Loving Kate

by Lara Van Hulzen

  “Because you are nothing without me. You never were, you never will be.”

  Kate braced herself and waited for it. That hit to the gut that always came when Barry criticized her. To her surprise, there was nothing. No desire to cry or wallow in his words. Instead, Jack’s face floated into her mind, his words into her thoughts, telling her how special she was, that God had made her just right. And just right for him.

  Kate smiled. “Barry, go home.”

  “What did you say to me?” She didn’t think it possible, but his face got even redder.

  “I said, go home.”

  “This is about that prick who was with you last night at that stupid dance, isn’t it?”

  She refused to stoop to his level and address his name calling. “He’s part of it, yes.” Her head tilted as she talked, seeing Barry in a whole new light. He wasn’t scary, he was just a bully. One that she had no intention of ever seeing or dealing with again. “But it’s mainly me. I’m not the same woman I was when I left Boston. We’re divorced, Barry. Go home.”

  With that, she stood and left the coffee shop.

  Chapter Twenty

  Kate all but danced down the street. It was as if a hundred pound weight had been lifted off her back. She had never laughed in Barry’s face before, never gone up against him. Sure, they’d fought when they were married. Boy, did they know how to fight. But this was different. This time she didn’t react out of hurt or even fear. This time she was calm. Maybe some of Jack’s confidence was rubbing off on her. She’d texted him when she left the coffee shop that she would meet him at the fire station. Not to worry.

  Of course, Barry hadn’t admitted to why he was here other than to check on her, but what did she expect? It wasn’t as if he’d blurt out that he had tried to burn down her business, along with the one next door. Her suspicion of him faded. For whatever reason, he was a creep who just couldn’t let go. Maybe now that she’d stood up to him, he would.

  She neared the corner to turn on Twelfth Street where the fire station was when a hand grabbed her arm and spun her around. Caught off guard, she stumbled backwards and up against the brick wall behind her.

  “How dare you walk away from me.” Barry’s face was red, his eyes fierce. He leaned in, Kate plastered against the wall.

  “Barry. What are you doing?” She had seen him angry before but never like this.

  He looked her up and down, now noticing he had the upper hand. She was trapped against the wall with nowhere to go. “You think you can run from me? Get sassy and then just walk away? You did always think you were too good for me, didn’t you, when it was really the other way around.”

  Kate tried to control her breathing, stay calm. But with Barry so close, his whole body coiled and ready to pounce, he was like a loaded gun and she had no idea when he’d go off or what would happen when he did.

  Her hand had been in her pocket, wrapped around her phone. There was no way to text Jack without Barry knowing or taking her phone, but she had to do something. Maybe she could peek down long enough to tap his number on her favorites list. She looked past Barry for anyone passing by to help. There wasn’t a soul in sight. How was that possible? People walked or biked everywhere in Silver Bay.

  “Look at me when I talk to you.”

  She blinked and looked at him.

  “That’s better.” He ran the back of his hand down her cheek. “Come on now, Katie. Why do you look so scared? I’m your husband. I would never hurt you.”

  “I thought we established last night, you’re not her husband. Not anymore. I’m afraid you lost that privilege, jackass.”

  As soon as she heard Jack’s voice, Kate let out the breath she’d been holding.

  Barry turned his head towards Jack but didn’t move. His hand now rested on Kate’s neck.

  “And you need to take your hands off of her and step away. If not, I’d be more than happy to do it for you.”

  Barry dropped his hand but didn’t step away. He looked Jack up and down then turned to Kate with a snarl. “You left me for this? Tattoos and biker boots? Did you think slumming it was a better way to go than being with me?”

  Kate looked at Jack. His eyes weren’t soft like when he looked at her, but intense. His hands were clenched into fists, his feet apart, poised and ready. A bad boy personified and she was beyond happy to see him. She turned back to Barry.

  “I left you because of you, Barry.”

  He narrowed his eyes. “I was nothing but great to you. Treated you like a queen.”

  “A queen you cheated on.”

