The morning sun shone through the windows, and even though Catherine was out quite late, she woke up, got ready, and actually arrived to work a bit early!
And so as Catherine passed by the reception desk, Rita smiled at her, and said, "Look at you Early Bird!"
And then Rita sadly added, "I can't believe, this is your last week here at the firm! Oh I am going to miss seeing you whiz by me everyday."
Because of the their close relationship, Catherine stopped, to warmly say, "Oh Rita, I'll come in and see you all the time. In fact I promised Dad, to meet him for lunch a couple of times a week, at least."
To which Rita, with emotion, responded, "I know, but it won't be the same. I look forward to seeing your designer outfits every day, always something new and hip. You have been my personal fashion compass through the years."
Upon hearing Rita's comment, Catherine laughed a bit, and then realistically said, "I doubt there will be much to see anymore. On my new salary, I will have to cut back on my shopping...so that facet of my life will radically change."
"What a shame..." Lamented Rita, "...you wear clothes so well."
After thanking Rita for the nice complement, Catherine remembered how much Rita liked Paul when he interned there, and so she told her, "Here's some exciting news, I will be working with Paul at the D.A., and he said to tell you hello."
In a motherly tone, Rita replied, "Well that makes me feel better knowing you will be working with Paul...tell him he should stop in some time, I miss him."
To which Catherine said, "He mentioned he has been wanting to, but has been kept pretty busy over there, but I will tell him you would like to see him."
In reply, Rita said, "Please do, and gee, like I said, it's good knowing you have Paul to work with, I won't worry so much now. Oh and by the way..."
Eagerly Rita then added, "...I cannot wait to hear all about your reconciliation with your boyfriend! Your Father would only say, you two have made up...but that rascal would not give me any details..."
Just then Charles peaked out of his office and said, "Hi Princess, I thought I heard your voice, as soon as you are de-briefed by Rita...come on in..."
To which Rita took on a stern demeanor as she scoffed, "De-briefed? You make our "girl talk" sound like an interrogation?"
Humored by Rita, Charles shook his head laughing, but being a very smart man, he kept his mouth shut, and stepped back into his office.
And so as Catherine smiled at Rita, she promised, "We'll continue our conversation later on, after I check in with the boss."
As Catherine walked into her Dad's office, she kissed his cheek, and said, "Good morning Dad."
To which he replied, "Good morning...what a nice way to start the day."
As Catherine glanced about, she asked, "Still waiting on Brigit and her agent?"
With a disappointed tone, Charles relayed they had to move the meeting to an earlier hour, and said they had just left, explaining, "Brigit said to tell you she was sorry to be missing you this morning, but she and George, had to fit in another appointment before their flight."
With a disappointed tone, Catherine said, "Awe, I should've come in earlier..."
As Charles looked at his watch, he impressively said, "Well looks like you tried, you are early, AND you almost caught them, in fact I am kinda surprised you didn't cross paths, but anywhoooo..."
Charles then nodded over to the corner of his office, and added, "...Brigit left something for you, and asked me to give you this note too."
Feeling genuinely disappointed she had not gotten to tell Brigit goodbye, Catherine opened the note, and read:
Dear Catty, I am most grateful we had time to get to know one another...it is only because of yer forgivin' heart, that it was so. Catty, please accept this gift of "The Tulip Fairy" paintin' from me. Me cousin Patty has given me a similar paintin' in it's place, named "Fairy of the Tulips", and it is just as beautiful...so it looks as if we may both, have a paintin' of our own. Take care of yerself, and of Vincent too. I hope to see ye, on my next trip to yer beautiful city. Sincerely Brigit
With emotion, Catherine looked up from her note, and said, "Oh Dad, I cannot believe it! Brigit is giving me the painting her cousin Patrick'O had painted!"
And so Catherine unwrapped the brown paper from the painting as she continued, "I had fallen in love with this painting he had done, but unfortunately, it was sold before I moved on it. Well later on when I mentioned my disappointment to Brigit, she told me she knew the painting, and she was the one who purchased it!"
And so as Catherine stepped back to better look at the painting, she tearfully whispered, "The Fairy Tulip"...I told Brigit it reminded me of the story Grandma Chandler used to read to me...called "The Tulip Fairies Tale."
As Charles looked at the painting along with Catherine, he wistfully said, "And read it to me too."
Knowing this was so, Catherine warmly said, "I think that was one of the reasons why I loved the story so much, knowing it was once your book."
Catherine then added, "I have it in my hope chest...safe and sound with my other treasures."
With a nod, Charles warmly said, "Nice to know the family keepsake is right where it should be. Next time I come over, I'd like to lay eyes on that old book again..."
To which Catherine sentimentally replied, "Sure thing Dad..."
Back to the subject of the painting, Catherine expressed, "...I feel a bit overwhelmed by Brigit's sweet gesture Dad."
Upon hearing his daughter speak of Brigit so fondly, Charles teasingly said, "Hmm, listen to you dear daughter, it almost sounds like you have a new friend in Brigit!"
