Remember Love (13 page)

"Alec."
She hesitated. "I’m sorry if I’m in the way." A dumb thing to say
since he’d insisted she come.

His hands pushed
through his hair and she longed to smooth the wayward strands. She yearned to
hold his hand and ease whatever burdened him. But the gold in his eyes was not
warm. It was cold and as hard as any statue or coin.

"It’s not
you. A contract fell through. I put a lot of work into it." He shrugged
but the movement looked contrived. "After I drop you off at Sharon’s I
have to go to the office for a few days."

"I’m not
going to see you at all?" Her spirits plummeted. Alec must have heard the
disappointment in her voice because his gaze narrowed and became more focused.

"We can have
dinner if you want," he said softly, as if fearing her response.

"Like a
date?" Caution filled her tone. A date would be more serious than fishing.
Fishing had memories to cushion the intimacy, to soften the awkwardness.

"You could
call it that."

"I don’t
know, Alec."

"It’s hard
to make a decision without the advice of your cohorts, huh?"

Was he referring
to Joe and Rachel? Suddenly Katrina wished she had her glasses. She’d left them
on a whim. "That’s not true."

"I wonder
who advised you to open the bookstore." His tone implied it hadn’t been
her idea. "And to buy your house?"

"My mother
bought it."

"You paid
the mortgage and she took care of Joey. Who thought that up?"

She really wanted
her glasses. "What are you implying?"

"Sometimes
it’s easier to let others choose for us rather than to trust our own judgment."

"Are you
saying that’s what I do?"

"Do you?"

"No,"
she snapped. "I take full responsibility for every choice I’ve ever made."

"You take
responsibility even for other’s judgments." Calmly, with precision, Alec slid
the laptop into the black briefcase beside him. "Tell me why you left me
at the altar, in the middle of our vows?"

Her mind flashed
back to that day, sunny and without any hint of trouble on the horizon. The
music had just started when she’d seen Rachel rounding the corner of the lobby,
face white as snow. She’d stammered the story, Maggie kissing Alec in the
church office. Katrina had listened, ears buzzing, then she’d walked down the
aisle, body shaking with fear. Alec had stood at the altar, his smile trusting.

As if he hadn’t
just had his mouth all over his ex-girlfriend.

She hadn’t known
what to believe, how to react. Bickering had filled the last months of high
school. Petty fights. Even on the night before their wedding they’d fought over
where they’d live.

In the middle of
the preacher’s words, overwhelmed with doubts, she’d turned in a flurry of silk
and rushed out of the sanctuary.

Alec hadn’t been
long in following. He’d burst into the room, thundering his rage. The
humiliation, the dishonor. He’d vowed he’d be back, that they’d settle things.

And all she could
think of then was the science teacher, who only months before had been arrested
for child molestation. Everyone had known Alec turned Mr. Carmichael in.

She could’ve
interrupted Alec, she mused now. But back then she’d had less nerve, less backbone.
She could’ve told him she’d never marry an unfaithful man, like her mother had.
He would only leave. Like her father had. 

She rubbed her
eyes and leaned back against the faded blue seat. The plane was descending,
tilting down, and her ears popped. She waited for the sudden nausea to pass
before speaking.

"Right
before the service. . ." Her throat went dry. "What happened is,
someone saw you kissing Maggie."

"Why didn’t
you say anything?" His gaze cut into her and she winced.

"Fear?"
Her eyes shuttered closed. "Being yelled at, I didn’t handle it well. I froze,
I guess."

"And before
you walked down the aisle?"

Katrina grimaced.
This was embarrassing to admit. "I didn’t know what to do. So I went ahead
and walked down the aisle. And then I got cold feet."

"Cold feet?
Nice, Katrina." Alec’s jaw tightened. Such a cliché label for an event
that had literally changed his life. And she’d known about Maggie. He felt like
he’d just been socked in the gut. His fingers tightened on the armrest. "Someone
who really knew me would know I don’t cheat."

