Kiss Me Katie (Complete)

Epilogue - Seven weeks later

Riley

Standing in the foyer of the auditorium at the Crescendo Academy of Performing Arts, one arm wrapped firmly around Katie's waist, I smiled and thanked the parents, students, and staff congratulating us on our final performance in the end-of-semester show. To be honest, I was still reeling from the standing ovation we'd received. My life had turned so many corners in the past ten weeks, and I wouldn't have changed any of it.

Katie had stood between Sean and me at Mum's funeral, propping us up and supporting us through the grieving process. She was the most incredible person I'd ever met. She and Annie had insisted on organising the wake for the few people who'd attended, flitting around and playing the roles of hostesses like they'd been born to it.

Annie, in her usual this-is-way-too-serious-and-you-need-to-cheer-up way, had suggested she and Katie wear cute little maid's outfits. After we'd all cracked up laughing, I'd firmly declined her gracious offer. Although, I have to admit, picturing Katie in one of those outfits as she moved around the room had helped me survive the ordeal.

After everyone had left, Joel, Annie, Katie, Sean and I sat around the kitchen table, chatting and sharing a couple of drinks. I don't know how I'd have survived it without the love and support of the people at that table.

"There's my baby girl. I am so proud of you, honey." Reece Simpson's jovial voice jolted me out of my maudlin thoughts. He pulled Katie in for a hug and then turned to me. "And Riley, nice work son. Although that kiss may have been a bit... well, let's go with long." He winked as he shook my hand. Knowing how much I loved his daughter, and she loved me, he'd welcomed me into the family with open arms... so to speak.

So much had changed since that first awkward weekend at Katie's. Turns out Katie's Mum had been suffering from undiagnosed depression for years. Unbeknownst to Katie, Olivia had been pregnant and miscarried when Katie was just over a year old, and the doctors had told her she couldn't have any more children. Believing herself a failure, she'd made it her life's mission to never fail at anything again. She'd viewed Katie's weight problem as another one of her failures as a mother, and Katie had paid the price.

Anyway, long story short — Olivia was now on medication and the relationship between Katie and her Mum was improving. In fact, Katie and I were spending the two-week break between semesters at their house. Of course, I was staying in the pool-house, but Katie had mastered the art of sneaking in and out of the house.

Joel nudged my shoulder as he slunk up beside me. "So... this being a 'celebrity' thing has its rewards. I've never had so many hot girls interested in getting-to-know-me-better." But no matter what words were coming out of his mouth, he couldn't hide the fact he only had eyes for Annie. Who, I couldn't help noticing, was currently standing very close to Mikey Everett, looking up into his eyes and giggling at something he'd said. I almost cracked up laughing when, just as I was about to look away, I caught her sneaking a glance at Joel.

These two were totally hopeless.

A pair of arms slipped around my waist from behind, followed by a warm sexy voice in my ear. "Ummm... you ready to get out of here? I believe there's a lounge in the Year Eleven common room with our name on it."

I spun around and pulled her against me. "Hell yeah. But I think it might be best if we sneak away. I am so not waiting for all the long-winded goodbyes."

She giggled. "Well, Dad's already gone, so I think we might get away with it. Maybe if we leave separately? So it looks like we're just going to the bathroom?"

"Fine. I'll give you a two-minute head-start."

"Make it one minute." She winked, giggling as she turned and – knowing I'd be watching her -- swung her sexy behind all the way to the stairs.

She was so gorgeous...

... and smart,

... and feisty

... and funny

and mine.

Stuff it, a minute was way too long to wait. I needed to wrap my girl in my arms and kiss her, long and slow, right now!

To use an old cliché... I couldn't wait another minute...

The End