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The next day, Catherine methodically checked her list, making sure she hadn't forgotten anyone. And so aloud she inventoried, “I have my secret Santa exchange gifts for both the D.A., and Dad’s office, I have my Christmas Cards to pass out, and let’s see, I have gifts for Rita, Marilyn, Jennifer, Bruno, and Joe...”
So as Catherine stacked the last wrapped gift onto the others, she looked at the pile before her, and with great satisfaction said, “There! I am now officially ready for the office parties!”
Just then the timer went off, indicating it was time to take her last batch of Peanut Butter cookies out of the oven. And as she set the hot cookie sheet upon the trivet, she thought, “Hmmm, they look just perfect.”
Wistfully she whispered, “And if they could only taste as good as Mom’s...”
As she snitched one off the cooling rack, the sweet sensation took her right back to the day it was her Mom serving them.
Happily she thought they were a close second, and was pleased indeed, to say the very least, with that outcome.
After doing a quick count, Catherine calculated there would be more than enough to take as a contribution to her Dad's office party, a plateful for the D.A. Office party, and a plate for the Tunnel's gathering tonight too.
Feeling quite organized, and prepared, she began to slip her coat on just as the phone rang. On the other end was a very cheerful sounding Jennifer. “Merry Christmas Cath!”
“Well Merry Christmas to you too. I was just getting ready to head over to Dad’s firm. You are still going to meet me there, right?”
Apologetically, Jennifer began, “That’s why I am calling.”
With concern Catherine asked, “Oh please don't say you can’t make it?”
Incredulously Jennifer answered, “What? Not make it? Are you crazy? I wouldn't dream of missing the Chandler Christmas Breakfast Buffet for the world! I have been thinking about the double stuffed French toast for days now! But what I was going to tell you is, I may be a tad bit late! I need to pick up a teeny tiny item on my way there!”
Relieved her friend was indeed coming, Catherine confessed, “Good Jen! I know everyone would have been disappointed if you missed it. Well all I can say is get there as soon as you can.”
In reply, Jennifer said, “I will, and just so you know I’ll be bringing a surprise for you. I cannot wait for you to see it!”
To which Catherine shared, “Sweet! I have a present for you too, I’ll see you shortly.”
As Catherine hung up the phone, she contemplated what Jennifer might be up to, and wondered, “What sort of a surprise? She sure sounded excited. Oh well, I shall soon know!”
Catherine now armed with bags in hand, headed for the parking garage.
Since she had a few stops to make throughout the day, namely her Dad’s firm, and picking up Vincent’s repaired snow globe at the shop, she knew it would be best if she drove her own car, and so by driving, she amusedly thought, she would be doing her civic duty by adding to the horrific holiday traffic.
And so as Catherine cruised through the firm’s parking garage, looking for a place to park, she was surprised to see her old reserved spot was open, and still had her name on it!
Catherine then heaved a sentimental sigh, thinking, “How sweet of Dad keeping it open for me, but this is such a great spot, I’m sure someone else in the firm would love to acquire it. I wonder if he thinks it would hurt my feelings if he took my name off the wall?"
She then surmised, "I guess I will just have to tell him it’d be alright to pass the torch onto the next deserving soul.”
But she did have to admit that today, since she had an arm load to carry, this great spot sure did come in handy!
As she closed the door to her car, she expectantly looked up, and laughed to herself, when she saw the little worn sprig of mistletoe, dangling under the exit sign.
To herself, she said, “Ahhh, its there! You didn’t disappoint me! Whoever “You” might be!"
For at least the last 25 years, Catherine has noticed, that little branch of mistletoe, was someones idea of decorating, and they hang it there under the lighted Exit sign every year without fail.
Then unexpectedly, tears came to Catherine’s eyes. She had not anticipated the memories of the time spent in this building, would make her feel so sentimental.
And now, particularly on Christmas Eve, the recollections took her back to a very bitter sweet dwelling place, the years following her Mom’s death, to the times when she felt most all alone.
Those were the days when Catherine would come and spend the whole day there, because of her school’s winter break. But she will never forget the kindness showered upon her by the people in her Dad’s office. Yes this place really did become a second home for her, as a young girl, then later as a working girl.
And so now, as the elevator door opened, tears glistened in her eyes, as she arrived where she knew the people within, really knew, and loved her.
After hugs and cheerful greetings were given to all her ex-coworkers, Catherine stood with her Christmas exchange gift in hand, and excitedly looking over the growing pile, she eagerly added her present to the mountain of gifts too.
And so Rita, lovingly instructed, “Now don't forget to pull a number Cathy.”
To which Catherine reached in, and flashed Rita the folded piece of paper, and said, "I have a number Rita, don't worry, I will get a gift."
Catherine then smiled as she sweetly noted, “You worry about everyone Rita.”
In reply, Rita, with teary eyes then said, “Of course I do, that's what I do best! Come over here you little stinker!”
And with a motherly hug she said, “I sure miss ya honey! Your Dad doesn’t talk about it, but he does too. I can see it in his eyes.”
And so upon overhearing their conversation, Marilyn stepped up, and scolded, “Rita! Now don’t go laying a guilt trip on Cathy!”
And then in a nurturing manner, Marilyn smoothed Catherine's bangs back as she added, “I would say your Dad has actually adjusted very well with the changes, so don’t go listening to Rita! He’s doing just fine.”
To which a determined Rita declared, “I’m just saying that…”
In an attempt to drown her out, Marilyn raised her voice to cut Rita off, as she said, “Ahhh, I know you were just saying, but I know where you were headed.”
It was then Charles stepped out from his office, donning his Santa Hat, and asked, “Who is causing the ruckus out here?”
Charles then saw Catherine, and teasingly said, “Dear Daughter, I might have known!”
Catherine then looked from side, to side at Marilyn and Rita, thinking one of them would speak up on her behalf, saying they were the ones yelling...but they didn't!
So once Catherine noticed the innocent looks on their faces, she realized she was being thrown under the bus!
So she shot them both a look, and smiled as she answered, “You know me Dad, little miss trouble maker.”
Meanwhile, the other two ladies, sheepishly stood, having a little fun at Catherine's expense!
But feeling just so happy his daughter had arrived, Charles gave her a hug and said, “Ah I gotta say, I do miss your boisterous high charged energy around here!"
And then Charles added, "Too bad Paul and Joe couldn't come with ya."
To which Catherine shared, "They were both disappointed too, especially Paul, because he knew what he was missing."
Catherine then giggled a bit as she relayed, "In fact, I think Paul was hinting for me to bring him back a plate."
To which Marilyn declared, "By all means! We'll fix a plate for Pauley."
And then she added, "In fact we better fix a plate for that Cutey face Joe too! I mean we can't send a plate for Paul, and not Joe right? "
In agreement, Rita said, "I was just thinking the same thing!"
It was then that Charles noted, "Yeah, you know, Joe is all right, and I sure appreciate he gave you a little personal time so you could come today."
Catherine then with melancholy expressed how important it was for her to be there by saying, “Even though it’s for just a little while, I wouldn’t miss coming today for the world Dad...after all, it’s a tradition.”
Meanwhile, both Marilyn and Rita watched from the sidelines, with tears in their eyes, as they listened to the exchange between Catherine and Charles.
