“Its how I feel I do have principles.” Vincent reminded him.

“Principles! Principles, Vincent how many woman do you have falling at your feet? Do you seriously believe that there’ll ever be another as beautiful as Catherine?”

“No, neither do I believe I will ever love another as much as I love Catherine. I know, you don’t have to spell it out, in your own words I’ve blown it. But Devin can’t you see, better is it to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”

“Yeah well my point exactly bro! I just hope you can live with the loss that’s all. As for me, I’d rather have lived on my memories than had none at all and you never know, if you had been that good Catherine might have returned for more.” Devin laughed but Vincent remained straight faced he didn’t share his brother’s feelings one bit.

“I still think I did the right thing. Catherine was seeing her virginity as something she simply had to lose no matter who took it from her. I’m sorry but I cannot accept such a way. Whomsoever I give myself to will have to partner me for life, it is the only way I can allow it.”

“Well the way Catherine looks at things is about right up top. Her virginity is standing in the way of so many other things, Vincent not to mention the fact that among her friends she probably appears as some kind of freak to have held on to it for so long.”

Vincent shook his head, “That’s terrible.”

“Just life bro, life in the real world.”

“Have you lost yours?” Vincent asked with interest.

“And then some! Vincent what are you like?” Devin grinned, “You’re certainly out of a mould of your own bro I can vouch for that.”

“As it would seem.” Vincent replied dryly.

“Not in that way! I don’t mean what is obvious, but just your morals. Don’t tell me you actually took to heart all that slushy stuff pops taught us, did you? I know with me it went in one ear and out of the other.”

“Not entirely, that is something good about what you were taught must have stayed inside you or Catherine would never have waited this long for you, or been swayed so strongly by what you said that its prevented her from moving on.” Vincent told his brother, somewhat accusingly.

“And your point is what exactly?” Devin asked, detecting the animosity in his brother’s tone.

Vincent sighed, “Can we leave this subject behind, I am growing weary of it.”

“Not until you tell me what you implied.”

“Its just that, Catherine placed too much trust in you Devin. The things you told her appealed to her, it would appear that people with caring hearts like you and I are very few and far between up top. Catherine has yet to meet anyone that would put her feelings ahead of their own needs.”

“I guess that’s so, and true from what I know of people up top.” Devin sounded bitter and Vincent questioned that with his eyes, but Devin did not elaborate. One day Devin might open up about that relationship that had so obviously hurt him, but Vincent could see it wouldn’t be anytime soon.

“So do you think the old gal will return then?” Devin asked thinking of Catherine.

“She’s younger than you.” Vincent reminded him, “and me, come to that.”

“I know, but all the same do you think she’ll return?” Sadly Vincent shook his head then surprised Devin when he asked, “Would you go to see her for me?”

“Do you think that’s wise? I mean from what I’ve heard of Chandler she’s a man eater.” He meant it humorously but Vincent didn’t like it, “She is not!”

“Aw come on Vincent, unwind a little will you? Really, do you think I should, you know how she feels about me?”

“Yes, but I trust you not to take advantage of that.”

“You might trust me, but I might not trust myself. I tell you now Vincent, if I went there and she asked me to make love to her I would not be so gallant. I’d do it Vincent, really I would, so do you still want me to go?”

Vincent shook his head, “No.”

“What are we gonna do Vincent? She wants you, she wants me, I want her…”

“I want her!”

“Yes but you’re not gonna have her are you? So that takes us back to square one, which is one way or another Catherine is gonna have someone cos she has set her mind on it, might as well be me after all I got this particular ball rolling.”

Vincent sighed deeply, “I don’t want you to.”

“I know that! Dork.”

“Then why would you, knowing I didn’t want you to?”

“Someone’s gotta do it.”

“You speak of it like it’s opening a door.” Vincent snapped.

