“I can’t even imagine what you went through, but it sounds like you got the help you needed. Some people can’t and don’t want to take that step. That you did and overcame all of that. You’re amazing, Dylan, and I wish you could see what I see.”
“I wish I did as well.” She pulled one hand back and wiped her eyes. “I don’t hate myself or my circumstances anymore. It took a couple of years of therapy, but it helped, and I love myself now. Weight and all, but sometimes people are just nice to me to be nice.”
“I can’t stand those types of people. Smile to your face then stab you in the back when you’re turned. For the most part, most of the people I’ve met here have been great, but a few, well,” she shrugged, “I steer clear of them. I started new here and I try to stay positive. I force myself to stay positive. I have to. I’m not at Briley’s level of enthusiasm, but I’m working my way up.”
“I didn’t want this day to delve into deep territory.”
“Why not? We’re learning about each other. Let’s see.” Kat tapped a finger on her lips.
She looked cute while she was thinking. Dylan allowed her fingers to play with the palm of Kat’s free hand.
“Okay,” Kat said, then took a deep breath, letting it out in a sigh. “I’ve never told anyone this. Not even Briley.”
“You don’t have to tell me.”
“I don’t mind. I trust you, Dylan. It’s something I feel, and I’ve chosen not to fight it. I used to drink heavily when I was in college. Briley may have suspected but she never said anything. I got so drunk one night I blacked out. When I woke up, I was in a strange bedroom, with a half-naked woman I’d never seen before. I dressed and stumbled home, disgusted with myself and scared. I didn’t want to be that person that didn’t know who she was, where she was, or who she was with. I stopped cold turkey and only drink occasionally now. I normally don’t go over two. Usually I stick with beer or wine, nothing harder. It was the turning point in my life. Anything could have happened to me. I was lucky it didn’t. I’m ninety percent sure I didn’t have sex that night, but the fact that it could have happened left me with nightmares for months. I finally, at the advice of one of my professors, went to see a therapist. She was a godsend. It was in the top three of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
Dylan hadn’t expected her to be so open. “Thank you for telling me that.”
“Anything else you want to know?”
“Therapy was one but what where the other two best decisions?”
“Moving here and eating dinner at the Burger Café.” Kat grinned and arched her brow.
“Wow.” Dylan took her hands back and dramatically fanned her face. “You’re smooth, Kat. So smooth.”
Kat snorted. “Only with you, I’m sure.” She stood and helped Dylan up, then picked her shirt up and tossed it over her shoulder. “Dessert?”
Dylan caught her top lip between her teeth while she came to a quick decision, then grinned. She slipped her arm through Kat’s, who seemed to stand up a bit straighter at their proximity. “Cheesecake?” She was a sucker for cheesecake and for once, she wasn’t worried about Kat disliking her weight. If she was sure of one thing, it was how sincere Kat always seemed to be.
Kat grinned. “Yes. I love cheesecake. The second to last food truck sells it.” She hesitated. “Ah…about next Thursday…”
“Yes?” She hoped Kat didn’t have to work next week. Dylan really was starting to love their Thursday lunches.
“Nothing bad. Briley may be the baker in the family, but I’m the grill master. Would it be too soon to invite you to my house for lunch? Simple food. Maybe steaks and grilled vegetables. You could meet Stripes.”
That really wasn’t a bad idea. Dylan did want to see her house. Even though she wasn’t ready for more than friendship, she enjoyed their time together, but if this was going to be more, she wasn’t the only one Kat needed to impress. “How about we leave our regular Thursday lunch just the two of us and the following Saturday I could bring Emma for the cookout. Would you be okay with that?” Dylan held her breath.
Kat stopped and smiled. “Really?”
“Yes.”
“I would love that. If you’re sure?”
“I’m sure. Besides, she wants to meet Stripes as well. She had a good laugh looking through your Instagram photos of him and she’s googled ferrets. Be prepared for lots of questions.”
