Gerard’s POV

“I’ll be the colorful one. I’ll even throw in a sexy top hat as well,” Kat grinned excitedly. “Come on, it’ll be fun!”

“It sounds dangerous,” I replied hesitantly. “I mean, all those people…”

“Gee, it’s the fourth of July. We have to celebrate! We’ll bar hop and dance in the streets with all the ongoing festivals. There will be fireworks. Please!!”

I drummed my fingers on the counter, considering her plan and then, against my better judgment, I found myself agreeing. “Okay, fine.”

She smiled happily. “Thank you!” She leaned over the counter and kissed my cheek.

“Don’t thank me. I’m only doing it for the sexy top hat.”

She didn’t seem to mind the comment and moved away to help another customer.

“Flirting with a married woman.” I turned around to see my brother and Thelma enter Starbucks hand-in-hand. “What’s next?” Mikey continued unimpressed by what he had witnessed.

“Let him be. It’s just flirting. It’s not like he committed a murder or anything,” Thelma said with a roll of her eyes.

“Hey, Mikey.”

“If he broke them up, now that would be a different story,” Thelma stated. “Are you a home wrecker, Gerard?”

“We’re friends. Kat would never cheat on her husband.”

“See,” she smiled sweetly at Mikey. “Harmless flirting, nothing more.”

“But…”

“Come,” the female ordered, cutting him short and dragging him after her to where Ray was waiting for them. Mikey stared at me wide-eyed as they went and I waved him off with a smile.

I watched the three of them interact. They were like old friends. They talked and laughed. Then again, Mikey and Ray were friends before I even knew Ray, but that was many years ago. Since then they’ve both been looking after me.

“Hi, is Katherine here?”

My head shot around to see who had asked the question. It was a man, taller than me, probably six feet tall with short, somewhat curly hair. The blonde in his hair was fighting a losing battle against the brown. I searched for Kat and found her just as she became aware of the newcomer.

She looked nothing short of shocked as she approached him. “Dana? What are you doing here?”

“Aren’t I allowed to visit my wife at work?” There it was. He was her husband.

“Of course, but you’ve never… this is the first time you’ve been here.” She still wasn’t over the surprise of his sudden appearance.

“Then I would say that this is long overdue.” He grinned at her. I realized that I was staring and turned my attention to the cup of coffee in front of me.

“The reason I’m here,” he continued. “Is that I barely see you anymore and there’s something I want to ask you. The office is having a party tonight to celebrate Independence Day and I need you to be my date.”

I nearly choked on my coffee. Kat’s eyes flitted in my direction and I pretended to concentrate on my coffee, but in truth I was anxiously waiting on her reply.

“Me?” Kat stuttered out. “I mean, of course. If you’re sure?” My heart sank, but then I reminded myself that she had to agree to go, because he was her husband.

“Of course, you’re my wife. Here.” He handed her a credit card. “Buy yourself something nice to wear tonight. I would like to show off my pretty wife to the old men at the office,” he grinned. “Be ready at six?”

She nodded and watched him leave. Kat was deep in thought over his sudden visit, tapping the card against the palm of her hand, still staring at the door like he was going to walk back in and say that it was all a joke.

“Now that he needs you to attend a function, you’re suddenly good enough again,” I muttered, unable to help myself.
“Are you okay with me going with him tonight?” she asked, coming to stand across from me at the counter, shoving the card into the front of her apron.
“Sure, it’s not like I can tell you no, the guy’s your husband,” I said grudgingly.
She smiled, “It’s really sweet you being jealous, but don’t worry. It’s just one night and it’s a boring business function anyway. Nothing is going to happen.”
I looked back up into her eyes. “Do you have to go?”

“I’m sorry. I know I promised you a fun night full of fireworks and…”

“Don’t forget the top hat.”

She chuckled, “Yes, and a top hat, but I’m afraid we’ll have to cancel. Dana still thinks we’re working things out, besides I can’t embarrass him like that. Everyone at the office knows that he’s married and they’ll wonder why he went alone if that were the case.”

“I don’t get how you can be so good to him when all he’s ever done is…”

“Careful, Gerard,” she cut me short with a sharp tone of voice. I had overstepped some invisible line. “I’m not doing this with you. Not here and not now, not again.”

“Sorry,” I grumbled out.

“Think about it this way, now you can go out and spend some time with your friends. You haven’t done that in a while.” It was a quick change of topic, stopping the threatening argument before it could even begin.

