Blueprint for Romance

by Shannon M Harris

  “If I was to get her another one now, by the time she’s fully grown, I would have spent nearly a hundred thousand dollars.” Kat whistled. “That’s why I’m so thankful for all the non-profits that have helped us. I still have close to a hundred thousand to pay in medical bills.” This was not how she had expected lunch to go. No wonder she didn’t have many friends.

  “Look at me.” Kat gripped her hands. “She’s happy and healthy. You have nothing to be ashamed about. No, you can’t give her those things, but you love her and that’s so evident. You’ve done what you could by reaching out to people that can help her and I’m sure it couldn’t have been an easy thing to do. You’re trying and that’s more than can be said for a lot of parents.”

  She squeezed Kat’s hand. “When I found out how expensive everything was, I felt like I was letting her down. Ian would have known what to do and I…faltered. If it wasn’t for my mom, I don’t know what I would have done. My dad’s wonderful, but he lives seven hours away and Mom’s right there.” Dylan shook her head but kept a tight grip on Kat’s hand. “And the looks I get when people find out I’m on government assistance…” She held Kat’s eyes. “There’s always judgement. I should work harder, or get more jobs, and so forth.”

  “Listen to me, Dylan,” Kat tilted Dylan’s chin up, “I don’t care about those things. You’re doing what you must do to survive. There is nothing to be ashamed of and I’ve never understood why people on government assistance are always made to feel less than. At some point in all our lives, we need help. Bless the people or organizations that are there to help us.”

  Dylan slipped her hand out of Kat’s impossibly warm one. “A lot of people don’t feel that way.”

  Kat’s smile was sad. “When my dad died, all three of us grieved in our own way. Briley is a crier. Mom locked herself away, and me, well, I bottled everything up inside. A few days after the funeral, my mom and I had a huge fight and I stormed out of the house. When I finally came to my senses, I was a couple of miles from home. I walked without a purpose and ended up across town.” She shook her head. “When I realized where I was, I realized I had left my wallet and phone at home. No doubt Briley had tried calling. Later I found out she and Mom had looked for me for hours.”

  “How’d you get home?”

  “I decided to walk through the park and came upon a nursing home outing. Before I could leave, an old man, who later introduced himself as Paul Jones, waved me over to his table where a checker board was set up. We played for an hour. Just played. He didn’t mention my tears and I didn’t mention him losing.” Kat laughed. “When they were ready to leave, one of the nursing home workers agreed to take me home. For the next few months, I joined him at the park. He helped me grieve in my own way. I never really talked with my family over Dad’s death. Briley can be persistent, but she loves me and respects my choices. When Paul died, Briley insisted on going to his funeral with me.” Kat smiled. “The point of my story is that Paul helped me. If not for him, I don’t know where I would be. Sometimes we get help from the most unexpected places and people.”

  Dylan wasn’t ready to delve into her depression after Ian’s death. “Do you mind if I ask about your mom?” She needed to take the conversation off herself.

  “She still locks herself away. I haven’t seen her in two years. We talk, but it’s not the same.”

  “I can’t imagine. My mom is my rock.”

  “Briley is mine. I think that sometimes the right people come into our lives at the right times.”

  “Fate, Kat?” Dylan scrunched her nose up. “I didn’t take you for a fate woman.”

  “Hey, I believe in fate. I’m not religious, but fate is something else entirely.”

  “Are you a romantic, Kat?” She saw it in everything Kat did for her.

  Kat reached forward and held both of Dylan’s hands. “You better believe I am.”

  Dylan couldn’t take her eyes off her, but the moment was broken when the alarm on Kat’s phone went off.

  “That’s my cue.” Kat lifted both of Dylan’s hands and kissed them. “I’ve had a nice time. Can we do this again?”

  Dylan laughed. “It was kind of depressing, Kat.”

  “Pfft, what?” Kat stood then helped Dylan to her feet. “Not depressing, just real. I’m not bothered by your job and I’m proud to spend time with you, but I don’t want to push you.”

  “You’re not pushing. I’ll see you next Thursday.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it.”

