Cathy stood motionless, still trying to derive some meaning from the voicemail message she'd received from Katrina. Phrases from the message were all that were swirling about in her mind…"this isn't working…we need to move on...I'm just not ready." Cathy and Katrina had been together for almost 6 months, and Cathy thought that everything was fine…great, in fact. The two had discussed moving in together and Katrina seemed just as eager as Cathy did at the thought. Since they had both had disastrous relationships in the past, this one had been a welcome relief.
They had met at a party, each stealing glances at the other throughout the evening, compelling Cathy to contemplate her approach. Katrina was adorable in Cathy's eyes…her long, brown hair and her piercing hazel eyes were mesmerizing. The charmingly graceful way in which she moved about the room drew attention from everyone, it seemed, but Cathy was determined to make this angelic creature hers.
She grabbed two drinks and made her journey across the room to meet this vision that was Katrina. Handing a drink to Katrina, she said, "I saw those beautiful eyes of yours and decided that I had to meet you. My name is Cathy, what's yours?"
Katrina was not unaccustomed to such introductions…she knew she was uncommonly beautiful. Unfortunately, she'd had more than her fair share of overtly crude advances and she found herself tentatively accepting the drink Cathy offered her, ready to bolt at the first sign of trouble. She hated that she always reverted to feeling so cynical, but too many had tried to take advantage of her otherwise caring and trusting tendencies.
She chose to ignore Cathy's reference to her eyes, "I'm Katrina. Are you enjoying the party?" she replied rather coldly.
"I am now that I've met you, "Cathy responded, causing Katrina's defenses to become that much more heightened.
"Look, "Katrina started, "I've been through this too many times to count, so if you're only interested in a quick fuck, you're talking to the wrong person."
She started to turn and walk off when Cathy stopped her, grabbing hold of her arm. "Hold on! It's obvious you've had some bad experiences, and I apologize for the tacky line I laid on you, but I really am a pleasant person and I'd love to just go and get a cup of coffee or something and talk…if that sounds good to you."
Katrina had to admit that the feel of Cathy's hand on her arm was warm and inviting, despite her misgivings about the situation. She allowed a small smile to creep across her face, "Ok, coffee it is, "she agreed, and the two headed to a small coffeehouse near the party.
The two exchanged small talk at first, and when Cathy felt that Katrina was feeling comfortable, she reached across the table and caressed her hand. They continued to discuss their various failed relationships. Cathy's lover had moved on to greener pastures with seemingly no regard for what the two had shared over the course of a 2 year relationship. Likewise, Katrina had her own painful experience when the woman she thought loved her turned out to only be using her for her temporary enjoyment.
They talked and talked until they realized the evening had turned into a very late night. Although they seemed to be comfortable with each other, Cathy was still a bit apprehensive about asking Katrina to her place. She opted to go ahead and go for broke, however, "It's really late Kat, would you like to come to my place and continue our conversation?" she asked, hoping her question wouldn't be too off-putting.
Cathy was pleasantly surprised when Katrina acquiesced and agreed to accompany Cathy. They took their respective vehicles, Katrina following Cathy to her home. As she drove, Katrina couldn't help but ask herself why she was stepping into yet another opportunity to be hurt. She hadn't come to the party looking for anything other than having a good time, yet here she was, on her way to another woman's home. There was something about Cathy though; something that made Katrina think that this would turn out differently. A calm settled over her as she pulled into Cathy's driveway.
Once inside, Cathy poured some wine as Katrina made herself comfortable in the living room. The two seemed to pick their earlier conversation up with ease. They discussed everything, getting to know one another better and better as the early morning hours passed.
Inevitably, their conversation came to an uncomfortable respite, and an awkwardness began to set in. With the same resolve that had motivated her to approach Katrina in the first place, Cathy reached out a hand and lightly stroked Katrina's cheek. She responded with a concentrated gaze into Cathy's eyes, letting her guard down if only for a moment and allowing Cathy to see the passion that was rising within her. Inwardly, she knew she might be making a mistake by showing her vulnerability, but she was willing to take a chance on Cathy.
