Stories Of Paper: Unwritten Love

Chapter Twelve- Katie

Chapter Twelve

Katie

On a video call with Angie this morning she informed me that the publishing company loved my book. I turned it in by the skin of my teeth. The grand launch is next week and they all want me to be there. Angie booked my flight to Illinois and emailed me the details. I'll be there for a week with a jam packed schedule. I'm so excited but nervous at the same time. The publishing company wants to do more work with me. Which is amazing but terrifying. Putting me further on the map was always the end goal, I'm just still worried. I barely made my deadline this time. Coming up with new material seems like a death sentence at this point.

Before I leave I need to go get some new outfits. I went to pre-pack some formal wear. To my demise nothing fits anymore. My suitcase is laying on my bedroom floor, toiletries packed. I throw on some leggings, an extra long t-shirt, and throw my hair up in a bun. I grab my purse and head out the door.

I parked at the end of the plaza so I could take my time. I went into my favorite store, Glam Boutique. One of the attendants put me in a dressing room and started filling my racks with their new arrivals. Trying on everything she has brought to me, exiting the dressing room revealing myself to her. I forgot how much fun shopping was. I strutted my stuff in the small hallway with floor to ceiling mirrors. She placed an oversized chair at the end of the hallway, she's sitting there analyzing. When she doesn't like something she primps and changes things. Making me feel special. I ended up walking out with ten outfits. Of course I didn't need that many, I couldn't stop myself.

Wandering the plaza, popping in a few other stores, not buying much else. I decided to go grab a bite to eat. Making my way to the deli, I caught a glimpse of a familiar face. I stop on the sidewalk. Pete is standing on the porch of a small cottage with a little boy that must be Jax. He's holding his hand. A woman opens the door. I rush into the doorway of a shop, peeking my head around the corner. Jax is latched to the woman's legs. She is stunning, long blonde hair, curvy, wearing distressed jean shorts and a crop top. Jax runs into the house. Pete is standing so close to her. Is that Jax’s mom? Are they trying to make things work again? Why are they so close? I thought things were going well between us. I know I shouldn't be spying on this interaction but I can't peel my eyes away. Pete pushes a strand of hair behind her ear, pulling her into a hug. They linger there for a moment. He then places a kiss on her forehead. What the f**k? That was not a friendly embrace. It has to be his ex-wife. Horrified, I spin so my back is against the wall. My soul is completely crushed. Tears well up in my eyes. Chest tightening. My appetite is gone. I just need to get out of here. I peek around again, he's gone. I make a beeline for my car. Running so fast. I hear my name called out. s**t, Pete. I stop and look over my shoulder to see him standing there like nothing just happened.

My lip starts to quiver, I feel like I'm going to throw up. I don't even know what to say to him. I can't let him see me in this state. I start running again to my car, faster than before. I jump in and peel off to Nina's house.

~

Nina opens the door to her apartment. My eyes are all puffy, tears streaking down my face. Dropping my bags to the ground, she scoops me up into her arms. I ugly cry so hard on her shoulder. She moves us into the house and onto her bed. She holds me until my heaving subsides. Taking a warm washcloth she wipes my face cleaning the snot that has made its way all the way down my neck. “He's back with his wife.” Are the only words I could utter out.

“Pete? How can that be?” Nina says while still wiping my face, with her body wrapped around me. She's practically holding me like a baby. I embrace it. Somehow it makes me feel not so alone.

“He held her close, kissed her forehead.” I hiccup. “She was so beautiful Nina.”

“Are you sure they are together? Maybe they just have an amicable divorce.”

I sat up meeting her gaze. Tears feel like they are about to fall again. “You didn't see them, it took everything in me to not confront him. He held her, brushed her hair behind her ear.” Tears cascade down my cheeks.

“It’s ok honey. I've got you.” Nina says as she rubs my back, pressing me against her chest. I'm shaking, gasping, between sobs. “I’m gonna kill that mother fucker.” She says as she starts rocking me.

~

Waking up in Nina's bed was a reality bitchslaping me in the face. I hoped I had a horrible nightmare. My eyelids are swollen, my throat feels like I smoked a pack of cigarettes last night. My body is sticky and my stomach is in knots. How I have become so attached to Pete in four weeks blows my mind.

I was going to tell him I love him. Invite both Pete and Jax to come to Illinois with me for my launch. I've had this nagging voice in my head since our second date. I've never had this overwhelming feeling to be with someone before. He had fortified it. Opening up to me, sharing his art with me. I can't help but wonder why he hasn't introduced me to Jax yet. Now I know why. He still loves her. He's trying to make things work with her.

My phone chimes on the end table. Five messages from Pete.

Pete: Hey where are you going? Why are you running?

Pete: Are you almost here?

Pete: You are an hour late. I’m getting worried. Please let me know you are ok.

Pete: Baby, what's going on? Why are you not answering? And you aren't home?

Pete: Please talk to me baby. Did I do something wrong?

Did you do something wrong? Leading me on, isn't that wrong? Unable to deal with this right now, I put my phone back on the end table. Next to my phone is a note from Nina.

I have to go to work, I'll be home around 5. Stay as long as you want. I grabbed your favorite breakfast sandwich from the bakery for you. It's in the microwave. Call me if you need me.

Love You!

N

I grab some of Nina's clothes, and I head for the shower. Trying to wash off the pain. I combust again while the water washes over me. This hollowness in my heart may never be full again.