But it was Rita, who was unable to contain her self as she tearfully said, “Darn right its tradition, and the celebration wouldn’t have been the same without you.”
Rita then cheerfully reminisced, “Remember back when our parties were in the afternoon, and Cathy, you would spend all morning making decorations for it? You would sit at the desk, right over there, and color your little heart out!”
Warmly, Marilyn also recalled Catherine’s efforts, as she proudly boasted, “And some of the pictures were quite good! In fact I saved them! They should be in box somewhere around here.”
With his hands behind his back, Charles inserted, “I have ‘em. They are on the shelf in my closet. In fact I was looking at them the other day.”
Upon hearing they were so handy, Rita excitedly said, “Well Golly, we should bring them out so everyone can look at them.”
To which Marilyn eagerly concurred, “Yes let’s do!”
Happily, Charles set down his coffee and said, “Oh yeah, in fact there is one picture, I think you will all really get a boot out of.”
Meanwhile, Catherine felt so blessed as she listened to the three of them speak about her as if she was a budding Da Vinci!
But in an attempt to stop her Dad from bringing out the old memory box, Catherine said, “Maybe another time would be better Dad. I don't want to monopolize all your time at the party looking at my old art work.”
Realizing he was getting carried away, Charles reined in his excitement, and softly said, “Maybe Cathy’s right, we’ll do it another time."
To which Rita and Marilyn, disappointedly agreed, saying the next time Catherine visits, they will look at them all together, come hell or high water.
Afraid she may have dampened their spirits a bit, Catherine laughed as she said to her proud critics, "I mean, how great could they be? I was only armed with few odd markers, and a box of Crayola Crayons!"
With a nod, Charles insisted, "They really are quite good, and nice to look back on."
Then Charles thoughtfully said, "I really don’t know where the time has gone, it seems like only yesterday when you were that little girl.”
With appreciation, Charles looked at Marilyn, and Rita to warmly say, “You two really lit up Cathy’s life back then in ways, in ways I just couldn't...”
Knowing Charles was speaking about his grief stricken state he was in back then, Marilyn spoke for them both as she warmly said, “Cathy was such a sweet girl, it was a joy watching over her.”
With emotion, Marilyn then looked at Rita, and nodded as she said, “We both enjoyed it!”
In agreement Rita tearfully said, "Yes indeed we did."
Meanwhile, Catherine listened and thought back of how in those years, Marilyn and Rita would make her time there as fun as they could. They would set up a spot just like Rita had said, right near them, where she could color, read, or do puzzles. Then as she grew, she progressed onto playing with the office equipment! Catherine always jokingly accredited Marilyn and Rita for her superior office skills.
In an effort to give credit, where credit was due, Catherine wanted to tell these ladies what they meant to her. These two ladies who were so kind to her, and who played the role of a surrogate mother to her back then, and in some ways, even still, and even now.
And so Catherine said, “I always loved coming here to spend the day. I have a lot of wonderful memories, due to you both. No matter how busy you were, you made time for me, making sure I had something to either eat, or an activity to keep me busy. ”
Catherine then tried to lighten the mood a bit, and in an attempt to keep her own emotions in check as well, she teasingly said, "And, I know I wasn't an angel. Seems to me, I may have been responsible for a paper jam or two."
To which Rita expanded, "Oh you must be talking about when we got the new printer. Yes indeed, in fact we ended up having to call a repair man! And then remember the time you shut down our whole network by changing the router settings!"
Rita laughed as she added, "You sure gave the IT guy from the Geek squad, a run for his money!"
Catherine humbly smiled at her Dad, as Rita, who was just getting warmed up, began to tease Catherine about the time she was playing with the stampers, and had stamped "Copy Sent" on about 300 sheets of plain copy paper!
Rita then started laughing as she added, "Or the time you faxed a Beetle Bailey comic strip to everyone in our address book, suppliers, clients and to the snooty share holders too! We fielded calls for weeks, explaining why we sent them something from the funny papers! What a hoot!"
Marilyn saw Catherine was looking a little embarrassed, and so she cleared her throat and subtly suggested, "Rita, maybe that is enough reminiscing for now."
Rita heaved a sigh as she agreed, but smiled all the same as she said, "Ah yes, but it was all good."
Charles put his arm around his daughter, and gave her a comforting squeeze as Catherine appreciatively said, "And none of you ever really got angry, or yelled at me that I can remember. Just maybe a scolding or two."
To which Charles replied, "Ah, it was all just kid stuff, nothing serious."
Oh my, yes they all agreed, it was all good times even including some of the shenanigans.
And so after hearing the examples of her exploits, Catherine heaved a sigh, and said, "Well, I made some cookies, guess I better set these out."
As Charles looked at the plateful of cookies, he suspiciously asked, “Are those….”
And as Charles took a bite and was sure they were made from his wife's special recipe, he said, “Good job honey, good job. Delicious. Taste just like your Mom made 'em.”
Catherine and her Dad then both shared a look knowing this little thing, such as replicating her mom’s recipe, kept her alive within their hearts with this sweet memory of her. Yes, what a sweet thought, and powerful thing that was.
And so Charles shook off his melancholy, as he popped the last bit of cookie in his mouth, and rubbing his hands together, he looked at his watch, and said, "Time for my speech!"
Charles then made an announcement for all the employees to gather around.
And so once he had everyone's attention, Charles then said, “Before we have breakfast, I just want to say a few words.”
With that he pulled out a stack of papers, which was about four inches thick!
When he heard a few gasps, and saw a few eyes widened, which was the precise reaction he was hoping for, he put the stack down, and said, “Relax everyone, only joking, I don’t need this.”
Everyone laughed, especially Catherine, knowing how her Dad loved to be the jester, and make people laugh.
Charles then turned thoughtful, as he seriously said, “I really don't need to write down what I want to say, because what I want to say is all in here.”
He then touched his heart, and with his head bent reverently, he began, “It’s been quite a year, a lot of changes around here, some good, we’ve had three much deserved promotions, Harvey, Daniel, and Susanne have all stepped up to take care of our trust and estate cases."
As a few random claps un-surely erupted, Charles encouraged, "Sure that's right, let's give them a round of applause!"
And it was then, Catherine and Harvey shared a look, and with a proud, and approving nod, Catherine clapped a little louder, and a bit higher, so he could see she was behind him too.
So after the clapping died down, Charles continued, "Oh and let's not forget Rich who has been promoted to oversee the entire building's copy rooms..."
As a few angst-filled moans reverberated through the associates, Charles quickly added, "But, don't panic, he is making our office his home base, so we will still benefit from his expertise! Good job Rich!"
With that said, everyone with relief clapped, and laughed at Rich's showboating as he bowed in appreciation for the accolades!
As Catherine clapped as well, she smiled, thinking to herself, "It looks like Rich is appreciated after all, and all of his hard work is being rewarded."
And just then, because of the camaraderie they shared on Catherine's last day, Rich looked her way, and as she did her own private nod of congratulations, he smiled back and gave her a thumbs up!
As the laughter and clapping fell away, Charles continued, "Some of the changes were sad however, and I am speaking about the loss of our senior Over-Writer, Mr. Donahue, what a loss, God I really miss him, I know we all do.”