  With a final wave, Kat walked off. Dylan’s eyes stayed glued to her until she was out of sight. For the first time in a long time, Dylan was looking forward to getting to know someone. She had a feeling Kat would make the process interesting.

  Wednesday evening found Kat chopping onions for dinner in the kitchen at Leah and Briley’s house. Her thoughts never strayed far from Dylan since their lunch date last Thursday. Saturday she’d worked up the nerve to text Dylan and felt a deep sense of relief when Dylan replied. Every day they’d been texting like clockwork and she’d even received several silly texts from Emma.

  All the signs she’d received thus far pointed to the fact that she was going to have to take it slow with Dylan. The last thing she wanted to do was scare her off or push too far. The slower pace didn’t bother her, but she hoped that in the end they could move from friendship into more. That was what she wanted to come of this, but she would have to find a way to deal with everything if Dylan ever only wanted to be her friend.

  “Something on your mind, Kat?” Leah asked, taking the bowl of chopped onions from her and adding them to the garlic in the skillet.

  Kat bit her lip and leaned back against the countertop, sipping from her glass of water. “Can I ask you something?”

  Leah stirred the onions. “You don’t have to ask if you can ask. Just ask.” Leah popped a cherry tomato into her mouth and gave Kat her full attention.

  “Okay.” Kat’s tone was serious. “I know you love my sister, but Briley can be a little much sometimes. She’s fun. With the baking and the dressing up and the Christmas decorating.” She lifted her eyebrows. “Did you ever hesitate to date her because some people might see her as too much of a kid? I know most people love her, but there are a few that think she should grow up. That she wasn’t enough of a grown up for you.”

  Leah added the ground beef to the onions, then added all the spices for tacos, before turning back to Kat. “It never bothered me. You know I cosplay with Evan. I guess that is partly the reason I fell in love with her. She is so carefree and alive. At first, I thought the age difference was something I couldn’t overcome, but I never saw her as a child. She lives, Kat, and I wouldn’t want her any other way.”

  That was what Kat expected her to say. Leah was fiercely protective of Briley and Kat felt sorry for anyone that dared to put Briley down in front of Leah. “What if she was poor, or at least living paycheck to paycheck?”

  Leah turned the burner down, then focused on Kat. “What’s bringing this on? I would love Briley no matter what.”

  “As you know Dylan and I had lunch on Thursday.”

  “Go on.”

  “She told me some things and I could tell she was really bothered by them. I wasn’t, but I don’t want her to ever think I see her differently because,” she paused, “because she isn’t as well off as I am. I’m not rich, but I’m aware that I have more money in the bank then the average person. I don’t have to worry about money, or food, or anything. I can’t imagine being stressed because the money isn’t there.” It hurt her to know how much Dylan was struggling. She and Emma deserved only the best.

  “I see.” Leah picked up her glass of wine off the countertop and took a sip. “I’m going to assume that Dylan doesn’t have a lot of money. I know you, Kat, and you would never discriminate against anyone that’s different from you. I get it. I didn’t always have money growing up. It’s not easy. My mother was always worried. My parents fought. It is stressful, and I know Dylan has
a daughter. I can imagine with Emma’s disability that is also added stress. It is different for people that have never wanted or never went hungry. I know Briley and I are well off. My children will never want for anything, but part of that is due to the inheritance I got from my father. You need to make sure she knows that you aren’t bothered by it.”

  “Hmmm.” Kat nodded and downed the rest of her water. “Did you know a support dog is twenty thousand dollars?”

  “I did. I wrote a story about it a few years ago. They are amazing creatures, but not everyone that needs one gets one. Though, there are some grants available and help is out here, but you have to know where to look.” Leah turned off the heat to the stove. “Do you want me to gather the information I have? Some things will have changed, but it shouldn’t take long to find the updated information.

  “No.” Kat waved her words off. “Dylan said Emma doesn’t need one and she’s gotten grants for all her other needs, but you’re great for being willing to do so.” Kat pulled her into a hug.

  Leah chuckled. “I agree, I am.”

