Page 97 of The Fallen Man

“Katie!”

“I know. I just didn’t want him to stop. And I think maybe…” She blinked back tears, feeling unexpectedly emotional. “I thinkmaybe… I… really…”

“You’re kind of in love with him?” suggested Jessica.

Caitlin blinked away tears and nodded.

Jessica hugged her. “I know, baby, and it’s going to be OK.”

“Is it?” asked Caitlin. “Because I’m really scared.”

Jessica sighed and hugged her tighter. “Do you think maybe, just maybe, he likes you back?”

“He asked me to go to dinner tonight,” whispered Caitlin.

Jessica shrieked and jerked back to look in her face. “You couldn’t lead with that? That’s a date. He’s taking you on a date.”

“Is it? He didn’t say it was a date. He said he was tired of take-out and he’d pick me up after I’m done here.”

Jessica gave her a look. “It’s a date, sweetie. He’s taking you out in public. For non-sex related activities.”

“Oh. I hope there’s sex later,” said Caitlin. “I like the sex.”

Jessica rolled her eyes. “Considering the way you two fornicate like bunnies, I’m positive there will be sex. I’m just saying, this is a very relationship-y step.”

“Yay?”

“Stop looking terrified. You’re going to love it.”

“Am I?”

“Yes. You’ll see him more, and you’ll go out together during the day. It’s going to be very exciting.”

“He did say we should go look at your photos at the gallery,” said Caitlin.

“Really? That was nice. And see? Daytime activity, right there. Relax. You got this.”

“What if he breaks up with me?”

“What if you break up with him?”

“Why would I do that? He’s perfect!”

Jessica laughed. “Katie, sweetie, deep breaths. Seriously, you’re freaking out.”

“Yes! That’s what I’m telling you!”

“It’s going to be OK,” said Jessica. “You’ll see. Besides, it’s just dinner? What could go wrong with dinner?”

Jackson

VAR Events

Jackson entered Cheery Bailbonds and looked in dismay at the blizzard of papers that had been spread out across three desks. Devonte had retreated to a corner with a laptop and Pete was standing over the disaster with Kim Kerschel. Kerschel was their resident tech expert and Jackson couldn’t believe that she was happy with the paper snowstorm. Pete was wearing reading spectacles and had at least three different collections of papers in his hands, separated by his fingers.

“This is…” Kerschel tucked a short lock of hair behind her ear. Her black clothes, shaved hair style, and piercings stood in stark contrast with Pete’s chinos and sweatshirt. She looked up and saw Jackson. “I am not responsible for this.”

“Yes, this looks like a Pete special,” agreed Jackson.