As Catherine looked at all the delectable food before them, she said, "Vincent, everything looks so delicious."
Vincent agreed, and so as they enjoyed their meal, Catherine curiously mentioned, "I understand Father played a part in our date tonight, and that it was up to him to get you to come to Pai's. How did he manage to get you to come here?"
With a smile in his eyes, Vincent explained, "Father complained of not feeling well, and said Dr. Wong had a herbal remedy for him, and asked me to pick it up from here."
With humor, Vincent thoughtfully noted, "Although thinking back, I should have seen through Father's dramatics, and insufferable over-acting."
Catherine then softy laughed at Vincent's characterization, and also because she tried to imagine Jacob performing in such a way! And then Catherine asked Vincent about the earlier part of his day, to which he informatively told her about Jessica visiting Father. And then with a troubled brow, he relayed how it was upsetting to Mary.
To which Catherine expressed, "Well, I guess I could see why, I mean Father and Mary seemed quite close at Winterfest...and so maybe Jessica's visit, reminded Mary of the friendship he also still has with Jessica."
With a nod, Vincent agreed, and shared, "Yes, and of how close Jessica and Father once were."
It was then Catherine mentioned, "Well, this may not be pleasing for Mary to hear, but Peter and my Dad, are going to invite Jacob and Jessica to join them for dinner Sunday night.
To which Vincent wondering what the occasion was, in a questioning manner, asked, "Oh?"
And so Catherine further explained, "Yes, well you see Sylvia, and Evelyn are coming to town, and they are the friends of Jessica's, Dad and Peter met in Florida. And...well while they are guests of Jessica here in New York, they hoped to all get together again."
And as Vincent privately contemplated how this news will affect Mary, he thoughtfully replied, "I see..."
Catherine than inquisitively ask, "Had there ever been anything more than a friendship between Jacob and Mary?"
Reflectively, Vincent said, "Nothing outwardly apparent, other than a mutual respect. However, after Jessica reentered my Father's life a while back, Mary revealed to me, she wished she had spoken out about the feelings she had so carefully kept hidden from Father. She never thought he would ever be open to loving anyone again after Margaret. Still she remained silent about her feelings even after things seemed to have permanently ended between Father and Jessica."
Catherine smiled as she spoke of her observances, and reminded Vincent, "Well, I have to say it did seem that Jacob was quite decisive between the two ladies at Winterfest, and in Mary's favor."
Vincent gave Catherine a thoughtful half nod, and said, "Yes he was swept away by Mary's loveliness, and with the competition mounting, he was pushed into action. However, after the celebration, and as the community eased back into its everyday pace, the romance of Winterfest, seems to have faded."
As a passion rose in her voice, Catherine said, "Nothing should be able to erase the romance between a couple that are truly in love."
In reply, Vincent huskily agreed, "Nothing should..."
As a new song began to play through the speakers, Catherine tipped her head, to better listen and said, "This song...I forget the name..."
Vincent knowingly answered, "A song for you...written by singer-songwriter and pianist Leon Russell"
With a satisfying sigh, Catherine asked, "How is it you are just as knowledgeable in the current musical trends as well as in the classics?"
To which Vincent explained, "We have our means Catherine, magazines found in dumpsters, discarded newspapers on park benches, or as for myself, the many concerts performed in the park...I have been privy to the best Catherine..."
As Catherine listened to the lyrics, she softly said, "I do love this song..."
Thinking no good song should go to waste, Vincent then stood, and invited Catherine, "May I have this dance?"
As Catherine looked upward, she sweetly said, "I would love to dance with you."
As they held one another, dancing to this passion invoking song, they lost themselves in each other.
And so as they danced to the next song, and to the next, Catherine thoughtfully mentioned, "I imagine Lin and Henry may be finished with their inventory by now..."
To which Vincent replied, "Yes...perhaps we should go."
And so they put out the candles, gathered the dishes and such, and placed them in the kitchen, they told Lin how wonderful everything was, and then asked where the dish soap and towels were.
To which Lin scolded them, and said, "What! No way, you are on a date! Henry and I will take care of this!"
And because Henry could hear Lin's voice from the stockroom, he came out to see what she wanted, saying, "I couldn't hear you, what are you yelling about Lin..."
And then upon seeing Catherine and Vincent were with his wife, he excitedly said, "Oh, I thought you were talking to me!"
