Resilient (Rebound Book 2) Read online

  Katrine closed her eyes…Singing and dancing with her sister, it took her back. She could have been in the bedroom they shared as kids. Standing on their beds, with stuffed animals in every corner, they would sing into any object that resembled a microphone. Katrine personally preferred the hitchhiker method, all fingers in a fist with just the thumb out as the mic. There wasn’t a care in the world, except whose turn it was to be the lead singer.

  Katrine twirled with her arms spread out wide. As she spun, she smiled. It was one of those wide, full hearted smiles that only accompany moments of pure happiness. And she could never have too many of those.

  “Baby, wake up.”

  Nothing.

  “Baby…wake uuu-uup!”

  “No, Momma. Please, five more minutes.”

  “I already gave you five minutes. If you don’t get up, we’re going to be late,” Katrine said to a pile of covers, no body parts in sight. Several minutes later there was still no movement and she was no closer to getting her little man out of bed.

  “Okay, you leave me no choice. You want to play it this way, you asked for it.”

  Katrine went over and turned on the big light then started to sing ‘Good Morning’ from Singing in the Rain, very loudly and slightly off key. She didn’t know all of the words, so she just kept repeating the good morning part over and over.

  “Mom, please, no!” he grumbled from his comforter cocoon.

  She continued her serenade and yanked the covers off, revealing a turtle-like object in the center of the bed, trying, but failing, to keep the light at bay.

  “Okay, Mom, I’m up. Please, for the love of Santa, stop singing!”

  “You left me no choice, sweetie,” she said as she peppered his sweaty head with kisses. “You have soccer practice today after school and swimming before, so let’s move it, mister!”

  Everyday she had to coax, beg, and cajole to get Teddy out of bed. But she’d rather that than him not be here in the morning. Although the alone time with her coffee cup was nice, the mornings he was over at his dad’s were still a little sad. So she would take coercion and show-tunes any day of the week.

  Miraculously they left the house on time.

  “Have a wonderful day, sweet boy. I love you.”

  “I love you too, Momma. Have a good day, too. See ya later.”

  She watched him walk toward the school, greeting friends on the way in. She smiled and drove away.

  “That there is the sweetest kid on the planet.”

  Today she didn’t have class, so she was headed to the office. She greeted the security guard and took the elevator to the fourth floor. While inside, Katrine smoothed the front of her charcoal gray sweater dress she wore with knee high black leather boots.

  “Hey, Katrine, how ya doing today?”

  “Good, Jaimie, and you?” Katrine said as she passed the front desk

  “Oh, can’t complain, but you know I always find a way,” she said as she applied her pink lip gloss. Katrine laughed and shook her head. Jaimie was a young attractive blonde. She was also the town crier of the office. So if someone wanted to keep anything secret they made damn sure not to tell her. That was easier said than done. It was like the receptionists were the special agents of the company. They seemed to know everything about everyone.

  Her co-workers were energetic, a little nutty, and creative; she fit right in. They welcomed her with open arms and she had grown to love this place. She hoped to stay here as long as they would let her. Everyone had different titles and responsibilities, but it truly was a collaborative environment.

  The head of their division and director of their crazy crew was Nancy Varona. She was a tall formidable woman with a “don’t screw with me” attitude. Katrine loved her and had learned so much from her already. She waved at Nancy as she passed her large windowed office, making her way over to her desk, which was in a cock pit of low walled cubicles. There was tons of light and lots of bright artwork on the wall. Nancy thought that color kept the creative brain working. Brad Teel was the VP that oversaw the entire floor. He had a corner office and he was always in meetings with the big whigs or out of town. Katrine didn’t interact with him much. She saw Hal even less, but when she did, he seemed genuinely glad to see her.

  Ten people made up Katrine’s group, which was managed by Grant Hobart. There were three other marketing divisions, thirty-five people in all, but the floor was large enough to house them, the environmental compliance team, and PR. Marketing worked closely with both, depending on the project, and with the cocky all male sales team which was housed on the fifth floor. One big family, an albeit intense, and at times, dysfunctional family.

