Читать книгу Ancient Inheritance - Rita Vetere - Страница 11

Chapter 6

New York City – Present Day

“Really, Cat, do you mean to tell me if he asks you tonight, you’re going to tell him you need to think about it? What’s to think about? I mean, what more could you ask for? Matthew’s hot. Plus, he’s got a great job and makes oodles of money. Not to mention, any idiot can see he’s totally in love with you. Besides, what a great way to celebrate your birthday—with a diamond ring. And if I know Matthew, it’ll be a good-sized rock, too,” Amy gushed.

Catherine smiled at her long-time confidante, the very first friend she had made after arriving in New York to attend school. Amy, a good-hearted and vivacious New Yorker, had immediately recognized Cat’s culture shock and took her under her wing to educate her on how to survive in the big city.

Seven years had gone by since graduation, but not much had changed between them. Except maybe for Amy’s hair. Amy changed her hair the way other women changed their shoes, and Cat never knew what to expect if she hadn’t seen her friend for a while. Tonight, Amy had walked in sporting a straightened do, dyed flaming red. Not bad, although she’d always preferred Amy’s naturally curly brown hair to anything she’d done to it since. Hair aside, Amy remained her constant friend, the one person she trusted.

After graduating, their chosen careers had taken them in different directions. Cat landed her job at Rathburn and Sons, and Amy had found her niche as an events planner, which Cat thought perfectly suited her social personality.

“I’m just not sure if this is what I want.” Cat toyed with the olive in her Martini. “I mean, I do love him. And the chemistry is, well, fantastic.” She rolled her eyes a little to make the point. “But what if things don’t stay the same after? I like being in charge of my own life. And things are good the way they are now. Why rock the boat?”

Amy shook her head and smiled. “You haven’t even brought him home to meet your granddad yet. Maybe that’ll help you to decide.”

“I’ve asked him to come with me when I go home for my birthday on the weekend,” Cat said. “To tell you the truth, though, I’m a little worried about it. I don’t think he’ll like it down home. He’s a city boy. Who knows what he’ll think about the bayou, what with the swamps and alligators and all. It’s pretty isolated, a lot different from New York.”

“Cat, he’s probably dying to see where you grew up and meet your grandfather. Besides, your granddad sounds so neat. Did he send his special present yet?”

Cat’s face lit up. “Yes, and it’s the best one yet. The Archangel Michael. Carved in stone and hand-painted. Wait until you see it, it’s absolutely awesome.”

“It sounds beautiful.”

When Amy steered the conversation back to Matthew, Cat gave a small laugh and said, “Looks like I’ve got a decision to make.”

“Well, it’s your call, honey, and you’ll do what’s right for you. Either way, you know I’m here for you.”

“Thanks, Amy. And I mean this, you’re the best.” The room shifted slightly. On an empty stomach, the after-work martini had more than done its job. She glanced at the time. “Jeez, I’ve gotta get going. I have to whip myself into shape. He’s picking me up at eight.”

Grabbing their purses and jackets, the two women got up to leave the noisy bar.

“Have fun tonight. Let me know what happens, the suspense is killing me,” Amy said, as Catherine followed her outside.

“You and me both,” Catherine laughed. “Thanks for the birthday drink.”

They stepped into the bustle of Broadway and West 57th Street. Amy hugged Cat goodbye and got into a cab.

After seeing her friend off, Cat quickly flagged a taxi to take her home. She was running a bit late, and would have to hurry to be ready in time.