by Sandi Lynn
“How may I help you?” the young barista asked.
“I’ll have a medium coffee and a scone,” I replied.
“Will that be for here or to go?”
“To go. On second thought, for here.”
The last time I drove while drinking a cup of coffee I ended up spilling it all over me and the car. I took a seat at a small table, sitting with my back to the door to take in the view of the river one last time before I left. As I was drinking my coffee, I heard a woman’s voice. A voice that made my heart start to race. I slowly turned around and saw Kate standing at the counter, talking to the barista. She grabbed her coffee to go and headed out the door. I quickly got up and followed her, staying far behind so she didn’t see me. I wasn’t quite sure how to approach her and a nervousness settled inside me. She was just as beautiful as she always was and seeing her again took my breath away. Just like it had many times before.
I followed her to The Mermaid Inn. What the hell? Had she been there the whole time and that woman lied to me? I waited outside the bed and breakfast while she went inside. After a few moments, I walked through the door and saw the older woman behind the desk.
“You lied to me,” I spoke as I approached her.
“Excuse me?” Her brow arched.
“The woman who just walked through the door, that was Kate. The woman I asked you about yesterday.”
“I think you should leave, Mr. Quinn. Kate came here to heal a broken heart.”
“And I came here looking for her to make things right.”
“Gabriel?” I heard Kate’s voice on the stairs.
I looked over at her and saw the sadness that resided in her eyes.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
“I came looking for you.” I smiled as I walked towards her.
“You shouldn’t have.”
She quickly walked past me and out the door and I ran after her.
“Kate, I need you to listen to me. Please.”
“Go back to New York, Gabriel.” She continued walking at a rapid pace.
“I’m not leaving until I apologize to you. I’m sorry for everything I’ve said and done.”
“Fine. I accept, now go. Leave me alone!” she shouted.
I caught up with her and lightly grabbed hold of her arm. She turned and her beautiful blue eyes stared into mine.
“I’m so sorry. Please let’s go somewhere so we can talk in private.”
“There’s nothing to talk about. You said everything you needed to back when you accused me of selling you out to Marcel.” She jerked her arm away.
“Please, sweetheart. I just need you to listen to me.”
“First of all,” she pointed her finger at me and spoke in an angry tone, “I’m not your sweetheart, and second of all, I don’t care if you need me to listen to you. You didn’t listen to me. All of this could have been avoided if you would have just believed in me!”
“I know that and I’m sorry. I’m stupid and I turned my back on the only woman I had ever loved. I’m here to make things right. I can’t eat, I can’t sleep, and I can’t focus on my company. What I did was wrong and I made a terrible mistake. I’m so sorry, Kate. Please, you have to believe me.”
“Just like you believed me?” she asked in a low and sad voice. “I accept your apology, but that’s all I can give you. Things are different now, Gabriel, and you need to go home.”
“Kate, please. I need you.” I reached out and grabbed her hand.
“And I needed you at one time and you turned your back on me.” She pulled her hand away. “Goodbye, Gabriel. Please just leave me alone.” Tears formed in her eyes. “You will never be able to trust me.” She walked away and headed back to the bed and breakfast.
“You’re wrong, Kate,” I shouted.
I stood there and watched her walk away from me. The pain I already felt intensified to something so unbearable it sent me to my knees. My eyes began to water and before I knew it, tears started streaming down my face. This wasn’t me. This wasn’t who I was. She changed me, and now, I’d never know what it would be like to love her and spend my life with her.
Chapter 39
Kate
I ran back to The Mystic Inn and found Rose standing on the porch. The uncontrollable tears streamed down my face as I cried in her arms.
“There, there, dear. It’ll be okay,” she whispered as she held the back of my head with her hand.
As soon as I calmed down, she walked me over to the gazebo where we always had our little talks. Seeing him again hurt so much. The fact that he searched and found me led me to believe he really was sorry for everything he’d done. But it didn’t matter. I needed to move on with my life because I would never allow myself to go through this again with him. People always say, the way you meet someone is the way things will end. We met under the circumstances of non-trust and we ended the same way. Rose and I sat and talked for hours.
“Everybody deserves a second chance at least one time in their life,” she spoke. “Things with me and Bobby always weren’t so good.”
“But you two have a perfect relationship.”
“We do now because of second chances. Bobby made a mistake in the early years and he cheated on me.”
I looked at her as shock splayed across my face.
“I’d just had my third miscarriage. We were both devastated because we thought for sure it wouldn’t happen again. I went into a deeper depression and shut him out completely. He tried so hard to be there for me, but I wouldn’t let him. What I failed to recognize was that he was hurting just as badly as I was. I wasn’t there to ease his pain like he was for me. The only thing I could focus on was how much these miscarriages affected me. I never thought about how it affected him. He went out one night after we had a fight, got drunk, and slept with a woman he met at the bar.”
“Rose, I’m so sorry.”