  Katrine took her seat and greeted her neighbors as she booted up her computer. She had three meetings today so it was going to be busy. That ended up being a good thing because before she knew it, it was quitting time. She loved when that happened.

  “Hey, Katrine, you want to go to Soapy’s with us for some drinks?”

  “Thanks, Darren, but I have to take a pass. I have to pick up Teddy from practice. Next time, okay?”

  “Sure thing, see you tomorrow.”

  “Okay, I’ll be in after class.”

  After class and coffee with a collegiate cutie.

  “Oh yeah, you’re a college girl now,” said Nancy, an older ebony-skinned beauty from her team who had joined the conversation.

  “Yes, and I’m like second to oldest in my class. I should have taken night courses with the other old folks, but then I wouldn’t get to hang out with my mini man. I can’t cut into any time with him.”

  “You’re lucky we love you so much or you would get shit for working less than the rest of us minions,” Darren teased.

  “I know how lucky I am, trust me! You guys drink a few for me.” They said their goodbyes as she got her things together. If she hustled she could catch the last part of Teddy’s practice.

  After she tucked Teddy into bed, Katrine made a cup of tea. As she waited for it to steep, her phone rang. She smiled when the name popped up on her screen.

  “Hey, there,” she said.

  “Hey, I’m so sorry I’m just now calling you. I was swamped with a new project at work. You were on my mind all day, though. How was your first day of grad school?”

  “Oh, that’s sweet, it was really good. I only have two classes. I figured with work and Teddy, I needed to feel it all out. I like my marketing class. The professor seems to have a personality, which is nice, and the people in my group seem friendly. I had to put one jack-hole in his place, but I don’t think he’ll be a problem.”

  She wasn’t sure why she didn’t tell him about Hayden. For some reason it just felt wrong. Things had been different lately, at least for her. She found herself thinking about him throughout the day and anticipating their next hang out session. Now every time he hugged her or touched her in some way, which he always did, she felt it…really felt it. That happens with all friends, right?

  “I have an economics class on Thursday, so that should be as fun as watching paint dry, but what can you do?”

  “I can’t disagree. I’d rather do nude water aerobics with senior citizens than take economics again.”

  “Oh my god, I just got a mental picture, that’s a lot of saggy boobs floating in the water.”

  “Well, saggy mammaries aside, I’m glad you liked school. Not that I’m surprised. I knew you’d fit right in. One reason for my call was to see how your first day of school went and the other was to see what you wanted to do for the big day.”

  “The big day?”

  “Yes, someone is about to have a birthday.”

  “Oh, that,” she said with minimal enthusiasm.

  “Yes, that, and don’t get that tone. Age is just a number and you make that number look beautiful.”

  “You’re hanging out with Tristan too much. You’re starting to sound like a gusband.”

  “A what?”

  “Gay husband—oh never mind. I’m not planni
ng on anything special, just maybe dinner with my dearest friends, so of course that includes you. It’s weeks away, so I haven’t really thought about it.”

  “Oh thank you, I’ve finally cracked the top ten list. Not sure what I think about that whole gusband thing. Next time I see you I’m going to slap you around and grab my dick a lot.” That made her laugh. “Okay, my sweet, I’m going to hit it. I have to be in the office by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow.”

  “Ouch. Thanks for calling and hopefully I’ll see you later this week.”

  “Good. I miss you when you stay away too long. Goodnight, Katrine.”

  “Night, Ian.”

  She hung up and sighed. He was so thoughtful. Having his friendship again was more than wonderful. It took some groveling, but once he forgave her for all of that Xander drama, he’d become a staple in her life. A day rarely went by without them talking to each other. She smiled and put her now ice cold tea in the microwave. There was just enough time to read a few chapters of her book before she hit the sack.

