Scott rested on his elbows and looked over his shoulder at his brother. “Why?”
“Well, it’s been - what? - six, eight months since you and Kimy split? She thought maybe you would have met someone new by now. You’re nearly thirty and don’t have a girlfriend. She’s worried you’re lonely. Why haven’t you brought up your friend Katherine?”
“I haven’t brought Katherine up because, like you said, we’re friends. Mom would get all excited and start planning our wedding. She’d freak Katherine out.”
“Well, why are you just friends? Does she have a third eye?”
Scott laughed. “No. No third eye.” He lay back down, hands behind his head. “I don’t look at Katherine like that.”
“Oh, bullshit. You lie. Every time I've ever asked about her, the tone of your voice changes. Even today when Mom talked about driving down to Reno one of these days to see your place and maybe you introducing Katherine to her, you got this look on your face.”
“It was a mistake even mentioning Katherine around Mom. And the look on my face was indigestion. Mom's cooking has always left a little to be desired.”
“Sure it was,” said Alex, not convinced.
“Enough, she’s a friend, okay? That ship has sailed.”
“All right, all right, settle down.”
Scott stood up, obviously angry. “I'm going to bed.”
He lay in bed thinking about Katherine, picturing her in his mind. He covered his eyes with his arm and groaned, knowing sleep would not be coming anytime soon.
He didn’t call Katherine after Christmas. The talk with his brother had shaken him up. The chemistry between Katherine and him was obvious, but so what? He was still dating Verna. Maybe they hadn’t been dating long, but that didn’t mean he should cheat on her the first chance he got. She tells me about her break-up and says she isn’t interested in romance, and then she gets involved with Michael. This is a woman who doesn’t know what she wants.
The last thing he needed was more drama. He wasn’t interested in pursuing a fickle woman.
Chapter Thirty-Two
“Did you bring the thumb drive?” asked Scott. He was getting everything ready for their class presentation.
“No, I thought you did,” answered Katherine.
Scott dug through his pants pockets, finally finding the thumb drive. He held it up. “Here it is! I knew I had it. If we do this just like we talked about, it should go great. Do you have your notes?”
Katherine held up some papers. “Notes, check.”
A picture of Vincent van Gogh popped up on a portable screen, which had been brought in just for this occasion.
Besides the picture of Scott in a dress that appeared between examples of van Gogh’s paintings, the presentation went smoothly, but they couldn’t resist giving each other a hard time once it was over. Scott teased Katherine, saying she’d said um only twenty times while going through the slides he’d created, and she replied that she’d only said um so many times because his spelling was atrocious. Neither claim was true.
They stood outside the classroom afterwards.
“So glad that’s over,” said Scott. “Do you want to go do something?”
“Nope,” answered Katherine. “Got me a hot date. Michael’s taking me to some show downtown. I need to get home and start getting ready.”
“He didn’t suggest you two getting together for New Year’s Eve, but he wants to take you out the night before? What an ass.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Just thinking maybe he’s taking someone else out tomorrow night. You should dump this guy. He sounds like a schmuck. If you and I were dating, I’d be taking you out on New Year’s Eve, not the night before.”
Katherine shrugged. “You are taking me out,” she said, and smiled. “Anyway, from where I’m standing, I have nothing to complain about. I have a hot guy taking me out tonight and you for New Year’s.” She tried not to smile as she watched Scott out of the corner of her eye.
“Why I oughta …” he said, pretending to be angry.
Katherine held her hands up defensively, laughing. “I mean I have two hot guys taking me out!”
“That’s better.”
***
Michael held Katherine’s hand, leading her past dozens of slot machines and blackjack tables toward the opening to the showroom. The room was designed like an arena, but with tables and booths. The ticket price was steep, but how much you tipped was what actually determined where you were seated. Michael tipped very well and they shared a table just a few feet from the stage. They both ordered something to drink and waited for the floor-to-ceiling red curtains to open.