  “She is,” Briley said. The two broke apart, but Kat kept her arm around Leah’s shoulders.

  Briley narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms. “Planting a stake in my territory, Kat?”

  Evan stepped up behind her, holding Griffin, then slipped around Briley. “I’m hungry. Your jealousy can wait, Bri.”

  “I’m not jealous. Leah is wearing my ring after all.” Briley’s frown quickly turned into a smile and she bounded across the room and pulled Leah away from Kat. “She knows where her bread is buttered.”

  “That she does,” Kat said, then winked at Leah, who rolled her eyes.

  Griffin slapped her hand on the table. “I’m hungry,” she whined.

  Leah set her shoulders. “Watch the sass.” Griffin frowned but kept her mouth shut. “Since you’re the breadwinner, Briley, set the table.”

  Briley laughed, but did what she was told. Yes, this was what Kat wanted.

  By nine, Kat was home and putting the final touches on her home office. She’d finally put up the shelves she’d bought weeks ago to hold all her Harley Quinn figurines. Her figure signed by Margot Robbie was one of her most prized in her collection.

  Her comics were stored in boxes on floor to ceiling shelves on the back wall. On the wall beside her desk was a Supergirl logo poster signed by every actress that had played Supergirl. From Helen Slater, Laure Vandervoort, and Melissa Benoist, to Joanne Spracklen, who voiced Supergirl in Justice League Action. On the opposite side was a cast signed Batman Beyond poster she’d won in a contest when she was in her early twenties. Her collection of Funko Pops were on shelves that ran seven inches from the ceiling around the room. If she had to choose, this would be her favorite room in her house. It was also one of the biggest.

  She had barely finished hanging a cardboard Death Star when her phone vibrated on the desk. The caller brought a smile to her face.

  “Dylan, what can I do for you this evening?”

  “Emma’s in bed and for once, I’m bored. Television wasn’t appealing, and neither was knitting.”

  “Well then, you called the right person. I’m only slightly bored.”

  “I hope I’m not bothering you.”

  “You’re never a bother. I was organizing my office.”

  “Sounds dull.”

  Kat chuckled. “Far from it. This is where I keep all my collectables and comics.”

  “You did mention you cosplayed.”

  “I do. It’s fun. Gives you a bit of time to be someone different. A superhero, Dylan. You get to be a superhero and it’s great. Our dad got Briley and me into collecting and I wouldn’t change it for anything. I mean, I could be spending my money on drugs or mundane stuff. Instead, I buy things that will bring me joy and enhance my collection.” Kat paused. She didn’t want to sound like a rich asshole, but this was the one thing, besides her family, that brought her great joy.

  “I don’t understand, but Emma would. She likes dollhouses and has so much furniture for them we’ve set up shelves in her room to hold all of it. I found a lot of her pieces at yard sales.”

  “Yard and estate sales are awesome for finding treasures. I’ve gotten a ton of comics that way. What else does she enjoy? If I’m not crossing a line by asking?”

  “You’re not. Let’s see. She likes those D.C. superhero dolls and the Lego figurines. She also loves building Lego sets. Her favorites are the Elves Lego sets.”

  “I love those.”

  “And I don’t mind buying them for her because I know she will take care of them. She wanted the Dragon Sanctuary, but it’s retired and out of my price range.”

  Kat had that set along with almost every other Elves set. Those sets along with the Creator series were her favorite to collect. She didn’t think mentioning that would be a good idea, but maybe she could convince Dylan to give it to Emma for Christmas.

  “She’s also taking to drawing,” Dylan continued. “And she loves the Garriety Science Center.”

  “Briley and Leah love the Science Center. They would get along great.” Kat paused to get her bearings. “So, what do you enjoy besides knitting?” Kat settled on the floor and lay back while Stripes climbed on her chest and settled down.

  “I enjoy fishing and camping. I don’t get to do those things as much as I would like, but, I think, it makes them more special when I do get to do them. My dad takes Emma out a few times a year to bond with her.”

  “That’s great. We camped when we were kids too. I haven’t done as much since I became an adult, but I wouldn’t be opposed to it. Since Briley and Leah got together, they’ve been camping and fishing a few times.”