  Chapter 3

  Class was halfway finished and they had made good use of the time. Katrine was pleased with the progress her group had made. They were able to decide on a product and assigned duties to each team member. They still hadn’t agreed on a company name, but they could figure that out later. Professor Darwin took to the podium and Katrine took out her notes. Most of the students had laptops, including Mila and Hayden, but not Katrine, she was old school with her black pen and red spiral notebook. It was what she was comfortable with.

  Not helping old lady image, will make sure to take my abacus to econ to solidify status.

  As everyone packed up their belongings, Hayden leaned towards Katrine and said in a low voice, “You haven’t changed your mind about having coffee with me, have you?” He smelled really nice, a mix of mild cologne and cold wind.

  She grinned and stuffed her things into her bag. “No, I haven’t changed my mind,” she said without looking up.

  “Good. I’ve been looking forward to it all week.”

  Once they could casually break away from the rest of the group, they made their way to the coffee house on the north side of campus. It wasn’t a long walk, which was good because it was frigid. She ordered a regular coffee, two creams. No mocha-choco latte nonsense for her. Katrine was a purist when it came to java. If she was going to ingest 500 calories in liquid form it was going to be a margarita. He ordered a white chocolate something or other, but she wouldn’t hold it against him.

  “Soooo, now what?” Katrine teased as she took a seat in a velvety overstuffed chair.

  He chuckled. “Now we get to know each other a little better, how does that sound?”

  “Well, I guess that’s okay, but I’m going to need the Cliff’s Notes version because I have to get to work.” She grinned.

  “Wow, now that’s pressure. Let’s see…I’m a Taurus. I like long walks at sunset. I love babies and puppies. Oh, oh, and I build houses for the homeless. That’s me in a nutshell.”

  “You totally wasted five minutes being a smart-ass…Well done.”

  “Really, I just wanted to hang out with you. You seem like a cool person, I’m a cool person. You’re hot as hell and I’m hot as hell, it just seemed like an obvious pairing.” He smirked.

  “Okay, so serious conversation is out of the question, that’s okay with me. I rate sarcastic sensibilities right up there with long walks at sunset and philanthropic endeavors.” Hayden had a great sense of humor and they bantered back and forth with ease. She got the impression he was a trust fund baby, but he didn’t come off entitled or snobby. He seemed to have a kind nature and a good head on his shoulders. Despite these attributes, Katrine could tell that he was going to be in the friend category by the time they made their way back to her car. He was handsome and fun, but younger and he acted as much. But flirting and enjoying the view were definitely still on the table.

  “Thank you for the coffee, Hayden. It was nice getting to know you a little better. You’ll definitely make class more enjoyable.”

  “I had a great time, too. Maybe we could do it again sometime?”

  “Sure, I’d like that.” She gave him a quick hug and got into her car.

  Teddy was out to eat with David tonight so Katrine didn’t go straight home after work. She pulled up in front of a red brick bungalow style house with two huge trees flanking the sidewalk. After ringing the doorbell and receiving no answer, she made her way around to the side gate. She knew he was home, his car was in the driveway. As she approached the fence, she heard the soft strumming of a guitar followed by a rich baritone. She smiled and decided to stay where she was, a silent voyeur at a private concert. He was by the pool in front of a small fire pit, head down in concentration. She was frozen in place for a few moments and felt gentle rumblings in her stomach. That had been happening more and more often in his presence.

  “Damn it,” she said under her breath.

  What the hell, Katrine?

  She opened the gate as quietly as she could so not to disturb him, but the fiendish creaking of the black hinge gave her away. He stopped and looked over as she walked around the small pool. The whirring sound of the water was low and soothing.

  “Sorry to sneak up on you like that, but there was no answer when I rang the door bell.”

  “Hey, what a nice surprise. Come on in,” Ian said, patting the spot beside him as he set his guitar down. Katrine took a seat on the cold stone, thankful she wore wool fitted pants and her riding boots. He hugged her and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.

