I Think I've Had Enough

Chapter 23: In a way, I lost all I believed in

He lingered in the doorway as Ellen made her way up the stairs to greet Emilee. He watched the way they treated each other. As if they had known each other all of their lives. It magnified the tingles in Patrick's stomach. He suddenly realized how selfish he had been. Having a relationship with Ellen wasn't going to hurt Emilee. It was only going to help the hurt that she already had. Ellen made Emilee happier. It was easy to see.

"Hi," Ellen said looking up to Patrick, fear in her eyes.

"Hi," an awkward tone of surrender on his breath, "come in."

Ellen slowly came into the living room. It was strangely hurtful to look around and see pictures of Patrick and his family. She swallowed hard and smiled brightly to cover her regret. Emilee guided her to the couch. They sat down together.

Patrick paced a little, "Would you um," he struggled nervously, "Can I get you a glass of wine?"

"Sure," she nodded.

"Kate," he asked politely.

"Yes, please," Kate said sarcastically.

"Red or white?" Patrick question.

"White please," Kate smiled.

"Oh, Sorry, I didn't tell you, I'd like red please." Ellen.

"I know," he let a soft smile break his lips and he merely shrugged.

She'd forgotten how well he knew her. Ellen was amazed that he remembered after all of these years that she preferred red to white wine. Something so stupid and simple. It made her wonder what else he remembered about her.

Kate stopped for a second she looked to Emilee and then back to Patrick. "Actually... hold that. I think I'm going to go. I have a really early call time tomorrow."

"Kate," Patrick said practically begging her.

"Miss Kate," Emilee said softly, "Don't go."

Kate looked at her and winked. Emilee knew exactly what she was doing. Emilee nodded and smiled.

"Kate really, please stay," Ellen said politely.

"I should really go." Kate nodded, "we'll have dinner together next week?"

"Okay," Emilee smiled.

Before anyone else could speak another word, Kate was out the door. The room filled with an awkward silence. After a long few moments, "We made lots of food Ellen." Emilee smiled, "Would you like to see?"

Ellen returned her smile, "Of course."

Patrick cleared his throat and paced nervously to the kitchen. "Alright," he said trying to keep his calm, "We have macaroni and cheese, baked garlic bread and..." Patrick's eyes drifted over the assortment of odd but easy to make food dishes, "and a lot of other stuff."

"Did you make all of this?" Ellen looked to Emilee.

Emilee was glowing, "Well, Patrick helped a little."

Ellen looked to Patrick. Her eyes met his for only a second before he glanced away. She swallowed hard.

"Should we eat?" Patrick asked looking to Emilee.

"Yes," Emilee nodded.

The three of them carried several of the food dishes to the kitchen table. Emilee took the little ones. Patrick and Ellen finished off the rest. He ran his hand through his salt and pepper curls as he watched Emilee and Ellen sit. "Can I get anyone anything else?" he said anxiously not wanting to sit with them.