  “Those are the type of memories I want Emma to have. She has enough going on in her life that I want to try and make everything else as normal as possible.”

  “Does she have issues fitting in?” It was something she had wondered but didn’t want to offend Dylan.

  “Not really. She has wonderful friends, but she still has nightmares occasionally and her anxiety flares up from time to time. It’s hard to see her sad and scared, but I know she’s happy and I try, along with Mom and her therapist, to make sure she is on the right track and I know she is. I don’t want her to resent the hand she’s been dealt.”

  “Dylan, you can’t beat yourself up; all you can do is try your best and from what I’ve seen, that’s exactly what you’re doing.”

  “Okay, let’s get back to easy topics. What’s your favorite food?”

  Kat answered the question and closed her eyes as Dylan recited what foods she didn’t like. Dylan’s voice was soothing, and Kat could listen to it all night, but she also knew if she lay on the floor any longer her back would start to protest; however, at the moment she couldn’t bring herself to care. Soon, she nodded off to sleep to the lulling sound of Dylan’s voice.

  Kat paced in front of Brew and Bake waiting for Dylan to arrive. Last night, she’d fallen asleep on the floor talking with Dylan and woken up stiff. After a five-mile run with Briley and yoga with Griffin, she almost felt like herself again. A cuddle with Stripes after her shower was a much-needed distraction from her lunch with Dylan at eleven.

  Before leaving work for lunch, she’d taken the time to put on a shirt over her tank top. Dylan deserved the best, and Kat couldn’t wait until she was able to take her out to dinner. Just the two of them.

  It was a beautiful day, even though the air had cooled considerably from the previous week. Kat loved it, but she couldn’t wait for snow this year. If she was lucky, Dylan and Emma would accept her invitation to accompany her to the Christmas Tree Lighting. It was something she’d started doing with Briley and would love to have Dylan and Emma join them.

  A quick glance at her watch let her know two minutes had passed since the last time she’d checked. She nodded at the people passing her by and pushed off the building when she spied Dylan walking down the sidewalk. Dressed in a pair of chinos and a pink sweater, with h
er hair down, Dylan looked like a vision. Kat was so happy Dylan decided to start spending time with her.

  Kat held with care the flower she’d chosen for today, hoping it was okay. The florist didn’t have what she wanted, but she’d settled on a hybrid tea rose. It was a bit corny, but she hoped Dylan knew she meant well.

  After getting her bearings, she stepped forward and offered the rose to Dylan, who took it but arched her brow in question.

  Kat stuffed her hands in her pockets. “I hope it’s okay. It’s a hybrid tea rose.”

  “I know.” Dylan smiled, then lifted the rose to her nose and sniffed. “It’s gorgeous, Kat. Thank you.”

  “It means…”

  “Heaven sent,” Dylan supplied.

  “Yes.” She opened the door for Dylan and found a seat near the front windows. “So. I’m going to get the ham and cheese and an iced tea. What are you getting?” She looked up to catch Dylan’s eyes on her. “You okay?”

  “I am.” Dylan picked up the menu again and pursed her lips as she scanned the selections. “I’m getting the grilled cheese and a water.”

  “Good choice.” Kat closed her menu then accepted Dylan’s and handed them to the waitress, stating their orders. Kat clasped her hands together on top of the table. “Sorry I fell asleep on you last night. Long and tiring day.”

  “It was late. No worries.” Dylan toyed with the salt shaker. “Though someone was vocal right about the time you fell…ah…silent.”

  Kat blushed in embarrassment, then furrowed her brow. “Oh, that was Stripes, my ferret. He can be vocal when he’s happy.”

  “How long have you had him?”

  “Almost a year.” Kat relaxed in her chair. “He’s great company and friendly once you get to know him. He’s got his own corner of the living room. I have a cat tree set up in there with tubes laid throughout, so he can easily climb. He has free roam in the house, but usually tends to stay on his cat tree and he sleeps in a hammock.”

  Dylan arched her brow. “He likes to dress up?”