  “That was really nice, Ian. I didn’t know you played.” She smiled, becoming shy for some reason.

  Why are you being weird?

  It’s just a guitar…A hot guy, who is just your friend, playing a guitar.

  “Yes, well, if my career as an architect craps out, I always have my mediocre musical talent to fall back on.” Half of his mouth pulled up into a sly grin. He was wearing a red hoodie and his curls were slightly askew. He ran his hand through them a few times in an attempt to get them back under control.

  “Well, I thought it was great and you have a beautiful voice,” she said, softly tugging at a string on a frayed piece of his jeans. “Well, sorry to barge in, but I was on my way home from work and I felt like coming over to see you,” she said with more gusto.

  “Never apologize for that. You are welcome anytime, announced or otherwise. I’m sorry I didn’t hear the door. And I didn’t hear Ruby bark either… huh.” With that he got up and went into the house. After about five minutes he came back outside, followed by a red-headed companion.

  “Poor old girl, she doesn’t hear very well anymore,” Ian said with love in his voice as he stroked the ears of his very large Irish Setter.

  “Hey there, Ruby. Did your mean ole daddy wake you up?” Katrine nuzzled the soft warm fur of Ian’s four-legged confidant. She got a lick on the side of her cheek in response.

  “Ruby, no licks. Sorry about that.”

  “I don’t mind. Really I don’t, she’s so sweet. I just love her, so she can lick me anytime.” Katrine smiled over at Ian.

  Ian cleared his throat. “Do you want something to drink? I have that cab you liked last time you were over.”

  “That sounds perfect. Can we have it out here?”

  “Of course we can. I’ll be right back.” Ruby faithfully followed Ian back inside. Ian had remodeled the entire house himself. It had hand-etched dark wood floors, oiled-rubbed bronze fixtures in the bathrooms. Stainless steel appliances in his modern kitchen. Landscape prints, he had taken himself covered the walls. The decor was simple and precise. Katrine loved it.

  She took the glass from his hand. “Thank you.”

  “You, are most welcome. So how was your day?”

  “It was good. Class went well and work was fine.” She omitted the little detail about her coffee date. Why? Jury was still out on that one.

  “So, Charlie’s having an anniversary party at her hous
e Saturday and I wanted to know if you wanted to go with me. She wanted me to invite you and it would be nice to ride together.”

  “This Saturday?” he asked and Katrine nodded. “I actually have a date this Saturday, I’m sorry. I wish I would have known sooner.”

  Wha-wha-what?

  “Sorry, I meant to ask you last week, but I guess I waited too long.” There was double meaning in that statement.

  “I didn’t know you were dating. Who’s the lucky girl?” Her voice sounded too bright and forced to her ears.

  Why does that bother me so bad? Is he just supposed to wait around in case I want him to go somewhere with me?

  Well, kind of.

  “I was going to tell you about her, but I didn’t want to bring it up until I knew if we were going to keep seeing each other, to be honest. My boss set me up with his niece. Her name is Amber and she’s an interior designer. We’ve gone out a handful of times. I like her.” He stopped, like he was gauging her reaction. She kept her face neutral with an accepting smile on her face. It was all bullshit, of course.

  He really likes her? I hate her already and Amber is a total stripper name.

  She better treat him right or I will cut a bitch.

  “That’s great, Ian, you deserve to be with someone nice. Why don’t you bring her to the party? I can catch a ride with Jane and Marcus.”

  What! What are you doing? Don’t invite them to the party, you dumb ass.

  Please say no, please say no, please say no.

  “I’ll ask her. That sounds like fun.”

  Katrine was smiling on the outside, but on the inside she felt like stabbing herself in the stomach, samurai style.

  “Okay, great, I look forward to meeting her.”

  The way I would look forward to getting my cooch curls pulled out with pliers.