Devin grinned, “Well in a way it is. Hey reminds me of a picture postcard I saw, you know those ones with the cartoons on.” Vincent didn’t know, but Devin overlooked that and went on, “Saw one with this gravestone and written on it were the words, ‘here lies Agnes Simmons, age 94 years, spinster, returned unopened’ do you get it, returned unopened!” Devin laughed out loud, and despite the way he was feeling Vincent could not prevent his lips from twitching with just a little mirth until he returned back to earth with a bump and a sour-puss face that told Devin he was back in the doldrums again. “Oh do snap out of it Vincent,” Devin begged, “You refused her now get used to it. And we both know that even if you hadn’t of done, all would still be as bad, cos you would consider that would make Catherine yours and she isn’t, she’s just a gal looking for a good time and that’s that!”

“Its more than that. Catherine is different, she just isn’t aware of that fact and peer pressure makes her act the way she does. If she were brought up in the tunnels she would have her values and priorities set right. Catherine is a lost soul, Devin and she’s making a huge mistake one I fear she will regret.”

“Supposing, just supposing, either I or some other guy makes it with Catherine and then one day she decides that she could love you and returns here, would you take her? I mean knowing that she has slept around would you forgive her and take her as your wife?”

Vincent was silent a long time before answering. Devin bit his nails while he waited spitting the tendrils out across the chamber floor, something Vincent found abhorrent, but concentrating as he was missed the action entirely at that moment in time. “Yes I believe I would.” He told Devin at length, “After all we are connected and that surely accounts for something.”

“Ah yes, the bond. Keep forgetting bout that, why didn’t you tell Cathy about it? Might have made all the difference you know.”

“And it might have kept her here with me under false pretences. No if Catherine comes to me, it will be because she loves me, there is no in-between and certainly nothing less will I accept.”

“You missed something. What if one of those people she slept with was me, how would that make you feel?”

“It would be awkward, but if Catherine could cope with it, then I would learn to in time. You though might find it more embarrassing.”

“Don’t bank on it.” Devin laughed then checking his watch told Vincent, “I have to go bro, was due up top half an hour ago. There’s a sale in a clothes shop and they have some pretty cheap jeans on offer, shall I get you a pair?”

“If you can afford to, thank you.” The burning question on Vincent’s lips stayed put, he couldn’t utter it but Devin seemed to know, “Okay, and don’t worry I’ll not be visiting Catherine.” Vincent’s sigh of relief was apparent and Devin shook his head. His brother was a hopeless cause and trapped in a world of his own making, shame that cos he and Catherine would have made a nice couple, for if nothing else everyone could see that they were or had been the best of friends, and so Devin had been led to believe, best friends made the best of lovers, only as he thought of the love he’d lost Devin realised bitterly that it hadn’t been true in his case.

In the cold light of day Catherine felt nothing but shame and she had lost her best friend to boot. How could she face Vincent after this? Especially after telling him she would never return. Catherine knew that part wasn’t true she had deep affection for Vincent and couldn’t imagine him not in her life. Why had she put so much import on sex? It was vain and it was stupid, and what was the hurry? So what if she was almost nineteen and hadn’t been laid if truth be known her so called friends that chided her on that fact were probably envious. Many of them had been around the clock with partners, some were even pregnant and others…Catherine shuddered, well a few of her college friends were actually HIV positive. So why did she envy them, why did she want to be like them? Maybe Vincent was right, maybe marriage first was the best thing, and at least she would know that someone truly loved her and they could learn together and grow together, it couldn’t be such a bad thing. The only problem was that he lived beneath the city and Catherine knew she couldn’t hack that, but what if they lived in one of those houses with access to the tunnels? That might work. No sooner had she thought it than did other thoughts come hot on its heels…if they could live that way…then…she remembered Vincent’s kisses…never had a kiss stirred her blood so…and never had she wanted someone so much…even Tom had not made her want him, strange how hung up over something Devin had said she wouldn’t do it with Tom, but Vincent like Devin in so many ways…brought up the same no doubt…was different in more ways than one.

Amazing, the turn about, Catherine feeling alive once again threw on the first things she could grab happening to be a pink track suit with bold white stripes and that done, picking up a flashlight and her keys, she tugged on her sneakers and headed for the door.

Crossing the park some ten minutes later, who should Catherine see but Devin…she waved and called his name and he sidestepped from his path to meet her, “Hi Cathy? Going jogging?” She looked happy and her eyes were shining brightly.

