Katherine checked everything in her apartment. She wanted everything to be in order. She was going over some last minute details when she heard the doorbell. She went over and opened up to her guest:

" Edward."

Edward steps in and gives Katherine a kiss. He hands her a bouquet of roses and a bottle of Dom Perignon.

" Champagne, Edward?"

" I know your tastes, my dear. If we won't make use of it tonight, then possibly another. "

" Edward, you are so thoughtful. Well, why don't we have some of this wine ."

Kat pours them both glasses. They sit and toast.

" So, Edward, how are you?"

" Alone. Lila is down in Palm Beach visiting friends. If I hadn't had to deal with this latest ELQ crisis, I would be with her.  No...that's a lie. I hate that crowd. I never have liked them. I known them forever and they're insufferable."

" Oh well. Their loss is my gain."

" My dear, I understand that you've suffered some loss."

" Nothing that I can't handle, Edward. Nothing that I won't survive and surpass."

Edward takes Katherine's hand. " That's the spirit my girl. I knew nothing would get you down."

" Of course not. Shall we have dinner?"

Katherine had arranged to have her terrace decorated. The table was set perfectly for an intimate dinner for two. She had the lights dimmed just low enough to inhance the intimacy between the two of them. Katherine listened attentively as Edward described the upcoming battle that he saw coming between Justus and Ned. And, his worries about his family. How they were all a mess. He worried most of all about his great grandson, living with a gangster. Katherine made sure that Edward knew that she understood and sympathized with his plight. After dinner had been served and they had talked awhile, Katherine excused herself.

She came back rolling a tray.

" What is this?"

" A perfect ending to a perfect meal." Kat lifted the silver top to reveal Edward's favorite dessert: chocolate mousse, along with two of the finest cigars from Cuba."

" Chocolate Mousse. Katherine, I recognize that mousse. I would know it anywhere. It's not?..."

" From your favorite patiserrie on the right bank of the Seine. A little out of the way place."

" How did you know about it?"

" Don't you know, Edward? Those people that interest me, I find out everything that I can. "

They eat the dessert down to the last drop.

" You're like a kid, Edward."

" Well, don't tell anyone, but, I was forbidden to have many of these by those infernal doctors. "

" Edward!! And, you ate it right down!"

" Of course. A man has to live, doesn't he?"

Katherine laughs. " Yes. And some men have bigger appetites than others. " Kat let her hand linger on Edward's for just a moment too long. Edward picks up the cigar to light it up, but, Kat takes it from him.

" Hey!"

" You have to win the right to this Edward."

" Win. It's right here."

" Yes. But, I think that after dessert, a fine cigar like this is a treat. One that you can get if you beat me..."

" Beat you in what?"

" Five card stud ."

" Katherine, you're not a poker player."

" Oh, Edward, I've been playing poker all my life. What, are afraid to lose to woman?"

" Me lose? I don't think so. Deal up the cards."

Katherine and Edward go over to the table that she's set up. Edward takes off his jacket and loosens his tie.They play fast and furious until two hours later.

" I'm calling Katherine. Full house."

" Well, Edward, you cleaned me out. " She takes his cards, mixes with the others and begins to hand Edward his cigar. She takes it back.

" Hey. I beat you. Now, hand it over. "

" Not until you dance with me."

" Dance? Katherine..."

" Edward, you said you came over to cheer me up. This would cheer me up."

Katherine puts on some Glenn Miller.

" I thought we should dance to the classics."

" Classics? I feel ancient."

" Ancient? Edward, nonsense. You're the most vital man that I know. "

" My dear, my best days are behind me."

" Not in my eyes."

" Your eyes are very generous."

" If so, what are they saying now?" Katherine looks at Edward. He is unsure of what he sees. He is hesitant. He doesn't want to offend Katherine. She gently kisses Edward. He is shocked for only a moment, and, then, he responds to her.
They spend a few moments kissing one another. Edward only knows that his desire for her is increasing rapidly. Katherine unbuttons Edward's shirt and takes it off of him. She slowly moves him upstairs so that the evening will come to its logical conclusion.
 

Edward was sleeping soundly. Katherine got out of the bed and slipped on her robe. She went down the stairs. She barely made it to the end of the steps when she broke down in the chair at the foot of the stairs.

After a few minutes, Katherine takes a deep breath and walks over to the mirror. She runs her hands through her hair and takes a good hard look at herself.

" Come on, Kathy. You've done this enough times. You know the drill. Edward is the only thing standing between you and the street. And, the street isn't where you want to be. You have a job, and that's the first step to you getting back what you deserve. But, without Edward, you'll have that much less. Get with the program. It's no time to get soft. You let Stefan Cassadine mess with your brain, along with your spine and you let go your edge. That's why the enemy was able to sneak up on you and catch you with your guard down. Well, it's time for the guard to get back on post. You enjoy Edward's company. It's not like it's a sacrifice."

Kat went over to the bar and poured Edward a glass of his favorite brandy and took it upstairs. She knew he should be awakening about now.