Dandelion Lover

Days and weeks flew by going between the hospital and Kate's house and before we knew it had already been more than a month since the incident with her grandmother. Luckily everything went well with her recovery and she was now back home ordering Kate around.

As a result of my talk with Vivian and with Mike's help, we successfully tied Anne and Rob in what seemed like a highly complex lawsuit which will probably take them for all their worth. We have found enough circ.u.mstantial proof to tie the two, including the fact that they were in a relationship. They became too busy with finding a way out to even bother about what my relationship status was.

With the help of Mr. Roman, we also managed to shun them from anything related to our field of work. Even if we didn't do anything, the story of their "achievements" spread before we knew it and no one in their right mind would risk working with any of them.

With Mike being my company's legal representative, I had more time to concentrate on the recovery of my clients and expanding the company.

I couldn't complain as everything seemed to be going perfect. Melanie had already moved on with her new job and we met up once more to discuss some of the legal issues regarding our divorce. I had already moved out of the house and rented a smaller one on the outskirts of the city, nearer to my sweet haven.

Kate has been visiting and we met as many times as possible when we both managed to free some time from our schedule. Each day that passed I was becoming more and more charmed by our simple life. It was not the physical attraction that drew me to her, at least not only that but spending time together we began to understand each other better than ever before. I thought that she would need more time to accept us being together as a couple due to our special situation, but she surprised me by getting involved with all she had.

I felt that the next step for me and Kate was to start living together but I knew she was going to be apprehensive about it and I understood why, nevertheless I wanted to discuss it with her before jumping to any conclusions, so I invited her to a home-cooked dinner prepared by myself or at least ordered if I screwed it up.

With all the preparation, I didn't even notice when the sun had set. Just as I was making some last preparation the doorbell rang.

"Mr. Roman, to what do I owe the p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e of your visit?" I was taken aback by who met me at the door as I was expecting Kate to arrive.

"I hope we're not troubling you, we were in the neighborhood so we decided to drop by." He clarified as throwing a look at his wife.

"No bother at all, please come in." I didn't want to be rude, especially after all their help, despite my plans being delayed.

"Thank you, dear." Mrs. Roman replied and they took a seat in the living room.

"Would you like some tea, or maybe coffee?"

"Some tea would be lovely, thank you."

Just as I turned to go to the kitchen the doorbell rang again. This time I was sure who it was and to validate my guess, the door opened to a flushed Kate.

"What happened, why are you so red?" I chucked at her confused stare.

"I was in a rush to get here..." she mumbled to herself. "Sorry I am late."

"No worries, you're just in time." I gave her a quick peck on the lips and guided her to the living room.

"Just in time for what?" She asked but before I could answer she saw my guests. I could see a look of slight disappointment flash before she smiled sweetly.

"Mr. and Mrs. Roman, so nice to see you. It has been a while since our last visit."

"Indeed it has dear, but I have a feeling we are intruding." Mrs. Roman replied with a sly smile looked over to me.

"Nonsense, you are always welcomed," I assured while Kate lowered her head to hide her blush. "Kitty, would you like some coffee or tea?"

Her eyes lit up at my question.

"Coffee would be great, thank you."

"Milk and vanilla?"

"Yes please." She answered and took a seat near Mrs. Roman at her beckoning.

When I arrived with the orders the three were chatting happily about everything under the sky.

"I'm so glad your grandmother recovered."

"Yes, she is now almost as energetic as before, like nothing ever happened," Kate's smile deepened as talked about her.

"So what are you up to now?"

"Nothing new, I am looking for a job since I am unemployed at the moment."

"Why don't you return to the company now that the whole conundrum has subsided," I asked, hoping to have her consider the offer.

"As much as I would enjoy that, I feel that I need to do something else." Her eyes had a somehow regretful look in them. I knew she wanted to avoid me pressuring her right now so I just let it slide until later.

"Something else? Like what?" Mrs. Roman asked, curiosity flashing in her eyes.

"I was thinking about learning more about web design."

"Oh how interesting, what made you think about that?"

Kate simply looked over to me with her lips tightly shut, a complicated look adorning her features. In that split second, I remembered our first kiss but I somehow felt bittersweet at the memory because I felt that something might go wrong with how the conversation was going.

"I just seem to like it." She finally answered keeping her head turned from me.

"Well, if that is what you like, I am sure I can help." Mrs. Roman beamed and took her hands.

"If you're willing, we have an internship position at our company and I would be thrilled to have you there."

"At your company?" Kate's eyes widened with hope.

"Yes, however, there is a catch."

"A catch?" Her confused look was endearing but I had to control my earning to pinch her cheeks while we had company.

"The position is actually for another branch, out of town. It is a small team but they are all professionals." Mrs. Roman clarified while throwing a regretful gaze at me. I knew this wasn't going to end well for me.

"I would be honored, but I need to think about it for a bit, if you don't mind," Kate replied her head still turned away.

"Anytime dear, you know where to find me." She winked and turned to me.

"We passed by to say our goodbyes." Mr. Roman interjected.

"We will be away for a couple of months setting up the new office."

"Already?" I asked, knowing of their plans to expand.

"Yes, we'll still be in town for another week so Katelyn, do think about my offer." Mrs. Roman squeezed her hand to assure her. Kate just nodded before politely thanking her.

As the evening grew colder, the time to part grew closer. When Mr. and Mrs. Roman got up to leave, I took a look at Katelyn who was growing restless with each minute that passed. As I passed by her, I notice Mrs. Roman whisper something to her.

But before I could decipher what was said, Mr. Roman took me aside for our private conversation.

"Luke, you know I support you and believe in you, as a businessman and as a person, and I know that you have been through a lot, but keep in mind that you are still young and there's no need to rush. Sometimes you need to let go and enjoy the ride, whether it is bumpy or not. In the end, it can mean more that you arrive safely to your destination and are happy, then the passing uncomfortable bumps you encounter on the way. Do not let your impetuousness endanger what you currently have because second chances are rare." His glistening eyes looked towards his wife and his voice grew weaker as he became lost in his thoughts.

As I looked towards Kate I knew what he meant but my possessive streak refused to listen to my rational thoughts. All my thoughts were on what would I do if I couldn't see her anymore, couldn't be near her, couldn't laugh and cry with her from now on out. Although my mind was telling me that I could adapt even in the worst of situations, the nagging sharp pain circling my heart contradicted it.

"Honey, are you ready? I'm older now and I need my beauty sleep." Mrs. Roman jocked which brought Mr. Roman out of his trance.

"Of course my darling, we'll be on our way. Lukas, Katelyn, we will see ourselves out, I apologize for the intrusion, I hope we didn't ruin your plans."

"No such thing, we welcome you anytime. Let's go out for dinner one of these days before you leave."

"It would be our p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e." Mrs. Roman chimed in. "Goodnight!"

"Goodnight!" We replied.

When the door closed the silence became deafening. We both stood rooted to the spot, each focused on our thoughts, struggling to come to terms with the inescapable decision we will have to take.