Chapter 53 Reconnecting with Old Friends

Ursula bolted from the restaurant, her heart was pounding, until she found a quiet bench to catch her breath, still reeling from the evening's events. Timothy's surprise proposal had thrown her for a loop. They were a couple, sure, but marriage? That was a leap she hadn't anticipated.

Her phone buzzed insistently, a lifeline in her moment of turmoil. She answered, panting.

"Ursula, you sound like you've run a marathon. Or is it something a bit more... scandalous?" The voice on the other end was playful, teasing.

"Katherine, cut it out. When did you change your number?" Ursula deflected, recognizing her childhood friend's voice.

Katherine Quinn, her equal in Zephyr City's social hierarchy, had a history of unpredictability, from a rugged upbringing to a self-made career. Their bond was like family, with Katherine leaning on Ursula through her pregnancy with Ann, and now, ironically, both were entangled in unrequited love.

"New phone, who cares. I'm back in town and bored. Let's hang out." Katherine brushed past the number change, which Ursula found odd, knowing her friend had kept the same one for years, a silent homage to a long-lost love.

"Fine, for saving me once, I'll meet you at McDonald's downtown." Ursula conceded, knowing Katherine would never let her forget a debt.

"Saved you? We'll see." Katherine said, her voice was a playful challenge.

Ursula sighed, glancing back at the Blue Bay where she'd left Timothy in a lurch. Guilt nagged at her, but she pushed it aside for now. Katherine awaited.

Their "usual spot" was the understated McDonald's by the pedestrian street. Ursula ordered drinks and settled in to wait.

Forty minutes later, Katherine, fiery and fierce, made her entrance, turning heads. Her tomboy nature was a stark contrast to the delicate name her grandfather had chosen, hoping for a demure granddaughter. Instead, he got a whirlwind, which made Ursula, ever the calm, seem like the granddaughter he'd wished for.

Katherine plopped down, took a sip of her Coke, and teased, "You know just what I need, Ursula."

"Keep it down, Katherine. You're causing a scene," Ursula half-joked, nodding toward an ogling bystander.

Katherine's response was a snort and a cool threat of her judo prowess, which promptly silenced the man.

"So, what's this heroic rescue story?" Katherine probed, sensing Ursula was holding back.

"It was nothing, really," Ursula deflected with a sip of her drink, but Katherine's sharp gaze demanded the truth.

Under pressure, Ursula over-told about the proposal.

Katherine lit up, eager to meet the man who'd dared such a bold move. "Don't worry, I won't make it worse," she promised, though Ursula knew better.

Their conversation drifted to other matters, including Ursula's son, Adam, whom Katherine adored as her godson.

"How's my little guy doing?" Katherine asked, her tone turning serious.

Ursula's face clouded with concern. "He's with Grandma. I hate it, but I have to work. His condition... it's not easy."

Katherine's face softened, her maternal instincts for Adam evident. "Remember, he's my boy too. We'll figure this out together."