After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 101

“At my age, a good walk is just what I need,” he said, taking her words in stride and not bothering to set her straight.

“Excuse me, is there a supermarket nearby?” Catherine asked.

She was craving some snacks and fruit.

Patrick pointed ahead. “Right over there. You can’t miss it.”

Catherine thanked him with a smile and jogged off. When she came back, arms full of fruit and snacks, she spotted Patrick still strolling around. She went over to him.

“I brought you a couple of oranges. They’re really sweet,” she said, pulling out two big oranges and handing them over without a second thought.

Patrick took them. “Thank you.”

“No problem,” Catherine replied, grinning.

Patrick asked like it was just small talk, “You look pretty young. Not married yet, right?”

Catherine held up her left hand, showing off the plain ring on her finger. “Actually, I just got married this year.”

“So young? What does your husband do?” Patrick pretended to be curious, wanting to hear what she’d say about Lawrence.

“He works at a tech company. He’s an engineer,” Catherine answered honestly.

“Oh, just an engineer? I guess the pay isn’t all that great,” Patrick said, testing her a little.

Catherine’s smile didn’t fade. “He might not make a lot, but he treats me really well. And I love him.”

“You must be really smart to be here for this exchange. Don’t you feel like you settled, marrying a regular engineer?”

“Not at all,” Catherine shook her head without hesitation. “As long as we have enough, that’s enough for me. What matters most is being with the person I love.”

Patrick couldn’t help but be impressed. Not only was Catherine kind, but her values were solid too.

“You’re almost sixty, right? Haven’t you retired yet?” Catherine asked, genuinely curious. It seemed odd for someone his age to still be working security.

She remembered back when Waldo used to treat Catherine like royalty, spoiling her with imported fruits and fancy restaurants or private chefs. Shirley had been jealous more times than she could count.

But now, without Waldo, what was Catherine really?

Just then, Shirley’s phone rang. She glanced at the screen and spoke into it. “Bring it to the lobby. I’ll come down and get it.”

She looked back at Catherine. “Waldo sent me some snacks. Want some? There’s even your favorite black truffle chocolates.”

Catherine gave a little laugh. “Honestly, I’m over those.”

Shirley rolled her eyes. She couldn’t stand Catherine’s attitude. “That chocolate costs a fortune. You talk like you could still afford it.”

“Whether I can or not is my business,” Catherine said, lifting her bag and swiping her card to get into her room.

Shirley’s face fell. Catherine was still acting like she was better than everyone else. What did she have left to be so proud of?