“Great.” Sarcasm dripped from my voice. I loved my friends, but I would much rather spend the night with her.

“Great. Now I have to go shopping. It’s not every day I get to use this baby.” She had withdrawn the credit card again and was waving it in the air. “I have to make the best of it.” She smiled sweetly, removing her apron and grabbing her bag. “Have fun tonight.”

I grumbled some more as she left.

“I figured I would find you here,” someone spoke, patting me on the back.

“Hey, Bert.”

“How are you?” he wanted to know, leaning back against the counter next to me. “We haven’t really seen much of you since…you know.” Shawn’s death.

“I’m good. I have my new job keeping me busy.”

“And pretty girls who have you wrapped around their little fingers,” he teased before stealing my coffee and drinking the last of it.

“She’s so married it’s not even funny. No matter what I say or do, she won’t budge. She’s really hung up on this guy.” I was finally able to complain to someone. I would never be able to tell him everything, but a short venting session helped a little.

“I hate to say this to you, but that’s a good thing. The guy is her husband after all,” he pointed out.

“And a real son of a bitch at that.” It was a mumbled statement that Bert immediately reacted to.

“How so?” he asked seeming sincerely concerned, leaning slightly closer to me.

“It’s… I can’t really say.” I frowned, looking down at my hands clamped together on the counter in front of me. “I can tell you that she’s better off though. I’m not saying that she should be with me either. Hell knows she’d be way better off without me too, but at least I give a shit about her. It’s more than he can say.”

“The heart wants what the heart wants,” he said regretfully. “Are we seeing you tonight?”

I shook my head. “I don’t think so. A quiet night at home might do me good.”

“Sure,” he tapped my shoulder with his hand in a supportive manner. “I’ll tell the guys you send your love.”

I laughed. “Hold on a minute. How are things with you?”

He straightened up. “Great. I’m leaving with the band next week. We have a few shows lined up and we’re working our asses off to get the album as far and as wide as possible.”

“What about Meagan?”

“We talked. She’s keeping the baby. I explained to her that I can’t really be there for her now, but that I would send money as I got the chance.”

I nodded in understanding. “I’m proud of you man. I can’t even begin to imagine the position you’re in, but I can guess that it’s not at all easy.”

“Kudos to you for keeping me on the straight and narrow,” he joked. “I have to run. I’ll see you around.”

“Yeah.” It was time to stock up for the evening ahead; otherwise it was going to be a long night.

*

Kat’s POV

Shortly before six, I looked at myself in the mirror. My hair was combed down neatly. I had decided on a pretty simple dress. It was short and black with a red bow around the waist. My accessories consisted of a simple thin silver necklace and of course my wedding ring. There was no use in attending the function as Dana’s wife if I didn’t wear my wedding ring. I put on a pair of black flats and picked up a small black palm bag before meeting Dana in the living room.

“You look nice,” he smiled upon seeing me.

“Thanks.” I returned his smile. He looked really great as well in his black tux and open collar white button up shirt.

We left the house and arrived at the function about half an hour later. It was strange attending a function with Dana. It’s not something we’ve really done before, only once after we just got married and he just started out at his dad’s company, but that was almost two years ago. That was before everything went to shit.

Before we got out of the car, Dana turned to me. “Katherine, this is an important function. The whole company is here. Can I ask you one thing? Would you please behave? Please, don’t drink any alcohol,” he implored me.

I was extremely taken aback by his request. I’ve never given him any reason to think that I would misbehave. It hurt that he thought I would embarrass him. I just nodded solemnly, getting out of the car. As soon as we reached the party, Dana was smiling broadly and introducing me to everyone. For a moment I wondered why he didn’t invite Carrie instead, but then realized that it wouldn’t have been very acceptable for a married man to show up with his mistress. I just smiled and pretended to be the proud and happy wife. The function was stiff, everyone in their fancy outfits, each pretending to be better than the other. It kind of reminded me of my family. Everything was always about social status. A waiter passed me and I grabbed one of the glasses of champagne from his tray. I wasn’t going to embarrass Dana, but I really needed a drink. Bad memories and bad company did that to you. Besides, I missed Gerard. I couldn’t help thinking that the night would have been a million times better if I had been with him to celebrate the occasion.

“What did I say?” Dana hissed in my ear, but making sure to constantly maintain the smile on his face.

“Relax, one glass won’t make me drunk,” I told him firmly, before walking away.

“Katherine!”

I turned in the direction of the voice and quickly put a smile on my face. “Mr. Leone, hi!” The fact that his son was an asshole didn’t change the fact that this man, with the graying black hair and deep green eyes, was one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure to meet.