“That’s…” Kat ran her fingers through her hair. “That’s great. And don’t forget after our cheesecake, we have to get your flower.”
“I can’t wait to see what you choose.” Next Thursday and Saturday couldn’t come fast enough.
For the tenth time, Kat looked over everything to make sure she hadn’t forgotten something. Steaks. Check. Vegetables. Check. Grill set up. Check. Flowers. Check. “Okay, Stripes, I think we’re ready for them.” Stripes didn’t look impressed and ran out of the room. “Well, then. Everyone’s a critic.”
Today was a big day. She’d worked all day yesterday to make sure there would be plenty of time today to spend with Dylan and Emma. Kyle and Reeva had understood. She did feel a bit guilty but all they were doing today was laying flooring in the two tiny houses currently under construction. Kyle had mentioned if they had time, they were going to hang the kitchen cabinets. She kept reminding herself there wouldn’t be a set-back for today. She wanted everything to be perfect.
It was her first time, officially, meeting Emma and she didn’t want to mess it up. Besides the flower, she’d also gotten Emma a new blind bag Lego figure. She hoped she hadn’t overstepped. The last thing she wanted to do was push too much.
“You look more stressed than I expected.”
Kat jumped then gripped the countertop. “Shit, Briley. Do you always have to do that?”
Briley leaned against the counter. “It’s my right.”
“And I’m not stressed.”
“You are, but that’s okay.” Briley patted her on the back. “You’re doing great, Kat. Besides being an amazing human being, you’re—” She stopped and tapped her pursed lips. “I’m sure there’s more, but you’re great, Kat, and she clearly sees that.”
“You do always know the right thing to say, Bri.”
“That’s also what Leah says.” Briley picked up three oranges and started juggling until Kat took them away. Briley gripped Kat’s upper arms. “I know it’s scary. You’re getting to spend an extended time with Emma and they’re meeting Stripes.”
Kat nodded.
“It’s going to be okay. I promise.”
“Did you just come over to give me a pep talk, or did you need something?”
“Just the pep talk. That’s what I’m here for.”
“You’re great.”
“I know. I know.” Briley looked at the counter. “Two flowers.”
“One’s for Emma.”
“I’m glad you’re happy.” Briley backed away and gave her two thumbs up before leaving.
Kat didn’t have time to think when not five minutes after Briley left then she heard a car door shut. “Shit, they’re here. This is a good thing. A good thing.”
She jumped when the doorbell rang and scooped Stripes up, who’d come running down the hall. “It’s time, buddy.” She kept a firm hold of Stripes then pulled the door open. Emma was in front and Dylan had her arms wrapped around her shoulders. “I’m so glad you two are here. Come in.” She ushered them in and some of her nerves dissipated at Dylan’s smile.
“We’re glad to be here too. Aren’t we, Emma?”
“Yes. We brought dessert. Can I pet him? I’ve read a lot of articles about ferrets.” She pointed at Stripes.
“That’s cool. Let’s sit down and I’ll introduce you.” Kat sat at the end of the couch while Emma sat in the middle and Dylan on the other end. Kat had moved some things around in the living room to make it easier for Emma to maneuver if she used her crutches or wheelchair instead of her prosthetic. “This,” Kat held up Stripes, “is Stripes. Stripes
, this is Emma and Dylan.”
“I read where ferrets like to play with cat toys?” Emma asked and touched the top of Stripes head with the tip of her finger.
“He has so many toys. Briley, my sister, is always buying him new ones. He sleeps in a hammock at night and his favorite toy is a tiny hedgehog cat toy. He carries it everywhere.”
Emma laughed. “Why is he named Stripes if he doesn’t have any?”
Kat relaxed back against the couch with a contented Stripes staring at their guests. “I let my three-year-old niece, Griffin, name him.”
“Can I hold him?”
“Sure. If your mom says okay.” Kat looked to Dylan for permission.
“It’s fine with me,” Dylan said, looking over Emma’s shoulder.
“You have to be gentle with him, but once you get to know each other, he’ll be all over you.”