  “Oh, please. You always did have a vivid imagination.” He lifted his hand again as if to touch her but Jack took a step towards him.

  “Step away, Barry. That’s the last time I’m gonna ask.”

  Barry glared at Jack again. “Or what? You gonna try and kick me with your biker boots?”

  “The thought has crossed my mind.”

  Kate stifled a laugh. She wasn’t exactly pro-violence but the thought of Barry getting his butt kicked by Jack had a lot of appeal. Especially at the moment.

  Barry stepped back from her and faced Jack. Barry was muscular, but Kate had her doubts he could take Jack. Of course, that never stopped him from thinking he could win a fight. Any fight.

  She took the opportunity to scoot a few paces to her right, placing her beside Jack. He never took his eyes off Barry, but she read his body language. Get behind him and stay there. He didn’t have to ask her twice. She tucked herself behind his left shoulder.

  “Oh, I see how it is. Well, you’re gonna regret choosing this scum over me, Katie.”

  “That’s not her name.”

  God bless Jack. God bless him in every way possible.

  “She’s my wife! I know what her damn name is.”

  “We’ve been over this. Was. She was your wife.”

  Barry’s nostrils flared. “She’s nothing without me.”

  “Doesn’t look like it from where I’m standing.” Jack crossed his arms over his chest and looked at her over his shoulder before turning back to Barry. “Looks like she’s doing just fine.”

  “Not for long,” Barry mumbled.

  “What did you say?” Kate asked.

  “It’s obvious the lady wants nothing to do with you. So, why are you here?”

  Kate had her doubts Barry would answer Jack’s question but maybe in his fury he’d slip up.

  “I’m not telling you anything.”

  Jack took a step forward. Kate placed her hand on his arm. “He’s not worth it,” she whispered in his ear.

  Jack gave her a slight nod.

  “I told you, Barry. Go home.”

  “I can do whatever I want. Your little boyfriend here can’t stand in front of you forever.”

  “Watch me.” Jack unfolded his arms, his hands now clenched by his sides.

  Barry pointed at her. “This isn’t over, Katie. You and I are going to work this out.”

  With that, he turned on his heel, stomped around the corner and was gone.

  Jack stared at where Barry had disappeared around the corner. His chest was pounding from his heart rate being way above average. It had taken every ounce of his self-control not to pummel the guy.

  Kate had texted him that her meeting with Barry had gone fine and she was on her way to meet him, but something had felt off. She hadn’t been gone that long and if she’d walked out on Barry, he wouldn’t take it well. If nothing else, Barry was persistent. Jack’s sixth sense about Kate told him to walk towards Jamie’s Java and make sure she was okay.

  It was a good thing he did. When he saw Barry with his hands on Kate and up in her face, rage had boiled through Jack’s system. It was a miracle Barry wasn’t beaten and kicked down the street. The thought of doing so had definitely filled Jack’s head.

  His breathing calmed a bit as soon as it looked like Barry was gone for good. Jack turned to Kate and held Kate’s face in his hands. “You okay?”

  “Yeah. I am.�
��

  “I saw him with you pinned against the wall and...” His heart rate sped up again.

  Kate looked up at him, her hands sat against his chest. “I know. It freaked me out, too. He’s never been that mad.”

  “Come on. Let’s go.” Jack didn’t want to stand on the street any longer. He wanted Kate somewhere safe.

  They walked to his car and drove to his house. He guessed Barry would know how to find where she lived but didn’t have a clue who Jack was, so his house was a better choice.

  She’d been quiet on the drive, coming down from her run-in with Barry, for sure. Jack had held her hand, let her lean on his shoulder and just be. There would be plenty of time to talk.

  Settled now in his living room, Kate sat with her back against the arm of the sofa, her legs stretched out under a blanket. Jack sat on the other end, her feet in his lap. He had one hand resting on her legs, the other draped over the back of the couch.

  He’d made her some fresh coffee. Still cranked from wanting to beat the tar out of Barry, he went with a glass of water that sat on a coaster on the table in front of the couch.