“No I’m going to see Vincent.” She told him breathlessly. Surprised Devin’s mouth dropped open, “Thought you were never going to see him again?” He asked.

“He told you?” Catherine sounded hurt, “What else did he tell you?” She asked accusingly.

“Nothing, just that he and you had had a disagreement and you were never going back.”

“Oh, good. Well I am, I’ve had a change of heart. Where are you off to?”

Devin ignored her question, “Cathy, don’t hurt him. Vincent is vulnerable, might not look it but he is, and he loves you.”

“I know. Don’t worry I’ve done a lot of thinking since I left last night and I don’t think that what I have to say will hurt him any. Quite the opposite in fact.”

“I’m all ears.”

Catherine laughed, “Well you’ll have to wait, cos what I’ve got to say is for Vincent’s ears only.”

“Okay then, I’ll see you later. I’ve got me an appointment with a new pair of jeans.” Catherine laughed and asked, “Is Vincent in his chamber?”

“He was, could be anywhere now. Best tap out a message on arrival have him meet you at the drainage tunnel.” Catherine nodded, “Okay will do. See you later Dev.”

Devin watched her hurry pass, he would give his eye teeth to know what all that was about, but looking down at his tatty jeans he knew where he was needed the most. Besides Vincent would fill him in later, he always did.

Catherine took Devin’s advice, tapping out a message for Vincent the moment she tripped the mechanism to open the sliding door and entered Vincent’s world. Usually she would have gone on in, but unsure of her reception thought better of it. Vincent might never want to see her again, and just as she was thinking the likelihood of that, she saw his tall lean shape heading toward her down the tunnel.

“Catherine?” He queried, “I thought never to see you again.”

“Hello Vincent, yeah sorry about that, I made a mistake, can you forgive me?”

Reaching her side he extended a hand, “I would forgive you anything Catherine.” He told her simply, “Alas I’m not sure that it is a good thing for you to be here.”

“Yes it is.” Catherine gazed up at him her eyes tracing the contours of is lips with longing, remembering how his kisses had felt and wanting to know again “I’ve decided something, Vincent.”

“What’s that Catherine?”

“If that’s what it takes, then I accept, I’ll marry you.”

Vincent’s mouth dropped a mile and he physically staggered against the tunnel wall, all manner of expressions chasing across his face. Catherine saw them all and wondered about each in turn, the first one shock, the second anger? The third disgust? And the forth, finally, finally acceptance and love why the myriad of emotions Catherine wondered, what was on his mind? Finally he had to ask, “Why? I’ve not even asked you.”

Catherine grimaced, “I know that Vincent, but you love me and I want you and if you’ll only take me in marriage then so be it, I accept.” If she thought he would like that Catherine was wrong, fury mounted in Vincent’s eyes, “How dare you!” He roared moments later, “Go Catherine, just go and never come back!”

Protesting got her nowhere, Vincent took her arm and fairly threw her from the tunnel, “But Vincent, you don’t understand…maybe I didn’t explain myself…” He gave her no chance to say another word, closing off the metal door from between them with a very large clang then heaving for breath on the other side Vincent slid to his haunches feeling more miserable than he had all day.

Walking through the park on his way to the office had become one of Elliot’s little pleasures. He was getting a fat butt, wouldn’t want anyone to tell him that, but too much sitting in the office, sitting in the car sitting at home reading, was giving him a backside associated usually with horse riders and obese women, and Elliot didn’t like it one bit. Besides walking through the park on such a sunny morning was good for his morale and it lifted his spirits especially when he spied a pretty girl as he did that day, one with her hair in a pony tail that tossed from side to side as she walked and one who was wearing a stunning pink and white tracksuit. He smiled when they levelled feeling concern when she looked at him blankly and her red rimmed eyes told him that something had upset her, either that or…”Have you got something in your eye?” Elliot asked putting out a hand to halt her in mid stride.

“No.” There was a catch to her voice and now he was close Elliot knew that he had seen her before, “You’re Catherine Chandler aren’t you?”

“Yes, I’m sorry I don’t know who you are.” She told him warily.

