Don't Call Me Cat!

Chapter 6: That's my ex!

Well, that's the end of the Easter holidays and I'm more exhausted now than ever. Back to work today, so I thought I'd post this latest chapter in the Catherine Jones saga. The last time we saw her, she was outside Barney's with Shannon and his motorbike. Hope you enjoy reading. Please feel free to vote and comment. Let me know your thoughts. Always love to hear from you all xoxoxxo

The throb of the engine and the warmth of his body was seriously forcing me to rethink my cut and run instinct from earlier.

I hoped I wasn't clinging on too tight but I could sense I probably wasn't the first biker virgin to have grabbed hold of him like this before.

Anyway, I was enjoying it for what it was: a free ride to work and a chance to hitch a lift on this amazing bike.

Shannon navigated his way skilfully through the Fairfax rush hour, getting me to the studio in record time. But I hated to admit, it ended all too soon.

He killed the engine and laughed to see me still with my arms wrapped around him.

"You can let go now Catherine or have you really changed your mind that much about me," he teased watching my cheeks flush as I realized I'd been completely lost in my little daydream world.

"Wishful thinking Shannon!" I removed my helmet, shaking loose my hair. "But thanks for the lift. It was fun." I smiled, not wanting to seem too ungrateful.

"Well, I'll see you tonight anyway, won't I?" he asked, more a reminder than anything else.

But before I could answer, he leaned over and whispered: "I think you'd better get a move on. There's someone outside your studio watching us. And he looks pretty pissed if you ask me."

I turned around real quick and couldn't suppress the groan that escaped my lips. After an almost perfect start to a busy day, the ex from hell turns up. A familiar knot of tension balled in my stomach. After our last screaming match, I'd hoped never to set eyes on Christian again.

But shit happens. He was looking daggers at me, obviously totally pissed at seeing me with another man. Now, don't ask what made me do it but I leaned over and kissed Shannon on the cheek.

"Don't read too much into that," I breathed into his ear. "That's my ex. I don't know what he wants but we didn't part on the best of terms." 

"Do you want me to stay here for a minute?" he asked, eyeing up the competition.

"Truthfully? I don't know. Maybe for a minute?" I gave him a wry smile.

Christian was in his mid-40s, a good 10 years older than me, and what my parents would call perfect marriage material. He was a partner at a legal firm downtown, had more money than sense and an ego to match.

It was a while ago but I remembered being dragged along to this glitzy party. It was the last place on earth I wanted to be but a few glasses of Champagne later and I'd been introduced to Christian.

It was such a weak point in my life. 

Now, here he was, stood on the sidewalk dressed in his expensive shirt, tie, and immaculate suit. The exact opposite of Shannon in his leathers, I noted.

"Christian!" I walked over, determined to take control of the situation. "What brings you all the way out to Fairfax?" It was obvious but I was playing it cool.

"Don't act like a child Catherine, you know damn well why I'm here." His eyes drifted over to Shannon. "You don't think I'd come all the way over here to stand outside this damned studio for nothing did you?" 

"And you can tell Mr Bodyguard over there to take a ride as far away from here as possible.

"I honestly thought you had more taste, Catherine," he said, brushing off some imaginary dirt from the front of his suit.

Those words ignited a fire deep inside of me. When I was younger, my parents regularly said this sort of thing when I brought boys home who didn't meet their exacting standards.

I dug my nails hard into my palms. "Christian you're so full of shit, just leave me alone will you." My voice was calm but carried that don't fuck with me undertone I was well known for. I planted my palm on his chest and shoved him aside. 

"This isn't the time or place for confrontation, so take your pristine suit back downtown before I do something I regret."

I searched inside my tote, desperately wishing I'd picked out my keys before picking a fight.

Christian just stood there watching and smirking. "You know, I could have had my pick of girls at that party. Just my luck I chose one of life's losers Catherine," he mocked, before turning to walk away.

Those words merely fanned the flames of the fire he'd ignited only moments ago.  

Shannon was sitting astride his bike, lighting a cigarette, and watching the drama unfold. Hell, I desperately wanted to retain some form of dignity but my anger was at tipping point.

I took a deep breath. "You know what Christian! Go find yourself a sweet, brainless Hollywood wife, who'll cook, clean, and fuck you senseless. I'll consider this my lucky escape."

He turned to face me as I reached into my bag again, this time my hands closing around my water bottle. Without thinking, my fingers unscrewed the cap and with one sudden movement, I showered him with water. The look of shock on his face was priceless and the sight of his suit covered in damp patches made me laugh out loud.

"Fuck you, Catherine!" He frantically wiped the lapels of his jacket with his cuffs but just kept making things worse.

"I can assure you I won't be fucking you anytime soon Christian. Don't ever come near me again."  My blood was boiling. "In fact, don't ever try to contact me again. I just wish I hadn't wasted that water. You're not worth it!"

I walked back over to Shannon who was looking mildly amused.  He stubbed out his cigarette, barely able to conceal the slight upturn of his lips. "That's quite a scene you made there," he grinned.

"I don't make a habit of this. I can't believe he'd even think of coming out here," I whispered. I was furious that I'd let him get under my skin again. He didn't need to try, he just had that effect on me.

"Well, things aren't over just yet. Watch out." Shannon moved in front of me to confront Christian. "Back down," he warned, holding out his arm. "I think Catherine's made her feelings clear. Just leave her alone."

"It's OK Shannon, I can fight my own battles. Christian, we're finished. It's over. Go back to your office and leave me alone."

"You heard the lady. Scoot!" Shannon gave him a gentle shove.

I swallowed hard and stood my ground. "Christian, before you go ..."

I reached into the depths of my bag and pulled out a small, ornate box with a red ribbon wrapped around it. I held it in the palm of my hand.

"Take it, Christian. I presume that's what you came here for.

I tossed the boxed ring at him, smiling as he struggled to catch it.

"It's unopened. I'm sure there's some sad woman out there who'll agree to marry you.

"Thankfully, it's not me!"