After the low concurring murmur died away, Charles then looked directly at Catherine, who was looking back at him with anticipation, and he solemnly continued, “And some of the changes, were unexpected. That would be when my daughter left the firm, to courageously follow her heart."
Sad and reflective awes rippled through the crowd, and Catherine gave her Dad a nod, thankful for the way he had characterized her departure, as a "courageous" change. Which it was courageous, even more than she has yet to realize.
Collecting himself, Charles continued, "Yes our firm is like a mirror of life. And that's how it should be. Changes ever on going changes, and that is a good thing. They make us grow. Stretch our wings and force us to touch life in new ways. Well as I have grown older, I have learned to appreciate changes, and am thankful for them. Now that its Christmastime, I want to say I am thankful for all of you, I love ya and thanks for all you do.”
It was then both Marilyn and Rita walked up to Charles, baring the gift from all the office folk, and with a huge smile, Marilyn said, "Well we all want to show our appreciation for all you do for us too."
And with that, Rita handed Charles his gift. With misted eyes, Charles shook his head, and said, "You guys didn't have to get me anything!"
And then as he widened his eyes, clearly he was excited everyone did! And so playfully he opened his present, and as he pulled out the beautiful antique wooden clock, he said, "Hey, I know just the place..."
With that said, Charles then walked over to the open spot on the office fireplace, and said, "...Marilyn, wasn't I just telling you the mantle looked a little bare, and that maybe a clock would..."
As Charles was in mid-sentence, it then dawned on him, that Marilyn had passed his thoughts along, and as a result, it culminated into his Christmas gift.
And so playfully, he shook his finger at her, and continued, "...Marilyn, you rascal! Well its a darn good thing I didn't say I needed a new car!"
Everyone laughed, and then Charles showed his gratitude by saying, "This clock looks great everyone! It really is just perfect!"
Everyone concurred, and oohed and aahed, saying it was a perfect addition to the office's main lobby.
And so as Charles said a few more words, everyone clapped at the conclusion of their boss’s thank you speech, and as the applause died down, Charles said, “One more thing, because we had such a great fiscal year...”
Charles then pulled a bundle of envelopes out of his back pocket, and continued, "...I have a little something extra for you."
As her Dad passed the unexpected additional Christmas bonuses out, he did so in his best Santa act, which he had missed doing at Thanksgiving time, when he was in Florida with Peter.
Catherine observed as her Dad warmly greeted and gifted each one of his employees. She watched then too, how each person received him, and could tell they really liked and respected him. What a great boss he was, and she couldn’t help but feel so proud of him.
And then happily she thought "Sweet! Dad has a chance to play Santa after all."
So it was during this time, that Harvey walked up, and with a warmness, said, "Hello Cathy. I just want to say, now that I am doing your job, well I sure have a better feel for the scope of the position. All I want to say, is you sure made it look easy, and if you have time coming up after the New Year, well maybe you could come in and go over a few things with me."
With a smile, Catherine said, "I'll be happy to, and I do agree, an extra transitional week would have been ideal for us to hit all the relevant bullet points. I'll give you a call next week, and we'll get together."
To which Harvey said, "Thanks a lot Cathy...and Merry Christmas!"
In reply Catherine said Merry Christmas back to Harvey, her very consciences replacement.
And then it was after Charles finished his gift giving, he meekly came up to Catherine who now was standing with Marilyn and Rita, and asked them, “I wasn’t too sentimental in my speech was I? Milly from accounting is still crying over by the water cooler!”
To which Rita said, “Awe poor dear, she's such a sentimental soul. Cries over everything! Don't worry, I'll check on her if she doesn't snap out of it pretty soon. But getting back to your speech, well I think it was a good mix of encouragement, gratitude, and maybe a little sentiment. But it was a good speech.”
And then Marilyn, his other right hand, concurred saying, his speech was spot on.
Looking to Catherine for her opinion, she then softly said, "It was perfect Dad, and it reminded me of why I love and admire you so much."
Charles looked at the three important women in his life, and with sincere emotion, he told them thanks for their kind words, and for their support.
And it was then Marilyn looked around, and then asked, "Isn't Dr. Alcott coming today?"
To which Rita with concern asked Charles, "You did remember to tell him?"
With a nod, Charles confirmed he asked Peter, and explained, “The good doctor said he would come if he could get a way, but it was kind of doubtful, but he appreciated knowing he was welcome...and hey speaking of missing persons, what about Jenny? Don't tell me she isn’t coming...”
To which in reply, Catherine said, “Jenny said she'd definitely be here. In fact I was just thinking that I hope she comes before I have to leave.”
Just then the elevator door opened, and Catherine said, "Maybe that's her now."
As Catherine peered through the crowd of people, she couldn't see too well, but could at least see it was indeed Jennifer! But then as laughter broke out, Catherine wondered why everyone was laughing!
Curiously, Catherine looked at her Dad and said, “What's so funny!I wonder if it's the surprise Jen said she was bringing for me...can you see?”
And because Charles was so tall, he could see! And...because he was also privy to Jennifer’s scheme, he teasingly said, “Oh yes, I can see, and it’ll be a surprise alright!”
To which Catherine anxiously asked, “Well? What is it Dad?”
Meantime, Jennifer came into the open, and Catherine could see for herself what was so funny! Jennifer had Noodles in her arms! Ahhh sweet Jennifer had brought Noodles for a surprise visit to Catherine!
Beside herself with joy, Catherine took Noodles from her arms, and said, “You brought Noodles!”
As she hugged Noodles to her, Catherine looked at her dear friend and asked, “Was Noodles the teeny tiny item you needed to pick up?”
To which Jennifer laughed as she said, “Yes! Are you surprised?”
Sincerely, Catherine replied, “Oh yes! This is the best Christmas gift you could have given me Jen! I miss him so much!”
To which Jennifer said, “Ahh, well I knew you’ve been wanting to see him…”
And then Jennifer nuzzled Charles arm, as she teasingly added, “...and thanks to your Dad! He finagled the clearance for me, so I could bring him in today!”
With awe, Catherine looked to her dad and asked, “So you knew?”
As Charles petted Noodles on the head, he guiltily nodded yes, but in giving Jennifer credit, he added, “It was all Jenny’s idea, she knew you were missing this little guy.”
And then Jennifer inserted, "But you were the one who had to convince Bruno to bend the rules!"
Everyone around laughed a bit, and then with tears of joy, mixed with melancholy, Catherine looked to her Dad, she said, “Oh Dad, Peter will love hearing how happy and healthy Noodles is looking.”
In agreement, Charles solemnly said, “Yes, we can tell him Noodles is doing just great!”
Charles then said, "Well since speeches have been made, and bonus gifts have been given out, maybe we can eat!"
And so as the lids were taken off of the Breakfast Buffet servers, Charles happily announced, "Help yourselves everyone!"
And so they did, and the time there at the Chandler Annual Christmas Party was festive for Catherine, as well as warm and emotional. She loved feeling at home with her own, and held little Noodles the whole time!
And so when Rita started the gift exchange, and called Catherine's number, Catherine walked up holding Noodles, causing love-filled laughter to ring out amongst the office folk! To which Catherine turned to everyone to say, "Hey, I'm not letting go of this little fella till I have too!" Causing everyone to laugh all the more!
