Chapter Eleven
“Happy New Year!” AJ exclaimed, kissing Kara sloppily on the cheek. They were all at Howie’s club for a private Backstreet bash- no risk of tabloid headlines the next morning. It was a good thing, too… AJ had started his celebration about twelve hours earlier- Kara was surprised he was still standing at this point. The others didn’t seem concerned, though, so she let it be. She handed him another glass of water to chase his rum and coke before being whisked away by Kristin.
“It’s New Years’, Kara.” Duh. She needed that clarification. When had Kris started acting so blonde? Wasn’t that Leighanne’s job? “You gonna tell Kev, or am I?” Damn! Now she wished the woman was a bit more blonde. She’d enlisted Kristin’s help on how to tell Kevin about the apartment, and today was move-in. She’d promised to tell him by the time the party was over. “Kara?”
“I’ll tell him.” And, speak of the devil, there he was.
“Tell me what?”
“Umm… that I’m spending the night at AJ’s?” She offered.
Kristin shot her a warning glance.
“You told me that a long time ago, Ker.”
“I know. I just wanted to remind you, since everyone’s been drinking and all.”
“Kara, I’m beginning to get the feeling that you’re hiding something, here, and I don’t like it.” Great. His speeches were long enough normally, but when he’d had a drink or two, they were epic.
“Okay, okay. Kev, I need to talk to you about something- privately.” She led him to a more secluded corner of the club, then sat down. Kevin eyed her carefully. Somehow, he had a feeling that this conversation would involve him getting quite upset. When Kara babbled, it was usually to avoid telling him something upsetting. “It’s about getting my own place.”
Kevin blinked. That was it? That wasn’t so bad- he knew she’d want one sooner or later. He just wanted her nearby… David might track her down and try to pull something. Kristin had told him he was being ridiculous. Maybe he was, but this was Kara- rationality didn’t always enter the picture where she was concerned, as Brian often reminded him.
“The place next door is up for sale- you could live there. You’d have your own space, but you’d be close by if you needed anything.” Or if David showed up…
Kara gave him a pained look.
“Kev, that place is WAY more than I could afford, and much more than I need.” Not to mention far too close…
“The money’s not a problem, Ker-Bear.” It’s worth it to keep you in sight.
“Kevin, no. I won’t accept that from you, and you know it.” Damn, he was making this difficult. “Besides, I alreadyfoundaplace.” She blurted it out quickly in hopes that it would be less painful.
“Huh?” Kevin took a minute to process what she’d said before it hit him. “Oh.” He swallowed hard, trying to control his emotions. “So, when did you find the place?”
“Well, I was looking around before Christmas, and ‘Jay and I stumbled on this place over on the other side of town…”
“AJ KNEW about this!” Okay, one tattooed rebel was on his hit list.
“Yeah, but that’s not the point. This place is perfect for me, Kev. Two bedrooms, two bath, lots of windows…” He saw the dreamy look on her face, and it was impossible to stay angry with her. Upset, yes. He remembered how he’d felt when he seen his house, though, and he understood. He was going to miss her; though- at least he had some time to get used to the idea before she moved.
“When is the place available?” It had to be at least a couple weeks… he’d be able to ease into being alone in the house again. Kristin was leaving tomorrow, and Kara had really helped with the loneliness while she was away.
“Umm…” Kara fidgeted with the napkin in her hands, tearing into strips.
“Kara?” Strips weren’t small enough. They needed to be squares, really. That would give her some time to think.
“You know, I’d better go check on Bone. He seemed pretty soused, and I don’t want to baby-sit him all night if he gets sick.”
“Come on, Kara. I mean, it’s not like you’re moving out tomorrow or anything, right?” She laughed nervously, and he began to worry. “Right, Kara?” More laughter.
“Right. Actually, it’s today.” She looked at her watch, while Kevin stared in disbelief. “Yep. Today.” He swore under his breath, then answered her.
“And you were planning on telling me when? AFTER you’d moved out?” Yep. That summed it up pretty well. If Kristin hadn’t made her tell him, that’s exactly what would’ve happened. “Kara-”
Further conversation was cut off when AJ walked up to them.
“Hey, Ker. Dance with me?”
“No, Aje. Did you drink that water?” He made a sour face, nodding, then promptly vomited at her feet. She looked up at Kevin, who was still frowning at her. Great. The year was off to a GLORIOUS start.