“I will be.”
Kat handed over a quiet Stripes and relaxed when Stripes settled onto Emma’s lap. “He likes to have the top of his head and under his chin scratched. Later, if you want, I will show you his playroom.”
“I’d like that.” Emma ran her fingers along his fur then under his chin. Stripes flopped on his belly to have Emma scratch it.
“He only does that with people he likes.” She looked up and caught Dylan’s gaze. Today she wore a pair of jeans and a blue t-shirt. Her hair was up, and she looked comfortable. That’s what Kat wanted. She didn’t want Emma or Dylan to feel like they weren’t wanted. “You look nice. You both do. I mean—”
“You as well. I believe we were thinking along the same lines.” Dylan pointed to Kat’s t-shirt. “It is a cookout.”
“Yes, it is.” Kat stood. “I’ll be right back.” She hurried into the kitchen, grabbed the flowers, and the toy. “You’ve got this. They’re here. They came,” she said, quietly. When she turned from the counter, she jumped back. “You scared me.” Dylan stood in the doorway.
“You look nervous. Are you nervous?”
“A little.” In fact, she felt a nervous flutter in her stomach. “I understand this day for what it is. I know bringing Emma wasn’t an easy decision to make.”
“Actually, it was an easy decision. I don’t understand it myself, but it was the right time.” Dylan took a step forward and looked at the items in Kat’s hands.
“Oh.” She thrust one of the flowers at Dylan. “This is yours. Honestly, I didn’t pick this for any special meaning, I thought it was beautiful, and you’re obviously beautiful. So…”
Dylan stared at the apricot, yellow, and orange rose, then up to Kat. “Sometimes, the meaning isn’t always important, but the intent behind it. Thank you, Kat. It’s truly beautiful. And that one?”
“So, I figured I would get Emma one as well. That’s stupid, right?” She grimaced. “Of course it is. She’s a kid. Why would she want one?”
“Kat.” Dylan touched her arm. “Take a deep breath for me. Let it out. It’s a lovely gesture and I’m sure she’ll love it. And the Lego?”
“She collects them. So, I thought I would get one to add to her collection.” She hadn’t been this worked up in a while. What was wrong with her? “I’m not always like this. I swear. My nerves are getting the better of me.”
“I know, and I can tell. You should give them to her.”
“I will.”
Dylan walked ahead of her and sat beside Emma, who held a content Stripes in her lap. Kat sat on the other end of the couch.
“Mom, you got another flower.” Emma lit up.
“I did. Isn’t it pretty?”
“Yes.”
“Um, here.” Kat handed Emma her flower and Lego blind bag. “I got you one as well and a Lego blind bag. Your mom told me how much you like them. The rose, well, I love hot chocolate and that’s the name of this rose. I thought most kids like hot chocolate.” Kat fiddled with the hem of her shirt when Emma looked at the items, then back up to her.
“Thank you. No one’s ever given me a flower before.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Mom, can you put my flower with yours?”
“I can.” Dylan placed them both on the coffee table, along with Emma’s toy.
“You said something about dessert?” Kat asked. This was more nerve-wracking than when she signed the papers for her business.
Emma nodded. “Yes. We made it this morning. It’s in my bag.”
Dylan picked the bag up and pulled out a sealed container before handing it to Kat. “It’s banana pudding.”
“I love banana pudding. It’ll go perfect with our meal. I’ve already got everything set up outside. Let me light the grill and I’ll get our lunch cooking. You ladies are welcome to join me outside or stay in here. If you come outside, I’m going to be occupied, so Stripes has to stay in here.”
“Will he be lonely?” Emma asked with a little frown that melted Kat.
“Nope. Stripes likes his alone time. Besides, he has plenty of toys to play with. Though, there was one time I went outside and looked back at the door and he had his little nose pressed up against the glass. I felt so guilty, I gave him two dinners.”
“He conned you?” Dylan’s grin and tone conveyed amusement.
