Page 79 of Meant to Be

CHAPTER 19

Joe

It was the most beautiful, sunny day, perfect for Cate’s first spin in my boat. I was on a complete high as I showed her all around (and showed off some, too). Then, just when I thought things couldn’t get any better, we anchored in a quiet cove and made love on the water before falling asleep in each other’s arms. When we woke up, I went swimming, burning off nervous energy, because I knew that it was time to tell her. I couldn’t wait another day.

Back in the boat, I finally said it:I love you. Just like that. I could see in her eyes that she felt the same, but I still felt as if my heart might explode in my chest as she said the words back to me.

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When we gothome, Cate and I found Berry on the back porch playing solitaire at a small square table we called our “puzzle table.” Right away, I could tell she was in some sort of a mood, as she barely looked up from her cards, curtly answering my questions about her day (“it was fine”) and my mother’s whereabouts (“she’s resting”). It was very uncomfortable and a little rude.

A few more seconds passed before Cate quietly excused herself, saying she was going upstairs to shower. As she slipped into the house, it crossed my mind to follow her and reassure her that Berry just got melancholy sometimes—and that when she did, she could come across as dismissive. But a small, paranoid part of me worried that I’d done something to upset her. Had I not been appreciative enough about the picnic lunch she’d picked up for me? Should I have asked her to join us on the boat? I sat down beside her, waiting for her to look up.

When she didn’t, I cleared my throat and said, “Are you winning?”

Berry nodded, and in the next few seconds, she finished the game in a flurry of activity. I watched as she swept up the cards and began to shuffle, her eyes still down.

“Okay, Berry. What’s going on?” I asked in a quiet voice. “Did something happen today?”

“Yes,” she said, finally meeting my gaze. “You could say that.”

“And? Do you care to share it with me?” I said, trying to be patient but feeling the first hint of annoyance. It turned into full-on aggravation when she just shrugged.

Berry let out a weary sigh, as if I were the one testingherpatience, then motioned for me to close the door. I leaned back in my chair, pushing it shut. Then I crossed my arms over my chest, waiting.

Several more seconds passed before she said, “Did you know that she grew up obsessed with you?”

I stared back at her, completely confused. “What are you talking about? Who’sshe?”

“Cate,” Berry hissed under her breath. “She had aposterof you in her bedroom. Up on her wall. She and her mother were both obsessed with you. Still are.”

“That’s nuts,” I said, my voice low and even, though I could feel my heart starting to race.

“Sorry. But it’strue,” Berry said.

“How the hell do you know?” I snapped.

“It’s in theNational Enquirer.”

“Are youkiddingme?” I said, my voice louder. “TheNational Enquirer?! When did you start reading tabloids?”

“It’s a quote from Cate’s ownmother.”

“And theNational Enquirernever makes up quotes?”

“There are pictures, too. Of Cate’s mother with her Kingsley memorabilia. You have to see it.”

“First of all, I’m not looking at that shit,” I said. “Second of all, I’d bet a thousand bucks that they lied or twisted the truth or somehow tricked her mother into saying it. And third of all, even if it’s true, and Cate had a life-size poster of me in her room as a kid, so what? What does that have to do with our relationship now?”

Berry stared at me, blinking, a self-righteous look on her face. “Well, let me ask you this, Joe.”

I stared back at her, waiting.

“Did she ever tell you any of this?” she asked.

“You’re assuming it’s true!”

“I saw photographs!”

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