"You’re a
hard man to know." Her breath rushed out with a hiss. "I was young
and in case you forgot, you didn’t give me a moment to speak. You barged in,
yelled, and left. Obviously I should’ve asked you first . . ."

"Obviously."

"But I don’t
like to fight, Alec."

"Life is
fighting. You fight for the things you want, the things you need. You fight to
survive."

The corners of
her lips drooped, her eyes shadowed. "Sometimes staying quiet is the best
way."

Alec frowned. It
made his chest burn, knowing a simple question would’ve set things straight.
But in retrospect, he understood the kind of girl she’d been. He’d grown up
with her, heard her mother’s never-ending diatribes, saw the haunted look in
her eyes. It was altogether too easy to see why that young woman would’ve said
nothing to her hot-tempered boyfriend.

His hand went up
and rubbed the back of his neck. Had she talked to Maggie at all? If she had,
then she would’ve known who kissed whom. But the old Katrina was one who’d say
nothing if speaking up threatened her comfort zone. The odds were she never
even asked Maggie what had happened.

And that was what
he’d been worried about. Thanks to Rachel and Joe, she’d probably spent the
last ten years thinking he’d cheated on her. This new information only added to
the grief of losing Joey, the bitterness hounding him this morning like a dog
wanting his walk.

The plane dropped
to the landing strip with a sickening jolt. A collective sigh rose from the
passengers and the plane filled with the rustle of garbage bags being filled by
stewardesses, the click of seatbelts unbuckling and the sounds of anxious
riders collecting their things.

Alec spared a
glance at Katrina, who stared ahead vacantly, lost in her own thoughts. Was she
thinking of Maggie? Now he understood her sobs that day. She hadn’t left him
because of his financial status or for lack of love. The knowledge should’ve
made him happy, but it didn’t.

It only made him
more determined than ever to capture her again.

The line of
people in the aisle began to move.

"I’ll go to
dinner with you," Katrina said suddenly. Her soft gray eyes lingered on
him before she stepped into the aisle. Alec felt his shoulders relaxing. The
days would be long, but the evenings would make up for it.

He followed her
down the aisle and tried to ignore the dark curls cascading down her back. He
remembered too well how soft they would be, how they would smell of jasmine
from her garden.

He dragged his
gaze away and looked down, which was a mistake. Her figure was curvier now,
more womanly. 

Did that
confident walk have to do with Joey? Having a child changed a person, both
inside and out. She seemed more sure of what she wanted now, forceful while
retaining her quiet spirit. He liked the new Katrina. Would she be this way if
they’d stayed together?

He could admit
now that the bold and tempestuous young man he’d been may have crushed her
gentle nature. But then, maybe not. They’d been friends first and foremost.

His fingers slid
to the small picture tucked into the inner pocket of his suit jacket. God had
given them a child and he ached with the loss of something he’d never have. Dreams
of the future had never included anyone but Kitty. He fingered the picture and
silently vowed they would be more than friends again.

CHAPTER
TWELVE

"How’s your
Duck l’Orange?" Candlelight flickered across Alec’s face as he spoke.

"Wonderful,
thank you." Katrina sipped her water, not bothering to hide her pleasure.
After a day spent at Times Square chasing children and catching up with Sharon,
the quiet dinner soothed her senses. Conversations hummed quietly and soft
music filtered through the aroma of fine perfumes and expensive wines to the
small alcove where they sat.

Alec had chosen
an upscale restaurant for dinner and she was glad she’d worn her black cocktail
dress. Hidden in her closet for years, she’d packed it on a whim, knowing its
classic cut was timeless. 

Because she
remembered how Alec had always loved her hair down, she left it to curl over
her shoulders. And when he’d arrived at Sharon’s cozy little condo, he told her
she was beautiful in a low voice that made her heart thump slow, intoxicating
beats beneath her breast.