Multicolored lights swirled around the room, and the music began to rise. The curtains opened, and dozens of beautiful women wearing sequins and lace, feathered hats and five-inch heels danced out. A few times during the show, Katherine turned to Michael to comment, but he was transfixed by what they watched. She smiled at his childlike fascination. Often, the showgirls involved the audience to some degree. Feathered scarfs were tossed out, and two landed on their table.
Afterward, they walked back to Michael’s car. “How did you like the show?” he asked.
“Oh, it was great. Those women were so beautiful. Am I crazy or were some of the women actually men?”
“No, you’re not crazy,” Michael said with a laugh. “Some were men.”
Katherine looked surprised. “Wow, they were beautiful, too.”
“Well, I’m really glad you liked it. I’ve seen that show before. It’s one of my favorites. Did you want to go get something to eat? Go dancing maybe?”
Katherine wondered if she should suggest they go back to her place. They’d been on a handful of dates over the last month but hadn’t had even one real kiss. But it had been a long day, so instead answered, “I don’t think so. I had a great time, but it’s late and I’m tired.”
“Okay.”
Michael pulled up in front of Katherine’s apartment building and walked her to the front door. “I’ll see you soon,” he said and leaned down and kissed her cheek.
“Okay, good night.”
Katherine turned and went inside.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Saturday evening, Scott picked Katherine up at eight o’clock. First stop, Circus Circus Casino to eat. When Scott took Katherine’s hand to help her down from the jeep, she reached back towards the seat with her other.
“Did you forget something?” He asked.
“No.” She answered. “It’s been nearly a year and I still reach for my hat sometimes before getting out of a vehicle. Another habit leftover from being in the military. You always have a hat on when you’re outside.”
Their meal took two hours - it was a buffet, and Scott was determined to get his money’s worth. Katherine watched him eat with a mixture of disgust and envy. When he was finally finished, he groaned and they left the restaurant.
“Don’t expect any sympathy from me, you oinker. I think you’ve taken ‘all you can eat’ a little too literally.”
Scott massaged his stomach. “Just more of me to love.”
“Yeah, sure, lots more.”
“Did you and Michael have a good time at the show last night?” Scott asked as they took the escalator down.
“Absolutely, it was great.”
“So you didn’t dump him?” he asked, half seriously.
“No, I didn’t dump him. Why would I dump him? Jeez.”
They searched for the nearest exit. To Scott it seemed as if the casino were designed to disorient its customers with noise and activity. Even the carpet was a loud mix of reds and purples. Scantily dressed cocktail waitresses darted around the floor with trays of drinks.
“Jeez, could the skirts get any shorter?” Katherine asked. “Why not dress them in bikinis?”
“I like bikinis,” replied Scott. “I would support that suggestion. Get me my congressman.”
Katherine shook her head. “Why are you su
ch a goofball?”
“It’s a gift.”
Eventually, they made it to the front doors. Although it was after ten o’clock, it was almost as bright outside as it had been inside. Like uptown, downtown Reno was still decorated for Christmas, with red bows and candy canes on the street poles, and silver confetti already sprinkled the streets and sidewalks for New Year’s. The mixture of the two holidays made for a party-like atmosphere. They wandered in and out of casinos, sometimes stopping to play blackjack or slots.
It was freezing outside, and even though Katherine wore her long red coat and gloves, she still felt as if body parts were going to start falling off. Scott thought she looked very pretty with her rosy cheeks and her hair draped over the white scarf she wore.
Katherine paused and looked up at a brightly-lit sign that arched from one side of the street to the other. On the first line was the word Reno, and the next proclaimed Reno as “The Biggest Little City in the World.” Waist-high metal barricades were placed two blocks before and after the sign to control traffic. A stage had been set up and a band was playing ’80s music. A large countdown clock had also been set up.