Catherine then sat back down beside Jennifer, to open her gift, and so excitedly Jennifer whispered, "Oh, I hope it won't be something you hafta re-gift! Hurry and open!"
Amusedly, Catherine shook her head at her good friend's comment, and as she opened the lid, she lifted out a humorous Coffee mug, with a Starbucks Gift card.
To which Jennifer said, "Cute Mustache mug, and ya can't beat the gift card! A years worth of coffee!"
To which Catherine whole-heartedly agreed! And then added, "And may I say, you look adorable in your new Leopard ensemble!"
With a nod, Jennifer replied, "Thanks! I feel cute in it too! Ya know, I really do love my exchange gift, even though I never would have picked Leopard out for myself, but it is kinda growing on me."
With a smile, Catherine teasingly asked, "So you won't be re-gifting?"
To which Jennifer declared, "Nope, keepers!"
And then Jennifer asked, "Now what are your Christmas plans? Seeing Vincent?"
In reply, Catherine sweetly smiled, as she relayed, "Well, I will be seeing him tonight..."
Seeing her friend so happy, Jennifer shared, "Nice...I hope you have the best Christmas..."
To which Catherine said, "And what about you? Are you going to see Jimmy tonight for Christmas Eve, and still going over to Mrs. Ames for Christmas Dinner?"
With joy, Jennifer replied, "Yes, tonight we are going to his Aunt Janey's, who hosts the entire family get together, and then tomorrow, over to Jimmy's Mom's. Things are definitely progressing quite nicely!"
And then Jenner heaved a sorrowful sigh, and lamented, "Well no doubt about it, I definitely broke my diet today, but it was worth it! Everything was so yummy, and oh my gosh, look at the time, I better go, I need to put in a little time at the gallery."
So after Jennifer made her rounds saying goodbye to Charles, and the others she knew pretty well, she walked back over to Catherine, and with emotion, said, "Look! Marilyn and Rita fixed a plate for Mom! Wasn't that nice of them?"
As Catherine continued to snuggle with Noodles, she said, "Awe that was nice...I hope your Mom enjoys it...and thank your Mom for letting Noodles come in to see me."
To which Jennifer looked at her dear friend, and sweetly said, "I knew you needed a Noodles fix."
Jennifer then relayed, "You know Mom made me promise I would bring him back. I think she was worried once you saw him again, you would ask to keep him."
As Catherine petted him, she said, "I wouldn't do that to your Mom, or to Noodles. Clearly he is so well loved."
With that said, Catherine cleared her voice, as she continued, "And speaking of being well loved, I noticed you still have a safety pin holding your LOUIS VUITTON together...so, before you go..."
Catherine then excitedly, gave her friend her gift, and as Jennifer handled it, she thought it felt like it could be a purse! And so Jennifer with question, excitedly expressed, "Oh My! You didn't?"
To which Catherine giggled, and said, "Open and find out."
And so as Jennifer brought out a brand new Louis Vuitton bag from its wrapping, she excitedly squealed, "Oh Cath! It is beautiful! Let's see if this bag meets all my requirements! Well let me see here, it is BLACK, which is numeral uno, and it has pockets in the front for chap stick and such, it DOES have a zipper closure...adjustsble strap, there's a place for my sunglasses, AND what's this? It even comes with a matching wallet! So yes! This bag definitely meets and exceeds my P.P.R.!"
And because only Jennifer's best friend would know what P.P.R. stood for, Catherine giggled as she said, "Heaven knows I have gone purse shopping enough with you to know what all of your "Personal Purse Requirements" are!"
Jennifer then gave Catherine a huge bear hug, and said, "I love it! Thanks Cathy!"
With a smile, Catherine said, "You are welcome Jen. I am so glad you like it."
The two friends then exchanged goodbye and Merry Christmas hugs, and then Catherine gently handed Noodles over to her, and stood for a moment watching as the elevator door closed, and she sadly watched her good friend and Noodles leave.
Just then Catherine heard her Dad call her over, and so as she walked into his office, she said, "Yes Dad?"
To which Charles thoughtfully said, "Well, when I was working with Joe, I noticed he had some Springsteen memorabilia around his office, and so I asked him if he was a Bruce Springsteen fan, and you should have heard him! He went on and on, well, suffice it to say, he is a fan! Anywhooo..."
Charles then reached into his top desk drawer, and continued, "...well, remember the Springsteen concert that was ill-timed for you to attend? Well I wondered if Joe might like to have 'em."
To which Catherine confirmed, "I am sure he would Dad...how nice."
And then Charles humbly inserted, "So if you wouldn't mind passing them onto him for me, well, I was thinking it would be a sort of a thank you for all he did to help catch Stev...well...you know..."
With a sad smile, Catherine knew what her Dad meant. His daughter was now safe, due to the work Joe did with him to nail Steven. And though neither one wanted to mention Steven's name and put a damper on the day, Catherine with appreciation said, "Sure Dad, I'll give Joe the tickets, and what can I say, you are the most thoughtful man...thanks Dad..."
To which Charles humbly said, "Well as I say, Mr. Hamilton gave them to me, and their isn't anyone else, besides you, is a fan like Joe seems to be, so...hope he enjoys them."
And because Catherine was indeed a Springsteen fan, she laughed as she recalled, "Remember taking Jen and I to see him at the Stone Pony in Jersey?"
Saying he did, Charles confessed, "I do! And even though I was stuck there waiting for you gals, I ended up kinda enjoying the music myself!"
Catherine giggled, because it was true, since she nor Jen could drive yet, Dear Ole Dad was the chauffeur for the night!
So since it was time to head out, Catherine lovingly said, "Well, off I go, it's that time, and Dad, thanks for the great Christmas Party. It was so much fun."
To which Charles said, "Thank you for making time to come Dear Daughter...as I alluded to earlier, it wouldn't have been the same without you here."
And so with much to say, yet nothing needing to be said, Catherine smiled, and simply said, "Wouldn't have missed it..."
And then with a low ebbed excitement, Charles mischievously, and secretly added, "And tonight, we have, ahem, another Christmas Eve party to look forward to, I am
going to pick up Peter, then we'll come by and get ya...so try to be ready."
With a slight roll of her eyes, Catherine giggled as she promised, "You have to get used to the new Cathy Dad, I WILL be ready."
And then with a loving hug, Catherine said, "See you tonight Dad! Merry Christmas!"
Upon hearing Catherine was getting ready to go, Rita rushed up to say, "Oh Cathy, here are those "To-Go" boxes for Joe and Paul! They are all ready for you!"
To which Catherine gratefully said, "Thank you, and won't Joe be surprised to see I have one for him too."
Catherine then said her goodbyes to the rest of the gang, and discreetly she set Marilyn's and Rita's gifts upon the desk for them to find after she left, knowing if she gave their presents to them now, they would fuss and say she shouldn't have!
So, upon glancing around one last time, and with the "To-Go" boxes in her arms, Catherine smiled at this good hearted bunch, saying, "Merry Christmas everyone!"
Everyone in reply, did their own personal "Merry Christmas" back and with that Catherine left the safe confines of her Father's firm.
And from his vantage, Charles sadly smiled as his daughter walked out through the door, thinking she wasn't one of them any more, but proudly knew she would be making a difference out in the world, and case in fact...Catherine already had...