“What nonsense is this ‘Mr. Leone’? Whatever happened to Dad?” he teased good-heartedly.

I could feel the heat rise in my cheeks.

“How are you?” he asked, putting an arm around my shoulders. “We never see you anymore and the only answer we ever get from Dana is that you’re good.”

I didn’t want to worry him, because the man was like a second father to me. “He hasn’t been lying. I am good. I’ve been keeping busy at work and making new friends.”

“That’s good to hear. Barbara is here somewhere. I know she’ll love to see you too. I’ll tell her to keep an eye out for you.”

“Yes,” I said absentmindedly, having noticed Dana and Carrie talking. To my utter disbelief he flirted with her right there in front of me. Unbelievable!

Mr. Leone cleared his throat and I looked up to see a deep frown on his face. Clearly he had seen the same scene as I had. He regained his composure and gave me a sympathetic smile. “It was very good to talk to you again. We’ll talk again. You and Dana are seated at our table. Would you please excuse me, Katherine?”

“Sure.” My eyes turned back in their direction, but only Carrie was standing there now. Her eyes were on me. I remembered meeting her once before when I came to see Dana at work and I happened to run into her. The only time I’ve ever seen her since then was when she was wrapped in his arms. I decided not to let her get me down so I smiled and waved at her. Her face fell slightly at this.

‘Yeah, bitch, you’re sleeping with my husband,’ I thought, still smiling at her.

I noticed Dana making his way towards her again and this time it was her turn to smirk at me. The smirk she sent my way made me want to claw her eyes out. I grabbed another glass of champagne and downed it.

Later that evening, Dana found me and requested a dance to which I grudgingly conceded.

“What did you say to my dad?” he asked, remaining cool and keeping up the appearance of a happy husband dancing with his lovely wife. I never realized what an excellent actor her was.

“Nothing why?”

“Then why did he pull me aside five minutes ago and demand that I end things with Carrie?” he asked, glaring down at me.

The sudden change in his mood had me bewildered. “I didn’t say anything.” He wouldn’t do anything with all the people there. “He probably saw you flirting with her earlier. Now that we’re on the subject, I can’t believe you! Did you bring me here just to rub it in my face?”

“Kate,” he said, obviously faking astonishment. “I wasn’t flirting with her. You know there’s nothing between me and her. I just feel sorry for her.”

I rolled my eyes in annoyance. Why did he insist on lying to me when he knew I knew the truth?

“Can we just forget about her for the night and just enjoy our time together?” he asked.

I didn’t mean to laugh, but I couldn’t help it.

“Are you drunk?” He demanded, annoyed as well.

“Dana, you and I are not working out. You know that as well as I do,” I told him bravely.

“You refuse to try,” he retorted.

“It’s useless…”

He sighed and let go of me, walking away. As the night progressed, I saw trouble coming. Dana told me to stay away from the alcohol, but he was drowning himself in it. It made things awkward at the dinner table. His parents weren’t stupid and kept sending questioning looks my way even though everyone tried to play it off as nothing but a young man having too much of a good time.

“Let’s dance,” Dana said, not giving me much of a choice by pulling me towards the dance floor once we were finished eating. “Do you really think there’s no hope?” he wanted to know and I nodded. “Well, that’s a shame.”

“Dana, are you okay?” I asked worriedly. He didn’t look good, but I couldn’t tell whether he was just drunk or whether something else was wrong.

He grinned stupidly at me. “I’m great.”

When the song finished, we stopped dancing. The next thing I knew, Dana’s lips were pressed against mine. My eyes grew wide and I pushed him away without thinking.

“What are you doing?” I demanded a little panicked realizing that I might have made a mistake in pushing him away like that, but it wasn’t right. None of this was right. I shouldn’t be there with him.

“I kissed you. That’s what husbands do,” he stated.

“Not when they’re drunk and cheating on their wives on top of that!” I spat, storming off. It was time for the night to come to an end. I was having the worst time of my life and now Dana wanted to play house. I couldn’t pretend that everything was alright anymore.

Dana caught up to me and grabbed me by the arm in order to stop me from running any further.

“I’m not drunk! I simply wanted to kiss you. Is that such a sin?”

“I can’t do this,” I told him.

“Be a wife? No kidding!” He rolled his eyes and turned to see if there was anyone around.

His words cut deep. Yes, I’ve made plenty of mistakes, but this wasn’t entirely my fault. We were both wrecks and we were pulling each other down.