“I’m not. Because if he didn’t, we wouldn’t be together today.”
“How could you trust him again after that?”
“It took a while and months of therapy. But I knew he loved me more than anything in the world and I loved him. After that horrible time and pain we went through, we found each other again and our relationship was better than it had ever been. I gave him a second chance because he deserved to be given one. And he gave me one because he loved me. Later that year, I got pregnant and had my son, Gage. When he was six months old, I got pregnant again and had my daughter, Kathryn. Those two children never would have been born if I had given up on him.”
“I appreciate your story, Rose, but I’m not having children. At least not for a few years, if ever.”
“It isn’t always about the children, Kate. It’s about your life and the wonderful things you could be missing out on because you’re letting your pain and heartache decide your future.”
I sighed as I laid my head on her shoulder.
“Running away doesn’t solve anything. You have a home in New York and your father is there. Do you want to miss out on time spent with him because of Gabriel?”
“I can’t be in the same city as him. It would hurt too much.”
“You just think you can’t. You’re a strong woman, Kate Harper, and you can get through this. First heartbreaks are always the hardest, but it doesn’t mean you have to run away from your life and home to heal. You can make a fresh start in New York. Change your routine, change your habits, and before you know it, your life will be exactly how you envisioned it would be. Besides, I’m only a two-and-a-half-hour drive away and I’ll always have a room ready and waiting for you when you need it. You are welcome here anytime and as much as you want to be here.”
“Thanks, Rose. I love you.”
“I love you too, dear.”
I took everything Rose said to heart and decided that I needed to go back to New York to live my life. I liked it there and my father was only a short distance away. The next morning, I packed my bags and Rose walked with me to the train station
.
“Goodbye, my darling Kate.” She smiled as she placed her hands on my face. “Have a safe trip home and call me or text when you get there.”
A smile crossed my lips. “I will, and I promise to keep in touch.”
“You better, because I consider you a daughter and I’ll worry.”
Gabriel
I couldn’t bring myself to drive home after Kate and I had words, so I spent the rest of the day sitting by the river, thinking back on our conversation. She hated me and I didn’t blame her. I was foolish to think that the minute she saw me, she’d run into my arms and tell me that she forgave me. She said she forgave me, but I knew deep down she only said that to make me leave.
The next morning, I checked out of the hotel and drove to the bed and breakfast to see her one last time. I didn’t come to try and get her back because I knew she didn’t want that. I just needed to see her one last time for closure, because after today, I’d never see her again. That was what she wanted and I was going to respect her wishes no matter how bad it killed me inside.
I walked through the door and found the older woman dusting the coffee table in the living area.
“Hello,” I nervously spoke.
She turned, and when she looked at me, a small smile swept over her lips.
“Mr. Quinn, I thought you went home.”
“I’m on my way now, but I need to see Kate one last time. Can you tell me which room she’s staying in?”
“I’m afraid she’s left already.”
“What? Where did she go?”
“Look at that.” She looked over at the clock that hung on the wall. “It’s lunch time.” She smiled. I think it would be in your best interest to join me. You shouldn’t drive home on an empty stomach. I made a tuna noodle casserole and some fresh bread.”
I got the feeling she wanted to talk to me, so I politely accepted.
“Sure. That sounds good.”
“Excellent. Go have a seat in the dining room and I’ll bring in the food.”
I did as she asked and took a seat at a small round table that sat two. I couldn’t believe Kate had already left. That right there was an indication that she wanted to get away from me as quickly as possible.
“By the way, my name is Rose.” She smiled as she set down my plate in front of me.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Rose.”
I placed the white cloth napkin on my lap as she sat down across from me.
“Do you know where Kate went?” I asked.
“I sent her back home to New York.”
“Really?” I asked with excitement in my voice.
“You need to listen to me, Gabriel. If you want her back, you need to give her time and space.”
“But—”
“No buts.” She held up her finger. “Kate needs time to figure herself out. I told her that running from her life wasn’t the answer and that she should stay in New York because that’s where her home and her father is. Kate and I talked every day. Sometimes for hours. She told me about her past, her father, and the circumstances that led to the two of you meeting and being reunited. She also told me what lengths she went to in order to give you your father’s dream back. She said she did it for herself, to right all the wrongs she had done. But I know deep down inside, she did it for you because she loves you.”
“And I love her.”
“I know you do. I could see it in your eyes when you saw her standing on the stairs. Not to mention the fact that you found her here, in this small town of Mystic when she could have been anywhere else in the world. I have hope for the two of you, but you must proceed with caution.”
“I don’t understand.” I frowned.
“In order to get back what the two of you had, you must start all over. Erase the past and everything that had happened. Lay the foundation for a new relationship. Reintroduce yourself to her as if you’re meeting her for the first time. Get to know her without any judgment. Date her and take things slow. But she will need time. I know that may be difficult for you to hear, but it is essential that she’s in a good place first.”
“How long are we talking?” I asked.
