The next morning, Kate and Mark shared a quick breakfast and a cup of coffee. Mark seemed quiet, but Kate assumed he was focused on going to work. They were still working on their marriage, after all. They discussed Mikki's text and the mystery of Mikki's intentions, but Mark didn't really add much to the conversation. She couldn't figure out what was so important...or at least seemed so important. Mark headed off to work and Kate changed into some workout clothes and headed to the treadmill. After her workout, Kate made the bed, showered, tidied-up the kitchen and gathered her things to head to Mikki's.
Kate arrived at Jay and Mikki's gate, rolling her eyes as she entered the gate code, even after months of knowing its hidden meaning. Kate parked and walked inside, as usual. Not seeing Mikki in the kitchen, Kate walked downstairs where Mikki was going over some information. Jay was drinking a cup of coffee at the bar, facing Mikki.
"Hey, girlfriend," Mikki smiled, as she saw Kate turn towards her at the bottom of the stairs.
"Good morning, Jay...Mikki," Kate commented, as she approached the table. Because of Jay's presence, Kate did not give Mikki her usual greeting with a hug and kiss.
Kate took a seat at the table and pulled out her laptop, getting ready to start on her work. Kate squinted her eyes, looking at Mikki, then Jay. "Is there something I should know about?" Kate asked, curiosity in her voice.
"What?" Mikki responded, as Jay looked at Kate.
"You know, your text yesterday. I don't know...sounded like something's going on. Like I should be on guard about something," Kate replied.
Mikki scoffed, laughing, "Would you relax, Kate. Oh, geez, girl."
"Okay, then what's the big secret about yesterday's text? What's the big news?" Kate asked.
Mikki looked at Jay, then Jay put his coffee cup on the bar. "Kate, I'd like for you to take on more responsibility with the project," he sighed. "Look, um...Martha and her husband are relocating to Seattle to be closer to her kids and grandkids. She has about three weeks before they leave and I'd like for you to spend time at the office starting tomorrow going over her projects," Jay told her.
Kate stared blankly at Jay, taking in the information. Before she could speak, Jay continued.
"Kate, you're ready for this. I'm giving you this because I think you can handle it. Honestly, I've already been thinking about giving you more to do, but this came up the other day," Jay concluded, looking at Kate.
Kate was taken aback by this news. Indeed, it was good for her. "Um, sure," she stuttered, not really sure it was sinking in.
"Because of this, I'm increasing your salary to ten thousand a month. Just realize, however, this will cut into your time at the agency selling houses, but don't worry...I'll call Matt this morning and tell him what's going on," Jay smiled.
Kate sighed, still somewhat surprised by Jay's announcement. She looked at Mikki; her chin on her fist, as usual. Mikki gave Kate a smile, approving of Jay's decision. "Wow, Jay. Geez, thank you...really. I'll do my best; I promise," Kate answered, returning her gaze to Jay.
"I know you will, Kate. You'll do fine," Jay smiled and stood. Jay leaned down and kissed Mikki and told her he's heading to the office. Mikki kissed him back, told him she loved him and to be safe.
Jay headed upstairs, taking his cup of coffee to the kitchen. Kate watched as he disappeared and silence fell over the girls.
"You okay, girlfriend?" Mikki asked.
Kate stared into the distance, thinking for a few seconds. "Um, yeah...I'm fine," she answered, leaving Mikki unconvinced.
Mikki looked at Kate briefly, deciding not to dig too much and returned to her work. Kate grabbed her folder regarding the condo project, then eventually started looking at the new "three buildings" project; part of which Martha was heading, including the second condo Kate was in charge of selling.
After several minutes of silence, Mikki could tell Kate wasn't focused. "What's going on, Kate? I can tell something is heavy on your mind," she asked.
Kate looked up at Mikki, inhaled deeply and let it out. "Mikki...don't get me wrong. I really do like you. I respect you as a business partner, I enjoy our personal relationship...none of it I want to end," Kate told her. "I love Mark. I love him with all my heart. He's a decent man...an outstanding man. Honestly, Mikki...I...I know what we've been doing is wrong. I took vows and I broke them. I hurt Mark deeply. Even though he says he's accepting my bisexuality, who's to say he may wake up one day and decide this isn't for him; make sense?" she elaborated, looking at Mikki.
Mikki looked at Kate. She was a little surprised to hear Kate's confession about Mark's attitude. The last thing Mikki wanted was Mark and Kate to divorce. On the other hand, Mikki wasn't a matchmaker and didn't want provide marriage advice, given the circumstances of her and Kate's affair. She sat across the table thinking.
"Mikki?" Kate asked. "Did I say something wrong?"
"No...not at all, girlfriend," Mikki replied. "I guess I thought Mark was fully onboard with us...you know, like Jay is with me," she added.