Explaining to her husband, Lin said, "They are wanting to help with the dishes, and I told them that they are on a date, and they will NOT be doing any dishes!"
Henry being in total agreement said, "Absolutely NOT...on this Lin and I DO agree..."
And then Henry asked, "So, how was your time here with us? Was everything satisfactory?"
To which both Catherine and Vincent said how lovely their evening was, and was just as special as they hoped it would be.
And so since they were not allowed to help, Catherine and Vincent told Henry and Lin good night, and expressed how thankful they were for providing them such a perfect evening.
To which their good friends said they were happy to do it for them, tonight and anytime in the future when they wish to dine again.
And so Catherine and Vincent entered the Tunnels through the secret access portal, and traveled onto the far off tunnel, to the secluded chamber, they had made their own.
After illuminating the little chamber, Vincent walked up to Catherine, who had been intently watching his every suave and graceful action he rendered, and thought how Vincent must be the most intriguing being on this earth.
And so, in each others arms, they remained as one into the night. And later...much later as Catherine realized Vincent had fallen asleep, she thought of how peaceful he was resting, sensing this kind of rest only comes to one who's soul was at peace.
Which was Catherine's loving hope for Vincent, and that was he would keep this contented resolve also in his heart now, and for always, never to falter, or question his self worth again.
Not wanting to wake him, she quietly readied herself by the light of the single remaining candle, when she heard Vincent ask her, "Would thou leave me love?"
Smiling as she recognized the Shakespearean type quote, she replied, "Only so I can return to you again..."
Then lovingly, Catherine smoothed his hair, and asked, "But don't they say absence makes the heart grow fonder?"
As Vincent closed his eyes, he expressed, "Not for us. You are a part of me, and without you...I am lost...I must remind myself to breathe."
Lovingly, Catherine hugged him, and said, "Yes...it is different for us."
And then she sweetly reminisced, "It was such a perfect night..."
In reply, Vincent said, "Yes perfect..."
Vincent then kissed her hand, and got up to walk with Catherine back to the threshold.
But before she left him for her world, they planned to meet Sunday night, after her cousins had left town, and so with one last embrace, they said good-bye.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And so as Catherine stood at her apartment door, and dug the keys out from her purse, unbeknownst to her, Steven was covertly watching her from afar in a utility closet down the hallway, and jealously witnessed her homecoming.
Steven, did not make himself known this night, but did angrily leave his post, to await for noon on Sunday, when Catherine promised to call.
And so as Catherine safely entered her apartment, she was able to log in about six hours of sleep when her alarm went off.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rolling over to hit the snooze button, Catherine sleepily realized, Robert and Gertrude would be arriving in just a few hours! So as this realization startled her into action, she quickly showered, and then prepared the Holiday Cookie Pizza dessert she thought would be fun to have on hand, hoping this festive dessert would help get everyone in the Christmas shopping mood.
Catherine also took out a gingerbread from the freezer which her neighbor Lynn from across the hall, had given her. Slicing it up in nice thick slices, she set out her softened butter and cream cheese to slather on top, and then set out a few slices of cake from her farewell party too.
So with coffee brewing and Hot Coco steeping, Catherine looked at her table, feeling very satisfied at her selection, thinking this would be perfect to offer before they lunched in the big Apple.
Thinking she had everything in place, Catherine suddenly realized, because of her busy week, other than the three Poinsettia plants she had boughten, she hadn't even one other Christmas Decoration up yet! And so as she calculated the time, she felt she still had time to decorate before they came!
And so Catherine went to her closet, and brought down a box with some Christmas keepsakes in it. She first brought out her cream colored candles, pillows and bows, draped the mantle and curio cabinet with garland, which she also garnished with satin bows, and next she put her manger up in a place of honor, on top of her chiffonier.
Next, Catherine pulled out her intact Christmas tree from her closet, which she needed to decorate with a few bows, birds, butterflies, angels and bulbs. And then she set out her special Christmas Angel, and last but not least, she carefully unwrapped her Snow Globe. And because she loved this gift from her Great-Grandmother so much, she took a moment to turn the key to hear the song. And as the song played, she tipped the globe to re-read the lovely inscription underneath. And as a warm smile came to her heart, she thought of her sweet elderly Great-Grandmother, and of how generous she was. Catherine then endearingly set the globe down in its usual spot, which was in the center of the fireplace mantle.
Looking about once more, thinking her apartment looked a bit more like Christmas-time, she really felt ready now!