“That’s up to Kate.”
“And what if she still wants nothing to do with me? She’s the most important thing in my life.”
“She still loves you, Gabriel, and she always will. Don’t worry about the small things. Time is on both of your sides.”
“How did you become so wise, Rose?” I smiled.
“I’ve lived a long time, dear, and I’ve experienced a lot in my life. I know what works and what doesn’t. Now that you’ve finished your lunch, it’s time for you to head home.” She grinned. “I’ve made you a special care package of my famous homemade oatmeal chocolate chip cookies to take with you.”
We both stood up from our seats and I walked around to Rose and gave her a hug.
“Thank you, and thank you for taking care of Kate.”
“You’re welcome, dear. Make sure to keep in touch.”
“I will.” I smiled as I left the bed and breakfast.
Chapter 40
Gabriel
A month and a half had passed since my conversation with Rose took place. I found it difficult to do as she said, but I did, and I stayed away from Kate. But that didn’t mean I didn’t follow her or, as Caleb would call it, stalk her, just to make sure she was okay. I also did it because I couldn’t go that long without seeing her. Caleb met her once a week at a coffee shop and kept me posted about what was going on in her life. He hated betraying her confidence like that, but he knew how worried I was about her. She never asked Caleb about me and in some ways that hurt. Maybe she was over me and just didn’t care. Or maybe she was too afraid to ask. Either way, I was planning on making my move very soon.
Kate
My life was slowly getting back on track. I had started my own freelance art services, thanks to a woman named Thea that I had met while I was browsing in an art gallery. We got to talking about a specific painting and I told her that I also painted. She was pregnant and asked me if I would paint a mural on the wall of her baby’s nursery. She had been trying to find someone for a while, but by the time someone was available to do it, her baby would already be born. I immediately took the job and finished it rather quickly since it was the only thing I had to do. She loved it so much and was so excited about it that she told her circle of friends and they began calling me to do some artwork for them.
When I got home from Mystic, I did some house cleaning. I threw out all my wigs, passports, and anything and everything that had to do with a con. I was me now, Kate Harper, and she was the only person I’d ever be. As for Gabriel, I still thought about him every day, but like Rose promised, my heart was on the mend and I didn’t feel as sad anymore. It helped that I kept busy all day. It was the nighttime that was the loneliest. I had met with Caleb once a week for coffee and we talked about my life and his. His recording career was taking off and he was traveling back and forth to L.A. a lot. I didn’t ask about Gabriel and he didn’t talk about him. It was best that I didn’t know what was going on his life. I was sure he had found another woman by now. A man like him wouldn’t go too long without dating. The thought saddened me, but it was for the best and I realized that. I visited my father once a week and he was thrilled that I decided to stay in New York. I told him all about Rose and he was happy that I found someone like her. I didn’t tell him that Gabriel had found me in Mystic. Some things were just better off not discussed. I felt the more I talked about him, the harder it would be to get over what happened.
Gabriel
I filed criminal charges against Thaddeus and Marcel. A court date was set for next month to decide their fate. My lawyer said chances were that Thaddeus would go to prison for espionage and theft since he took my plans and gave them to Marcel. The press had a field day with what had happened and a majority of the company’s shareholders pulled out and left the company in financial distress. Nothing had made me
happier. I was getting anxious about Kate. The only problem was that since she was getting her life back on track, I was afraid I was nothing but a distant memory to her.
“I’m going to get Kate back, Grace,” I spoke.
“And how are you going to do that?” She arched her brow.
“I have a plan.” I grinned. “A good plan.”
“I hope it works. I miss her.” She smiled.
“I do too. Fingers crossed,” I spoke as I got up from the island.
Chapter 41
Kate
Every Saturday morning, weather permitting, I went to the lake in Central Park where I would spend at least an hour and draw or read a book. Sometimes, I would just stare out into the water and appreciate the beauty that surrounded me. A sense of peace and inspiration flowed through me each and every time, just like when I would sit in the gazebo in Mystic.
I sat on a wooden bench sipping my coffee and staring out into the lake as I thought about all the things I had yet to do to get my business off the ground. My website was in development and I still had to design and order some business cards. As I was sitting there, I caught something running towards me from the corner of my eye. Looking over, I saw it was a white puppy with a pink leash attached to it.
“Oh my goodness. Where did you come from?” I smiled as I reached down to pet her.
She was a Maltese and the cutest little thing I had ever seen. I looked for tags on her collar but didn’t see any. Then, I looked around to see if anyone was coming to claim her. Obviously, she had gotten away from her owner.
“You are adorable.” I picked her up and brought her nose to mine. “Where’s your parents?”
She began licking my face over and over.
“Thank you for the kisses, sweet girl.”
Suddenly, I heard a voice approach me from the side.
“There you are, you little rascal.”
I looked over and saw Gabriel standing there. I felt my almost mended heart crack and a sick feeling washed over me.