“I’m fine, Charlie,” Kate asserts, her tone warm yet not her usual perky self. “Work has been busy. That’s all.”
“I know you have a lot going on. I hope you’re practicing self-care?”
What the hell is it with women and self-care? They thrive on it. Men, however, do not.
“Yes, mother,” Kate responds more sarcastically. “I’m taking care of all my needs. Sometimes, even twice a night.”
I chuckle quietly. It’s a typical Kate response, and I realize how much I miss the sound of her voice.
“I love you,” Charlie assures her. “But trust me, no vibrator can replace a real man.”
“But mine tells me he loves me, and sometimes, if you play nice, he’ll even snuggle by your side and whisper sweet nothings in your ear.”
Charlie’s laugh breaks the tension. “Mine used to do that, too. Then Lex got jealous and threw it out.”
The two of them laugh as I inch my way closer to the room. I clear my throat, not wanting to ambush her.
Charlie is quick to say good morning, eyeing the two of us as Kate’s eyes glance toward me. Something odd washes over me, a sense of guilt and pang at the same time. It’s unusual, and I’m not sure what the hell the feelings are.
“Hey.” I smile, keeping my distance.
“Hey.”
Quickly, she diverts her eyes back to her plate. The move surprises me, and while I’d typically call her out on it, Charlie is still watching us.
“I need to grab something in the…” Charlie stares at the ceiling, “… basement.”
“I’ll get it for you,” I offer.
“No, no… it’s small, and I can use the exercise.”
She disappears in a flash, leaving us behind in this awkward position.
Silence falls over the kitchen. I’m unsure of what to say, not wanting to bring u
p Morgan, so I try to find another excuse for my distant behavior.
“I’m glad you’re visiting. Charlie can use some female companionship. A bit too much testosterone in the house.”
“I’m only here for work,” she claims, standing and still avoiding me.
I reach out, grabbing her arm with my hand. The second I do, every part of me misses her, and I realize I’ve been acting like an idiot. “I’m sorry, Kate.”
“I’m not sure what you’re sorry for,” she recites, still unable to look at me.
“Can you look at me, please?”
She lets out a sigh, her blue eyes meeting mine. I miss her crazy ass. The way she pokes fun at me, the endless rants on men and their fucked-up emotions.
“Noah, it is what it is.”
“It is what it is?” I repeat, slightly confused.
“You’ve got another life. I mean, you’re committed now. It’s fine. Listen, I’ve got some emails that need answering.”
She tries to shrug out of my grip, I let go but quickly add, “Kate, please don’t. I need you. Life isn’t the same, and you’re important to me. This is all a learning curve for me. I’m sorry I haven’t checked in.”
“You don’t need to apologize. You’re in love.”