Chapter 2 A Bittersweet Reunion

• 11:20. Kathy sipped tea at Dallas's Emerald Rose, admiring the balcony's flora. Her mood was great.
• She loved these plants but couldn't keep any alive herself. Even cacti died under her care. Puzzling, given her dexterity. That's why she always visited the Emerald Rose in Dallas, buying pots for Grace to tend. She'd learned many cooking secrets from Grace too.
• "What'll you have today?" Grace, the owner, approached smiling.
• "You know me, I'll eat anything you make," Kathy gestured casually.
• "So easy to please, not like most young ladies. Whoever marries you's a lucky man," Grace teased.
• "Grace, what if I told you I was getting married?" Kathy tilted her head, cradling her cup.
• "No way, you've been hiding that! You're joking, right?" Grace was disbelieving. Everyone knew Kathy was waiting for someone. How could she suddenly talk about marriage?
• "Do I look like I'm joking?" Kathy shrugged.
• "Yes," Grace nodded seriously. "Very much so."
• "Ugh," Kathy held her forehead. Did she really seem so unlike a bride-to-be? "Why's it so hard to believe?"
• "Ever seen an engaged woman without a ring?" Grace scoffed.
• "Oh, right. You've reminded me – I don't have one yet," Kathy realized why something felt off.
• "Boss, everything's ready behind. Just waiting for you," a waiter announced.
• "Be right there," Grace replied. To Kathy, she added, "I'm off to the kitchen. Drink your tea and don't touch that flower – you've nearly drowned it already."
• "Okay," Kathy agreed, resting her head on the table, gazing out the window.
• The door burst open. Kathy turned lazily. "Oh, you're here."
• Sunlight illuminated Kathy's face, mesmerizing Chris briefly. He snapped out of it, shouting, "Kathy, what the hell's going on?"
• "Not much, just getting married," Kathy sat up straight.
• "You're fucking with me, right?" Chris refused to believe it.
• "Lower your voice. Mind your manners," Kathy poured tea for both, sipping hers slowly.
• "Damn manners. Kathy, tell me what's happening," Chris gulped his tea, slammed the cup down.
• "That's not how you appreciate tea. Grace would be furious. Good tea should be savored – hey, why are you taking my cup?" Kathy protested as Chris grabbed it.
• "Are you going to explain or not? What about Eason? Aren't you waiting for him anymore?" Chris demanded loudly.
• Kathy's pupils constricted at Eason's name. She saw a figure in white, smiling, calling her "Little Fish" affectionately.
• Fish only have seven-second memories, but Eason, why can't I forget you after seven years? Have you forgotten those summer afternoons? I've been waiting, but what about you? No word.
• "Wait? I can't afford to anymore. I'll be twenty-six next month. Can't let grandfather's legacy go to someone else," Kathy smiled bitterly. Her grandfather's support had become a shackle. "Besides, I've waited long enough. Would you wait eight years without news?"
• "So, you're marrying some random person?" Chris sighed. "If it's for the will, you could've come to me."
• "Marry you? And worry about women at my door every other day? Not worth it," Kathy joked.
• "Say the word, I'll cut ties with all of them," Chris stared sincerely.
• "Chris, I can't handle a charmer like you," Kathy averted her gaze, half-joking. "You're a nice guy," she added, recalling a meme.
• "Then... who is it?" Chris frowned, not giving up. He hadn't stayed by her side to let her become someone else's.
• "Peterson."
• "Peterson? When did you meet? Kathy, he's not someone to joke about," Chris's frown deepened.
• "I'm not joking," Kathy showed the key and card Peterson gave her. "I've received betrothal gifts."
• Chris stared at the items, speechless. As a man, he knew giving a black card meant Peterson wasn't playing around. The situation was complex, especially since they'd never met. He couldn't accept it. He'd waited for her to let go of Eason, only to hear she was marrying someone else.
