Chapter 9 - The Dress

Damon

"I changed my mind."

I took my eyes away from the television screen to see Catherine peeking through her door. A show about people stuck in an island with no clothes on kept me entertained while I patiently waited for her to come out of her room

"You've been in your room since lunch, bonbon. I've watched three episodes of this reality show in a row. There's this one guy that cried because he cheated," I reported. I really shouldn't be invested in these.

I saw her hesitate and whispered a soft okay before closing her door again.

What is it with women and taking too long to get dressed? How can you have so many options and still not know what to wear? I had my shirt in my head for a while now. Once she comes out of her room, I'm putting my shirt on and we're going.

I was told to be more patient by the women I've been with since they have these rituals before going out. They have to put makeup on and since Catherine has long hair, she probably has to think about that too.

I heard her door creak open. Catherine peeked, a look of worry on her face. We were going out, not doing a presentation. Although I was a bit worried that she really didn't have anything to wear. I've seen her in a lot of things, and a little black number wasn't one of them. She wore those loose-fitting floral blouses to work. I'm surprised she hasn't been chased by bees yet.

Catherine was…ordinary. She had a routine. She wakes up at a certain time. She goes to bed at the same time almost every night. After I started living with her, I knew her usual order at the nearby Chinese restaurant by heart. What I've noticed is she has this habit of looking down at her hands when she feels uncomfortable. I try to strike up a conversation from time to time. I know she talks more than usual if it's a topic we both know. I purposely start debates just to rile her up sometimes.

She doesn't seem to mind it whenever I call her bonbon. Catherine rarely smiled— but when she did, it always took me aback. I remember coming home after a graveyard shift and seeing her lounging on the couch, coffee in hand. The sunlight gave the living room this cozy atmosphere. It hit her eyes at just the right angle and I swore I tasted something sweet in my mouth.

That kind of smile was rare. It was like she knew I was tired, and it was her way of saying I deserve to get some rest. She gives the same look to Ellie sometimes. It almost feels like she has a different face depending on who she's talking to.

I wondered what face she would be wearing tonight. I'm not sure what kind of dress would match her glasses, though. She even has straps on hers. Catherine looked every bit a librarian whenever she headed out.

Smiling to myself, I turned my attention back to what I was watching just when the guy was giving the poor woman a hug.

Lucky bastard.

I lied to Catherine when I told her there were no rules with our arrangement.

First off, I wasn't allowed to smoke. Luckily I was thinking of quitting it so I only almost lost my marbles for the first couple of days. I can't drink, can't curse, and can't have anyone to satisfy any call of the flesh.

The guys at The Garage pestered me when they found out I was doing a different job for an indefinite period of time. I would've said no, but Catherine and I's first encounter was something else.

In fact, I did question Him when the guy at work gave me her information. Here was a woman who had enough confidence to make writers believe that they can make it, but never had enough confidence to convince herself that she's worth anyone's time. With that kind of mindset, we might be in each other's lives longer than she thinks.

I groaned when I saw the couple on TV walking towards a yacht. Why are they always barely-clothed? It's always with the cheetah prints, too.

Catherine had insects printed on her underwear then. I sighed and tried to calm myself down. Maybe it was just my groin punishing me for not doing what it wants. I thought this would be all fun and games. 

That's it. 

I need to get this out of my system. I got up and was on my way to my room when her door finally opened.

I wanted to pull my hair out then. I looked up at the ceiling in frustration.

Why must You punish me this way?

Now here stood a woman I barely recognized. 

This isn't Catherine. 

Catherine does not wear dresses that show off anything but her collarbones. It didn't even have any flowers on it. In fact, it was an emerald green dress that hugged her body like an obsessed lover. It got looser around her waist and the fabric rested delicately on her…curves.

I wasn't even aware that I'd been staring at her longer than necessary until she looked down at her hands.

There she is.

I cleared my throat to buy myself a bit more time. I've said a lot of flattering words to women before. This should be a walk in the park.

"Nice dress."

It was brief, but I saw a hint of disappointment before she gave a small smile. It was as if she was trying to assure us both.

"Thanks," she said.