To be continued
Chapter Twenty
: }
The next day, Catherine methodically checked her list, making sure she hadn't forgotten anyone. And so aloud she inventoried, “I have my secret Santa exchange gifts for both the D.A., and Dad’s office, I have my Christmas Cards to pass out, and let’s see, I have gifts for Rita, Marilyn, Jennifer, Bruno, and Joe...”
So as Catherine stacked the last wrapped gift onto the others, she looked at the pile before her, and with great satisfaction said, “There! I am now officially ready for the office parties!”
Just then the timer went off, indicating it was time to take her last batch of Peanut Butter cookies out of the oven. And as she set the hot cookie sheet upon the trivet, she thought, “Hmmm, they look just perfect.”
Wistfully she whispered, “And if they could only taste as good as Mom’s...”
As she snitched one off the cooling rack, the sweet sensation took her right back to the day it was her Mom serving them.
Happily she thought they were a close second, and was pleased indeed, to say the very least, with that outcome.
After doing a quick count, Catherine calculated there would be more than enough to take as a contribution to her Dad's office party, a plateful for the D.A. Office party, and a plate for the Tunnel's gathering tonight too.
Feeling quite organized, and prepared, she began to slip her coat on just as the phone rang. On the other end was a very cheerful sounding Jennifer. “Merry Christmas Cath!”
“Well Merry Christmas to you too. I was just getting ready to head over to Dad’s firm. You are still going to meet me there, right?”
Apologetically, Jennifer began, “That’s why I am calling.”
With concern Catherine asked, “Oh please don't say you can’t make it?”
Incredulously Jennifer answered, “What? Not make it? Are you crazy? I wouldn't dream of missing the Chandler Christmas Breakfast Buffet for the world! I have been thinking about the double stuffed French toast for days now! But what I was going to tell you is, I may be a tad bit late! I need to pick up a teeny tiny item on my way there!”
Relieved her friend was indeed coming, Catherine confessed, “Good Jen! I know everyone would have been disappointed if you missed it. Well all I can say is get there as soon as you can.”
In reply, Jennifer said, “I will, and just so you know I’ll be bringing a surprise for you. I cannot wait for you to see it!”
To which Catherine shared, “Sweet! I have a present for you too, I’ll see you shortly.”
As Catherine hung up the phone, she contemplated what Jennifer might be up to, and wondered, “What sort of a surprise? She sure sounded excited. Oh well, I shall soon know!”
Catherine now armed with bags in hand, headed for the parking garage.
Since she had a few stops to make throughout the day, namely her Dad’s firm, and picking up Vincent’s repaired snow globe at the shop, she knew it would be best if she drove her own car, and so by driving, she amusedly thought, she would be doing her civic duty by adding to the horrific holiday traffic.
And so as Catherine cruised through the firm’s parking garage, looking for a place to park, she was surprised to see her old reserved spot was open, and still had her name on it!
Catherine then heaved a sentimental sigh, thinking, “How sweet of Dad keeping it open for me, but this is such a great spot, I’m sure someone else in the firm would love to acquire it. I wonder if he thinks it would hurt my feelings if he took my name off the wall?"
She then surmised, "I guess I will just have to tell him it’d be alright to pass the torch onto the next deserving soul.”
But she did have to admit that today, since she had an arm load to carry, this great spot sure did come in handy!
As she closed the door to her car, she expectantly looked up, and laughed to herself, when she saw the little worn sprig of mistletoe, dangling under the exit sign.
To herself, she said, “Ahhh, its there! You didn’t disappoint me! Whoever “You” might be!"
For at least the last 25 years, Catherine has noticed, that little branch of mistletoe, was someones idea of decorating, and they hang it there under the lighted Exit sign every year without fail.
Then unexpectedly, tears came to Catherine’s eyes. She had not anticipated the memories of the time spent in this building, would make her feel so sentimental.
And now, particularly on Christmas Eve, the recollections took her back to a very bitter sweet dwelling place, the years following her Mom’s death, to the times when she felt most all alone.
Those were the days when Catherine would come and spend the whole day there, because of her school’s winter break. But she will never forget the kindness showered upon her by the people in her Dad’s office. Yes this place really did become a second home for her, as a young girl, then later as a working girl.
And so now, as the elevator door opened, tears glistened in her eyes, as she arrived where she knew the people within, really knew, and loved her.
After hugs and cheerful greetings were given to all her ex-coworkers, Catherine stood with her Christmas exchange gift in hand, and excitedly looking over the growing pile, she eagerly added her present to the mountain of gifts too.
And so Rita, lovingly instructed, “Now don't forget to pull a number Cathy.”
To which Catherine reached in, and flashed Rita the folded piece of paper, and said, "I have a number Rita, don't worry, I will get a gift."
Catherine then smiled as she sweetly noted, “You worry about everyone Rita.”
In reply, Rita, with teary eyes then said, “Of course I do, that's what I do best! Come over here you little stinker!”
And with a motherly hug she said, “I sure miss ya honey! Your Dad doesn’t talk about it, but he does too. I can see it in his eyes.”
And so upon overhearing their conversation, Marilyn stepped up, and scolded, “Rita! Now don’t go laying a guilt trip on Cathy!”
And then in a nurturing manner, Marilyn smoothed Catherine's bangs back as she added, “I would say your Dad has actually adjusted very well with the changes, so don’t go listening to Rita! He’s doing just fine.”
To which a determined Rita declared, “I’m just saying that…”
In an attempt to drown her out, Marilyn raised her voice to cut Rita off, as she said, “Ahhh, I know you were just saying, but I know where you were headed.”
It was then Charles stepped out from his office, donning his Santa Hat, and asked, “Who is causing the ruckus out here?”
Charles then saw Catherine, and teasingly said, “Dear Daughter, I might have known!”
Catherine then looked from side, to side at Marilyn and Rita, thinking one of them would speak up on her behalf, saying they were the ones yelling...but they didn't!
So once Catherine noticed the innocent looks on their faces, she realized she was being thrown under the bus!
So she shot them both a look, and smiled as she answered, “You know me Dad, little miss trouble maker.”
Meanwhile, the other two ladies, sheepishly stood, having a little fun at Catherine's expense!
But feeling just so happy his daughter had arrived, Charles gave her a hug and said, “Ah I gotta say, I do miss your boisterous high charged energy around here!"
And then Charles added, "Too bad Paul and Joe couldn't come with ya."
To which Catherine shared, "They were both disappointed too, especially Paul, because he knew what he was missing."
Catherine then giggled a bit as she relayed, "In fact, I think Paul was hinting for me to bring him back a plate."
To which Marilyn declared, "By all means! We'll fix a plate for Pauley."
And then she added, "In fact we better fix a plate for that Cutey face Joe too! I mean we can't send a plate for Paul, and not Joe right? "
In agreement, Rita said, "I was just thinking the same thing!"
It was then that Charles noted, "Yeah, you know, Joe is all right, and I sure appreciate he gave you a little personal time so you could come today."
Catherine then with melancholy expressed how important it was for her to be there by saying, “Even though it’s for just a little while, I wouldn’t miss coming today for the world Dad...after all, it’s a tradition.”
Meanwhile, both Marilyn and Rita watched from the sidelines, with tears in their eyes, as they listened to the exchange between Catherine and Charles.