“Sure you do! I’m Elliot Burch. We have been introduced, once.” He smiled at her genuinely and Catherine felt her heart flutter she loved his smile it lit up his eyes, “But it was a once that I never forgot. Been meaning to ring you actually, but business…” he shrugged, “Well you know how it is.”

Catherine laughed, “Yes, though my father would tell you that I know nothing of the sort.” Elliot laughed too then checking his watch decided he would make time just for once or he might live to regret it, “How about a coffee, would you join me, I’d really like to get to know you better?”

Catherine thought about it, just a mere second and then nodded “Alright, thank you Elliot, I’d like that, I could do with some company right about now.” Elliot made no mention to that fact, just happy that she had agreed and taking her arm he steered her toward ‘this little bar that he knew that made the most delectable coffee.’ Making Catherine laugh out loud.

Crossing the park they were lost in conversation and Catherine did not notice that returning to the tunnels Devin had stopped to watch them. Under his arm he carried a bag with two pairs of new blue jeans one pair for him and one for his brother. Devin watched them till they were out of sight and he wondered what was going on. He also wondered what kind of game Catherine Chandler was playing…and then thinking of his brother he began to run…if Catherine had seen Vincent and left so soon there could only have been one reason…she had hurt his brother again, despite saying she would not…for what other reason had she left so quickly?

Reaching the drain Devin dipped inside and opened the sliding door ready for anything except finding his brother sobbing his heart out just a few yards beyond, “Vincent!” Devin dropped his bags and ran to his brother’s side, “Whatever’s the matter?”

Vincent shook his head unable to say anything. He felt bereft and Devin picked up his bags, closed the door and started helping his brother to his feet, “Come lets get you home.” He thought Vincent might protest but when he didn’t Devin decided that was a bad sign in itself. Whatever had happened?

“Did you see Catherine?” Devin asked at length and very cautiously.

“Yes.” Vincent’s tone was gruff and unfeeling.

“And?” Devin prompted gently.

“She said she would marry me.”

Devin sucked in a breath and exclaimed, “Hey buts that’s marvellous isn’t it?”

“No!” Vincent flared, “How can it be? I never proposed to her. She assumed that by marrying me I would have relations with her, what kind of woman is she Devin? How could she stoop so low, just for sex?” Vincent shook his head hoping to clear all though of Catherine from it, if only he could do the same with the bond, “She doesn’t even love me.” He added with deep sorrow.

“I met Catherine before she saw you she was crossing the park the same time as I was, she was excited but wouldn’t tell me what about. I asked her not to hurt you, Vincent and she promised she wouldn’t. She even implied that what she had to tell you would make you happy.”

“But she doesn’t love me!” Vincent reminded him, “If she did, I would have been the happiest man alive, Devin. How can she do such a thing, say such a thing purely from need? What is it she wants from me?” Vincent started to cry again. He felt as though Catherine had torn him in two.

“Did you let her explain? Vincent I know you, you often jump to the wrong conclusions.” Devin told him quietly.

“I know, but with Catherine, I know her heart, her emotions, I could see that she was thinking only so far as having sex and was prepared to go to any lengths to get it. Did nothing I say have any impact on her yesterday? She knows that I view marriage as a lifelong commitment, not something that can be over as soon as she has got what she wants from it. Devin what kind of woman have I fallen in love with? Certainly she is not the one I thought I knew.”

“She’s not the one I thought I knew either Vincent. I’ve just seen her up top going to a bar with some geezer that approached her out of the blue.”

“She might have known him.” Vincent replied.

“Even worse. Ever heard of rebound Vincent?”

“Yes. But Catherine wouldn’t act on it that quickly and why should she feel hurt? Rebound is for those that love, not for those with needs.”

“Not so bro, to Catherine love and needs are one and the same. She’s one mixed up young lady is our Catherine, I think I should have visited her after all, might have drummed some sense into her. Or we should let her do a round with Father even, now that would soon sort her out.” Devin laughed.

“I can’t imagine that she would come here and say she would marry me just to get from me what she so desires. We were best of friends Devin and her emotions tell me that hasn’t changed but her actions show otherwise. Best friends never hurt one another or do anything that might cause injury, yet Catherine has hurt me twice in less than twenty-four hours and I’ve done nothing to deserve it.”

