Not Letting Go

Chapter 32

As Max backed up from ringing the doorbell, she saw how nervous Kate looked. The freckled girl risked a quick reassuring caress on her back and then put her hand down. The blonde smiled appreciatively, glancing at her for a moment before looking forward again. A few seconds went by and the door opened wide.

Ryan Caulfield appeared alone and said cheerfully, "Girls! You made it. Come in, come in. That's all you have?"

"Yeah, dad. Just staying one night."

"Ah, yeah. I guess so, huh. Well, go ahead and have a seat. Your mother is finishing up with dinner and so I hope you're both hungry." He gave Max a big hug and let her walk in.

"Yeah, I think we're both ready for something," Max said as she stepped inside.

"Good, good. I need to help your mother, so if you'll excuse me, I'll be right back." Before he walked back to the kitchen though, he met Kate at the door to give her a hug as well. While he did so, Ryan whispered, "Thanks for keeping her safe."

Kate smiled and gave a slight nod. After she stepped in, he closed and locked the door. "Just hang out here, or put your things in your room if you like. I assume from what you said before that you two don't mind sleeping in the same room. The air mattress is in there in case you need it. Not sure how you do things exactly, but I wanted to give you options."

Max said, "Thanks, dad. I think we'll check out my room. It's been a while."

"Sure thing, kiddo. Okay, I'll call you down when dinner is ready."

"Thanks, Ryan," Kate said.

"No problem, Kate. Make yourself at home. Forgot your violin at home? Probably best. Vanessa would keep you playing until your fingers fell off."

"I would do what now?" Vanessa said as she walked into the room.

Ryan grinned and said, "Nothing honey. I'll go watch things in there so you can say hello." He darted past her before she could respond.

Vanessa followed him with a playful chastising stare. When he disappeared in the kitchen, she went straight to Max for a firm embrace. "My beautiful child, back home again." As they hugged, she looked past her daughter and noticed Kate quietly waiting a few feet away. She squeezed Max tighter for a moment before kissing the side of her head and then released her. Going over to Kate, she said, "And here with you is your equally beautiful friend. So happy to have you here, Kate, violin or not."

Already feeling shy, Kate turned more bashful at the compliment. She said, "Oh, sorry. I really did just forget-"

"Don't worry about it, Kate. We're just glad to have you stay with us. As far as I'm concerned, you're family, so just make yourself at home and don't worry about any expectations." Vanessa closed the gap and gave the blonde a firm hug. When she let go, the older woman noticed that Kate was tearing up. She moved back toward her and put her hand on the blonde's shoulder. "Kate honey, are you okay?" She turned to Max whose eyes had grown wide and contained additional concern beyond Kate's current distress.

The blonde spoke up and said, "Sorry, no, I'm fine. That just means a lot...being welcomed into your home like that."

"Of course..." Vanessa hugged her again. She did not seem to be completely satisfied with that answer, but didn't pry further.

Max wanted to go to her and comfort her girlfriend, but she held herself back. She did give her a concerned look when she thought her mother wasn't watching and Kate returned her gaze with an expression that told the brunette that she would be okay.

Vanessa gave Kate another glance to check that she was okay. The blonde smiled to reassure her and so the older Caulfield smiled back warmly before stepping back to the kitchen. As she reached the entrance to it, she said, "Dinner will be ready soon, but we'll let you know." She gave a smile and disappeared.