I flop back against the pillows and he kisses me on my bottom lip and I look at him from underneath my lashes.
“I love you,” he says.
The only thing to do is smile.“You’re driving me crazy.”
“You wouldn’t have it any other way.”
No, I wouldn’t.
Cat
After yesterday, I know what Ihave to do.I can’t go see my family with Nick.Someone’s going to get hurt.I promised him I wouldn’t be alone when I told them.There is only one thing to do that doesn’t break my promise—give them a call.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Hello, Catherine.”
She’s still so formal.
“This is an unexpected call.”
“Yeah.How are you doing?”I’m nervous I can feel the pulse beating in my ear.
“I’m well.”
“And Dad?”I miss my dad.I miss his hugs, the way he’d scoop me up in his arms and call me “baby girl.”The look in his eyes in the hospital when I couldn’t deny being with Nick told me I’m not his baby girl anymore.
“He’s doing well.”
I want to know about Kate, but I can’t bring myself to ask.Now wouldn’t be the right time, considering the news I’m about to drop on them.After what Nick told me last night, I know this is going to be harder on her than I previously thought.
“Why haven’t you called till now, Catherine?”
“I didn’t think you wanted to hear from me.A lot of things were said the last time we saw each other.You and Dad were really upset.I figured if you wanted to speak to me you would call, and you never did.”
“You’re calling now.Is there a reason for this call?Did you realize we are your family and you did and said things that were hurtful to others?Are you ready to apologize to those of us who you have hurt the most?”
Uh, really?“I am sorry.I am truly sorry, Mother, for those of you I have hurt.It was never my intention, I’m sorry.”What about her apology for the hurtful things she said to me?I’m not going to hold my breath waiting for one that won’t come.
“That’s a start in moving past the hurt and betrayal you’ve visited on this family.”
Unbelievable.I made the right decision by not going over there with Nick.He would have wheeled me right back out the door as soon as she said the word apology.Let me get this over with.
“Is Dad there?”
“He won’t be home till much later.There’s a big real estate deal he’s been working on.”
“There is something I wanted to tell both of you together but I guess you can tell him and the rest of the family.”
“What is it?I hope it’s something good; this family can use good news.We’ve been hit hard by…well, you know.”
You’re going to be disappointed.There is no good way to say this to her.“I’m pregnant.I’m living with Nick.It’s his baby.”
She gasps, glass drops in the background, and in my head I can see her hand covering her mouth.She was probably drinking something, Sophie is going to have to clean that mess up.Too bad she can’t clean my mess of a life up.
Her voice is panicked and high-pitched when she finds her voice to speak.“Good God, girl!Does all he has to do is touch you and your legs fall wide open with a welcome sign?Are you even thinking about Kate?This is going to crush her again.Like this family doesn’t have enough to deal with because of you and him—dredging up old wounds and digging even deeper new ones.You’re single-handedly tearing this family apart.What the hell is wrong with you, are you stupid?You didn’t hear a word I said when I told you my tragic story.You’re going to get exactly what you’re looking for with that one.Good luck!You’re on your own.”And then there’s a dial tone.
I burst into tears, clutching the phone against my ear.She hates me.
