Emerald Cove

Chapter 19

Katherine's POV

You know that felling that you get when you know you forgot something, but you can't seem to remember what it is. I woke up this morning with that feeling and I've had it all day long.

Don't get me wrong. I really enjoyed spending time with Charlotte. However, now on the drive home the feeling is almost overwhelming. Being around her was so easy. I feel like I always have to be guarded. I always have to pretend to be the person that everyone else wants me to be, but with her it is different. Sometimes I almost feel naked in front of her. Like she can see all of my emotions, hopes, dreams, fears. I've never experienced anything like this before.

As I pulled back up at our house I felt like I was hit with a ton of bricks. I didn't forget something. No, it was much worse. I forgot someone and that a particular someone was coming over 2 hours ago. She was going to be royally pissed. I messed up.

When I saw Gina's red sport car in the drive I groaned. I was mad. Mainly at myself. Gina was incredible and I was lucky to have her. However, if I kept neglecting her I wouldn't have her for much longer and I knew it.

As soon as I opened the front door my eyes met the eyes of the fiery red head standing in my living room drinking a glass of wine.

"Gina," I exclaimed wrapping her into a big hug. "I've missed you." I kissed her cheek and stood back taking in her rigid frame and light eyes. She was upset and her eyes held a mixture of confusion, hurt, and anger.

"I thought you forgot about me. I tried to call you, but it was going straight to voicemail... I was worried," she said and then spotted Charlotte over my shoulder. "Oh... Hello. I don't believe we've met. I'm Gina, Kathie's girlfriend, and you are?"

"How rude of me. I forgot to introduce you. Gina, this is Charlotte. Charlotte was my bestfriend in highschool and recently moved back here. I told her I have all of this extra space so she's staying here. Charlotte, this is Gina, my girlfriend." I said trying to ease the growing tension in the room.

"It's nice to meet you," Charlotte said almost shyly shaking Gina's hand.

"Likewise. At least now I know why my girlfriend has been ignoring me today. She was spending time with a stunningly beautiful woman," Gina said glaring at me and making Charlotte blush.

"My phone died, Gina. We were out on the boat and I didn't have a charger with me," I said giving Charlotte a sympathetic smile.

"Alright. Well go shower. I'm ordering in Chinese and screen outside is all setup for movie night. Charlotte, what would you like from the Chinese restaurant?" Gina said.

"Oh... I don't want to intrude..." Charlotte mumbled.

"Nonsense. I want to get to know someone from my girlfriend's past. She's so secretive. You are the first person she's introduced me to. I was starting to think she was ashamed of me and trying to hide me away," Gina said and with that Charlotte told her what she wanted and we both headed to go get showers.

Gina was abrasive and straight forward. She was the type of girl who always got what she wanted. The authority that she carries herself with is one of the things that first attracted me to her. She also commands the attention of a room. She intimedates most people, but not me. I liked the challenge that she presents.