Second chances Book 5/6

Chapter 13

When her phone rings, Kate stops absolutely everything she's doing, rushing into the driveway to retrieve her car keys, and starting her Audi SUV with a roar of engine, racing out of her house, racing the distance between her home and the hospital as if she were participating in the Indianapolis 500.

Parking with her tires screeching, Kate runs out, retrieving her gifts from the trunk, happy to be in sneakers. Searching through the billboards, she does her best not to run, but walks at a brisk pace earning her a gold medal in a brisk walking competition. Not having the patience to wait for the elevator, she climbs the stairs two by two until she reaches the desired floor and pushes open the door, slowing down, catching her breath.

"Hello, I'm coming to see my sister, Shanna...

— Your other sisters are right over there," smiled the nurse.

Kate turns her head, looking at the girls, faces pressed against the window.

"We're a big family, we've all been adopted," Kate explains, waving to the group.

Picking up her packages, Kate runs over to them and throws herself into the girls' arms, kissing them before they show her Shanna and Sean's baby.

"Awwwwww she is so cute!" exclaims Kate. "She's adorable!

"Hi, girls," said Sean behind them. "Come, Shanna is waiting for you."

Kate chats in the hallway with Kara and Bethany, leaving Abigail and Tilly to see Shanna and the baby first. Entering when the other two leave, Kate stays behind, not being intimate with Shanna like Bethany and Kara are. Bethany can't help but annoy Shanna before hugging her tenderly and kissing her, promising to always watch over little Caity.

"Kate! Shanna greets her. "Thank you for coming, it's really nice.

— I didn't want to miss that. A baby ! I don't really get to see it in my relationships. Bethany is right, she's gorgeous, just like you. I'm going to leave you, I have an appointment with my producer, but I brought you a few things.

— Thank you for coming, it touches me," cries softly Shanna, holding out her hand.

"Please. Shanna... My offer still stands, long term. If you need anything, call me, it's sincere, from one friend to another.

— Thank you, Kate," answers Sean for her, Shanna is emotional, tears streaming down her cheeks as she watches her exit the bedroom, hugging Abigail and Bethany for a long time.

Leaving the bedroom, Kate hugs Abigail and Tilly, all three crying with joy.

"I'm late, I have an appointment with my producer and I see that I'm dressed smartly," laughs Kate, nervous. "Keep me posted on... anything. I have to go."

Greeting everyone, Kate walks away, crying softly. Seeing this baby makes her realize that this is a happiness she will never know. That her baby will have another reality, she just has to get there. Setting off, she heads for the studio, slipping her USB key into the slot and listening to herself via her center console. Before telling Kris that she's coming to the parking lot. In her usual studio, she plays what she has produced so far, explaining the concept of her album, where she wants to go. She talks about the texts she has so far. The producer listens to the songs again before giving his final agreement, seeing the future success. Kate has never disappointed him and, like her, he sees the enormous potential of the future album. Accompanying Kris to her office, she reminds her of her obligations, including an interview and a photo shoot, which Kate had completely forgotten.

"I see that," laughs Kris. "It's not for a sports or urban fashion magazine.

— Shit! I won't be there in time. Hold on!" she said, tapping on her phone. "Reuben? Hello, this is Kate. Can you save my life? I have a photo shoot that I had completely forgotten, I don't have time to go back to... do you have one? I love you Reuben. If you were single, I would ask you to marry me. Yes, I know, I'm a woman", laughs Kate. "I'm serious, I love you, Ruben. I'm coming." Saved! she said, hanging up. "I just hope it'll be fine on me. Let's go?"