And then because Jennifer said she would be over by now, Catherine thought aloud, "Hmmm, wonder where Jenny is, hope she will be here in time to go to the bus depot with me, of which...I should be hearing from Gerty and Robert soon."
And it was then the phone rang!
Thinking it would be Gertrude and Robert, Catherine was surprised to hear Jennifer voice. And so she greeted her, saying, "Hi Jen! Aren't you coming soon? I was hoping you could ride with me to the bus depot to pick up Gerty and Robert."
To which Jennifer expressed, "I am here now! I need you to buzz me up. There's a new doorman on duty, and he won't let me in."
In response, Catherine giggled, as she said, "Well, I heard the new guy George was rigid, and had been weeding out the suspicious looking characters."
To which Jennifer took umbrage, and repeated, "Suspicious looking characters?"
With a chuckle, Catherine replied, "I'll buzz you Jen."
And so she did, and during Jennifer's trip up in the elevator, Catherine's cousins did call, and told her to stay put, because they were taking a shuttle service, and will be safely delivered right to her doorstep.
Since there was no argument to be waged, Catherine said that she would be at the lobby door waiting for them.
And so because she wanted to head Jennifer off at the pass, Catherine quickly closed her apartment door, and met Jennifer at the elevator as it opened.
Expediently, without a word, Catherine stepped into the elevator car with Jennifer, and hit "Lobby".
Looking totally perplexed, Jennifer squealed, "What's going on? Did your cousins call? Are we going to the bus depot? Where's your coat!"
Catherine laughed, as she explained, "Yes, Gerty just called, but they are taking a shuttle, so we don't have to pick them up, but I just wanted to be in the lobby when they came."
To which Jennifer, looked at her pal, and said, "You sure are acting goofy! Without a word, you just hop on in! No hi Jen, explanation or anything!"
With a smile, Catherine replied, "Just taking a page out of your book Jen. Trying to be more fun."
With a shake of her head, Jennifer laughed as she said, "You goof-ball!"
So as they hit the lobby, the cousins had already arrived, and were getting interrogated by George the doorman!
Upon which Catherine came to their rescue, and stated, "Thank you for your caution George, but they are also my guests."
So after passing by the doorman, squeals and hugs were a plenty, and then Robert cautioned, "And before we go a step further, please...no jokes about my luggage! Unfortunately, mine had gotten water damaged up in the garage attic, so Ma made me take Gerty's extra piece. Luckily though my garment bag survived."
And so as Jennifer and Catherine took note of the cute polka dot hot pink suitcase, they stifled a giggle, and then Jennifer said, "Well, I would say it only shows you are a guy who is secure in his masculinity Robert!"
Upon hearing Jennifer's opinion, Robert hosted an erected posture, and replied, "Well thank you Jenny! I suppose that's one way to look at it!"
And then Gertrude added, "Mom and I told him not to worry about it! No one cares, and in fact it would probably look like he was carrying it for me!"
To which Catherine agreeably said, "There you go."
So at the conclusion of the suitcase talk, they all merrily boarded the elevator back up to Catherine's apartment. And as they rode, Catherine asked, "How was the bus trip? I've been hearing it is a really nice way to travel these days."
To which Robert said, "Not so bad! It is a worry-free way to travel, no mapping, or gas prices to compare, you just hop in your seat! Although I would advise you to request one of the more wider, personal spaces."
Gertrude agreed with her brother, and then said, "Yes, even with the upgrade, it's still very economical!"
So as they entered Catherine's apartment, everyone gushed of how festive it looked! And even Jennifer marveled too, wondering and asked, "When did you have time to decorate?"
To which Catherine confessed, "Just this morning...I was so excited all of you were coming over, that I wanted to do my Christmas decorating so you could enjoy it with me."
And it was then Gertrude spotted Catherine's snow globe, and after giving it a shake, she said, "Oh how sweet to see you have this out! I have mine out too! Remember how Great-Granny gave each of us two identical snow globes that year?"
In response, Robert added, "Yes, both of mine had a Santa Claus, and Sis, both of yours had a Snowman! And you received two just like this one, right Cathy?"
With a nod, Catherine said, "Yep, two just like this one with the cottage."
And then thoughtfully, Robert took a turn holding the globe, and observed, "Yours is different from ours though...I mean ours are in more of a whimsical Christmas Holiday theme, where yours isn't, I mean yours is about winter, not about Christmas...you know what I mean? Something about yours seems realistic and tangible...prodigously portentous."
