HER

Chapter 21

Three and a half hours later, Catherine was making her way out of Boeing Field Airport. She was excited to be seeing her mum soon, she hadn't informed her she was coming because she wanted to surprise her. She bought her mum's favourite flowers on her way home.

Catherine paid for the cab and turned to the door to her home. She looked around the neighbourhood and sighed. She slid her key into the keyhole and turned the lock, turning the door knob, she pushed it open. Catherine grabbed her bag and guitar and stepped inside. Quietly placing her things by the door side, she shut the door just as quietly and walked past the stairs on her left towards the kitchen. She smiled when she arrived at the kitchen and saw her mum who had her back to her cooking something that smelled nice. She tiptoed behind her and when she got right behind her, she wrapped an arm around her.

"Hi mum." She smiled.

Her mum turned in her arms, her expression shocked before they lit up with her smile.
"Oh my goodness!" Gina hugged Catherine. "I-I can't believe you're here...finally."

"I know." She hugged her back. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you, I wanted to surprise you."

Her mum pulled back.
"Consider me very much surprised." She beamed. "I'm just so glad to see you after..."

"I know." She hugged her mum again. "I got you these." She lifted her other hand with the flowers.

"Oh, they're lovely." Gina took them from Catherine. "I was going to get some today but you beat me to it."

"Good thing."

Catherine watched her mum throw out the bad white and yellow Daffodil and replace them with the new ones.
"You came at just the right time." Gina moved to the stove and turned the heat off. Reaching for the shelves, she took down three plates. "I made noodles with that sauce you really like."

"Oh, I'm starving already." She watched her mum dish out the food. "Why are there three plates?"

"I have a guest." Gina said as she placed the plates on the dinning table next to the kitchen.

"Oh, the one you mentioned the other time." She took a seat at the table.

"Yes." Gina took the third plate and turned to go upstairs when Nina walked into the kitchen/Dinning area.

"I told you you're going to spoil me with every meal in bed." Nina took the plate from Gina with a smile and walked to the table. She stopped when she saw Catherine. "Hi."

"Hi." Catherine got up and made her way to Nina. "When my mum mentioned you, I pictured someone around the same age as her, older actually and male if I'm being totally honest."

Nina laughed and that surprised Gina.
"Well, I'm sorry to disappoint."

"Never."

"You must be Catherine." Nina said and offered her hand. "I'm Nina, Gina's told me so much about you; she's very proud of you."

Catherine took her hand and shook it. What Nina said wasn't surprising but she was happy to hear it. Her mum had always supported her in everything and even though she always said how proud of her she was when she was younger, she had missed hearing it.
"It's nice to meet you Nina."

They all sat around the table.

"So, how long have you known my mum?" Catherine asked.

"Eighteen months." Nina said. "I joined Marco's and she was the first person I became close with."

"Mum, you still work there?" Catherine asked with a smile. "That's so cool. I worked at a B&B in Bell Gardens; where I was before I came here."

"Really?" Gina asked.

Catherine nodded.
"Is it ok if I submit my resume at Marco's?"

"I don't think you need a resume but sure, if that's what you want." Gina replied.

"Imagine how much fun that would be." Catherine smiled.

"Gina told me about your musical talent." Nina said. "I'd love to hear you play sometime."

"I haven't played or sang for a while now but...we'll see."

"You gave up?" Gina asked.

Catherine looked at her mum, face sombre.
"I just...took a break from it."

"You shouldn't give up what you love." Nina said.

Catherine looked at her.

"Sorry, it's...none of my business."

"No. No." Catherine stopped her. "You're right, you're absolutely right. It's just after working so hard on something, nothing happened. It was just the same, no progress and I gave up trying, you know?"

Nina nodded.
"I understand what you mean." More than she could explain. "There are somethings you have to give up to move forward and even though I've not heard you sing, Gina has always been true to her word and I'm certain that your kind of gift, shouldn't be pushed aside like that."

Catherine nodded taking that advice to heart.
"Thank you." She smiled.

Nina smiled.

"Look at you two," Gina said and they both turned to her. "Already getting along like I hoped you would."

"Well, it's so easy because Catherine is an amazing company." Nina said.

"Right back at'cha." Catherine said. "I'm just glad you aren't an older male."

Nina and Gina laughed.

Nina was glad to meet Catherine. Her day had been the same old, not that she was complaining, she actually liked it that way. But Catherine had brought something that she didn't know was missing; laughter, joy. She couldn't remember the last time she had a simple meal with Tom that they both enjoyed not because the food was good but because the company was. She had had a few of those with Gina but Catherine was around her age and was easier to relate with while Gina was older and apparently wiser, she got more advice from the woman.

"I'm glad you're back home, honey." Gina said.

"Me too." Catherine smiled but then it disappeared slowly.

"Is there something wrong?" Gina asked.

Catherine snapped out of it and smiled.
"I just have a lot to tell you."

Gina nodded.
"Of course. You finish your food, freshen up and rest. We'll talk later."

Catherine agreed. She was tired from the sleep or lack thereof she had gotten last night. She had lied to Ian; she was up until five in the morning before she slept for a few hours and got ready for her flight.

She sighed.
She was just glad to be home...at last.