• "I called you to treat you to a meal. Let's not dwell on this," Kathy said as food arrived. Grace's menu started with a light soup of mountain baby cabbage and purple shells. Kathy served Chris first, then herself. The sweet, refreshing soup lifted her mood. Seeing Chris frowning, she waved her spoon. "It's delicious. If you're not eating, don't ruin my appetite with that face." She lowered her head and continued sipping.
• Throughout the meal, an unspoken understanding hung between them.
• Kathy waved Grace off with a smile. "No formalities, old friend. That soup was delicious - I'll be back for the recipe!" She insisted on paying, much to Chris's chagrin. Slightly embarrassed, he could only accept and chase after her.
• A passerby glanced at Kathy's retreating figure and Chris jogged to catch up, quickly texting: "Boss, just saw your future sister-in-law. Didn't even let Young Master Kyry pay - what a boss lady!"
• Peterson sipped his coffee, smiling at the message. "You know who she belongs to," he replied, leaning back. He pulled out a photo from his wallet, chuckling softly. Kathy would be baffled to see it in his possession.
• "Kathy!" Chris called out one last time.
• She turned, meeting his gaze. "Chris, I truly value our friendship." Her words were gentle but firm. She understood his intentions, but some people were meant to remain just friends. Pushing further might jeopardize even that.
• "I see," Chris replied, defeated. As always, she was his source of frustration. He grasped her meaning - once that line was crossed, even friendship might become impossible.
• "I'll be going then," Kathy said, waving before driving off in her BMW.
• "Hello?" she answered her phone, not checking the caller ID.
• "Forgotten my voice already, Mrs. Blackwood?" Peterson teased, slightly deflated.
• "Oh! Sorry, driving. Didn't register at first," Kathy explained.
• "Any plans tonight?"
• "None."
• "How about spending the evening with me? I have two tickets to 'The Peony Pavilion' if you're interested in opera," Peterson offered, smiling confidently at the VIP tickets.
• "How did you know I liked 'The Peony Pavilion'?" Kathy blurted out, then regretted it. "I mean, what a coincidence! Um..."
• Peterson chuckled at her flustered response. "Glad you like it. I'll pick you up at 6:30 for dinner first."
• "Oh, you don't have to. Just give me the address -"
• "Future Mrs. Blackwood," he interrupted smoothly, "no time to debate. See you tonight."
• "See you then," Kathy replied, catching her flushed face in the rearview mirror. She laughed at herself - nearly 26, blushing like a schoolgirl. Still, sharing interests with Peterson might make their future easier.
• "Ready, head out now," Kathy said quickly, heading into her phone later. She pinned up her hair, dabbed on lipstick, and slipped on her heels. Though she usually avoided them due to her height, they were essential for a Gothic dress.
• Peterson waited in the car, admiring Kathy as she approached. The elegant Gothic dress hugged her curves perfectly, paired with a white fur coat and five-inch heels accentuating her tall frame. She moved with a graceful sway that captivated him.
• He recalled a saying about Italian sensuality embodied in Gothic dress. Looking at Kathy now, no longer a girl but a woman carrying herself with quiet pride, he found her more beautiful than ever.
• "Get in," he said, opening the passenger door.
• "Thanks," Kathy murmured, sliding in beside him.
• "You look stunning tonight," Peterson complimented sincerely.
• Kathy smiled, genuinely pleased. "Thank you."
• As they drove, Kathy gazed out the window, lost in thought. The familiar streets had changed, reminding her that nothing stays the same, even if you remain in one place.
• "We're here," Peterson announced.
• Kathy blinked, recognizing the spot where Eason used to work weekends at a Western restaurant. She'd spy on him from the café across the street, surprising him after his shift. Though reluctant at first, it became their routine - walking hand in hand through the city, him treating her to delicious food before taking her "home."
• The café remained, but the restaurant had become "Kreamie's." So much had changed in the years she'd avoided this place. Memories washed over her as she stepped out of the car, ready to create new ones.