In agreement, Gertrude nodded, saying, "Yes, Robby is right...it is different, there is something kinda real about it...real, yet magical...but anyway back to Great-Granny and the quandary she presented us of what to do with two snow globes! Remember how after we talked about our duplicated gifts, we decided instead of giving them back and embarrassing Great-Granny for being forgetful, we would give our doubles to a charity..."
To which Robert recalled, "Yes, I remember, we gave ours to the Good Will store in town."
And because Jennifer knew all about this tale from Catherine's vantage, she inserted, "And I went with Cathy and her Dad to put her extra one under the Toys for Tots tree..."
As sweet shared memories washed over them all, Gertrude with emotion, said, "Gee, I love being together again, talking like this, and sharing such warm and wonderful memories! I have missed you so much Cathy, and you too Jenny! I wish we lived closer."
And then Robert also added, "I do as well, and I can't wait to see Uncle Charles. Seeing is believing they say. We sure were worried about him!"
To which Catherine announced, "You will see him later on, because after shopping, we are invited over to Dad's for dinner and then..."
Deciding to have a little fun, Catherine added some suspense, as she continued, "...and then Dad is taking us to the Majestic Theater to see a play, called The...The something or another..."
As Gertrude hopefully held her breath, she anxiously asked, "You don't mean THE Phantom of the Opera?!"
Meantime, Jennifer stood there giving Catherine a quizzical look, because her friend was acting so uncharacteristically goofy again! But then as she thought about it, she ultimately wrote off Catherine's silliness to being just simply happy!
Yes it has been a long time since Catherine has been really truly happy. After all, her Dad is healthy again, everything is righted with Vincent now, and Catherine is reunited with her cousins, who are as close to her as she herself is. Yes Jennifer thought...right now, life is good for her pal.
Excitedly, Catherine in response to Gertrude, giggled as she said, "Yes! Dad is taking us to see The Phantom! Isn't it great?!"
With total joy, Gertrude hugged Catherine, as she expounded, "We really are going?! Robby did you hear that? Uncle Charley is taking us to see The Phantom!"
To which Robert then comically put his fingers in his ears, as if he was shielding them, saying, "Yes! I heard! I heard!"
And then he kindly added, "Gee, all joking aside, good for you sis! And I must say, I am curious to see it as well. I mean any play this popular must have something going for it!"
To which Catherine smiled as she looked over at Jennifer, and relayed, "Well, we are not critics, but it is a play Jenny and I have seen a few times already, and we are very excited to see it again."
Concurring, Jennifer nodded, as she excitedly said, "Yes! Cathy is right! And I cannot wait! I still can NOT believe after all the calls you made trying to get tickets, your Dad had some in his desk drawer!"
To which Robert asked, "Hmm, in his drawer...do share this story!"
And so Catherine explained the happenstance, relaying, "Well, before Mother Alcott died, Dad received some tickets for something from a client, and he just put them in his drawer. And so as he and I sat talking about our Saturday night plans, Dad thought about the tickets, and so he curiously looked in his desk and pulled out the envelope! Well he not only saw they were for the Phantom, but luckily, they were for tonight's performance as well! All I can say, is it could not have worked out better!"
To which Gertrude with excitement, said, "Well I will be forever grateful! Oooh, and it is a good thing we brought some dress clothes with us Robby!"
With a nod, Robert agreed saying, "Better to be prepared I always say!"
In the meantime, Jennifer approached the Christmas tree, and said, "Awe gee Cath, your tree looks great!"
And because she loved her Christmas tree too, Catherine chuckled as she replied, "Thanks Jen, I love it too, this is our fifth Christmas together."
Everyone agreed the Christmas Tree was beautiful, and then Robert noticed all the baked goods, and expounded, "Wow, now this is what I am talking about! I am starving! Gingerbread, Cake and a Cookie Pizza, my fave!"
To which Catherine giggled and said, "Well let me take your coats, and we can fix some plates."
And so upon feeling happy she was amongst some of her most favorite people in the world, Catherine took in a contented breath, and then offered some Hot Coco, but mentioned to Jennifer, "I also have coffee Jen, I know you like to go low calorie."
To which Jennifer said, "Hmmm, today, hot coco is just what I need! I figure I will be walking off a few cals today, so bring it on."
