Chasing Kate

Chapter 12. Did you Stand Me up?

That evening when I arrived home I was in a better mood than I was when I left the house this morning.

My mother noticed too. She questioned me about, I just dismissed her.

I helped mother sit the table and I even sat down and had a nice dinner with her and my father.

Small talk mostly, which was good until my dad decided to cut the bullshit and grill me about when I would be coming into the office.

"Son, I need you sooner rather than later." He stated.

"I know dad, I know. I've been caught up. How about I come first thing Monday morning?" I asked.

"Monday morning or I'm finding someone else" he said firmly.

"Bill, you do know that every Thursday at 3:30 Lucas has an appointment with Dr. Schwartz. He HAS to be off." My mother said concerned.

"Yes, Lola I know. I won't keep him." He replied.

After dinner I went up to my room and decided to text Kate to see if was ok when the arrangement I was planning on making.

With clumsy thumbs I went to my messages.

-Kate, it's Lucas. Are we set for tomorrow? I was thinking Corner Cafe at say 2?"

-"Hey Luke. I can do tomorrow at 2 but I need to be back by 5:30."

-"Ok. I'll have you back at curfew, ma'am"

I smiled.

-"Luke Wesley DO NOT call me ma'am. It makes me feel old."

I laughed.

-"Duly noted. See you tomorrow. Can I pick you up?"

-"No. I mean, I'll just meet you there. I have errands to run. See you tomorrow. - K."

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I woke up to the sound of thunder rumbling throughout my room. It was so loud it jarred the pictures and they shook on the wall.

I looked out the window from my bed and saw rain drops racing down them. It was a dark and gloomy day, but I was determined for it to not ruin my mood.

I had breakfast and coffee with my mother and just like her Friday and Saturday routine she began cleaning.

I don't know when she had taking up cleaning our house, when I was younger and she worked we had housekeeper who done what my mother didn't. I assume these days she stays at home and would rather clean that spend her day piddling around trying to find something to do.

I went into my dad's study and noticed a treadmill at the far wall. I knew I needed a work out and I didn't have time to make it to the gym before lunch. I looked at the clock on the wall and it read 10:30, I still had some time.

I grabbed my ear phones from my room and my sneakers from my closet. I went back to the office and cranked the machine up.

By the time I was done the clock noted 11:25 and I had ran nearly 6 miles.

Taking my soiled self into the bathroom, I started the shower and started to remove my clothes.

I caught a glimpse of myself. I looked better, I felt better and I had finally gotten around to cutting my hair.
Sometimes I marvel at the laid out way my tattoos placed themselves across my body. I've never wondered what anyone's opinion of them were. They meant something to me and that's all that mattered.

I climbed my body into the shower and let the warm water surround me. It washed every scent, every drop of sweat away and I relaxed against the drops of water that massaged my shoulders.

I stayed in there for a long while almost forgetting about lunch.

I made my way to my closet and dropped my towel that was wrapped around my torso.

I walked to my drawer and picked out a pair of grey American apparel boxers.

Thumbing through my clothes, I selected a pair of dark washed jeans, a white button up, a black tank, & green Converse.

After I put on my clothes, rolled up my sleeves just a bit, I walked to the nightstand and sprayed my favorite Cologne. 'Ed Hardy Skull and Roses.'

I combed my hair and gelled it to the front. I took out my lip ring and placed it on the bathroom counter.

I stuffed my wallet in my pocket, my keys and my phone in hand.

The clock ready 1:15.

I made my way to my truck sitting in the driveway and climbed in.

I felt like old times, and it has been a while since I have driven it and I liked the height it gave me.

I kept the music off as I drove through our neighborhood.

I stopped at the local Compton florist and picked up a bundle of 6 Lillies paying exactly $12.59.

The clock read 1:35.

I drove the other way with music blaring out the speakers to help shake my nerves. Where the flowers to much? Was I over dressed for a casual lunch? How do I greet her? Do I call after this? Can I kiss her cheek?

Why do I have to make everything so
Mother fucking hard? If I was back at college all I would have to do was say the word and girls would start coming around like locust.

Why did I have to over think lunch with Kate-Anna? Why could I just not accept it for what it was?

It was 1:57 when I pulled into the small
parking lot of the Corner Cafe. I sat in my truck, listening to the engine purr. I looked around but didn't notice Kate-Anna's car in the lot.

"What if she stood me up?" I think out loud.

At 2:05 I'm still in my truck and there is still no sign of her.

I text her because I didn't know want else to do.

-"Kate, did you stand me up?"

-"WHAT? No. Lucas why would you think that? On my way now."

"Good" I say to no one but myself, obviously.

11 minutes later, I see the little blue 4 door car pull in 3 spots down.

I climb out of my truck and make my way to the back of her car.

She steps out and I am at a loss for words. My god she is so fucking beautiful.