ISAAC MORANO

**11**

Chapter Eleven- A Quiet Outting

Emma and Katie arrived at Catherine's house, their excitement palpable as they plotted the perfect girls' day. The sun streamed through the windows, illuminating the cozy space. Katie knocked on the door, her voice cheerful as she called out, "Aunt Cathy! Surprise!"

Catherine, still in her pajamas, opened the door with a sleep-fogged smile. "What are you two doing here?"

"We're here to whisk you away for a day of fun!" Emma declared, holding up a bag filled with snacks and beauty products.

Catherine laughed, a warm feeling spreading in her chest. "You didn't have to. I was planning on catching up on sleep!"

Katie pouted playfully. "No way! We're getting you out of this house, even if it's just for a little while. We'll have a spa day, watch movies, whatever you want!"

Catherine hesitated for a moment, glancing back at her unmade bed, but the idea of spending quality time with her favorite girls was tempting. "Okay, you win! Let me just change."

As Catherine quickly freshened up, Emma and Katie set up a cozy corner in the living room, laying out blankets and pillows. They pulled out the snacks and placed them on the coffee table, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Once she was dressed, Catherine joined them, feeling the weight of her exhaustion lift slightly with their infectious energy. "Alright, what's first?"

"Facials!" Katie exclaimed, pulling out a collection of face masks. "Then we can binge-watch our favorite shows!"

Catherine laughed, feeling grateful for their spontaneity. "Sounds perfect. Let's do it!"

As they settled in, the room filled with laughter and chatter, the stress of the week fading away. In that moment, surrounded by her loved ones, Catherine felt truly at peace.

"Is there anyone special in your life?" Emma asked casually, trying to gauge Catherine's feelings without hinting at the man who had been on her mind.

Catherine shook her head, replying with a simple, "No." But Emma, ever the romantic, was determined to lighten the mood. "Honestly, I don't think I'm suitable for relationships," Catherine continued, eating her ice cream.

Emma raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk creeping onto her face. "Come on, Cathy! You're a catch! A talented doctor and an amazing person—who wouldn't want to date you?"

Catherine shrugged, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Maybe, but my life is just too chaotic right now. I barely have time to take care of myself, let alone someone else."

Katie chimed in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "What if someone special just happens to waltz into your life when you least expect it? You know, like in the movies?"

Catherine rolled her eyes, chuckling. "You two watch too many rom-coms. Life isn't that simple."

"Maybe it could be!" Emma countered, leaning in. "You never know what's around the corner. Besides, it might be nice to have someone to lean on after those long shifts."

Catherine considered this for a moment, her thoughts drifting back to Isaac's unexpected kindness and the way he had looked at her. But she quickly shook it off, focusing on the fun in front of her. "Let's just enjoy our girls' day, okay? No relationship talk."

Emma and Katie exchanged glances but nodded, ready to shift the conversation. "Alright, how about a movie marathon instead?" Katie suggested, grabbing the remote.

As they settled in, the mood lightened, laughter filling the room as they indulged in their ice cream and favorite shows. For now, Catherine was content, surrounded by friends who made her feel like everything would be okay.