Chapter 112 (2/2)

Kate is unpacking boxes in the kitchen when I return.

”How did they go?” she asks, excited. Only Kate can look gorgeous in an oversized shirt, tattered jeans, and a dark blue bandana.

”Good, thanks, Kate. Not sure this outfit was cool enough for the second interview.”

”Oh?”

”Boho chic might have done it.”

Kate raises an eyebrow.

”You and boho chic.” She cocks her head to one side - Gah! Why is everyone reminding me of my favorite Fifty Shades”Actually, Ana, you're one of the few people who could really pull that look off.”

I grin.

”I really liked the second place. I think I could fit in there. The guy who interviewed me was unnerving though,” I trail off - shit I'm talking to foghorn Kavanagh here. Shut up Ana!

”Oh?” The Katherine Kavanagh radar for an interesting tidbit of information swoops into action - a tidbit that will only resurface at some inopportune and embarrassing moment, which reminds me.

”Incidentally - will you please stop winding Christian upYour comment about Jose at dinner yesterday was out of line. He's a jealous guy. It doesn't do any good, you know.”

”Look, if he wasn't Elliot's brother I'd have said a lot worse. He's a real control freak.

I don't know how you stand it. I was trying to make him jealous - give him a little help with his commitment issues.” She holds her hands up defensively. ”But - if you don't want me to interfere, I won't,” she says hastily at my scowl.

”Good. Life with Christian is complicated enough, trust me.”

Jeez, I sound like him.

”Ana,” she pauses staring at me. ”You're okay, aren't youYou're not running to your mother's to escape?”

I flush.

”No Kate. It was you who said I needed a break.”

She closes the distance between us and takes my hands - a most un-Kate thing to do.

Oh no... tears threaten.

”You're just, I don't know... different. I hope you're okay, and whatever issues you're having with Mr. Moneybags, you can talk to me. And I will try not to wind him up, though frankly it's like shooting fish in a barrel with him. Look, Ana, if something's wrong, you will tell me, I won't judge. I'll try to understand.”

I blink back tears.

”Oh, Kate.” I hug her. ”I think I've really fallen for him.”