To which Catherine thoughtfully smiled as she replied, "I think I do."
Warmly, Charles, smiled and said, "Well it is clear Brigit admires you very much for the way you were able to forgive her, and, you have made me a very proud Dad too...when I see my child with a loving nature, such as the one you own..."
To which Catherine warmly said in reply, "Well thank you Dad...that means everything."
As Catherine cleared the emotion from her voice, she then said, "I suppose I should get busy around here. Let me get this painting out of your way."
Catherine then walked over to the painting, when Charles stopped her, and said, "Let me carry that for you Cathy."
But, as Charles, bent down to pick it up, he noted, "This is heavier than it looks! You should have seen George haul this thing in here, like it was light as a feather!"
To which Catherine said, "Awe, better put it down dad..."
Obligingly, Charles set it back down, and said, "Don't mind if I do..."
And then in an attempt to diffuse the fact it was too heavy for her Dad, Catherine then said, "Even if we did move this painting, I am beginning to wonder how I will get it home. I don't think it will fit in my car."
Sizing up the painting now too, Charles agreeably said, "Well, you are right about that! How about if I have it delivered for ya? I'll call Clem's service, and have it delivered tonight around 6:00."
Thinking that sounded perfect, Catherine said thanks to her kind Daddy, when she noticed him rubbing his back. And so with concern she asked, "Did you hurt your back?"
And because he didn't want to worry his daughter, Charles replied, "No honey...just kinda stiff I guess, you know, I have to remember I am not as young as I used to be, that's all."
To which Catherine informatively noted, "And don't forget, you are still bouncing back from your hospital stay too."
Worriedly, Catherine then noted, "You are supposed to be taking things easy! Remember, Doctors orders."
Nodding to indicate he remembered, in self defense, Charles claimed, "I've had quite a bit of downtime, I've been reading with my legs up, and this is my first day back to work. And if you are eluding to my attending Winterfest, well as I said before, I couldn't miss that! Jacob would have been very disappointed."
As Catherine thoughtfully nodded, she then agreeably said, "Yes he would have been."
Meantime, the aroma from the breakfast buffet resonated with Catherine, and as she looked over, she inquisitively asked, "Hmm, what did I miss?"
Informatively, Charles, explained because the meeting was moved up to such an early hour, Marilyn thought it would be nice to offer George and Brigit a bite of breakfast.
And so since the sideboard was still set up, Charles told Catherine to help herself, and then added, "In fact I was about to invite the rest of the gang in too."
In reply, Catherine decadently said, "Hmm, I think I will. You know I cannot resist a Croissant!"
And so, after thickly slathering her croissant with butter, Catherine took a huge bite, and then poured herself a cup of coffee.
Just then Marilyn buzzed Charles, and said, that a Joe Maxwell was there to see him.
And because Charles knew his voice could be heard over the intercom, he politely told Marilyn, to send him in...Charles then turned to Catherine, and said, "I wonder what he would want with Me? YOU'RE the one who is going to be his new intern!"
To which Catherine teasingly said, "Maybe he wants a "heads up" on what type of an employee I will be."
To which Charles jested, "As long as I am NOT under oath, you have nothing to fear Dear Daughter!"
In reply, Catherine laughed and said, "Thanks a lot Dad!"
And so as Charles stepped to the door, he said, "Better be on your best behavior Cathy, I am letting in your future boss."
Suddenly realizing, how eating from this lovely buffet might look to Joe, Catherine tried to hide her coffee and croissant behind her back!
So as Charles opened the door, Joe shook his hand, and said, "Thanks for seeing me on such short notice Mr. Chandler."
To which Charles graciously said, "Not a problem Joe, come on in. And please call me Charles. I know you and Cathy know one another...and I understand she is joining your team!"
In response, Joe affirmatively said, "Yes she is!" And then, in attempt to be more professional in front of Charles, Joe added, "Good morning Cathy..."
Politely, Catherine nodded, as she tried to discreetly swallow her croissant, before being able to finally say, "Hello Joe."
And so thinking he should probably shake Catherine's hand too, Joe approached her, and put out his hand.
Wondering what to do, Catherine sheepishly turned to set down her breakfast she was concealing, before reaching out, to respond.
And because Joe felt something in Catherine's palm, he scrunched his nose, as he slowly looked down to find a big slab of melted butter, had been transferred from her hand to his!
Realizing what had happened, Catherine quickly grabbed a napkin, and said, "Oh I am so sorry, please allow me."
But what had happened, was Catherine had accidentally grabbed the corner of the napkin that was being used as a lining for the croissant basket!
So as she grabbed the napkin, the croissants went flying into the air!
Meanwhile, Charles who was watching this nightmare unfold before his very eyes, could not help but cringe at the poor impression his usually poised daughter was making on Joe!
And so as Joe caught one of the flying croissants, Charles had to laugh, and jokingly said, "Excellent catch Joe!"
To which Joe wryly looked toward Charles and replied, "Yeah, well I needed a roll to go with my butter didn't I?"