“And you’re sure you haven’t misconstrued matters?” Devin asked unsure, for sometimes he knew that Vincent could read things into something that simply was never intended to be.

“I’m certain I haven’t.”

“What exactly did Catherine say to you earlier, can you remember?” Devin asked, hoping he might be able to detect something that Vincent had missed, or knowing Vincent had added something to it that simply was not intended.

“Word for word I can’t remember, I was too shocked to take it in, but basically she said she would marry me if that’s what it took for me to make love to her.”

Devin shook his head, “No, it doesn’t figure Vincent. She wouldn’t do that, you must have misunderstood her. A person doesn’t just agree to marriage and know what that entails just for sex, Catherine would know that she would have to live down here as well.”

“Not unless it was never her intention, she might have married me got what she wanted and sought a divorce.”

“Except legally speaking you would never have been married anyway, because in the eyes of the law you do not exist. You have no birth certificate, identification, nothing to show you are an American citizen. Catherine could leave the marriage any time she chose and not be beholden to it, even though The Master is a qualified minister, Catherine could still find a loophole if that’s what she wanted.”

“Well that only drives my point home more forcefully. Catherine really gave no consideration to the marriage at all, only taking from me what she desired. I feel awful.”

“You should feel honoured.”

Surprised Vincent stared at his brother, “Why?”

“How many beautiful women do you know Vincent that would actually do something like that to get you into bed?”

With a wry grimace Vincent told his brother, “None.”

“Exactly. Look Vincent, can’t you just lower your standards, just this once? You used to believe that something like this would never happen for you, and now all of the sudden the moment it does you conclude that you’re going to have women falling at your feet one after the other. But supposing Catherine is all you are going to get, wouldn’t it be better to take her up on her offer rather than never having the chance, however she intends it?”

Adamantly, Vincent shook his head. He had considered it, spent all night doing just that, but knew at the end of the day that he couldn’t just shove his morals aside like that. He had himself to live with after all, and firmly believed in the saying that you never miss what you’ve never had. He felt very strongly that after any kind of intimate relationship with Catherine he would simply not be able to let it rest there, he would want more, and he would expect more. Different he might be, chances few he might have, but it still didn’t mean that he would be a pushover, he had his own rights after all and other people had to respect them.

“Well then it’s a lost cause Vincent, and open and shut case I’m afraid, and as it appeared that Catherine has already moved on to fresh pastures I think we can both safely say that’s the last we’ll see of her, so I guess all this is just gibberish and by the by. We’re wasting our breath, so lets talk about something else huh, like these new jeans for instance. What do you think?” From the bag Devin took a pair of jeans, held them against him and told his brother, “29 leg these must be mine, the longer ones are yours.” And he threw the bag containing the jeans toward Vincent. However when Vincent did not take a look Devin sighed wearily, “Oh come on Vincent, stop being so broody, its over finito, you have to move on.” Vincent shook his head, “There is the connection.”

“And what is it telling you right at this very moment?”

“Catherine has mixed feelings, one moment sad the next bright and cheerful, she is restless too.”

“Did you want me to go and visit with her after all?”

Vincent shook his head, “No, but I think I should.”

“Really?”

Vincent nodded, “You’re right something about this whole affair doesn’t sit right, and Catherine and I were such good friends, I must have misinterpreted something or not understood. I have to speak with her, sort it out it is the only way.”

“When will you go?”

“Tonight. I’ll get another restless night if I don’t.” Devin nodded, “Okay then bro, but take care okay, and if she upsets you again don’t let it get to you until you arrive home, you might make mistakes to your detriment if you aren’t thinking straight. Shall I wait for you somewhere, walk home with you?”

Vincent shook his head, “No. Don’t worry I will keep to the rooftops, no one will see me, I know how to hide."

Devin nodded, “Okay then Vincent, I hope you get whatever it is you are going there for.” He winked at his brother but Vincent ignored the gesture. The only thing he was going there for was to rebuild his and Catherine’s friendship. A lot had been said and much had been misunderstood so it seemed, and they shouldn’t let it stand between them. He valued Catherine’s friendship and Vincent knew that his life would be a lonely one without it. He just wished things hadn’t gotten complicated, there were too many things now between them that each would recall to mind that might cause problems, still he wouldn’t know until he tried, and Vincent did intend to try as hard as it might be to do so because the kind of love he had for Catherine only came along once in a lifetime.