But it was Rita, who was unable to contain her self as she tearfully said, “Darn right its tradition, and the celebration wouldn’t have been the same without you.”
Rita then cheerfully reminisced, “Remember back when our parties were in the afternoon, and Cathy, you would spend all morning making decorations for it? You would sit at the desk, right over there, and color your little heart out!”
Warmly, Marilyn also recalled Catherine’s efforts, as she proudly boasted, “And some of the pictures were quite good! In fact I saved them! They should be in box somewhere around here.”
With his hands behind his back, Charles inserted, “I have ‘em. They are on the shelf in my closet. In fact I was looking at them the other day.”
Upon hearing they were so handy, Rita excitedly said, “Well Golly, we should bring them out so everyone can look at them.”
To which Marilyn eagerly concurred, “Yes let’s do!”
Happily, Charles set down his coffee and said, “Oh yeah, in fact there is one picture, I think you will all really get a boot out of.”
Meanwhile, Catherine felt so blessed as she listened to the three of them speak about her as if she was a budding Da Vinci!
But in an attempt to stop her Dad from bringing out the old memory box, Catherine said, “Maybe another time would be better Dad. I don't want to monopolize all your time at the party looking at my old art work.”
Realizing he was getting carried away, Charles reined in his excitement, and softly said, “Maybe Cathy’s right, we’ll do it another time."
To which Rita and Marilyn, disappointedly agreed, saying the next time Catherine visits, they will look at them all together, come hell or high water.
Afraid she may have dampened their spirits a bit, Catherine laughed as she said to her proud critics, "I mean, how great could they be? I was only armed with few odd markers, and a box of Crayola Crayons!"
With a nod, Charles insisted, "They really are quite good, and nice to look back on."
Then Charles thoughtfully said, "I really don’t know where the time has gone, it seems like only yesterday when you were that little girl.”
With appreciation, Charles looked at Marilyn, and Rita to warmly say, “You two really lit up Cathy’s life back then in ways, in ways I just couldn't...”
Knowing Charles was speaking about his grief stricken state he was in back then, Marilyn spoke for them both as she warmly said, “Cathy was such a sweet girl, it was a joy watching over her.”
With emotion, Marilyn then looked at Rita, and nodded as she said, “We both enjoyed it!”
In agreement Rita tearfully said, "Yes indeed we did."
Meanwhile, Catherine listened and thought back of how in those years, Marilyn and Rita would make her time there as fun as they could. They would set up a spot just like Rita had said, right near them, where she could color, read, or do puzzles. Then as she grew, she progressed onto playing with the office equipment! Catherine always jokingly accredited Marilyn and Rita for her superior office skills.
In an effort to give credit, where credit was due, Catherine wanted to tell these ladies what they meant to her. These two ladies who were so kind to her, and who played the role of a surrogate mother to her back then, and in some ways, even still, and even now.
And so Catherine said, “I always loved coming here to spend the day. I have a lot of wonderful memories, due to you both. No matter how busy you were, you made time for me, making sure I had something to either eat, or an activity to keep me busy. ”
Catherine then tried to lighten the mood a bit, and in an attempt to keep her own emotions in check as well, she teasingly said, "And, I know I wasn't an angel. Seems to me, I may have been responsible for a paper jam or two."
To which Rita expanded, "Oh you must be talking about when we got the new printer. Yes indeed, in fact we ended up having to call a repair man! And then remember the time you shut down our whole network by changing the router settings!"
Rita laughed as she added, "You sure gave the IT guy from the Geek squad, a run for his money!"
Catherine humbly smiled at her Dad, as Rita, who was just getting warmed up, began to tease Catherine about the time she was playing with the stampers, and had stamped "Copy Sent" on about 300 sheets of plain copy paper!
Rita then started laughing as she added, "Or the time you faxed a Beetle Bailey comic strip to everyone in our address book, suppliers, clients and to the snooty share holders too! We fielded calls for weeks, explaining why we sent them something from the funny papers! What a hoot!"
Marilyn saw Catherine was looking a little embarrassed, and so she cleared her throat and subtly suggested, "Rita, maybe that is enough reminiscing for now."
Rita heaved a sigh as she agreed, but smiled all the same as she said, "Ah yes, but it was all good."
Charles put his arm around his daughter, and gave her a comforting squeeze as Catherine appreciatively said, "And none of you ever really got angry, or yelled at me that I can remember. Just maybe a scolding or two."
To which Charles replied, "Ah, it was all just kid stuff, nothing serious."
Oh my, yes they all agreed, it was all good times even including some of the shenanigans.
And so after hearing the examples of her exploits, Catherine heaved a sigh, and said, "Well, I made some cookies, guess I better set these out."
As Charles looked at the plateful of cookies, he suspiciously asked, “Are those….”
And as Charles took a bite and was sure they were made from his wife's special recipe, he said, “Good job honey, good job. Delicious. Taste just like your Mom made 'em.”
Catherine and her Dad then both shared a look knowing this little thing, such as replicating her mom’s recipe, kept her alive within their hearts with this sweet memory of her. Yes, what a sweet thought, and powerful thing that was.
And so Charles shook off his melancholy, as he popped the last bit of cookie in his mouth, and rubbing his hands together, he looked at his watch, and said, "Time for my speech!"
Charles then made an announcement for all the employees to gather around.
And so once he had everyone's attention, Charles then said, “Before we have breakfast, I just want to say a few words.”
With that he pulled out a stack of papers, which was about four inches thick!
When he heard a few gasps, and saw a few eyes widened, which was the precise reaction he was hoping for, he put the stack down, and said, “Relax everyone, only joking, I don’t need this.”
Everyone laughed, especially Catherine, knowing how her Dad loved to be the jester, and make people laugh.
Charles then turned thoughtful, as he seriously said, “I really don't need to write down what I want to say, because what I want to say is all in here.”
He then touched his heart, and with his head bent reverently, he began, “It’s been quite a year, a lot of changes around here, some good, we’ve had three much deserved promotions, Harvey, Daniel, and Susanne have all stepped up to take care of our trust and estate cases."
As a few random claps un-surely erupted, Charles encouraged, "Sure that's right, let's give them a round of applause!"
And it was then, Catherine and Harvey shared a look, and with a proud, and approving nod, Catherine clapped a little louder, and a bit higher, so he could see she was behind him too.
So after the clapping died down, Charles continued, "Oh and let's not forget Rich who has been promoted to oversee the entire building's copy rooms..."
As a few angst-filled moans reverberated through the associates, Charles quickly added, "But, don't panic, he is making our office his home base, so we will still benefit from his expertise! Good job Rich!"
With that said, everyone with relief clapped, and laughed at Rich's showboating as he bowed in appreciation for the accolades!
As Catherine clapped as well, she smiled, thinking to herself, "It looks like Rich is appreciated after all, and all of his hard work is being rewarded."
And just then, because of the camaraderie they shared on Catherine's last day, Rich looked her way, and as she did her own private nod of congratulations, he smiled back and gave her a thumbs up!
As the laughter and clapping fell away, Charles continued, "Some of the changes were sad however, and I am speaking about the loss of our senior Over-Writer, Mr. Donahue, what a loss, God I really miss him, I know we all do.”
After the low concurring murmur died away, Charles then looked directly at Catherine, who was looking back at him with anticipation, and he solemnly continued, “And some of the changes, were unexpected. That would be when my daughter left the firm, to courageously follow her heart."