As midnight drew near, Scott looked at his watch and suggested they walk back toward the sign. They leaned on the barricade until the countdown finally began. The crowd screamed, “Ten, nine, eight...”
Katherine looked up at Scott and just like that the hundreds of cheering people and the loud band music became white noise. She watched as his lips moved toward hers; for a second she considered moving away, but quickly all coherent thought was gone. Her lips parted slightly in anticipation. She watched his eyes, his beautiful dark brown eyes. She felt his hands gripping her arms tightly and waited, almost holding her breath.
Suddenly, Katherine could feel the cold of the night, hear the roar of the crowds, and she opened her eyes. Scott was watching her face. He’d abruptly kissed her forehead and released her. She felt embarrassed, and he looked uncomfortable.
Confetti rained down on them as Auld Lang Syne blared from the speakers. Neither spoke, both aware of how awkward the moment had become.
“We should probably go,” Scott finally said. “Traffic is going to be a pain.”
Driving toward Katherine’s apartment, both yawned now and then to fill the silence, but they were wide awake. Scott pulled up in front of her building.
“I had fun tonight,” she said, opening her door. Before Scott could respond or help her down, she hopped out. Always the gentleman, he jumped from the jeep and walked her to the front door. She turned around, and looked anywhere but up. She couldn’t meet his eyes. “I should go in,” she said, but neither moved. “Did you want to come up?” Her heart was racing.
Scott didn’t answer. She made herself look up and into his eyes.
“No, I’m gonna go,” he finally answered. “I had a good time, too. I’ll see ya.” He turned and quickly walked to his jeep.
As the door closed behind Katherine, she heard him drive away, all but burning rubber.
Tears were threatening, and she felt as if someone was sitting on her chest. Grateful that Amy wasn’t home, she walked straight to her bedroom and lay on the bed, feeling humiliated. God, what a fool I must have looked like. What must he be thinking? Why did I have to close my eyes? He was going to give me a hug or maybe a peck, and I stand there like an idiot, all but puckering my lips.
She told herself she’d been caught up in the excitement of the night.
***
Scott sat on his couch and replayed what had happened. He’d almost kissed her. She might have been expecting him to, but he didn’t because of his promise to Verna. Besides, he didn’t like mixed signals; either she was into him or she wasn’t. She’d said she wasn’t looking for a boyfriend, and then started dating Michael. She’d even implied she was interested in Jack, too.
So what the hell? She said all she wanted was friendship, which wasn’t exactly easy, but I’ve tried to respect her space. I don’t know what’s going on in her head.
Filled with nervous energy, he turned the television on but couldn’t concentrate. He turned it off, then checked his voice mail. He knew he wouldn't be able to sleep, so he grabbed his coat and left.
***
The next afternoon Katherine told Amy what had happened.
“You’re overreacting,” said Amy. “Plenty of people celebrate New Year's Eve together and don't kiss each other at midnight.”
“I felt so stupid. My eyes were closed and everything. When I opened them, he was staring at me. Then he kissed me on my forehead like I'm his little sister.”
“You told him you weren’t interested in romance, right?”
“Yes.”
“Well, sometimes these things have only a small window of opportunity. Maybe when you two first met he was interested in you, but it’s been like two months. Maybe he’s not anymore. Plus, he’s seeing someone, and do I have to remind you, so are you?”
“I'm fine with only being friends, but he won’t even answer his phone. And I’m not really ‘seeing’ anyone. What about you? How was your New Year’s Eve?”
“Mine? It was okay. What is it with married people? They think every single person’s only goal in life is to be married.”
“Did your friends try to set you up with someone?”
“Yes, but they don’t know the type of guy I like. This guy was way too squeaky clean for me, a real boy scout.”
“And what is your type?”
“Hell if I know.”
***
Katherine obsessively checked her voice mail even though her phone never showed any new messages. Nearly a full week had passed with no word from Scott. Saturday morning she woke up still feeling exhausted but a little better than she had all week. She lay on the couch, remote in hand, flipping through channels. She hadn’t showered or dressed and had no plans to. When the phone rang, she jumped off the couch to answer it.
