Emerald Cove

Chapter 18

Charlotte's POV

After I finished getting dressed I checked myself several times. Why was I so damn nervous?

I couldn't believe that Katherine was back in my life. I wasn't quite sure how I felt about this. They say that you never forget your first love. She wasn't only my first love, but also my only love. I haven't let myself get close to anyone since her. Yes, I had never really had the time for relationships, but also it seemed like everyone always paled in comparison to her.

I frowned at myself. I really need to get myself together. Inviting her to diner with Colin was a horrible idea. I need to distance myself from her. I cannot just jump back into my feelings for her only to be hurt again. I know now that last time wasn't her fault, but still I needed to make sure that I at least attempted to guard myself.

I found her in her office frowning at her phone. "Bad news?" I asked making her jump and look up at me surprised. She mumbled something about her assistant, but I could tell something was off.

We made our way to the restaurant. I was really looking forward to coming back to the restaurant that I pretty much grew up in.

The second we walked into the restaurant I was pulled into the biggest, tightest hug by an only excited Jessica. We had lost touch over the years, but I still loved her like a sister and clearly she felt the same way.

Once Katherine left, I went into a shell and Colin was the only one able to pull me out of my shell. I shut everyone out, including Jessica out. I hoped that she didn't hate me for it. I was glad that she didn't act any different towards me so far.

"What took you so long?" she asked pulling back and punching me in the arm.

"I'm sorry, Jess. I should have come by sooner. How are you?" I asked.

"I'm... doing ok," she said suddenly looking sad. Tears brimming her eyes. "Sorry. It's daddy. He's not doing well. I've been working here trying to help momma. And now here I am crying and rambling like an idiot. I'm sorry." She tried to turn and go off onto the back but I grab her wrist and pulled her into a hug again.

"Hey... It's ok... If you need anything let me know, sweety," I whispered into her ear hugging her tightly. She nodded her head and mumbled a thanks before heading back into the kitchen. I made eye contact with her mom. She was taking a table's order and so I just gave her a smile and a wave.

I looked around realizing that Katherine hadn't been by my side since we walked in. I spotted her over in a corner booth with Colin and his wife, Sam. Sam is a first grade teacher. She looks the part as much as she is the part. She always wears cotton button up dresses and sandals. She is super petite and next to Colin she looked like a babydoll. She is sort spoken and is probably the sweetest, kindest person I've ever met.

"...  or have you lost your mind?" I could barely make out Katherine saying in a low angry voice to Colin as I walked up.

"Am I interrupting something?" I asked looking between the two.

"Not at all. Please have a seat next to me," Katherine said sliding over in the booth to make room for me.

"So... Charlotte, when do you start at the clinic? I know Dr. Upham is excited about you starting," Sam said bubbly bouncing in her seat as she spoke.