When Vincent arrived on Catherine’s balcony he found the apartment in darkness, but his sense of her told him that she was close. Peering through the French windows offered him little since both were covered with long lace voiles in a shade he knew to be soft peach. Besides looking through windows was never something he enjoyed, it was rude as well as the fact he might see something he ought not. Still the sense he had of Catherine didn’t appear to be coming from inside the apartment, but rather way over the park from where he had just come. Vincent frowned thinking she hadn’t had a similar idea had she? She wasn’t visiting him instead? Vincent concentrated on the connection relieved when it appeared that Catherine was coming closer to where he was rather than further away, which told him she wasn’t intending to visit the tunnels, and why should she? After this morning’s fiasco he doubted she would ever attempt to go there again. Vincent felt very sorry for the way he had manhandled her and shouted at her and told her NEVER to come back, he ought not to have done that, especially as he didn’t allow her time to explain herself. But he had been so damn angry with her that she could take marriage vows so lightly just to get what she wanted. When he had had time to ponder it however, Vincent was certain he had misunderstood her, the Catherine he knew would never be so callous about his feelings and talking it over with Devin had made him realise more and more that he must have misunderstood her. So there he was on her balcony, his mind running riot as to how he should approach the matter without putting his foot any further in it.

Wherever Catherine was however, Vincent could tell that she held no qualms as to what had taken place earlier in the tunnels, and of course that gave him cause for concern. How could she be so blasé about it? Didn’t she realise she had just turned his whole world upside down, not to mention their friendship. She wasn’t offering him a cup of tea for goodness sake, yet through the connection Vincent found nothing to substantiate that she had any feelings on the matter whatsoever. In fact, she was happy, carefree light of spirit and Vincent could only speculate as to why.

No sooner did he wonder these things then did laughter from eighteen floors down catch his attention the sound filtering upward on a light breeze as did Catherine’s voice moments later and a name he had never heard her mention before, ‘Elliot’. Looking down over the balcony wall, the streetlights and the light illuminating from the building revealed the silhouettes of two people that he presumed were Catherine and one other. He watched mesmerised as they talked together, laughed often and then recoiled as the larger figure leaned toward the smaller figure and realised that they were so obviously kissing!

Panicking Vincent didn’t know what to do! His first thought was to run, but he’d had enough of running and he didn’t think he could stand another restless night, last night had to have been the worst he had ever endured! Yet to go away and not confront Catherine then he was certain that tonight would be even worse.

Refraining from watching the couple Vincent tore his gaze away looking back at the darkened apartment noticing only the illuminating lights of digital appliances. The television set, red, the stereo deck, orange, the alarm fitted just inside the apartment door winking green, then blue, green then blue. Moving along the terrace Vincent could see her alarm clock its numbers illuminated in red telling him it was after eleven o’clock at night. Vincent was surprised, he had felt that he had arrived just after nine thirty, had it been all that time that Catherine had taken to cross the park with her friend, what had they been doing all that time? The night was warm true, but the park was a dangerous place to be after dark, obviously Catherine either felt very safe with her friend or he was some how protected by someone else. Again no sooner had he thought it than did he realise that the two figures he had noticed a while ago standing outside the park gates had been there for quite some time. He had paid them no heed before, believing them to be people passing the time of night with light conversation or a cigarette but he had also noticed the dark saloon parked just outside of Catherine’s apartment building and eyes glued to it a moment he was sure he could see the silhouette of a chauffer through the tinted windows. So, the fellow that was holding Catherine’s attention was someone ‘big’ enough to warrant protection then? Vincent pondered what he knew of the fellow for a few minutes. There was only one Elliot that he had heard of in this city that might require bodyguards and that was the young upcoming Developer Elliot Burch. He’d read articles about him in Father’s newspapers, sent down from helpers one or two days after they had been printed but he had never really taken much notice of the man’s name till now. What business did Catherine have with him? And had she known him before today? And was it the same man that Devin had seen her with in the park? Was that when they had met? If so, they were awfully close for so short a time. Vincent dared to look back down, though if Catherine’s rapid heartbeat was anything to go by, he had all the information he needed without looking. Sure enough though he found the couple still close, in fact closer than before, for now Catherine was within the circle of the fellow’s arms.

