137. Chapter 137

After Significant Others, Again

By

UCSBdad

Disclaimer: May I have an infestation of redhead inflicted upon me if I claimed to own Castle. Rating: K Time: See above.

Meredith glared at the cabbie who was obviously ogling her as she got in. He had gotten a good look at her legs as she slid into the back of the cab. Secretly she was pleased. Looking good was imperative in Hollywood. She knew that her talent was her main asset, but a good body, good legs and a beautiful face were necessary as well.

She thought of Kate Beckett. Beckett had good legs and a nice ass, although her boobs weren't as large as a woman might want. Her face was strong, and she had to admit, quite attractive. However Meredith knew that Kate lacked that spark, that drive that propelled her. A police detective? She thought. How could any woman make that her life's goal? Meredith had done several guest shots on TV cop shows. The actors had always gone for reality, to some extent. While the leads would be handsome and buff, the other cops, those in the background were gritty and workmanlike, dressed in ill-fitting clothing. Meredith had no use for being in the background. Meredith knew she was destined for the top. The very top.

She had to admit that things had not gone as well as they might have in her career. She knew that she had a well-grounded career. All she needed was that one big break that would propel her to here she belonged. Until then, she needed…help. To be honest, she needed Rick. Rick's generosity had continued through his marriage to Gina. Gina Cowell. Why did Rick ever married that woman? Gina is nothing like me. But at least she hadn't objected to Rick's continued support of his ex-wife's career. Meredith looked at Rick's support of her as an investment really. Rick is an author and Nikki Heat had been made into a movie. A direct to DVD movie. She reminded herself. Well, some direct to DVD films do become cult favorites. What was that odd Korean western? Meredith shook her head. Once she was famous, she could repay Rick by bringing him into the upper echelons of Hollywood. Meredith decided she could be quite generous that way.

Meredith had been worried about Kate. Rick and Kate were serious, she could tell. She was sure that she had met the third, and probably the last, Mrs. Castle. When Meredith had heard that Rick was serious about the model for Nikki Heat, she had been worried. She had pictured Kate as a tough minded, take no prisoners type. Someone who would never allow her husband to keep supporting his ex-wife. But Kate had been surprisingly sweet and kind. Meredith was convinced that now that she had reminded Rick of her connection to Alexis, that he would never cut her off and Kate would never object. Luckily, Meredith wouldn't need Rick forever. She had a couple of auditions to go to in LA. Surely one would lead to her big break.

Suddenly she recalled her last talk with Kate. Why did she and Rick break up? Really! That should have been off limits. She was sure that Rick would have mentioned her little fling towards the end of their marriage to Kate. Certainly Rick would have acted like everything was all her fault. It was hardly her fault that Rick wasn't as supportive of her career back then as he could have been. It was Hollywood, after all!

Meredith relaxed and began thinking about what she'd do in LA. I really need to go to Rodeo Drive and shop if I want to make a good impression at my audition.

Alexis stared at the ceiling of her room. I love my mom. I really do. And I love Dad as well. But sometimes they just infuriate me. How could Dad have let Meredith stay here when Kate was here? Couldn't he see how upsetting that would be for her? She knew her dad loved Kate: That was obvious. Alexis hoped that they would marry. She had lived her whole life with a dad, a great dad, a super great dad, and a spectacular grandmother. But she had never really had a mother. Meredith was never there, Gina hadn't been particularly a mom, although she had made some attempts. Kate was different. Alexis thought she'd never be quite her mom, but she was a friend.

There were times when Alexis had wanted a mom to talk to as some of her other friends were able to do. She really couldn't talk to her dad or to grams, but once or twice she had been able to talk to Kate. She'd like to be able to talk to her more often and about other things: Boys, colleges, school majors, jobs, careers, her future. She imagined Kate as her mom.

Then she saw her real mom in her mind. Mom is so transparent. She's been leeching off of Dad for years and years while she pursues her non-existent career. If there was one thing that would bring Mom to her beloved daughter, it would be the thought of the gravy train being over. Alexis sighed. Mom had always been a taker and Dad had always been a giver. At least this latest fiasco hadn't damaged Dad's relationship with Kate. Had it? Alexis made a mental note to herself to encourage Kate to be more a part of their family. I need to make sure she stays.

Martha took another sip of her wine. I didn't raise a complete idiot. I just raised a man who can be taken advantage of because of his good heart and generosity. I suppose I can't complain. He's changed a great deal since he met Kate and it was all to the better.

One good thing came out of this. I detest Meredith and now I have fresh reasons to detest her more. And more reasons to thank God that Rick found Kate and was smart enough to hold on to her. After screwing around for years! All right, I didn't raise a complete idiot, but that boy was skating awfully close to the edge of losing Kate forever. I do need to talk to him. If it was up to me, those two would be married and making babies. Martha's mind wandered. If only Rick had met Kate before Meredith…

Rick tossed and turned in his empty bed. I screwed up! Massively! How could I have let Meredith push me around like that? And Kate's words, "As long as we're together…" As long as we're together? How long is that? I know I don't want anyone other than Kate Beckett. When I said always, that's what I meant. Didn't I? I've screwed up two marriages. I can't do that to Kate. But she won't stay if we have just some open ended dating. She wants her one and done. And so do I. if I weren't so damned afraid of screwing it up.

Kate tossed and turned in her empty bed. I wish I was with Castle. He's the one. I know it. I'm lucky he waited for me. I've pushed him away and even lied to him. Okay, he hasn't been entirely blameless in our problems, but if I had just been honest with him and with myself from the beginning, where would be now? Too late for that. I have to make sure we stay together. I know he loves me as much as I love him. I can do this! We can do this.

Kate thought about her conversation with Meredith. She never mentioned sleeping with another man in her explanation of her break up. Meredith is self-centered. And I thought Castle was egotistical. He's an amateur in comparison to her. I suppose she thought that Castle's being a sweet soufflé justified her cheating on him.

I wish I was in bed with him. How I want to be cuddled by him. How I need him.