“Dana…”

“You drink. You probably do drugs. You’re out all night. You’re never home!” He paced angrily like a lion trapped in a cage. Now I have to act like I had a choice.”

“Don’t you dare put this on me,” I said upset. “You were cheating on me with her long before I became this.” I used my hands to indicate myself.

He snorted indignantly.

“You never bothered to ask me how I knew.”

“What does it matter?” he said dismissively.

“It was barely a month after I lost the baby. I was going to therapy, but it wasn’t helping. Then the woman told me that I wouldn’t get better until I talked to someone. She told me that you and I had to work through it together. I took her advice and ran with it. I left her practice and headed straight to your office. I actually felt good at the idea of talking to you about how I felt,” I managed to admit. “I can still clearly remember walking down the hallway and up to your office door. You were the one who was going to make everything okay. At least that’s what I thought. I never expected to find you practically sitting on your desk with Carrie glued to your face!” I shouted at him with angry tears running down my face. Finally it was the right reaction. Anger. “That was when I went to the nearest bar and just kept drinking until I couldn’t see straight anymore. None of this is my fault.”

“We were trying to make it work!” he shot back defensively.

“Neither of us really did, Dana. I couldn’t get clean and you couldn’t stay away from her. I know you’re still seeing her,” I admitted sadly. “I can’t do this anymore. I can’t pretend like this is something when it’s never going to be the same again.”

“You’re leaving me?”

“I don’t want to.” I jumped when he suddenly grabbed my arms. “Dana, you can’t have it both ways.” He was seething at this point.

“Then go!” he shouted, causing me to wince. “If you don’t want to be here I sure won’t be the one to stop you. Leave!”

I pulled my arms from his grip and hurried away, getting into the first cab that came by. I gave him Gerard’s address, because knowing him, he probably stayed in, intending to get drunk by himself.

I stared out the window as the rain began to pour. I wasn’t going to Gerard because I was angry. It wasn’t because Dana kissed me or because we fought. The reason was that everything inside of me was driving me towards him. I wanted to be with him. It was as simple as that.

*

Gerard’s POV

A knock on the door drew my attention from the empty alcohol containers on the table in front of me. I should have bought more. I wasn’t close to being drunk yet. It was still early, though. There was still time to go out and buy more. I was all out of cigarettes too.

There was another knock on the door and I slowly got up from the couch with a sigh. I was halfway to the door before remembering that the keys were on the kitchen counter.

“I’m coming,” I called out, turning back to grab the keys.

The keys were soon turning in the lock and the door swung open to reveal Kat, completely drenched like she had been walking miles in the rain, but at the same time I’ve never seen her so beautiful before. Dressed in the little black dress, wet hair in her face and shivering, all I wanted to do was take her in my arms. Her make-up had run down her cheeks leaving dark marks under her eyes.

“Kat,” I gasped, not having expected to see her at all tonight or in such a state. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at the party with Dana?”

She didn’t say anything, simply stepping forward and pressing her lips to mine. It ended before I could react and the relief with which she looked at me made my heart both clench and swell inside my chest simultaneously.

She walked past me and sat down on the couch, allowing me time to shut the door. I hurriedly fetched a towel and a dry jacket.

“Here.”

She gladly accepted the towel and started drying her face and arms. In the mean time I turned on the coffee machine. When I turned back she was still shivering and staring into space.

“Are you okay?” I asked, sitting down next to her on the couch. “What happened tonight?” I had to ask when she didn’t respond.

Her head slowly turned towards me and although she was slightly pale, she looked… almost relieved. “Nothing… Nothing happened.”

“Are you sure?” I stared deep into her eyes searching for any indication that something was wrong, but found nothing.

“Gerard, is it okay if we stay in and just watch a movie or something?”

“Yes, sure, of course.” I finished making coffee, put on a movie and covered us with a blanket. Kat moved closer to me, clutching a warm cup of coffee in her hands and resting her head on my shoulder.

“This is nice.” She was completely at ease and soon fell asleep like that.

I carefully removed the half drunken cup of coffee from her grip and gently picked her up, taking her to the bedroom and tucking her into bed. I wasn’t sure whether to believe that everything really was okay, but for now she was there with me where I could keep an eye on her. I sauntered back to the living room, sitting down on the couch and finally allowing myself to think about that kiss. Something has definitely changed. I got as comfortable as possible on the old couch and allowed myself to dream of the possibility that things might finally work out in my favor.

Notes