It was strange
the way she’d forgotten how it felt to be appreciated by a man. Somehow, in her
quest to be a Godly mother and then in her journey to survive the pain of
losing Joey, she’d ignored an essential part of herself.

"Why are you
smiling like that?" Alec leaned forward and gently touched her hand with
his finger. The caress pulsed against her skin, sending pleasurable tingles of
awareness through her. Discomfited, she pulled her hand away, evading the
question with one of her own.

"This is a
beautiful restaurant. Is it famous?" Her gaze kept slipping to different
tables, wondering if she might spot a celebrity.

A slow smile
crept up Alec’s face. "Actually, it’s one of New York’s best kept secrets.
Hiding in an alley is a good way to avoid tourists and bring in locals."

He looked more
than handsome tonight. Gorgeous was a better word. Dashing or debonair would do
as well. This environment suited him. He had ordered in French, after the
Maitre D’ greeted him by name and seated them earlier.

Reconciling the
new Alec with the old was proving more difficult than she anticipated. She
studied the way his hair still fell to his collar, a little too long, and how
the suit he wore fit his frame perfectly.

"Bonsoir,
mon ami!" A wiry little man glided to their table, his broad smile
stretching beneath a thin black mustache.

Alec grinned,
eyes twinkling in the candlelight. "Georges. How are you?"

"Very well,
my friend. And who is zees exquisite lady you have brought to my restaurant?"
Georges’ curious gaze flitted to Katrina and she fumbled for her glasses before
remembering she hadn’t brought them.

"A business
associate." Alec winked at her and heat flushed through her body.

"Ah, I have
always believed in mixing business wiz pleasure." As Georges spoke, the
server came by to drop off the check. Georges whisked it from him before he
could set it on the table. With a flick of his wrist, he sent the waiter away
with their bill. "I shall take care of zees."

When Alec said
nothing, Katrina shook her head. "Thank you, but that’s not—"

"My dearest,
do you know who you are eating with?"

She shot Alec a
confused glance. He only shrugged.

"Zees man,"
Georges hand came down on Alec’s shoulder, "ees a very good man. Very
generous. Five years ago, he helped me open zees dream restaurant. I pay him, I
say, but no, he accepts nothing but friendship. For zees, I promise myself zat
he will always be fed very well." The check waved through the air. "He
tries to sneak in, but I know. Georges sees when a great man enters hees
restaurant."

Alec inclined his
head. "Georges, your cuisine is exceptional, as usual."

"Mon ami, I
will leave you to your fare." Georges gave a Katrina a graceful bow. "Madame,
it was a pleasure to meet you."

"Thank you,"
she murmured, delighted by his accent. The little man departed as silently as
he’d come.

"He thinks
highly of you," she said.

"Georges has
a big heart. Do you want dessert?"

"No, thank
you. Do you do that for many?"

"He was a
friend when I needed one. It was a repayment, of sorts."

Katrina picked up
her fork but found her appetite had faded. It shouldn’t bother her that he’d
helped his friend, asking nothing in return. Yet, it did. Because he’d accepted
partnership in Kat’s Korner. And she didn’t expect free advice or help. It just
worried her that perhaps Alec’s motives were more than what he’d said. That
maybe he did want revenge of some sort.

She took the
silver embroidered napkin from her lap and laid it on the table. "You
believe very much in repayment, don’t you?"

"Life is a
series of checks and balances, sowing and reaping." He speared a baby
carrot and lifted it to his mouth.

"I suppose
so." She pressed her lips together while Alec continued to eat. She
wouldn’t worry about his motives. Blast Rachel and her conspiracies. "What
you did for Georges was very kind."

"I’m not a
kind man, Katrina. Checks and balances."

"I think
you’d like to believe you’re unkind."

"I know it."
His eyes glittered, as if he were daring her to contradict him.

Grown in so many
ways, and yet he still believed the lies of his mother? She’d claimed he had a
cruel streak. Played unfair. But Katrina knew better and she’d tell him so. The
girl Alec used to know wouldn’t contradict his statement. But now, as mother to
Joey and owner of Kat’s Korner, she would.

