
-" He takes Catherine's hand walks down to the Adirondack chairs and pulls her into his lap. I am sorry about Lynn.
-" It's okay, Steve; she's just mad because she thought you would pick her over me.
-" I hate I ever got involved with her. I know it hurt you to see her with me that night, and I was a jerk also.
-" Yes, you were, but you were angry at me, but I still could see the love behind those eyes. I know those eyes so well.
-" Yes, you do. Cath, if you can't find yourself to come back to our home, we will find another place to live in.
-" No, Steve, this is your home; I will never ask you to leave it; I just need time.
-" How about I change out the bedroom completely?
-" You don't have to, but that would be a fresh start for us. You can keep that dresser; I love it.
-" Okay, but everything else will go. Will you help me pick it out? Sure, I will.
-" Lynn said to Melissa, and she was furious. Can you believe he is back with that bitch? After everything she put him through. It took him months to even sleep with me. At that time, he was drunk and called me her name during sex. I put up with it because he has one hot body, but there wasn't any emotion to it. I knew in time, I could make him fall in love with me. Except he never did, Lynn; he broke up with you.
-" I know, but he won't get away with it and won't be with Catherine. I promise you that. What does that mean? I don't know, but I will figure it out.
-"They stayed on the beach for a while. Catherine said I am going to head home, and you have to go to work tomorrow. I know, but I don't want you to leave, but I know you are not ready to stay here. Can I stay the night with you? He smiles, I can sleep on the sofa and will be on my best behavior. He grinned. I just want to be close to you. Okay, sailor.
-" I will meet you there as soon as I get some clothes for work tomorrow. He kisses her good night.
-" Catherine leaves but doesn't know Lynn is down the street and follows her to her house. Later, she saw Steve's truck pull in. He couldn't wait to go to bed with that bitch, and I had to wait forever. She leaves thinking of how she can make Catherine go for good.