Blame it on the Stars (The Blame Game)

by Hill, Jamie

  “Perfect.” He sighed with relief.

  “Oh, Steve, it’s so beautiful!” She admired the ring.

  “Yeah.” He admired her. “It sure is.” He scooped his arms under her knees and picked her up. “But damn, you make me work hard! I’m exhausted!” He headed to her bedroom.

  She laughed, and hugged his neck. “No one ever told you life with me was going to be easy!”

  He set her down on the bed, and flopped down next to her. “That’s for sure.”

  They laughed and he kissed her. She glanced down at her ring.

  He stopped kissing and said, “Do you want to look at the ring, or do you want to kiss me?”

  “Well,” she hesitated.

  He laid back. “Okay, whatever you want.” He crossed his arms and twiddled his thumbs.

  Catlin leaned on him, and put her head on his chest. She waved her ring back and forth in front of her face, and danced her hand over his chest.

  He laughed, watching her. “I guess you’re satisfied with my choice? You can always look at others if you’re not.”

  “Don’t even think about taking this ring off my hand.” She snatched it back to her chest. “I love it.”

  “Good.” He ran a hand over her back.

  “What happened to your conscience?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “The ring. You told me before you couldn’t give me a ring in good conscience while you were still married.”

  “Oh, that.” He gazed at the ceiling. “Change of plans, I guess. After what we’ve been through, I felt like a ring was called for. I want you to feel secure in our relationship.”

  She looked at the ring again. “This certainly helps.” She waggled her brows.

  He laughed. “God, I missed you.”

  Chapter Ten

  “So are we still on for Thanksgiving?” Steve asked Catlin that weekend.

  “What?” In all the drama of the past few weeks, she didn’t remember the plans he’d made.

  “You know, Kansas City, Crown Center, Christmas lights, credit card?”

  “Oh, yeah! That rings a bell. I’m game if you are.”

  “Definitely.” He hugged her.

  He made reservations at a local restaurant for their Thanksgiving dinner, and afterward they headed to Kansas City. The kids slept most of the way, and Catlin and Steve talked quietly. Once they hit the edge of town, it took another half hour to get where they were going. Catlin looked around at the tall buildings and enormous amount of traffic. “I could not live here.”

  He chuckled. “You get used to it. You live in a certain area, and don’t venture too far on a daily basis. The suburbs are like small towns.”

  “Where did you live?”

  “Overland Park. It was nice.”

  She looked out the window. “Does Barbara still live in the same house?”

  “For now. We’re going to sell it next year. It’s too big for one person.”

  She smiled. “Bigger than your house now?”

  “About the same.” He glanced sideways at her. “But it has two fireplaces.”

  “Ooh!” Catlin growled. “You better not tell me there’s one in the master bedroom, because that would make me totally jealous.”

  He laughed. “Nope. Family room and living room.”

  “Okay.” She continued to look out the window, barely noticing all the scenery rushing past them. “I think Marshall is as big of a town as I’d want to live in.”

  “It’s a nice size.” Steve changes lanes for his exit. “Almost there. You want to wake up the kiddos?”

  She looked at the two teenagers. “Do I have to? They look so sweet and innocent when they’re sleeping.”

  He laughed. “Looks can be deceiving, can’t they?”

  Nodding, she shook a finger at him. “You thought they were innocent a few months ago.”

  “Yeah, that was before I’d really had the chance to be a single parent. I’ve sure had my eyes opened to a few things.”

  She squeezed his hand. “You’ve done all right by them.”

  He squeezed back. “Yeah, I guess. With some help from you. Being a single parent sucks. It’s so much nicer with your help.”

  Catlin winked at him, and gently shook David and Dana’s knees. “Time to wake up. We’re almost to the hotel.”

  The kids stirred, and by the time Steve pulled up to the valet, they were awake and looking out the windows.

  Crown Center was a large shopping center with two hotels in downtown Kansas City. Every kind of shop imaginable was available, all within walking distance. Catlin looked it over from the exterior. She was always amazed at how big everything seemed in the city.