"Giving
Sharon a place to stay is kindness. Helping Georges is kind." She cocked
her head. "It’s not so bad to be kind, Alec. In fact, it’s a huge part of
being a Christian."

"Really?"

"You don’t
need to be sarcastic." Her eyes slid to the table. "Kindness is a
very attractive quality."

"Are you
flirting with me, Katrina?"

"No, not at
all." She swallowed. She wasn’t, was she? "I’m just pointing out you
don’t have to pretend to be the same. You’re kind now, whether you’ll admit it
or not."

Alec studied her,
his full lips curled slightly at the edges. "Are you saying I wasn’t kind
when I was younger?"

"Let’s just
say you were about as kind as I was bold."

He leaned forward,
intent. "The morning when I brought your purse over and you opened the
door with a bat in hand, I knew I was dealing with a much different woman."

"I
am
different." Katrina took a deep breath. "I’ve made a decision. I
don’t want to sell Kat’s Korner."

A thoughtful look
crossed his face. "This isn't you being 'different'."

Her throat felt
too tight. She forced an uncomfortable chuckle. "I can't change everything
at once. What I'd like though, is for you to respect my decision."

"Is that so?"

"Please
don’t look at me like that. I love my store and I want to keep it." She’d
realized it while at the park with Sharon. New York City was lovely, but it
wasn’t home.

"How do you
plan to pay your rent? Do you understand you’re going to lose Kat's Korner if
you don’t start making money?"

"Of course."
Her fingernails tapped a staccato beat against the crisp white tablecloth. "I’ll
definitely compensate you for all the work you’ve done, and I’m more than
willing to dissolve our partnership so this doesn't hurt you."

Alec didn’t move.
His face had sharpened into lines and angles, crevices and shadows. She
couldn’t tell if he was angry or disappointed. "A contract is a contract,
Katrina."

 It was
unprofessional, but she had to try. "Why don’t we shred those papers?"

"Just how do
you plan on making a profit?" His arms crossed and his brow lifted.

"Really,
Alec, you can have your money back. I'm incredibly thankful for all your help,
but there’s no need for you to worry about Kat’s Korner anymore." Why was
he persisting with this? Surely he had plenty of businesses to handle besides
hers?

"I’m not
worried and I’m not going anywhere. I now own twenty-five percent of Kat’s
Korner."

"I won't
sell." Katrina’s chin jutted. Arguing set her nerves on fire. She felt the
color draining from her face, stretching it tight and dry.

Alec carefully
picked up his napkin and folded it over his plate. "Business is not your
strong point. It’s mine."

"I’m not
selling," she repeated.

"We’ll see
about that." He stood. "You’re not the only one in charge anymore,
Katrina."

*****

"I’m the
boss." Katrina rummaged through Sharon’s small pantry, searching for any
kind of tea to take the edge off her anger. Two hours later and her temper
still boiled, though she’d managed to hold it in check during the ride home.
Who did he think he was? The owner? She made a sound in her throat. Please. It
was her store and she’d keep it if she wanted to.

"What are
you muttering about in there?"

Katrina pulled
her head out of the pantry. "Do you have any tea? Anywhere?"

Sharon broke into
a grin and reached into the cupboard over the stove. "I bought some just
for you." She tossed it over and Katrina caught it with a half-hearted
smile.

"Thanks. He
makes me so mad."

"Alec?"

"Who else?
He thinks he can just waltz back into my life and tell me what to do." She
jerked the kitchen faucet on and filled up a cup of water. Yanking the
microwave door open, she set it in and then slammed the door closed.

"Two
minutes," Sharon advised. "That should get it boiling. And you might
want to stop making so much racket. Timmy finally fell asleep." She
sighed. "I’ll be so happy when he’s older."

Katrina took a
deep breath, held it, then let it out. "Someday you’ll wish he's three
again."