Finally, finally with the chiming of a clock somewhere to the east signalling quarter past the hour the couple reluctantly pulled apart. Vincent watched them kiss one last time, then the fellow saw Catherine to the door of the building, waved and walked toward the saloon. There someone alighted from the driver’s seat and the two men waiting outside the park gates crossed the road to the car, one slipping into the back passenger seat to the right of the fellow and one slipping into the left of the fellow as the chauffer held open the doors. By the time the chauffer had returned to the driver’s seat and the saloon engine purred Vincent heard Catherine’s key in the lock and knew that any moment her apartment would be filled with light. Not only that, in all probability she would hurry to the balcony to watch her friend pull away, and one quick glance to the street told Vincent that her friend expected this too, because the car had not pulled away from the curb.

Therefore, ducking behind a tub filled with leafy plants Vincent held his breath as the terrace was suddenly illuminated with light from the apartment and brightened when Catherine drew back the voiles and opened one of the French doors to step out onto the terrace and wave her friend goodbye.

Holding his breath, Vincent watched mesmerised. Catherine looked stunning! She wore the most exquisite evening gown he had ever seen her wear, in a light shade of blue that shimmered as she walked. Her feet were bare so she had so obviously left her shoes inside the apartment and her silky legs were visible through a slit that went from ankle to thigh revealing more than Vincent assumed was appropriate for a first date. Inside his blood boiled and his heart hammered erratically as he continued to take in Catherine’s attire. Her hair was piled upon her head, and she wore earrings that glittered in the light from the apartment, and there was a small link chain around her neck. She looked older, more sophisticated than her nineteen years and certainly more beautiful than Vincent had ever seen her before.

A soft sigh signalled to Vincent that Elliot must have left, but Catherine continued to gaze after the disappearing tail lights of the saloon and longer still, leaning against the terrace wall as if enchanted. Finally a whisper of wind made her lay her hands against her bare arms and rub them in a gesture that revealed that she was growing chilly out there on the terrace and reluctantly, Vincent could plainly see it was so, Catherine moved away from the wall with the intention to go back inside the apartment. It was at that moment that Vincent whispered her name, “Catherine?”

Catherine froze and turned to the sound of his voice, “Vincent?” She queried before he heard the accusation in her tone, ‘how long have you been there?”
For a moment Vincent caught sight of bright eyes, happy eyes, but as she pondered his presence and the length of time he had stood watching her, they became filled with apprehension and caution perhaps even a little annoyance.

Deciding to play for safe, Vincent told her, “Not long.” He wasn’t one to lie, but he deemed this instant a necessity, the last thing he wanted to do was start an argument with her even before they had begun and ruin what had obviously been for her a very enjoyable evening.

“Oh right. Would you like to come in, it’s growing chilly out here?” Catherine walked back through the opening of the French doors and tugged at the voiles holding them aside for Vincent to enter. “Thank you” he told her as he passed on through, “You’re right it is growing chilly. You should put something warmer on.”

“I intend to, I shall be going to bed soon, I am very tired.”

“Have you had a good evening?” Vincent asked trying not to sound too interested.

“Yes thank you.” Catherine exhaled a long breath, “Vincent about this morning… I need to apologise.”

“Apologise?” That had been the last thing Vincent had expected her to say.

“Yes,” Catherine giggled a little nervously he thought, “I said some very stupid things. Forgive me. I have these bright ideas that seem excellent at the time, but I do have a terrible habit of acting on impulse and I’m afraid I may have led you to believe…well I might have given the opinion that…well the truth is…” Catherine fumbled to tell him, “I don’t really want to marry you.”

Vincent gasped! He hadn’t expected this. He had assumed that Catherine would plead her case and that they would iron out all the little hiccups, but he never expected that she would back out of her proposition. That came as a complete shock!