  Steve tipped the valet parking attendant, who loaded their luggage on a big cart before he parked the BMW. Another valet wheeled the luggage cart in for them. Steve checked in at the desk, and a bellhop showed them up to their suite. He unlocked the door, and handed over the card keys. Tucking a bill into the man’s hand, Steve thanked him and closed the door.

  “Holy guacamole!” Catlin turned around in the big living area. “This room is bigger than my place, and there aren’t even any beds in here!”

  Steve laughed. “There are three bedrooms.” He took her by the hand, and walked down a short hall. “One for Dana,” he pointed, “one for Dave,” he motioned to the next room, and when they got to the last room, he turned to her. “And one for us.” He kissed her before they went in and looked around.

  “My sweet Lord!” The room was huge. They all could have slept in that one space. “I’ve never seen a hotel like this in my life.”

  Steve grinned before dropping into an easy chair. “Not too shabby, eh?”

  A thought occurred to her, and she had to ask, “Have you been here before?”

  “Hotel yes, room no.”

  “Good.” She sat in his lap. “I don’t like to think about you being in here with…anyone else.”

  He kissed her neck. “Why would you think about that, anyway? I’m with you, remember?”

  She squirmed as he tickled her neck, just as David walked in. “We’re going to have to get some kind of system, Dad, like a necktie on the doorknob or something. Or you could shut your door.”

  Catlin tried to get up, but Steve kept his arms wrapped around her. He told David, “We’ll shut the door when we want privacy. We’re just sharing a friendly little kiss right now.”

  Dana came around the corner. “They have pay-per-view movies! Who’s for room service pizza and a movie?”

  Steve shrugged. “No chick flicks. Not tonight, please.”

  Catlin squirmed her way free and grabbed the movie listing. “Okay! Let’s find something manly with lots of action and adventure, and at least one hot guy to make it worth watching.”

  Dana laughed, and read with Catlin over her shoulder.

  They agreed on the newest Brad Pitt movie and David ordered the pizza. They ate and laughed and Catlin had an enjoyable time. When it was over, the kids told them good night and went to their rooms. Catlin stood at the window and looked out over the plaza.

  “It’s really beautiful,” she said quietly.

  Steve wrapped his arms around her from behind. “Tomorrow night it’ll be lit up brilliantly for Christmas. Have you ever seen it?”

  “Not in person, just on TV.” She turned to face him. “It’s going to be a great Christmas.”

  “I think it is, too. But it’s still Thanksgiving, remember? Why don’t we see if we can’t make it a great Thanksgiving?”

  She kissed him lightly on the lips. “It already is. Thanks for everything today.”

  “My pleasure.” His lips pressed hers again and he murmured, “I think we need to retire to our room.”

  “Very quietly.” She turned to head in that direction.

  He caught her again and pulled her next to him, whispering in her ear, “You think you can be quiet?”

  “I’ll do my best!”

  Steve nuzzled her neck. “Mmm, I’ll take
your best. Let me kill these lights.” He turned everything off then followed her, shutting and locking their door. Grabbing the remote control to the TV, he tuned in an all-music station and adjusted the volume down low.

  Catlin lit one small lamp, and drew the curtains shut. She turned to face Steve, and looked into his eyes as she began to undress.

  He reached for her, and smiled.

  They spent the next day shopping up and down the length of the mall. Catlin and Dana bought Christmas presents and whatever they saw that they wanted. Steve and David followed along behind, carrying the credit card and lots of shopping bags.

  They ate lunch at a nice Italian restaurant, and finally made it back to their suite by three o’clock.

  “Who knew this place was so big!” David dropped his armload of bags onto a chair, and flopped down on the sofa. “I’m beat.”

  “Ditto.” Steve did the same thing.

  Dana bubbled, “I feel great! I’ve never had so much fun!”

  “Me either.” Catlin leaned over Steve and kissed his cheek from behind. “Thank you.”

