Chapter 6 Breakfast

• **KATE**
• After arriving home and taking a refreshing shower, I sit on the couch and savor a light sandwich. I'm so tired that I can't muster the energy to prepare a simple dinner. I turn on the television and catch up on the news about the accident involving Colin, the owner of several shopping malls in Toronto.
• The helicopter crashed in an open area of the woods, making it easier to locate. Fortunately, there was only an engine failure, and the pilot managed to land with minor damages. Now, Colin, the pilot, and his assistant are in the hospital with minor injuries but under observation.
• I feel relieved by the news and, at the same time, remember that Andrew disappeared for the rest of the day, probably with that blonde he approached at the entrance of the company. My brother is incorrigible. Will I ever see him falling in love with someone and getting married? It seems highly unlikely; I shake my head and smile.
• **Morning comes.**
• I wake up startled by my phone ringing incessantly. When I see it's Lauren calling, I answer, still half-asleep.
• "Hey, Lau, is something wrong?" I sit up and look around; I ended up falling asleep on the couch.
• "Friend, I'm going crazy! There are only a few months left, and they've set the date for the fashion show. I need to finalize everything soon." I sense the nervousness in her voice and sigh, still groggy.
• "Lau, calm down. You can do it; everything has already fallen into place, right? The designs were ready. Now, it's just about production, my friend. Go for it; I believe in your talent."
• She lets out a long sigh, trying to calm herself. I know that anxiety is a big issue for Lauren, and it has affected her a lot. That's why she called me even though it's still the middle of the night here. It's been a while since she had these crises; I hope I won't have to make a last-minute trip because when I'm around, she calms down better.
• "Kate, promise you'll be here on the day of the fashion show? If not, I won't be able to handle it." She says, with a hint of desperation.
• "Of course, Lauren. I'll be there; you can count on me. I would never leave you hanging. Just tell me the day, and I'll plan accordingly." I try to reassure her as much as possible. When I realize I succeeded, she says goodbye and apologizes for the late call.
• I get up to have a glass of cold water and go to the balcony, feeling the night breeze caress my face. Tomorrow is the day to meet Taylor again, and I still haven't gotten used to having him so present in my brother's life. But it's a sacrifice I need to make, and let's be honest, it's not difficult at all. I try to push these thoughts out of my mind and go back to the bedroom. I lie down on the bed and end up falling asleep.
• When my phone alarm goes off, I quickly get up and head to the bathroom. I put on a song by Jaymes Young, "Tied Down," and take off my nightgown before stepping into the shower. I take care of every part of my body, proud of my curves, with the power to attract any man. I'm sure of that; after all, when I go out to party, I always manage to leave with someone.
• Finishing my shower, I wrap myself in a towel and follow my skincare routine. When I'm done, I call my brother since I'll be meeting him along with Taylor.
• "Hey, little brother..." He answers on the first ring, a surprise.
• "I might get used to you answering so quickly. Where are we meeting? At Taylor's company?" I ask while getting ready, deciding to wear something more casual.
• "Yes, we're actually having breakfast together. Do you want to join us, little sister?"
• I hear the background noise; this is the place where I love to have coffee. I say I'm on my way, leave the apartment, and head to the café, which is located just a few minutes away. When I arrive, I order my espresso to start the day right. I spot them at the tables in front of the café and wave.
• Taylor is distracted, showing something to my brother and doesn't even see me. While waiting for my coffee, I observe his appearance: he's tall, with slightly blonde hair, a smile capable of leaving any woman surrendered, and a body that undoubtedly must be impeccable underneath the clothes. I snap out of my trance when they call my name to deliver the coffee. I pay and thank the barista, then sit at their table.
• "Hey, guys." I give my best smile. Both look at me; my brother stands up and gives me a tight hug, while Taylor greets me with a nod. I sit next to them.
• "So when do we get to see Taylor Crawford's much-dreamed-of company? I'm full of ideas, even without checking the place, but I heard you have some changes in mind." I question without giving them time to respond. He smiles knowingly.
• "Good morning to you too, Kate. I see you're well-informed." He looks seriously at Andrew.
• "What's up, man? I have nothing to do with this; she has always been this hasty." I feel Andrew pull me by the neck and kiss my head.
• I smile at his gesture. "It's not haste; it's just being aware of the surroundings. I want to know every detail to execute everything perfectly. What's wrong with that?" I look authoritatively at the two of them, who laugh and shake their heads. I get up. "So, are we going? Or are you going to keep hanging around here."
• "Calm down, miss impatient; have your coffee and relax. It's still early." My brother pulls me by the hand for me to sit again. I roll my eyes impatiently and just watch their conversation.
• My brother, as always, only knows how to talk about women, although he is serious when it comes to our company, where it's forbidden to get involved with any employee.
• Once we finish our coffee, we'll head straight to Taylor's car as he'll be driving us to the location. I'm surprised by the choice of the car; I never imagined such a serious man with a metallic blue Ford F-150, beautiful.
• He opens the car door for me and extends his hand to help me climb, but I ignore his gesture and get into the car without difficulty, settling in. Andrew is already in the passenger seat, all excited. I forgot how much he loves being in the company of his best friend.