And because of Joe's dry sense of humor, he managed to break the ice a little bit, and even causing Catherine to laugh along at herself too!
And so, Charles in an effort to take the focus from his daughter, stepped up and asked, "All comedy aside, can I offer you something more than a flying croissant? We just finished a Breakfast meeting, and everything is still warm...please help yourself."
Though Joe was tempted, he replied, "I am good, but I gotta say, this spread sure beats the vending machine's jelly donut selection I ate from this morning, but, thanks anyway..."
Clearing his throat, Joe then said he was on his way to the courthouse, and couldn't stay long. And so getting down to business, Joe asked Charles about another case which took place about six months back, concerning the mob family, Mr. Benjamin did the books for.
To which Charles said he would ask his secretary to get the files for him, and would tell him whatever he could remember about the other case.
Meantime, Catherine seeing her moment to make a suave exit, then excused herself, saying, "It was good to see you again Joe, Dad I will be in my office if you need anything."
In response, Charles thoughtfully said, "Actually, why don't you stay Cathy? Maybe you can help too. After all you did most of the leg work on this case."
Knowing she DID know just as much about the case as her Dad, she gathered her composure, and said, "Sure Dad, maybe I can be of some help."
And so the three of them sat at Charles desk, and as they opened the files, and after going over, and clarifying some of the facts for Joe, it was then that a mug shot of one of the thugs, caught Catherine's eye!
And so with alarm, Catherine said, "Look at this tattoo on Dave Curtice's hand!"
To which Joe looked, and said, "Yeah, so?"
With a thoughtful urgency, Catherine said, "This inverted peace sign, is the same symbol, that has been seen on the patches of the muggers around here. So, I was just wondering if the muggers are affiliated with the mob in some manner."
To which Charles thoughtfully noted, "The mob has been known to have a lot of foot soldiers to terrorize the communities they are trying to monopolize."
With a nod in agreement, Joe then responded, "Then it would be really beneficial to nab one of those guys! I am gonna contact the PD and see if we can get someone undercover STAT!"
Upon looking at his watch, Joe then said, "I better go, and thanks Charles and Cathy for all this information. It could be just the break we needed."
Feeling happy to be of some help, Catherine and Charles looked at one another, before Catherine said, "We hope so Joe."
As Joe packed up the file, he then said, "Oh, and by the way, Paul tells me, you and he are old friends."
To which Catherine replied, "Yes, Dad and I both know Paul very well, he had interned here."
With a nod, Joe said, "Yeah that's what he said, and he ah, well he spoke highly of ya...anyway, I was thinking that knowing Paul, will make the transition a little easier ya know?"
Thinking that comment sounded almost nice, Catherine cautiously said, "Yes, it should..."
Joe then thankfully shook Charles' hand, and just before he closed the door, he said, "Oh, and Radcliffe, thanks for the butter!"
After Joe left, Catherine looked at her Dad, and said, "Great! I just gave Joe proof that I am this ditsy rich girl!"
To which Charles smiled and said, "Yes, I caught that Radcliffe comment. Well Cathy, you will just have to prove him wrong...uh?"
In reply, Catherine defiantly stood, and said, "Yes...it looks like I will!"
And as Catherine was looking back at her Dad, she changed the subject as she noted, "You know you really are looking well...you have some pink back in your cheeks."
In response, Charles admitted, "Yes, I believe I turned that corner, and I can say I am getting my energy level back again."
And it was then Catherine thought to say, "Well even though you DO, I'd still like to see you scale back a little yet today. You have a clear schedule now that you had your meeting with Brigit, right?"
With a nod, Charles said, "Right..."
In response, Catherine then suggested, "Why don't you leave for the rest of the day? Do something crazy like watch the military channel, or an old western..."
Tipping his head as he pondered this idea, Charles nodded and said, "Ya know, I believe I will kiddo. Thanks for the suggestion."
With surprise, Catherine chuckled as she said, "Wow, that was easy. Usually you like to argue."
"Tis true, tis true." Said Charles, but then added, "I guess I have learned to listen to my daughter once in a while, but don't get too used to it."
And so, Catherine hugged her dad, and jokingly said, "I won't, but I sure am enjoying this win."
So after Catherine returned to her office, she worked through the rest of the morning along side Harvey, and because she needed to leave a little early to take Steven to his Dr. appointment, she did not even stop for lunch.
And so Catherine and Harvey crammed in as much as they could this work day, as there were several things he needed to know before he took over at the end of the week.
As the clock struck the hour she needed to leave, Catherine said her goodbyes, saying she would see everyone tomorrow. To which they all good-naturedly teased her for bugging out early, and though she was leaving on a mission of goodwill, she had no choice but to take the joking on the chin, and then sheepishly she scooted out the door.
Stopping off at the market on her way home, Catherine stood at the check out counter, and looked at all of the assorted candies in front of her, and as her eyes fell on the Reese's peanut butter cup, she smiled to her self as she scooped up a few packages, thinking about Vincent.