Chapter 24

A new day! My first week off in forever. About to end tomorrow. I threw my arm across Kat and sighed in content. This was the life. Sean was back. Kathryn hadn't gotten up early to work. The maid was probably downstairs getting breakfast ready. Wayne was in jail again. Though I still haven't found the drive, I'm sure the day couldn't get any worse. It was a holiday. There's no way someone could ruin it for me.

"Get your arm off me," Kathryn growled.

Never mind. I guess it could. I ignored her, earning a pinch on my side.

"Ow." I laughed. "Are you mad? Do you have work today, baby?"

"Yes."

"Awww. You get to see your favorite person today."

"I seriously loathe her. I have a double shift because of what happened yesterday. How are we supposed to enjoy this wonderful American holiday if I have to work? Liberation Day in France is way better."

"...We could all go somewhere, yeah? Sean wanted to go to the beach."

Kathryn groaned and wiggled out from under me. Maybe I was a little too cheery today. I hated being at the warehouse more than I hated being idle, so this was good. Chasing celebrities around tired me out, so the past couple of days have been pretty ideal.

My cell phone rang loudly beside me. It was my turn to groan in annoyance. Who dared to call me on my day off? I told everyone not to bother me unless it was an emergency. I bet this call wasn't an emergency.

"Kit Kat," I called. "I'm sleeping. Could you get that?"

"Why do I have to answer it?" She asked and walked around the bed.

"I'm not planning to work today. Everyone knows how I feel about my days off."

Kathryn sighed heavily and picked it up. The look on her face said it was someone she didn't like. Could be Dawn. Could be one of the tech guys. It could also be Luca calling. Both of us hated Luca with a passion. I wouldn't have her answer it if it were him.

"What?" Kathryn snapped. "He's sleeping. What do you want?"

I smiled and turned over.

"It can't be classified if I already know about it, stupid. Whenever he's absent it's your duty to report everything to his second in command. That happens to be me if you didn't know, Dawn."

Dawn? What did she want? Did Wayne already escape jail? No, that couldn't be it. He couldn't be that quick with having someone bail him out. He wouldn't have a bail with what he just did. I rolled back over and stared at Kathryn.

"You're being difficult. It didn't have to take all your sputtering to tell me someone took over the old headquarters. Wow, you--They didn't? Isn't that a surprise. Someone blew up the hideout then?"

I smirked, entertained by this.

"Great. It didn't take all that, Dawn. If you call here again on his day off you're going to be hearing from more than just my mouth. Buh-bye."

Kathryn looked at me and sighed. What? It's not like I knew it was Dawn. She wasn't supposed to have my new number anyway. I saved her number in my phone, but I never called for her to confirm mine. I guess women have their ways.

"They'll be here any minute. Get up," She snapped.

"You haven't even woken up Sean yet!" I protested.

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"Joyeux 4 juillet!' Kathryn's mother exclaimed as they walked through the door.

I stood off to the side watching Kathryn's father immediately go to clean the water Sean had spilled earlier. How considerate. Kat went to hug her mother. They laughed about something as her mother glanced over at me. What? Her parents knew my dislike for them. I just let Kat invite them over to see Sean before I sent him back to his school.

"I see you still have Kathryn in your clutches," Evan commented and slapped my back in greeting. I gritted my teeth against the pain and sighed. "How's life treatin' you?"

"It was fine until Kathryn mentioned you," I snapped.

"You are one funny man." He chuckled. "There used to be a time when I despised your presence. Now...I actually look forward to the holidays."

"...I don't."

"Do you ever think before you speak?"

"No. Makes me wonder why I'm still alive. Did you ever go to that...rehab place?"

"No. I just stomp down the want to drink and continue my day." He smiled and crossed his arms.

"I'm annoyed every time I see you." I kicked at the floor. "You know Jordan Daniels is still in town."

"He sucks. I really want to go pick up some ladies at the beach. Wanna come?"

"You trying to get me killed? Does Caitlyn know about your little adventures?"

"Tu sais quoi?" Caitlyn asked as she walked up to us. "À propos de ses singeries perverses? I do, but I don't even care anymore."

"Tu es toujours mon ange."

"La ferme, Evan."

I left them to themselves and walked over to Kat and Sean. They were fussing over his shirt and should it be tucked in or not. I watched in amusement, but didn't say anything. One thing I did learn never to do around Kat was telling her what I thought was best when I didn't even know what was happening in the first place. Sean ended up walking around frustrated. Caitlyn caught him and pulled him into a hug.

I sat next to Kathryn. Something was wrong with her.

"What's up?" I asked.

"...Nothing much. Just stressed about having to work later." She stretched and stood up.

"Wait!" I exclaimed, grabbing her hand. "I know that tone. Did something happen? Who do I have to add to my hitlist?"

"Um...No one." She smiled. "It's really nothing. I just don't want to work two shifts. One is nearly all of tonight. Ever since Lexi left Asher behind like that...I don't think I want her to--Karma."

"What?"

"I wanted something bad to happen to her for a long time and to think all my complaining and griping about what she did nearly ten years ago makes me...guilty. Like it's my fault she's in the hospital."

I let her hand go. Asher nearly said the same thing last night over the phone. Anything that has happened so far isn't any of our faults. Not unless you count indirect attacks our fault. Maybe some of it was my mistakes, but not theirs. Should I comfort her? It's not like she's really going to beat herself up about it.

"Give me the keys," She said. "I want to leave while I still can. Maybe they'll take pity on me and let me leave early."