"Not at
bedtime." Sharon leaned against the sink and tilted her head. "I
always had the impression you were still in love with Alec." When Katrina
didn’t say anything, she continued. "He’s grown into a wonderful, kind
man. What’s the problem?"

"There’s too
many to count. I’ll tell you one thing, though. He thinks he’s dealing with the
old Katrina. He needs to realize I’ve grown up and he’s not going to tell me
what to do and think he’ll get away with it."

Sharon smiled
ruefully. "Alec appears to be the type of guy who tells everyone what to
do."

"He wants me
to sell the store." Katrina slapped her palm against the counter. "I
let him partner with me because I knew he was smart and I thought he might help
bring in some profit. But now..." She glanced up at Sharon’s too serious
blue eyes. "What if he can make me sell?" She shuddered. "It’s
all I have left."

"Oh,
Katrina." Sharon reached over and gave her arm a squeeze. "You always
told me that if I chose to leave Steve, God would take care of me and the boys.
You were right. I have a job, somewhere to stay. Maybe it’s time for you to
sell and try something new."

Katrina was
already shaking her head no before Sharon ended the sentence. "Manatee Bay
gets its share of tourists. There has to be something I can do to save the
store."

The microwave
beeped, startling her. She took the mug of hot water out and dropped her teabag
in. "So you’ve been thinking about God?"

"I’m
beginning to, a little." Sharon shrugged her petite shoulders. "I
figure it’s time for me to change more than just my living situation."

Funny, but Sharon
sounded as if she had more faith than Katrina. Which made sense. Sharon had
never lost every person she’d ever loved. 

Dim light from
the kitchen ceiling showed the darkening water in her cup. She stirred and
pulled the teabag out. Threw it in the garbage. "Well, I’m relieved you’re
out of there. The kids are much more relaxed now. Has Steve tried to contact
you?"

Sharon didn’t
meet Katrina’s eyes, sending an alarm zinging through her. "Once or twice.
He says he’ll press charges for kidnapping, but Alec said he took care of
things."

"That’s
Alec," Katrina muttered. One glance into her friend’s watery eyes froze
her next words. "It’ll be okay. There’s no way Steve could get the kids."

"He’s been
talking crazy lately. I had to change my number."

"How did he
get the number to the phone Alec bought you?"

Sharon winced. "I
called him." At Katrina’s frown she rushed on. "Just to let him know
the kids were okay. That if he gets help we’ll come home. But he sounds worse.
Not even like he’s drunk, but like he’s insane." Sharon’s arms circled her
ribs and Katrina forced herself to sip her tea slowly instead of gathering her friend
into a hug. Sharon reserved hugs for laughter, not sadness. It was her way.

"Make sure
before I leave I get your new number."

"I’ll add it
in right now." Sharon reached for Katrina’s cell on the counter and
quickly punched in the numbers.

The phone rang,
shrill in the sudden silence, right as Sharon set it down. Hastily Katrina
swiped it off the counter and pressed the ring volume down. It would be
horrible if Timmy woke up. Sharon needed to rest.

With her left
hand, Katrina placed the tea on the counter and then peered at the number on
the screen.

"Who’s
calling you this late?" Sharon looked over Katrina’s shoulder at the
phone.

"I don’t
recognize the number."

"Alec’s
condo," said Sharon.

Katrina's pulse
skipped as she flipped the phone open. "Hello?"

Sharon grinned
and Katrina frowned at her friend.

"Come over."
Alec's voice sounded strained.

"Now?"

"We need to
talk."

"I don’t
think so." She pushed the end button and snapped the phone closed. Silence
filled the kitchen.

"Did you
just hang up on him?" Sharon’s eyes rounded.

Katrina nodded. Her
stomach roiled and she wondered how he’d react. The way he tried to command her
made her fingers itch to throw something, but that was no excuse to hang up on
him. Now she should probably apologize for losing her temper.
Oh God, I need
some help here.