Revival (Johanna's story with Luke Hemmings)

Chapter 11

11.
"So how was your weekend - how was the concert?" I ask Kat enthusiastically, as she sits herself down on a stool at the breakfast bar. We always seem to end up talking in the kitchen, often while I'm making something. I haven't been home from work long today and can't really see myself being bothered to cook much tonight though. Kat looks rather tired, and I'm not sure if that's a good or a bad sign.

"Yeah it was alright. Kind of made me feel a bit old... which sucked. It was pretty loud and metally." She yawns and then takes another bite of biscuit.

"You feeling old? Can you not handle the pace anymore? I tease her.

"Oh I don't know, I just feel like I've been there and done that. We have a lot more fun when it's just the two of us..."

"I'll bet you do" I interject cheekily.

She tilts her head slightly to the side in a feeble acknowledgement before continuing, "His friends are just a bit young and dumb I guess."

"Aha ...well you don't have to hang out with them that much do you? How old is he?" I cautiously add.

"Uh, he's thirty-two. He just doesn't always seem it." She starts to stare off dreamily.

I never thought Kat would have an issue with a guy lacking maturity. She really is the ultimate 'good-time girl', not that I mean to judge her harshly, I just know how and why she is the way she is. To get to thirty-four without ever really making a commitment to anyone has to say something.

"What, is there trouble in paradise already?" I say more seriously.

She sighs, "I don't think so, - no, I just really want things to work out this time. I'm actually sick of moving from one guy to the next. I figure maybe if I can stick with one long enough I might be able to mould him into what I want."

"Oh my god, what have you done with Kat? I tease her again, then add more seriously, "You do know that you can't train men don't you? What you see is what you get."

"I guess I just have to stop being so picky then," she seems resigned.

"What's the sudden rush to find a keeper? - it's never bothered you before."

"Uh I don't know, I'm just not getting any younger you know." She has clearly had enough of the topic, when she rubs her eyes and looks up again. "What did you do in the weekend?"

"I helped Steph, from work, move ...and then I had a game of squash on Saturday..." I'm not sure how much I want to tell Kat. I don't want her making a huge deal of it, but then I know she would be put out if things went too far without me even saying anything. Rightly so I guess, when she has been a part of everything else.

"Without me" she fakes a pout. "We're meant to be staying at the same level. Who'd you play with?"

"The mechanic who picked me up on Saturday." Just be cool about it Kat I say to her in my head.

"Ooh really? That's so great." She puts her hand out on top of one of mine. "I'm really glad you feel ready to do that kind of thing - even if it is only as friends, or whatever" and she checks my face.

I don't think people usually have electricity pulsing through their bodies when they hang out with their friends, a voice in my head contributes. "Thanks" I say, looking away quickly. I hesitate and then start mumbling, "You don't think it's too soon. He's really young..."

"Oh for heaven's sake Jo, don't start talking yourself out of this already. If it feels right, do it." (This is a motto I have heard from her before). "Everyone will probably seem young after Matt anyway - he was twelve years older than you. Just enjoy it" she smiles.