  Kate blew into her mug and took a sip. “Thank you so much. This is perfect.”

  “You’re welcome.” He rubbed her leg. “You ready to tell me about what happened with Barry at the coffee shop.”

  She lifted a shoulder and let it fall. “Nothing, I thought. He was his smug, critical self. He even had the nerve to say I’d come crawling back to him. What a worm.” She took another sip of coffee.

  Worm was one name for him. Jack had a list of others he deemed more applicable but not entirely appropriate to voice.

  “What do you think made him so angry?”

  “I laughed.”

  “You what?”

  “He said I would come running back to him and, I have no idea why, but I found it so hilarious. I started cracking up.” Her lips pressed together to fight back a giggle but lost. The blanket moved with her laughter. “I thought for sure I’d feel defeated and small the way he used to make me feel, but I didn’t. I just...laughed. I told him to go home and I walked out.”

  Jack grinned. Man, he loved this woman.

  “I’m proud of you. And I can guarantee that’s what set him off.”

  “Yeah, I guess. I left thinking he would get the message and go home, but apparently me standing up to him wasn’t something he liked. I never dreamed he’d be angry enough with me to be so...physical though.” Her smiled faded as she set her mug down on the table.

  Jack shuddered to think what might have happened had he not had the urge to go look for her. Thank God he did. There was something to be said for gut instincts. He had them in spades when it came to Kate MacIntire.

  “What do you think he meant when he said I wouldn’t do well for long? When I left Jamie’s I had let go of any suspicions he was involved in the fire, but now, I don’t know. Were you able to find anything out from Chet?”

  “As a matter of fact, yes. They’ve got evidence one of the guys working on Baylee’s renovation messed with things. Tried to make it look like an accident, a malfunction with the new oven. They’ve got a tail on the guy right now and most likely will bring him in for questioning today or tomorrow.”

  Kate leaned forward, took Jack’s hand in hers. “Then I guess Barry wasn’t involved.”

  “I’m not so sure. Do you have a picture of Barry?”

  Kate took her phone from the table. “I might. I could scroll through old social media and find one easy though. I shut down my accounts after the divorce, but Barry still has them. Let me look.”

  Jack watched as she moved her finger across her phone, looking for a photo. He wasn’t sure what compelled him to think Barry might still be at fault, but it wouldn’t hurt to follow his gut. It hadn’t let him down so far.

  “Here. Here’s one.” She took a screen shot and texted it to Jack.

  He took his phone from his pocket and sent the picture on to Chet.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I’m giving Chet the picture. You never know. If they have it when they question this worker guy, it might lead somewhere.”

  “What if it doesn’t? What if I can’t get Barry to leave me alone?”

  He leaned towards her and kissed her hand. “No matter what, Barry will never bother you again. I can promise you that.”

  The next morning, Kate sat in church next to Jack. The past few days had been a whirlwind of emotions, but despite not knowing what was going to happen, she was at peace.

  Her fingers were entwined with Jack’s, their hands resting on his leg. Josh, Maggie, Hannah, and Paul sat in the pew next to them. Baylee was next to Kate. Her little boy, Casey, sat quietly on the other side. He was darling. His blonde hair the same color as his mama’s, the sleeves on his big boy shirt rolled up. He colored in a book Baylee had brought with her.

  Pastor Jake talked of peace that exists with God, no matter the circumstances. She understood. Even when things were at their worst with Barry, she never felt abandoned by God. Just...lost. And now? Well, now she had no clue what was going to happen. How she would get Barry to leave her be or what the future held. Her heart prayed Jack was in it, but she wasn’t afraid anymore to trust, let God lead the way.

  The service ended and they all stood around outside in a group. It was a beautiful spring day. The air was beginning to get a big warmer, not so crisp and cool. Kate leaned into Jack’s side as he put an arm around her. Oh, yes, she was home.

  They all turned when Chet walked their direction. He was in his blue firefighter uniform. Kate winked at Baylee, who in turn rolled her eyes. Both women laughed.

