A beauty

Catherine had resigned in her part time job at the Lavish Suites. Keith had found out that she was working for four hours but gets paid for eight. As Jon was defending his decision, he told his father that Catherine is able to assist with client meetings, handled a few company events which are not part of her job as a receptionist. She started as a female room attendant, but she has much potential which the management had seen. Jeff, the supervisor, had recommended promoting her from being an attendant to the reception. Andrew agreed as well, Cathy's mentor and co-worker, he knew she could do much. Keith contested, "So are you saying that even without proper education, this woman is better than Vivian or any other woman you had dated?" Jon got up, faced his father who is standing up against the scenic view from the library balcony at home. "I am telling you that she is a decent woman," he cut him off, "This Catherine Mills that you are going crazy about had been promoted because of you. Because of Jeff, of Andrew, and you, and who else?" This time his voice was louder and was more authoritative. "Was there ever a recommendation from a woman?" Jonathan did not want to argue with his father, but he saw the need to defend the woman he loves. "She is decent. I am the only man she has ever dated. If they are falling for her good looks, I don't care. She's mine." Keith shouted, "You are not getting the point, Jonathan! This woman of yours is getting what she wants. And she does that by using her looks. Now you better be careful son, because one day you'll realize that decency is not how you used to know it." He walked out, went to his room and locked his doors.

******

Jonathan was left alone, finished his drink and went back to work. He thought to himself, "Catie has already left her job. What else does he want?" It has been very tiring arguing with his father. For years, he had been his best bud, his mentor, and every single person that he needed him to be. His dad never chose to date again because he wanted to focus on him, and the business. He does not want to disappoint him, neither will he want to leave Cathy. He has sent her documents to be sent to some prestigious schools, then signed up a form for sponsorship which he had forwarded to his lawyer. He had also bought some books for her which he gave her when he stopped over for dinner the other day. In a minute, his mood swiftly changed from being distressed with his father to being inspired with what Cathy was about to achieve.

******

For the past few days, Cathy had been reading the books which Jon had brought her. She wanted to study child education, because like her mother, she had a passion for teaching. Jennifer knew that she left her job for Jon, without even telling her. "I am your mother, I'd know how you feel, even if you lie." She hugged her from behind, knowing that her daughter has been going through so much. "Jon has brought me these, to read them over." Jennifer smiled, and went to the kitchen to prepare dinner, leaving Cathy alone in her bedroom. She continued reading for about an hour, when she got a call from Alex. "Hey!" he said, trying to start a conversation. "I have been meaning to ask how you are." Her answers are quite short and concise. Alex had been a great friend to her, he always defended her, even to a point where Jon would ask him to take care of her. "I am at home, how are you?" He was thinking of how he would get in the way of Cathy and Jon, knowing that she had fallen in love with him. "I am wondering, can I come over? I mean, I know that you left your job because of the woman.." Cathy interrupted, "Well, I chose to leave. Jon is a protective man. He will never allow it to happen again." He replied, "Sure he is." They talked for a few minutes, Cathy asked how the people are, and Alex gave an update of what had been happening in the last few days. He did not even mention the meeting he had with Vivian. "I was hoping we could catch up some time." He reached to his bedside table and held the plane tickets which had been given by Vivian. "I have something to give you," Cathy was hesitant at first, since he did not mention what he is about to give her. He told her it was a surprise and that he wanted her to feel better amidst the stress and the worries she had experienced for the previous weeks. She finally agreed to meet him on the following weekend. When they hung up, Cathy went back to reading while Alex lay down on his bed, resting his neck on a leg of a huge teddy bear he bought for Cathy. "I know that it's difficult, and it's wrong but I love Cathy. I will do what needs to be done ," he said softly, as if he was talking to the bear.