"Or...I can drive you there. You know I'm not really comfortable alone with your parents."

"But you'll leave Sean here with them? Give me the keys, babe."

I reluctantly handed them over and told her I was going to visit her in a couple of hours. It was best that I stayed here for a while to make up for her leaving. Sean and I watched her leave and I swear Sean looked like he was truly disappointed. Man, if only I could get my way with her.

"Where's Kat going?" Evan asked behind me. "Did I scare you?"

"No. I felt your breath from across the room." I turned to him. "She's going to work. What do you want this time?"

"I seriously despise your attitude today. How did my daughter end up with you and have a kid?"

"...Don't push your luck, Evan."

He chuckled and walked around the couch. This man was the literal definition of annoying. He was also being very secretive. It made me wonder if his wife still didn't know about what he'd done. If not, then they both were in for a treat.

"I'm going to start the grill!" He declared. "Sean, come with me."

Sean started to protest, but I threw him a look. Last year it was me. This year it's you, buddy. They both exited the house leaving alone with Kathryn's mom. I smiled at this little mistake and got up from the couch. Caitlyn was already in the kitchen by the sink. I slowly came in not wanting to look like I didn't know what to help out with.

"Oh! Hey, Cam." She smiled. "How have you been?"

"Awesome. You make my whole day much better," I simpered.

"Awww. Is Kathryn doing okay? She never calls me as much anymore."

"...Work is just stressing her out. With Lexi in the hospital and her as the manager in the ICU, she has no choice but to be trusted to look after her."

"I'll be glad when they give her a real break. Maybe she'll come visit us in France again."

"Maybe we will..."

I watched silently as she flitted around the kitchen getting the things she needed. She set the oven on broil and went to our fridge to pull out the lobster tails I'd bought on her request last night. Caitlyn has always been great at cooking seafood during the holidays. Especially when we used to visit for Christmas. Seeing that she was careful in preparing everything for her daughter's family was heartwarming.

"Thanks for letting me come here and cook for you guys," Caitlyn said. "I didn't think we'd fair around my family this year. Especially since Evan really wanted to come for his favorite American holiday."

"It's no problem. Kathryn would never let me hear the end of it if I said no." I smiled. "Do you need any help? I don't feel right standing here watching you."

"I'm fine. If your maid is here then I'd love her help."

I was kind of offended, but I mean I am a man. In this generation it isn't really normal for a guy to cook. Not unless he lives alone. Or if he's working the grill.

"She's with her family, but she'll be here later tonight."

"Well, you go sit down. If I need anything I'll call for you."

"Really?"

"Mhm."

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"have a good day at work." I kissed Kathryn's cheek. "Don't forget I'm coming to pick you up for the fireworks. It'll be sad to let you stand outside the hospital for them."

"I'm only going to be with Sean," Kathryn said.

"Hey, I bought you your mother's food. I'll take it right back."

Kat laughed and pretended to shield the plate from me. I hoped no one ate it while she was working. We hugged for a moment. I've never felt more happy that she was smiling like this.

"I'll set my alarm for ten. That gives us a good five or six hours before I come and get you," I said against her neck. "Maybe we can go out of town tomorrow and test our luck at the casino."

"We go broke and I murder you."

"I know how to count, woman."

She laughed again and pulled back from me. "Walk with me."

"Ew, no. Why would I do that?"

"Everyone here loves you. Plus, I don't really like walking alone."

I sighed. "Highly unlikely. I'm only going because I love you."

Kathryn wasn't kidding when she said everyone loved me. And for what? When we walked in, her female co-workers stared me down. I have never been a self-conscious person, but the way they looked at me like I was something to eat made me wonder if I actually looked good. It was kind of scaring me.

We passed the front desk and the receptionist didn't seem to notice I wasn't supposed to be passing it. This was getting fun. What was Kat's manager going to say when he saw me? Would he kick me out? Maybe the women would stop him. I think I might come inside when I do take Kathryn to work.

"You want more, Sean?" I asked.

"No. I think I might pop." He smiled and slid down in his seat.

"See? Your cooking is absolutely delicious, Caitlyn." I sighed in content. "No one can deny it."

"Did Kathryn like it?" She asked.

"Of course she did. Her co-workers seemed to be drooling to get some."

"Maybe I should give them the rest of the tails."

"Save some for us. I think I might want more before picking Kat up when we go see the fireworks."

Caitlyn nodded and asked the maid to help her clear the table. Even though we've had the help for many months now, I always forget the woman's name. I don't even think I've ever called her by name. it's always Kathryn. Whenever I need something the woman is just there. Like she knows I don't know her name and wants to keep me from being embarrassed.

"How is school going for you, Sean?" Evan asked.

"...Lame. I'm supposed to go back Monday. Right, dad?" Sean looked up at me in question. I nodded, but was really considering having him stay out for a little longer. "It was fun staying here and getting away from schoolwork, but I don't want to be behind in anything."

"Is there anything you want to do tomorrow? Kathryn's parents don't go home until tomorrow night?"

"Don't you have to work?"

"Work? When you're with me, buddy, work is an incentive. Pretend I'm unemployed."

"...It's not that hard."

Evan chuckled and said he was going to clean the grill. I was tempted to have Sean go out and help him, but I really needed some father-son time with him. We hadn't had that since he arrived. Usually we go out and play some basketball, but I wasn't feeling it today. Plus, we were all stuffed.

"Want to watch some baseball?" I asked instead.

Sean sat up in his seat. "Sure. Who's playing?"