Chapter 8 is supposed to be the last in the P&C saga. But I am having a hard time saying goodbye to Matt and Cat. So I am posting in 2 parts. The final part is in editing before my final re-write and will be up shortly. Thanks for the love! Enjoy!
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New Year's Eve 2016
Catherine walked around the ballroom. The plan was to dress up, spend a fun night with friends and welcome the New Year. But sadly it devolved into her being a third wheel who felt awkward and alone. Catherine took a deep breath to steady herself and stop the flood of tears. There had been enough tears for the past 3 months. Matt. He was never far from Catherine's mind. But 2017 was about a new beginning, and there were none for her and Matt.
Catherine looked at her watch...10:15pm. It was too early to take off her bra and climb under the covers. Initially, she was excited about the evening. It was an over the top party in a hotel in downtown Alexandria with views of the water. The all-inclusive ticket included indulgent food, host bar and access to three party rooms: the main ballroom with a band that plays everything from the 60s until today, a smaller room featuring a jazz quartet and another room with a DJ. At midnight, there was a balloon drop with a champagne toast.
Planning to stay downstairs until at least 12:01AM, Cat reviewed her options. The buffet was closed, but desserts and coffee were available until midnight. Or she could listen to the jazz quartet and enjoy a cocktail from the most generous bartenders in the jazz lounge. Catherine took a sip from her cocktail glass. How could it be empty again? She placed her empty glass on the table and headed to the smaller room.
It was Lewis who convinced Cat to ditch the X-dogs and go out with him tonight. And the idea of spending the night with him instead of Ryan Seacrest and Chinese food appealed to her. Lewis was an Education professor at the University where Cat taught Math. They'd met in the faculty parking lot one night when she tripped walking to her car. Like a knight in shining armor, he'd come to her rescue helping her pick up the scattered contents of her bag. He'd asked her out for coffee, but she politely declined and thanked him. Cat explained she was coming off a relationship and needed time.
He stated he just wanted to buy her a cup of coffee not pick out wedding China. Catherine laughed out loud and agreed to the coffee. The first meeting Lewis did most of the talking. He taught during the day at a college in Northern Virginia but decided to take on the night class when the instructor backed out. The chair of the department helped Lewis land his first job out of grad school, and Lewis felt he owed him.
Retiring from the air force after twenty years, Lewis pursued his Master's and Doctorate in Education. The son of two teachers, Lewis felt passionate about the state of the education system. He wanted to empower teachers in a flawed system that put too much emphasis on test scores and not on student engagement. Offered a tenure-track position, he moved to Virginia.
Over the next two months, the relationship blossomed. Lewis planned day trips on the weekend shocked by how little she knew of the state she called home for the last 7 years. They visited the homes of Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, drove through the mountains and attended local fairs and festivals.
Catherine found him charming, intelligent, witty and very easy on the eyes. He stood 6'4 with a toned body, gorgeous dark brown skin, and a bald head. Out of the military ten years, Lewis kept up with his daily physical training of running and weights. An impeccable dresser, he looked like he stepped out of a magazine. Cat teased him mercilessly about living up to the Air Force "pretty boy" reputation. He teased her back about being brainwashed by the Army at a young age.
"You don't look like you are having a good time?" Catherine heard Lewis's dulcet tones in her ear. She missed him sliding in line behind her. He wrapped an arm around her waist. "You are not planning to head upstairs are you?"
Catherine turned around to face him. The line to the bar was moving very slowly due to the two handsome bartenders. Not only were they excellent bartenders they were also charming and devilishly handsome. Cat, however, had it on reliable authority that neither of the bartenders was interested in the bevy of women who fawned over them. "No I promised I would stay downstairs to 12:01 and I am a woman of my word." He kissed her briefly on the cheek.
On paper, Catherine and Lewis would make an excellent couple. They were both educated, driven professionals who loved to laugh, shared similar politics and enjoyed each other. However, there was on significant problem. "Where is Brian? Last I saw you two were cuddled up in a corner. Not planning to slip away before 12:01, were you?" Lewis was gay and happily in love with his partner Brian. The cat couldn't blame him, Brian was great.
"Brian is currently on Alexis' duty. We found her making out with some guy in the lobby two sheets to the wind and missing her heels. We decided it was best she head upstairs and get into bed." He pulled Catherine into a hug. "I am sorry this is not the night we planned. You need to be looking forward to 2017 not stuck in sadness. I blame Brian. He should not insist we pregame."
Catherine let out a light chuckle. Brian insisted they take a few shots before heading down to dinner. The stopped by a wine and cheese reception where Alexis drank 3 glasses of Rose to Cat's one. It was only when they sat down for dinner Alexis revealed she hadn't eaten since breakfast. Of course, she said this as she sipped her second Vodka and soda.
"Alexis is a big girl who usually holds her liquor well. I wouldn't have invited her if I knew she was going to behave like this." When Brian's business trip got canceled, Lewis offered to give his ticket to Cat for her and a "friend." She declined to insist that he and Brian use them. Brian suggested she ask Alexis and make it into a "foursome of fun." Alexis agreed and convinced Cat to book a room at the hotel, instead of taking an Uber back to Brian and Lewis's home. "I should go upstairs and check on her."
"No! You will have a long ride back to Fredericksburg with her tomorrow. Tonight you and I dance. Those heels deserve a spin on the dance floor. Plus I think the band just started an Earth Wind and Fire set." In a flourish, Lewis twirled Catherine out of his embrace. "Let's Groove, Dr. Miller."
Matt took a sip of his whiskey as he watched the man lead her out of the room. There was something about the way she followed him that Matt did not like. No, Matt did not like anything about the scene that unfolded before him. He watched the manner he snaked his arms around her waist, the kiss on her cheek, or the way she laughed. He heard that laughter as clearly as if she stood next to him not halfway across the room.
"Wow, Catherine!" Matt glanced next to the woman standing next to him. "If I did not remember her, I would know it from your reaction." She read his scowl accurately. "Sorry, but I think he will take you in a fight." She laughed before holding up her empty glass. He watched as his grey eyes twinkled back at him. "We could both use a refill. And I know the bar we need to visit." She walked towards the door leading back to the lobby.
Matt downed the last of his drink and followed her.
Catherine smiled at the blonde woman standing next to the bar. There was something oddly familiar about her. Cat could not place her, but she felt like she knew her but could not pinpoint her. Not that she looked like someone you could easily forget. The woman was strikingly beautiful with gilded blonde hair pulled back into an elegant updo. She was wearing a sleeveless navy jumpsuit with slim legs and an all lace top. The strategically placed flowers did not conceal she was not wearing a bra. And from what Catherine could tell she did not need one. Her makeup was artfully done accentuating a full mouth and her grey eyes. It was the grey eyes that Cat couldn't stop looking at they seemed familiar and strange at the same time.