Sad and reflective awes rippled through the crowd, and Catherine gave her Dad a nod, thankful for the way he had characterized her departure, as a "courageous" change. Which it was courageous, even more than she has yet to realize.
Collecting himself, Charles continued, "Yes our firm is like a mirror of life. And that's how it should be. Changes ever on going changes, and that is a good thing. They make us grow. Stretch our wings and force us to touch life in new ways. Well as I have grown older, I have learned to appreciate changes, and am thankful for them. Now that its Christmastime, I want to say I am thankful for all of you, I love ya and thanks for all you do.”
It was then both Marilyn and Rita walked up to Charles, baring the gift from all the office folk, and with a huge smile, Marilyn said, "Well we all want to show our appreciation for all you do for us too."
And with that, Rita handed Charles his gift. With misted eyes, Charles shook his head, and said, "You guys didn't have to get me anything!"
And then as he widened his eyes, clearly he was excited everyone did! And so playfully he opened his present, and as he pulled out the beautiful antique wooden clock, he said, "Hey, I know just the place..."
With that said, Charles then walked over to the open spot on the office fireplace, and said, "...Marilyn, wasn't I just telling you the mantle looked a little bare, and that maybe a clock would..."
As Charles was in mid-sentence, it then dawned on him, that Marilyn had passed his thoughts along, and as a result, it culminated into his Christmas gift.
And so playfully, he shook his finger at her, and continued, "...Marilyn, you rascal! Well its a darn good thing I didn't say I needed a new car!"
Everyone laughed, and then Charles showed his gratitude by saying, "This clock looks great everyone! It really is just perfect!"
Everyone concurred, and oohed and aahed, saying it was a perfect addition to the office's main lobby.
And so as Charles said a few more words, everyone clapped at the conclusion of their boss’s thank you speech, and as the applause died down, Charles said, “One more thing, because we had such a great fiscal year...”
Charles then pulled a bundle of envelopes out of his back pocket, and continued, "...I have a little something extra for you."
As her Dad passed the unexpected additional Christmas bonuses out, he did so in his best Santa act, which he had missed doing at Thanksgiving time, when he was in Florida with Peter.
Catherine observed as her Dad warmly greeted and gifted each one of his employees. She watched then too, how each person received him, and could tell they really liked and respected him. What a great boss he was, and she couldn’t help but feel so proud of him.
And then happily she thought "Sweet! Dad has a chance to play Santa after all."
So it was during this time, that Harvey walked up, and with a warmness, said, "Hello Cathy. I just want to say, now that I am doing your job, well I sure have a better feel for the scope of the position. All I want to say, is you sure made it look easy, and if you have time coming up after the New Year, well maybe you could come in and go over a few things with me."
With a smile, Catherine said, "I'll be happy to, and I do agree, an extra transitional week would have been ideal for us to hit all the relevant bullet points. I'll give you a call next week, and we'll get together."
To which Harvey said, "Thanks a lot Cathy...and Merry Christmas!"
In reply Catherine said Merry Christmas back to Harvey, her very consciences replacement.
And then it was after Charles finished his gift giving, he meekly came up to Catherine who now was standing with Marilyn and Rita, and asked them, “I wasn’t too sentimental in my speech was I? Milly from accounting is still crying over by the water cooler!”
To which Rita said, “Awe poor dear, she's such a sentimental soul. Cries over everything! Don't worry, I'll check on her if she doesn't snap out of it pretty soon. But getting back to your speech, well I think it was a good mix of encouragement, gratitude, and maybe a little sentiment. But it was a good speech.”
And then Marilyn, his other right hand, concurred saying, his speech was spot on.
Looking to Catherine for her opinion, she then softly said, "It was perfect Dad, and it reminded me of why I love and admire you so much."
Charles looked at the three important women in his life, and with sincere emotion, he told them thanks for their kind words, and for their support.
And it was then Marilyn looked around, and then asked, "Isn't Dr. Alcott coming today?"
To which Rita with concern asked Charles, "You did remember to tell him?"
With a nod, Charles confirmed he asked Peter, and explained, “The good doctor said he would come if he could get a way, but it was kind of doubtful, but he appreciated knowing he was welcome...and hey speaking of missing persons, what about Jenny? Don't tell me she isn’t coming...”
To which in reply, Catherine said, “Jenny said she'd definitely be here. In fact I was just thinking that I hope she comes before I have to leave.”
Just then the elevator door opened, and Catherine said, "Maybe that's her now."
As Catherine peered through the crowd of people, she couldn't see too well, but could at least see it was indeed Jennifer! But then as laughter broke out, Catherine wondered why everyone was laughing!
Curiously, Catherine looked at her Dad and said, “What's so funny!I wonder if it's the surprise Jen said she was bringing for me...can you see?”
And because Charles was so tall, he could see! And...because he was also privy to Jennifer’s scheme, he teasingly said, “Oh yes, I can see, and it’ll be a surprise alright!”
To which Catherine anxiously asked, “Well? What is it Dad?”
Meantime, Jennifer came into the open, and Catherine could see for herself what was so funny! Jennifer had Noodles in her arms! Ahhh sweet Jennifer had brought Noodles for a surprise visit to Catherine!
Beside herself with joy, Catherine took Noodles from her arms, and said, “You brought Noodles!”
As she hugged Noodles to her, Catherine looked at her dear friend and asked, “Was Noodles the teeny tiny item you needed to pick up?”
To which Jennifer laughed as she said, “Yes! Are you surprised?”
Sincerely, Catherine replied, “Oh yes! This is the best Christmas gift you could have given me Jen! I miss him so much!”
To which Jennifer said, “Ahh, well I knew you’ve been wanting to see him…”
And then Jennifer nuzzled Charles arm, as she teasingly added, “...and thanks to your Dad! He finagled the clearance for me, so I could bring him in today!”
With awe, Catherine looked to her dad and asked, “So you knew?”
As Charles petted Noodles on the head, he guiltily nodded yes, but in giving Jennifer credit, he added, “It was all Jenny’s idea, she knew you were missing this little guy.”
And then Jennifer inserted, "But you were the one who had to convince Bruno to bend the rules!"
Everyone around laughed a bit, and then with tears of joy, mixed with melancholy, Catherine looked to her Dad, she said, “Oh Dad, Peter will love hearing how happy and healthy Noodles is looking.”
In agreement, Charles solemnly said, “Yes, we can tell him Noodles is doing just great!”
Charles then said, "Well since speeches have been made, and bonus gifts have been given out, maybe we can eat!"
And so as the lids were taken off of the Breakfast Buffet servers, Charles happily announced, "Help yourselves everyone!"
And so they did, and the time there at the Chandler Annual Christmas Party was festive for Catherine, as well as warm and emotional. She loved feeling at home with her own, and held little Noodles the whole time!
And so when Rita started the gift exchange, and called Catherine's number, Catherine walked up holding Noodles, causing love-filled laughter to ring out amongst the office folk! To which Catherine turned to everyone to say, "Hey, I'm not letting go of this little fella till I have too!" Causing everyone to laugh all the more!
Catherine then sat back down beside Jennifer, to open her gift, and so excitedly Jennifer whispered, "Oh, I hope it won't be something you hafta re-gift! Hurry and open!"
