Page 43 of Hers to Kiss
Chapter 15
Kat gave her sister a hug at her door. “I’m so thankful you were able to get the night off and stay with me! We’re going to have a lot of fun.”
“Oh, it was no trouble, believe me.”
Keke squeezed her sister back and stepped into the small Cape Cod-style home, grateful for her sister’s company.
She didn’t have much trouble getting the night off because Bertie seemed only too pleased to let her leave, barely looking her in the eye when Keke had asked if she could visit her sister for the night. Bertie waved a dismissive hand and walked off mid-ask. Keke thought it was odd at the time, but she didn’t want to question her friend. She was dealing with enough already and probably wasn’t in the mood for one more thing.
After kissing Pete, Keke felt like she was suffocating from guilt. She tried her best to avoid Pete for the rest of the day, even rescheduling some of her group’s events so she wouldn’t have to pass him and his contingent of kids on any of the trails or have the same activities.
It was juvenile, she knew, but how else was she supposed to keep things platonic? Keeping her eyes off him wasn’t enough anymore. Now she felt his presence whenever he was near, and it set her nerves on edge.
In a good way.
Not good. She had promised Bertie, and it was too complicated for her life right now. All she had to do was focus on getting through this week and prepare for her audition. Actually, she should’ve been prepping for it before now with only a few days left. She couldn’t get behind anymore. Maybe she could get in a few exercises tonight.
“Come in, come in.”
“Kat, this place is adorable.” Keke walked around the small living space near the entryway, gliding her fingers over the sleek, modern gray couch, eyeing a coffee table with an antique lamp, and oohing and ahing over the gorgeous wooden mantle that graced the fireplace. “Rustic and contemporary. It’s perfect.”
“I know it’s not much, but it’s home.”
“I can’t believe you’re not living with Mom.” Keke chuckled. “I thought for sure you were going to stay with her, but I’mgladyou have your own place. Your style is amazing, and I’m totally going to have you decorate my place when you come out to visit.”
Kat smiled. “Done. I’ll send you an invoice for the deposit.” Keke stuck her tongue out at her older sister. “I briefly thought about moving back in after Dad passed away. I might still do it.”
Keke gave her a curious look. “And give up this cute place? Why?”
Kat responded with a patient smile. “Because of Mom. I wasn’t sure she’d be all right alone. She hasn’t been on her own in a long time. It’s good that she is, and she wants it that way.”
“Yeah, why wouldn’t she be on her own?” Keke grumbled. “I’d be relieved if I were her. Probably dance on the man’s grave at least once a week.”
“Keke…” Kat breathed a warning. “That’s unkind and…bitter.”
Keke folded her arms and let the full weight of her body land hard in the armchair. “Of course I’m bitter. You’re not because you have the sweetest disposition, but he was a horrible father, a lousy husband, and I’m glad he’s gone. Why am I the only person who sees this as a benefit?”
A staring contest lasted for a solid minute, with neither of them speaking. Kat’s eyes were full of sadness and a twinge of judgment. Keke raised her chin and arched a brow. Kat conceded defeat with a sigh. “I have some hot water on the stove. Do you want some tea?”
“Tea would be fine, thank you,” Keke said stiffly. Her sister disappeared into the kitchen. “Did you buy it?” Keke called out to her.
“Buy what?”
“This house, silly.”
“No.” Kat came back into the living room by way of the dining area. She dunked the tea bag into the water. “I’m renting. Can’t afford to buy just yet.”
“I definitely can’t buy a place in California until I land alotof parts. It’s so expensive out there. Don’t know how people can afford to live.”
“You’re going to be one of them, so you’ll find out soon enough. Be careful about the roommates. You don’t want to live with sickos.” Kat handed her the hot mug.
Not only was Kat as sweet as the cakes she baked, she was also the most paranoid. “I know a couple of people from college. We were all in the same drama classes.” Kat smelled the relaxing scent of white tea and pomegranate. She took a sip, allowing the warmth to further decrease her anxiety level. “We’re going to bunk together.”
“Oh! That sounds like a lot of fun.” Kat sat on the sofa. “You and your friends trying to make it in L.A. Living your dreams…or pursuing them. Wasn’t that a Broadway play or something?”
Keke ignored the question and maintained eye contact with her teasing sister. “Like you should? Pursue your dreams, I mean.”
Kat waved a hand. “We don’t need to talk about me. This is about you! Are you sure you’re okay with everything? With the move? You look a little stressed.”