  Smiling, he rubbed her arms.

  “I feel like a swim!” Dana chirped. “Anybody else? I hear the pools here are fabulous.”

  Steve shook his head. “Not me, kiddo. I need to rest a little if I’m going to make it through tonight.”

  Catlin gazed at him. “Yeah, I probably could use a nap myself.”

  David stood. “I’m up for a swim.” He followed Dana toward their rooms to change, muttering, “They aren’t going to nap, you know.”

  “Shh!” Dana slapped his shoulder, and went into her room.

  They watched the Christmas lights come on, and then afterward Steve took them to a very fancy restaurant. Catlin was hesitant as they walked in. “Are you sure we want to eat here?” she whispered. “It looks pretty snooty.”

  He chuckled. “We have reservations. I’m sure they’ll let us in.”

  She swatted at his arm. “Not what I meant. I just don’t need anything this fancy. Grab me a burger somewhere and I’d be fine.”

  “All part of my surprise, dear.” He waggled his brows.

  Catlin’s heart skipped a beat. Something didn’t feel right.

  Steve gave his name, and the host led them to a table with someone already sitting at it.

  Catlin looked, and looked again.

  The man stood up and said “Steve?”

  Steve extended his hand and they shook. “Hi. Steve Naughton. These are my kids Dana and David.”

  “Craig McCall.” He acknowledged the kids but focused on Catlin.

  Her eyes grew wide. “Craig? What are you doing here?”

  Before he could answer, Dana spoke up. “Craig McCall? Is he your brother?”

  David nudged her. “Well duh, he looks just like her.”

  Catlin gulped. The resemblance was striking. Craig’s hair was long and curly like hers, but his was pulled back into a neat ponytail. Their facial features were similar, and though he was taller, they could pass for twins.

  “Amazing.” Steve put his hand on Catlin’s back.

  She looked at him. “What’s he doing here?”

  Steve smiled. “I thought you might like to see your family at the holidays.”

  “I told you—” she started, then stopped abruptly. “How did you find him? I wasn’t even sure where he was.”

  “Not hard to find someone in my line of work. Especially someone famous.”

  “Famous?” Dana and David both piped up.

  Craig motioned to the chairs. “Shall we sit?”

  Steve held a chair out for Catlin, and Craig did the same for Dana, who smiled broadly.

  Catlin was not smiling.

  Once they were seated, Dana repeated, “Famous?”

  “I have a band,” Craig said simply. “We’re called ‘The Wave’. Don’t know if you’ve heard of us—”

  David and Dana both exploded with excitement at that bit of information, and started bubbling about having their c.d.’s, and loving their music.

  Catlin glanced over at Steve, and whispered in a hushed voice, “How could you do this?”

  Before he could answer, the waiter came and they picked up their menus.

  Catlin stood abruptly. “I’m going to the ladies room. Order me anything.” She rushed off, leaving surprised expressions in her wake.

  She locked herself in a stall and put her back up against the door. How can this be happening? She never wanted nor expected to see Craig again. She forced herself to breathe, in and out, in and out, until she felt calmer. Maybe it won’t be so bad. Surely Craig wouldn’t bring anything scandalous up in front of the kids. She just had to get through dinner and he’d be gone.

  At the sink, she splashed cool water on her face. She wasn’t sure when she’d started crying, but her mascara was streaked down her face. She fixed it, and returned to her table.

  Steve stood when she approached. “Everything okay?” He appeared concerned.

  She glared at him, and sat without speaking.

  “Catlin,” Dana said excitedly “Craig was telling us about his house in the canyon. He shares a place with the drummer in his band, who has a little boy. His name is Christian.”

  Catlin looked at Craig sharply.

  Her brother went on, “He’s nine, a really great kid. You’d love him.”

  She brought her napkin to her face. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

  Steve scowled. “What’s wrong with you?”

  Shaking her head, she rushed back to the ladies room. Dana followed her this time, and stood next to her as Catlin splashed more water on her face.

