Chapter 8
“You like her.”
“What?” Mike asked, over a pot of bubbling root vegetables. Ian and Penny were out Christmas shopping, and Toby was at his grandmother’s, leaving him and Kate alone.
“Just stating the obvious,” Kate replied as she set the table. “You like her. Penny, you do, admit it. I can tell. I can always tell these things.” She adjusted the water goblets, ensuring they were perfectly inline.
Mike smiled as he stirred gravy and tasted the rich brown liquid. “Doesn’t really matter, does it?”
“Of course it does. If you like Penny, and she likes you, then there’s a chance I can finally get her to move out here. You two can get married and Toby can have a god-brother.”
Mike almost choked on the gravy.
“Woah, what are you talking about? Aren’t you going a little fast Kate? I mean, Penny doesn’t even –“
“Yes she does. She doesn’t know it yet, but she does. She likes you too.”
The speed at which Kate crossed the room and stood beside him, must have been some kind of record, her manner conspiratorial. Mike wasn’t sure what to make of it.
“Kate?” he eyed her warily, checking the roast meat.
“Mike,” she smirked. “Since that little carriage ride of yours, I’ve heard nothing but questions about you. That’s the most she’s asked about anyone since Tim.” She touched his shoulder, turning him squarely in front of her. Her blue eyes were serious. “So, as her friend I have to say this.” Their eyes locked. “If you aren’t serious about my friend. If you in anyway doubt that you may be interested in her, then walk away now.”
“Excuse me?” His brow wrinkled.
“You heard me. Penny is my best friend. She’s been inside herself for three years since Tim, and she’s finally coming out. I won’t let you, or anyone, drive her back in. Understood?” She patted his cheek and grinned. “I love you Mike, as a brother, but I’d castrate you like Lorena Bobbitt if you hurt Penny. Got it.”
He nodded his head, shocked.
“Perfect! Now let’s have a very Merry Christmas and get you and Penny together, shall we?” With that, she turned on her heel and returned to her table setting, adjusting the knives.
Mike eyed her uncomfortably.
By the time Ian and Penny returned the table was set, the food was ready and the wine was chilling.
“We’re back!” Penny sang as she walked into the living room, boxes and bags in hand. “Something smells great.”
“Mike’s been cooking up a storm since you left,” Kate supplied as she sipped her wine, casually flipping through a magazine.
“You mean dinner isn’t take out?”
“No,” Mike’s voice drifted past her ear, the warmth tickling her cheek. “I did everything,” he stated as he passed with a basket of hot rolls.
She turned, watching him as he walked over to the table, and despite herself, she smiled.
I have to stop doing that.
She excused herself to put away her purchases, small tokens to take back home and special gifts for Penny, Ian and Toby. When she returned everyone was seated.
The meal was sumptuous, the conversation delightful and the company engaging. They talked and laughed at random, about the beard on the new Macy’s Santa Clause to Penny’s work with special needs children.
The conversation rolled on at will, the company unguarded. It was the freest she’d felt in a long time, being around people. Mostly Penny stayed to herself. Despite what she had first believed, this trip was turning out a lot better than she’d expected.
By ten o’clock Ian was loading the dishwasher, while Penny and Mike sat beside each other on the carpet, looking through old photo albums.
Kate watched them with satisfaction as she called her mother to check on Toby. Once assured that her son was well and asleep, she put her plan into action.
She yawned exaggeratedly. “Ian, I think we should head to bed now. I’m so tired.”