  “I’m glad I found you guys. I have some good news.”

  Kate’s heart rate kicked up a notch. Jack pulled her in closer.

  “We questioned the guy we thought responsible for the fire. He was tight-lipped at first but we got him to cave. Looks like you were right about your ex, Kate. He was involved.”

  Kate’s knees almost buckled beneath her, but Jack held her tight. Imagining Barry being involved and hearing Chet say it was true were two different things.

  “What do you mean?” Surprised she could speak, she was grateful her voice showed up.

  “Turns out, Barry’s been keeping tabs on you. He saw Baylee renovating and saw an opportunity. Hired one of the workers to start the fire, make it look like an accident. Having it start at Baylee’s place made it look like it wasn’t linked to you. Barry contacted him through burner phones and never gave his name, but then showed up yesterday threatening the guy because he didn’t do his job. Wasn’t gonna pay him. Jack sent me that pic of Barry and our arsonist identified him. They’re both going to jail.”

  She had no idea what to say. Barry actually tried to burn down her store. And Baylee’s. She turned to her friend. “Baylee. I’m so sorry. I’m just so...”

  “What are you apologizing for, Kate?” Baylee cut her off. “You didn’t do anything.”

  “Yeah, sis. Barry being an a... um, well, himself isn’t your fault. Tough to wrap my head around that he’d go this far, but still. So not your fault.”

  Maggie meant well, but her words didn’t relieve Kate of her guilt.

  “I know it isn’t the easiest news to hear, Kate. I’m sorry,” Chet said. “But I figured you’d want to know. At least from this point on, you know Barry won’t bother you. He’s gone.”

  “Thanks, Chet.” Jack shook the man’s hand, as did Josh and Paul.

  “Anytime. See you guys.” He turned and left.

  Barry’s gone. The words repeated over and over in Kate’s head.

  “Hey. Kate.” Baylee put a hand on her arm. “Honestly, it’s all okay. Our businesses are up and running again. Barry won’t bother you anymore. This is great news.”

  He’s gone. No more texts. No more emails or phone calls. No more surprise visits. Her life could move forward.

  One by one, her friends hugged her and left until it was just her and Jack standing to
gether.

  “What do you say, princess?” He took her hands in his and placed a soft kiss on her knuckles. “You up for celebrating? Because I think you and I need to toast what’s next.”

  It was impossible not to smile with those mocha-hued eyes filled with mischief looking at her. “And what comes next, bad boy?”

  He raised his eyebrows. “Bad boy, huh? I think I can live with that nickname.”

  His arms wrapped around her waist, hers naturally circled his neck. “And what comes next is an adventure that will blow your hair back, so you better be ready.”

  Oh, she was ready all right.

  “Lead the way.”

  Two months later

  Kate’s hair blew in the breeze. The evening air brushed against her skin like a kiss. She and Jack had taken to riding his bike on back roads as many evenings as possible. Slow and steady, enjoying the scenery as well as the time together.

  Once Barry was put in jail and Atmosphere was back to full working order, life fell into a rhythm she adored. Being at work was never work, she loved her days, and the evenings she spent with Jack. And he lived up to his promise. He was adventure personified. Every week she was trying something new she’d never done before. Well, some things she’d done before like ice skating, but she’d never gone sailing, which was now in her top five favorite things to do. But Jack enjoyed cozy nights in as much as she did. Old movies, popcorn, snuggling under blankets. Life with him was unpredictable and exciting, but never scary.

  She wrapped her arms around him tighter and leaned her cheek against his back. The scent of wood, paint, and leather filled her senses. All Jack. She breathed him in, every bit of him.

  The bike slowed and came to a stop. She looked up. They were on Ninth Street in front of her dream house.

  “What are we doing?”

  “I want to show you something.”

  He got off the bike and then helped her off. They walked to the front yard and stood in front of the “For Sale” sign.

  Kate’s heart sank. “There’s a sold sign on this now.”

  Jack wasn’t frowning. Instead, he had an ear-to-ear grin on his face.