***

Catherine

It was an awkward ride to the club. I didn't frequent these places, but I feel like we should've done some pregame drinking before heading out. I convinced him that we should use Bradley instead of his bike because of my dress. I smirked remembering his comment. Nice dress. I spent an hour trying to look presentable and he compliments my dress.

I almost laughed seeing him attempt to ride my car with dignity. He looked like he was in a clown car, but he was still trying to play it cool.

He gave me directions on where we could go clubbing and soon enough, we were parking near a building that seemed to shake from the bass playing inside.

Deep breaths, Catherine. Deep breaths.

I waited for him to stand beside me before walking. It's not because he told me, but it felt like I was going to war. He was like my emotional support Godsend.

We didn't even have to wait in line. He just walked straight to security, exchanged a couple of words then we were inside. I felt myself reaching for Damon. The place was loud. It felt like going to a kid's party without knowing anyone there. My body turned rigid and I felt cold. I should've just stayed at home and read until my eyes watered.

The place wasn't that crowded, but there were at least fifty people on the dance floor. Fifty people who may look at me. People who might talk to me and find out that it wasn't such a good idea.

Breathe, Catherine.

"I... I need to sit down." I turned to Damon, silently pleading that we do.

He led me to the bar counter without a word and pulled a seat for me. I looked up to see this worried look on his face. Mine probably looked the same.

"I'm fine," I laughed nervously. "I'm just trying to... I'm not used to..." I looked down at my hands. I was supposed to be having fun. I took a deep breath and tried putting on a brave face.

"We should get something to drink," I suggested.

I saw him smile. I knew he wasn't convinced. So I turned towards the waiter and asked for the same drink the guy beside me was having.

***

Damon

"I have to go to the bathroom."

I felt her breath fan my face as she shouted near my ear. The music was louder now, and she had one too many to drink. I thought she could handle herself, but when I saw her smiling back at the guys who attempted to talk to her, I had to stop her from ordering any more of her 'blue soda'.

I nodded and stood up, but she placed a hand on my chest to make me sit back down. She had a lazy smile on her face and she looked like sin. Which was ironic. Catherine looked like she waited for the light to turn green before crossing an empty street.

She mouthed the words 'Stay here.' and started to walk to where the restrooms were. I shouted over the loud music and asked her if she would be okay, but she just waved a hand and continued walking. Seeing her walk away from me with a more confident stride did some things to me.

"Well whattaya know, he's alive," came a lively voice from behind me. I turned around to see a man wearing a satin red shirt before me. He was bobbing his head to the loud music, seemingly unbothered.

"Val," I said indifferently. I almost forgot that Lover boy owned the dam— the club.

"I knew it was you. You rarely come to these parts. I'm assuming you're with someone." His eyes wandered, guessing. "Where's the lucky lady?"

"And why are you assuming I'm with someone? I could be with the guys," I said. Catherine would be coming back any minute now. Something's telling me it wouldn't be a good idea to introduce her to him.

"I just know. I'm pretty sure she's the—" he stopped when I suddenly stood up and made my way towards a couple of men trying to make some small talk with a doe-eyed brunette. It seems like the trip to the bathroom and this interaction sobered her up a little.

"Sorry, fellas. She's done for the night," I said as I held her elbow and practically dragged her towards the exit. I needed to get her out of here.

Val rarely showed up for work, but when he did, it wasn't good sign. He has a knack for playing cupid. If he decides to set his eyes on Catherine, I wouldn't know what to do. After taking a look at the crowd, nobody there deserved her.

"We're going home? Already? I even wore this nice dress." She smiled at me and I groaned. Why can't women forget the stupid comments that men make? We don't even know what we're talking about most of the time.

I managed to get her inside her small excuse of a car. I put her seatbelt on before walking to the driver's side. It would be a tight squeeze, but this was better than letting her talk to any of them inside the club. They were like a pack of hyenas waiting for her to be alone.

She was singing now. I couldn't help but smile when I realized that they were the songs I sing almost every morning. That smile soon faded when the car started clunking.

I had enough time to park it on the side of the road before it gave a final hiss. I rested my head on the stirring as I tightened my grip on it. Catherine was snoring softly, her head resting on the window. It's like she and her car decided that they were done for the night.

Looking outside, I saw a familiar bold and bright sign. I've seen it for years. I basically lived here for most parts of my life.

The Garage.