  “Are you okay?” Dana finally asked.

  “No.” Catlin shook her head. “I need to leave. I’m sorry.”

  “I’ll tell Daddy.” Dana rubbed Catlin’s arm, then went out to the dining room.

  When Catlin returned Steve was paying the bill and getting their jackets.

  “You okay?” he asked almost contemptuously.

  “Not really.” She slipped into her jacket and brushed past him, heading out the front door before anyone else.

  Craig caught up with her, and they were alone for a moment.

  “How could you do this?” she glared at him.

  He smiled innocently. “What? Steve called. I thought you wanted to see me.”

  “I told you ten years ago, I never wanted to see you again.”

  “Yada, yada, yada.” He waved his hand in the air. “Things change, Catlin. You don’t know what you’re missing.”

  “And you are a son-of-a-bitch.”

  He laughed. “I believe you told me that ten years ago, too.” He shoved a business card into her coat pocket. “Think about it. Call me. He’d love to see you.”

  “He doesn’t know anything about me!” she screeched under her breath.

  Craig shrugged. “Maybe more than you think.”

  Steve and the kids came outside. “I’m sorry about dinner.” Steve shook hands with Craig.

  “Another time.” Craig smiled coolly, and winked at Catlin as he walked off. He turned back to the kids. “Take care.”

  They called goodbyes to him, and looked at Catlin, who had started crying.

  “Can we go, please?” she asked.

  With a confused shake of his head, Steve had the valet bring their car around.

  Everyone was quiet on the way back to the hotel. Finally Catlin cleared her throat. “I’m sorry about dinner.”

  David muttered, “We should have gotten it to go.”

  Dana shoved his arm. “Restaurants like that don’t make it to go.”

  Steve parked at the hotel, and they went in. “Why don’t you guys go into the mall and find something to eat? Catlin and I will go on up.” He handed David some cash.

  “You want anything?” Dana asked her father.

  “Yeah, bring me a sandwich. What about you?” He looked at Catlin.

  “Nothing, thanks,” she said dully.

  He nodd
ed at his kids and they parted ways. In the hotel suite he tossed his jacket on the back of the sofa and looked at her expectantly. “So I hope you’re going to tell me what that was all about?”

  “I got sick. Sorry if it didn’t fit in with your plans.”

  “You were fine before you saw your brother.”

  “And what’s up with that?” she spouted angrily. “Who asked you to call him?”

  “No one asked me. I like to do nice things for the people I love.”

  “Do you get the feeling that this might not have been the nicest thing?” Catlin almost shouted.

  He raised his voice back at her. “Well excuse me. Perhaps you’d like to fill me in so I won’t make this mistake again.”

  “Just stay out of it, and we’ll be fine.” She went into their room, slamming the door behind her.

  Catlin slipped into her nightgown and scrubbed her face. She crawled into bed and pulled the covers up around her neck. A little while later, Steve stuck his head in the door and said quietly, “Are you sure you’re not hungry?”

  “Positive.”

  He left again.

  Catlin slept fitfully, and when she woke once in the night found she was crying again.

  Steve rolled up on one arm and looked at her. “I’m really sorry. I never imagined this would upset you so much.”

  She slid into his arms and sobbed on his chest. “I’m sorry, too. You just don’t know.”

  “I wish I did,” he said softly. “You know you can tell me anything.”

  “Not this.”

  He held her tightly, rubbing her hair off her face, and she clung to him and tried to find peace in sleep.

  When she awoke the next morning, she was alone. She put on her thick white robe and wandered into the central part of the suite. The others were dressed, flipping through TV channels. “Sorry I slept so long,” she yawned.

  Steve stood up and went to her. “It’s all right. Feeling any better?”

  She nodded.

  “Hungry?”

  She grinned. “Really hungry.”

  “Why don’t you hop in the shower and get dressed. We’ll go get something to eat.”

  Catlin nodded, and kissed Steve lightly. She looked at the kids. “Sorry, again, about last night.”