In agreement, Gerty concurred, saying, "I am with Jennifer, this weekend there is no such thing as a calorie!"
And with a raise of his hand, Robert said, "Make it three Cathy!"
So as Catherine prepared the hot chocolates, Jennifer mentioned, "Hmmm, I'll have a piece of cake from your farewell party at the firm...that was so yummy."
Sharing looks, Robert and Gerty hesitated, because yes...they had heard about Catherine leaving the firm, but it was from their parents, not yet from Catherine!
Meanwhile, Catherine, who was waiting to share this news with her cousins, well...because of Jennifer mentioning the farewell party, Catherine knew NOW was the time to share!
And so after clearing her throat, Catherine began, "I wanted to tell you in person about my career change...you see, I decided to leave the firm, and am going to start working at the D.A."
As Jennifer realized she accidentally spilled the beans, she gulped and sheepishly said, "Oh, I thought they knew...sorry Cath!"
With a shake of her head, Catherine assured Jennifer it was all right, but then said, "I wanted to tell you both in person."
To which Robert was the first to speak, confessing, "We already know...and I want to say we are proud of you Cathy."
Hesitantly Catherine asked, "So Dad called?"
With a nod, Robert replied, "Well Mom and Dad called him to check on him, and so he told them the news. And when they told us about it, I told Dad, you sure have a lot of ba...errr, GUTS to leave the security of the firm. I think it is a valiant move!"
Gertrude shot her brother a look, happy he modified and censored his original terminology, then she added, "Yes, we are both proud of you for going for it Cathy. It seems very exciting!"
To which Catherine replied, "More like nerve racking...but I appreciate your encouragement, it was hard telling Dad, but he seems to have excepted it well...unless he told your Mom and Dad something different."
In response, Gertrude shared, "Dad said Uncle Charles sounded proud of you for making the change..."
Saying this was good to hear, Catherine then took a deep breath, and said, "Well Monday is my first day, so we will see how it goes..."
And then Catherine jovially said, "Hey, enough about me everyone, let's put the spotlight on Jenny for a while, tell us about your date with Jimmy last night."
To which Jennifer excitedly exclaimed, "Oh it was so great! It is fun being with someone who loves hockey as much as I do, and seeing the Islanders play the Rangers...all I can tell you is awesome!"
Hearing these teams, caused Robert to exclaim, "I happened to see that game...or parts of it. You see, I was flipping between the History and the Learning channel, and the game was playing on one of those Sports Channels! It certainly can get competitive, with quite a few spirited fights!"
With an agreeing tone, Jennifer looked at him, and said "Yes the fights...now that's what makes it so exciting to watch! You should go to a game some time Robert, I bet you would like it."
But with cautious thinking, Robert replied, "Perhaps I may one day, however not sure if Hockey is really my cup of tea. I prefer tournament style competitions, you understand, Chess, Triva, Vintage Board Games and such."
Upon hearing Robert's preferences, Catherine shared a smile with Jennifer, as she cut up the Cookie Pizza, offering a choice of that, cake or the Ginger Bread.
So as everyone enjoyed the goodies, Gertrude and Robert answered Catherine's questions about their folks, saying they were doing great, and getting ready for Christmas.
To which Catherine expressed how she remembered Christmas was always their favorite time of the year.
Excitedly, Catherine then shifted gears, stood up, and said, "Well, I think we are all re-charged now, everyone ready to roll?"
Saying they were, Catherine then added, "Hopefully you all have your walking shoes on, because I have quite a day planned."
As Robert looked downward at his insulated sneakers, he said, "I am prepared! And Gerty is too!"
Gertrude started to laugh as she relayed her brothers angst at the shoes she almost wore! She then said, "He suggested my wearing warmer shoe boots, and to be honest, I am glad I listened to him for a change."
Catherine then noted Jennifer's new boots, and said, "Cute boots Jen! Did you just get those?"
To which Jennifer excitedly said, "Would you believe Mom bought these for me? I couldn't believe she actually picked out something I like! She kept saying I needed warmer boots, other than my favorite leather knee highs I was wearing, and so she got these because of the fleece lining, but I really like them, and they ARE warm too."
And so, after bundling back up for the wintry weather, Catherine and her peeps set out to do some official New York City Christmas shopping, sightseeing, and lunching.
To be continued
Chapter Thirteen
| Treasure of my Heart! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Twelve _______________________________________ |
