In Dreams She Came

Chapter 10: I Spy

Josh retrieved his coat in silence. He kept looking at Mari as if he had something to say but no words came.

"Stay safe," Mari said finally. "Don't do anything stupid."

"Oh," Josh said with a hint of disappointment, "you're not coming?"

A small smile crept it's way slowly onto Mari's lips. "Fine. I'll go. You don't need to beg," she teased.

"God," Josh thought to himself. "She looks gorgeous."

"Right," he said aloud softly and hurried over to the door.

Mari followed closely behind. "How far away does this guy live?"

"About ten minutes out of the city," Josh shrugged. "We can take my car."

"Alright," Mari smiled.

"It'a a pretty girl- pretty good car," Josh stammered. "I can pull it up for you if you want, or we can walk to the garage. Your choice."

Mariah blushed. "It'll be faster if we just walk together."

Josh felt around his pockets for his car keys and frowned. "You see a pair of kiss anywhere?" He asked, checking under the table. "Keys. I meant keys. Sorry, I can't speak today."

Mari blushed a deeper shade of pink and tossed him a set of keys. "You left them on the couch."

"Of course I did," Josh grumbled. "I'm a useless idiot." He opened the door and let Mari out, attempting to remain calm as her hand lightly brushed his as he locked it and handed her the house key. "Don't linger, you freak," he scolded himself internally. "What's wrong with you?!"

"This way," he muttered coarsely.

"Catherine was right. He totally likes me," Mari thought with a big smile. She asked aloud, "So, the man we're going to see is Mel's father?

"Yes."

Mari nodded slowly, shoving her hands in her pockets. "I hope Catherine's okay."

"They're probably kissing again," Josh muttered bitterly. "It's pathetic."

"Oh, come on," Mariah laughed. "They're adorable."

"I guess I have to stop comparing her to Mel," Josh sighed.

"Yeah, that might be a good idea."

—————

Matt and Catherine sat on the bed as tears streamed down the former's cheeks.

"Everything's going to be alright," Cath comforted, holding him tightly. "I promise."

"Has he gone?"

"Josh? I heard him leave about ten minutes ago with Mari," Catherine shrugged. "Don't worry yourself with that now, Sweetheart."

"What did I ever do to deserve you?"

"You were kind and loving," Cath smiled. "Thank you."

"You're more than I ever could have asked for," Matt said softly, hugging her tightly.

"You're perfect," Catherine said, kissing his cheek. "I don't want you to think otherwise."

"Thank you," Matt mumbled, "for everything. If I had to fall in love again, I'm glad it was with you."

"I'm glad too," Cath beamed. "I love you more than life itself."

"You are my life."

"What have you done to me, Matthew Collins?" Catherine laughed softly.