“Hello?”
“Is John there?”
“No, you have the wrong number.”
She fell back onto the couch and tried to concentrate on the television, but she was thinking about the kiss that hadn’t happened New Year’s Eve. She didn’t know what to think, but how she felt was clear enough. What to do about those feelings was the real question.
Now and then she glanced at the phone. She even checked to make sure the ringer was on. She dozed on and off. The pounding in her head woke her up. She looked at the clock groggily—half past ten. The pounding continued and she realized it was someone knocking on her door. She opened it and there stood Scott. Neither said anything at first.
“Where'd you disappear to?” Katherine said. “You don't call, you don't write. I was worried you’d run off and joined the circus until I remembered they don't have buffets in the circus.”
Scott hadn’t thought about New Year’s Eve all week, a fact that would have annoyed Katherine if she’d known, considering she’d hardly thought of anything else. He’d been busy helping his dad out. He knew he could probably tell her, maybe even should tell her, but he didn't want to—not yet. His father’s return to Reno was great, but the circumstances under which he’d left were a little embarrassing. If Scott talked about his father with Katherine, he’d feel obligated to tell her the whole story, and until he knew that his father was back to stay, he’d keep the details to the bare minimum. Silently he came in and set a bag on the table. She saw he’d brought coffee, too, but she couldn’t see the label on the cups.
“That’d better be Starbucks,” she said
“No, it’s Dunkin Donuts.” He laughed at the expression on Katherine’s face. “Just kidding, just kidding. Would I dare attempt to bring anything other than Starbucks over your threshold?”
He sat down while Katherine went to the bathroom to put on a robe. She looked at her reflection and saw that her eyes had dark circles under them, so she did what she could to make herself presentable. Meanwhile, Scott sat on the couch thinking how even at ten thirty in th
e morning, in her pajamas and with messy hair, she still looked pretty. Katherine sat down and picked up her cup.
“And what flavor is this?”
“Cafe mocha, nonfat, no whip, of course.”
“Ah, grasshopper, I’ve trained you well.” She looked down at a box of doughnuts she hadn't noticed earlier. “Great, just what I need.”
“Oh, these?” Scott picked up the box and held it close to his chest.
“These are mine. I won’t make you eat any. Seriously, if you don’t want to help me eat them…”
Katherine rolled her eyes. “Hand ’em over, smart guy.”
“Hey, there’s a new place called the Chocolate something or other. Wanna check it out with me later?”
“Isn’t that just like you, making plans for your next meal before you’re done with the current one. And what about Verna? Won’t she object?”
“I’m not her puppet. I can do what I like.”
Katherine gave him a dubious look.
“Okay,” he said, “she’s spending the day with her girlfriends.”
“You are so whipped.”
“Am not. You wanna check the place out or what?”
Katherine realized that the doughnuts had done wonders for her mood. “Sure.”
Later, as they shared a large chocolate mousse and some cookies at The Chocolate Bar, a trendy new café/bar in downtown Reno, they were both lost in their own thoughts. Katherine stared off into space, seeming to give her full attention to each bite, while Scott watched her and tried not to laugh. He hoped that if they ever did have sex, she’d look as thrilled as she did with every bite of their dessert. He was almost jealous. He laughed out loud when she bent nearly backwards trying to pick up a cookie she’d dropped.
The way Scott watched Katherine, and the way she looked at him when he wasn’t watching, it was obvious that there was great affection between the two; yet as clear as it was to others, they were completely oblivious.
After walking around for a while, they drove back to Katherine’s apartment. As usual, Amy wasn’t around. Scott watched as Katherine pulled her gray sweatshirt up over her head, her breasts prominent as her arms reached up. He swallowed hard. Practically from day one he’d wanted to tear her clothes off, throw her down on the bed, and…
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