Amusedly, Catherine shook her head at her good friend's comment, and as she opened the lid, she lifted out a humorous Coffee mug, with a Starbucks Gift card.
To which Jennifer said, "Cute Mustache mug, and ya can't beat the gift card! A years worth of coffee!"
To which Catherine whole-heartedly agreed! And then added, "And may I say, you look adorable in your new Leopard ensemble!"
With a nod, Jennifer replied, "Thanks! I feel cute in it too! Ya know, I really do love my exchange gift, even though I never would have picked Leopard out for myself, but it is kinda growing on me."
With a smile, Catherine teasingly asked, "So you won't be re-gifting?"
To which Jennifer declared, "Nope, keepers!"
And then Jennifer asked, "Now what are your Christmas plans? Seeing Vincent?"
In reply, Catherine sweetly smiled, as she relayed, "Well, I will be seeing him tonight..."
Seeing her friend so happy, Jennifer shared, "Nice...I hope you have the best Christmas..."
To which Catherine said, "And what about you? Are you going to see Jimmy tonight for Christmas Eve, and still going over to Mrs. Ames for Christmas Dinner?"
With joy, Jennifer replied, "Yes, tonight we are going to his Aunt Janey's, who hosts the entire family get together, and then tomorrow, over to Jimmy's Mom's. Things are definitely progressing quite nicely!"
And then Jenner heaved a sorrowful sigh, and lamented, "Well no doubt about it, I definitely broke my diet today, but it was worth it! Everything was so yummy, and oh my gosh, look at the time, I better go, I need to put in a little time at the gallery."
So after Jennifer made her rounds saying goodbye to Charles, and the others she knew pretty well, she walked back over to Catherine, and with emotion, said, "Look! Marilyn and Rita fixed a plate for Mom! Wasn't that nice of them?"
As Catherine continued to snuggle with Noodles, she said, "Awe that was nice...I hope your Mom enjoys it...and thank your Mom for letting Noodles come in to see me."
To which Jennifer looked at her dear friend, and sweetly said, "I knew you needed a Noodles fix."
Jennifer then relayed, "You know Mom made me promise I would bring him back. I think she was worried once you saw him again, you would ask to keep him."
As Catherine petted him, she said, "I wouldn't do that to your Mom, or to Noodles. Clearly he is so well loved."
With that said, Catherine cleared her voice, as she continued, "And speaking of being well loved, I noticed you still have a safety pin holding your LOUIS VUITTON together...so, before you go..."
Catherine then excitedly, gave her friend her gift, and as Jennifer handled it, she thought it felt like it could be a purse! And so Jennifer with question, excitedly expressed, "Oh My! You didn't?"
To which Catherine giggled, and said, "Open and find out."
And so as Jennifer brought out a brand new Louis Vuitton bag from its wrapping, she excitedly squealed, "Oh Cath! It is beautiful! Let's see if this bag meets all my requirements! Well let me see here, it is BLACK, which is numeral uno, and it has pockets in the front for chap stick and such, it DOES have a zipper closure...adjustsble strap, there's a place for my sunglasses, AND what's this? It even comes with a matching wallet! So yes! This bag definitely meets and exceeds my P.P.R.!"
And because only Jennifer's best friend would know what P.P.R. stood for, Catherine giggled as she said, "Heaven knows I have gone purse shopping enough with you to know what all of your "Personal Purse Requirements" are!"
Jennifer then gave Catherine a huge bear hug, and said, "I love it! Thanks Cathy!"
With a smile, Catherine said, "You are welcome Jen. I am so glad you like it."
The two friends then exchanged goodbye and Merry Christmas hugs, and then Catherine gently handed Noodles over to her, and stood for a moment watching as the elevator door closed, and she sadly watched her good friend and Noodles leave.
Just then Catherine heard her Dad call her over, and so as she walked into his office, she said, "Yes Dad?"
To which Charles thoughtfully said, "Well, when I was working with Joe, I noticed he had some Springsteen memorabilia around his office, and so I asked him if he was a Bruce Springsteen fan, and you should have heard him! He went on and on, well, suffice it to say, he is a fan! Anywhooo..."
Charles then reached into his top desk drawer, and continued, "...well, remember the Springsteen concert that was ill-timed for you to attend? Well I wondered if Joe might like to have 'em."
To which Catherine confirmed, "I am sure he would Dad...how nice."
And then Charles humbly inserted, "So if you wouldn't mind passing them onto him for me, well, I was thinking it would be a sort of a thank you for all he did to help catch Stev...well...you know..."
With a sad smile, Catherine knew what her Dad meant. His daughter was now safe, due to the work Joe did with him to nail Steven. And though neither one wanted to mention Steven's name and put a damper on the day, Catherine with appreciation said, "Sure Dad, I'll give Joe the tickets, and what can I say, you are the most thoughtful man...thanks Dad..."
To which Charles humbly said, "Well as I say, Mr. Hamilton gave them to me, and their isn't anyone else, besides you, is a fan like Joe seems to be, so...hope he enjoys them."
And because Catherine was indeed a Springsteen fan, she laughed as she recalled, "Remember taking Jen and I to see him at the Stone Pony in Jersey?"
Saying he did, Charles confessed, "I do! And even though I was stuck there waiting for you gals, I ended up kinda enjoying the music myself!"
Catherine giggled, because it was true, since she nor Jen could drive yet, Dear Ole Dad was the chauffeur for the night!
So since it was time to head out, Catherine lovingly said, "Well, off I go, it's that time, and Dad, thanks for the great Christmas Party. It was so much fun."
To which Charles said, "Thank you for making time to come Dear Daughter...as I alluded to earlier, it wouldn't have been the same without you here."
And so with much to say, yet nothing needing to be said, Catherine smiled, and simply said, "Wouldn't have missed it..."
And then with a low ebbed excitement, Charles mischievously, and secretly added, "And tonight, we have, ahem, another Christmas Eve party to look forward to, I am
going to pick up Peter, then we'll come by and get ya...so try to be ready."
With a slight roll of her eyes, Catherine giggled as she promised, "You have to get used to the new Cathy Dad, I WILL be ready."
And then with a loving hug, Catherine said, "See you tonight Dad! Merry Christmas!"
Upon hearing Catherine was getting ready to go, Rita rushed up to say, "Oh Cathy, here are those "To-Go" boxes for Joe and Paul! They are all ready for you!"
To which Catherine gratefully said, "Thank you, and won't Joe be surprised to see I have one for him too."
Catherine then said her goodbyes to the rest of the gang, and discreetly she set Marilyn's and Rita's gifts upon the desk for them to find after she left, knowing if she gave their presents to them now, they would fuss and say she shouldn't have!
So, upon glancing around one last time, and with the "To-Go" boxes in her arms, Catherine smiled at this good hearted bunch, saying, "Merry Christmas everyone!"
Everyone in reply, did their own personal "Merry Christmas" back and with that Catherine left the safe confines of her Father's firm.
And from his vantage, Charles sadly smiled as his daughter walked out through the door, thinking she wasn't one of them any more, but proudly knew she would be making a difference out in the world, and case in fact...Catherine already had...
To be continued
Chapter Twenty
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| Destiny of my Heart! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Nineteen |