They stared at one another, Vincent was speechless but Catherine soon found her voice, “If there was nothing particular that you wanted I’d really appreciate it if you left now. I am tired and want to go to bed.” Vincent almost laughed, huh the crux of the matter, hadn’t that been what it had all been about? He wished he was Devin with a sudden witty quip, but he could find nothing to say.

“So?” Catherine cocked her head to one side like an appealing puppy dog trying to soften someone’s heart only it was not that kind of gesture, for Vincent could clearly tell through the connection that she wanted him gone. Finally he replied, sadly so, “I wanted to apologise for my behaviour this morning. I didn’t give you time to explain yourself, but it would appear that things have changed.”

“Yes. Funny huh, how fate interferes had you of not done that, I would never have met the man of my dreams. So in a way I should thank you for that.” Catherine laughed completely unaware of the fact that she was breaking Vincent’s heart and went on, “Elliot is wonderful. He’s great company, good looking…” the way she said it sounded as if she was floating on air… “ And rich to boot. Daddy will have a field day with this one, you’ll see. He’ll have Elliot and I married off before the years out!”

“Catherine!”

Taken aback Catherine stared at Vincent, he sounded furious, “What was that for? Aren’t you pleased for me?”

Vincent shook his head. How on earth could someone offer marriage in the morning and then come evening seem to have forgotten or thought so little of the offer that it could be swept away like some filth beneath the carpet?

“Say something Vincent? I thought you wanted what was best for me? Oh!” Covering her mouth with one hand Catherine apologise, “Sorry, am I hurting you? I forgot, you said you loved me didn’t you? You did mean that as a friend didn’t you,” Catherine eyed his suspiciously, “You didn’t mean that you were in love with me did you? You see there’s a difference.”

Vincent took the easy way out. His mind racing he foresaw that if he told her he was in love with her she would want nothing more to do with him believing a clean cut to be for the best, but if he let her believe that he loved her as a best friend, then…

“You’re my best friend Catherine, I love you in that way.” His eyes couldn’t quite meet hers but Catherine didn’t seem to notice as with a sigh of relief she told him, “Oh good, you almost had me worried there. I’m not one for throwing something back in another’s face or for trampling all over their feelings. If you were in love with me Vincent, everything I‘ve just said about Elliot Burch (Vincent gasped) would have likely broken your heart. As it is I’m pleased we’re still friends, can I still visit the tunnels too?”

Not trusting himself to speak, Vincent nodded, “Oh Good.” Catherine told him, then as the clock chimed half past the hour Catherine feigned a yawn, “I really must go to bed Vincent, I’m bushed.”

Vincent took that as his cue to leave, “Sleep well then Catherine visit with me any time that you like.” Catherine giggled, “Might not be anytime soon, you know new boyfriend and all that, but I’ll come whenever I can okay?”

‘Or whenever you need to’ Vincent uttered under his breath knowing how Catherine liked to use him as a sounding board for her problems. Instead he said, “Yes, I will look forward to seeing you, and Catherine…” His eyes must have disclosed his feelings for Catherine laughed out loud and told him, “I know I know, don’t worry, whomsoever comes into my life, I will not forget…your secret is safe with me Vincent…I promise.” Her eyes were bright with amusement.

Shortly after Vincent left by way of the elevator. His heart was breaking in two and he couldn’t have stood another moment seeing Catherine’s happiness at the new man in her life. He felt empty despite the fact that their friendship was still intact. All his dreams and hopes and fantasies came crashing around him. In so short a time Catherine had flippantly tossed his feelings aside even to the point of believing that his love for her hadn’t been significant enough to constitute deep forever love when he felt sure she had known yesterday that had been what he had meant. Reaching the park Vincent sat down beside a lake watching the tiny boats bob beneath a low hung moon. They held no pleasure for him this night as if anything ever would again. Laying his head into his hands Vincent fought back a sob as the dream that he shared with Catherine putted and died like a candle snuffed out before its time. And it was clear that he had lost her, lost Catherine to a man as far removed from him as he would ever be…so had Devin been right? Had his high morals lost him the only woman he would ever love? Well I’ll never know now thought Vincent and his heart broke afresh as the threatened tears finally fell.

To be continued in Chapter Five