“I couldn’t help it; he looked so pitiful.”
“I’ll go out with you,” Emma said.
Kat lifted Stripes off her and set him on the back of the couch. “Let’s go.” She held up the container of banana pudding. “I’m going to put this in the fridge.” Kat put the pudding away then handed Dylan the tray of steaks. “I hope steaks are okay?”
“They’re fine. We both like steak,” Dylan said and Emma nodded.
Kat had debated about what cut to go with but wanted this lunch to go well so she’d settled on filet-mignon. The butcher had such a good price on them, she couldn’t pass it up. Kat grabbed the veggies and held the door open for Emma. “Watch your step.” Once outside, they set the food on the table and Kat slipped her apron on, then lit the grill and proceeded to twirl the tongs. “You ladies are in for a treat. I’ll fix the veggies first, because they’ll take longer than the steaks.”
Kat looked toward Emma, who motioned her over. With Kat now standing close, Emma indicated for her to lean down, and when she did, Emma kissed her on the cheek.
“Uh…”
“Your apron, silly,” Emma said, then sat back down.
Kat frowned then looked down at her apron that had ‘Kiss the Cook’ in bright red letters. She was going to kill Briley. “Briley must have switched them out,” Kat said.
“What was the other apron?” Dylan asked.
“Harley Quinn.”
“Of course.” Dylan stood. “While you cook, would you mind if Emma and I checked out the flowers?”
“Not at all. Watch your step, though. Evan has plans for the stone walk around the flowers but hasn’t gotten to it yet.”
“We will.” Dylan squeezed her arm, then helped Emma down the three steps leading off the deck. Kat placed the tinfoil wrapped corn on the cob and potatoes on the grill, then closed the lid. She enjoyed having them there and it wasn’t as awkward as she’d expected. She could do this. They could do this. She knew it.
Dylan hummed and made sure Emma stepped carefully while they looked at Kat’s flowers. Her backyard was on the smaller side but beautiful and well maintained.
What she hadn’t expected was for Kat to be so nervous. It was cute. She also hadn’t expected Kat to give Emma a rose. No one had ever done that for Emma before. Kat was so genuine it blew her away.
“Mom.”
“What, sweetie?” Dylan pushed the hair out of Emma’s eyes.
“Kat’s your friend now.”
“She is.”
Emma nodded. “Can she be mine?”
“I don’t see why not. You’ll have to ask her, but I’m sure she won’t mind.” That was a good thing. Hopefully. It was both a blessing and a curse. Now, she would have to make sure that her baby didn’t end up hurt if something went sideways.
“Okay, I will. She’s nice.”
“She is.”
“And pretty.” Emma looked up at her.
“She is.”
“Good.”
Emma must have gotten what she wanted because she was quiet as they headed back to the deck after walking the fence line. Dylan loved watching Emma be sure in her steps. She really was a pro with the prosthetic now. She would never let her fall, but always held out until she knew Emma needed the help.
“Let me help you, little lady.” Kat walked over to them and waited until Emma gave the okay, then helped her up the last step.
Dylan was surprised but she shouldn’t have been. Kat seemed to always know what to say and do. As she stepped onto the deck, on impulse, Dylan kissed Kat on the cheek. Not waiting for her reply, she joined Emma at the table.
“Okay,” was all Kat said with a pleased look before she set two pitchers on the table. “Water and lemonade. If you want something else, let me know.”
“This is perfect,” Dylan said.
Emma nodded. “I want some lemonade.”
Dylan poured them both a glass, then watched Kat at the grill. She looked like she belonged. “How long have you been grilling?”
“Since I was young. I would always help my dad when we’d grill. He taught me everything he knew then I read up. It’s fun. Briley can’t grill to save her life and I can’t bake. So, it all worked out. Especially since we live across the street from each other.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“Yep. Her house used to be directly across from mine until she moved in with Leah, who lives beside Briley’s old house. It’s on the market and we hope someone nice moves in.”
Blueprint for Romance Page 12