It wasn't his fault. He hadn't known, of course. She couldn't blame him for assuming what he had. It was probably the thing that make the most sense. Who went around thinking that all young women with babies had lost their fiances and now owned an auto shop with their brother? Who just happened to be a cursed were on top of it all. If people went around assuming that sort of thing, it would be a little bit spooky.
"No, no," she said, waving a hand, still trying to smile. "It's alright. Really. You didn't know. There was no way for you to know. It's not a common thing." Cate crossed her arms over her chest, a gesture that was always more of a comfort thing than a defensive thing in her. "This isn't a small town. I keep forgetting that everybody's story isn't everybody's business here." Exactly why they had moved but still a little hard to get used to considering.
Kayla started to fuss, whining a bit, hands held out for her so Cate scooped her up, enjoying the solid weight of her even as she shook her head at him. She hadn't meant to make him feel bad. Odds were they both felt ashamed and more than a little on edge at the moment. It was likely what Kalya was picking up on. "No rush, hon," she said, dropping the endearment as easily for him as she did everyone. "Take your time. I've just been chattering away at you."
She shifted Kayla a little so she could hold her hand out to him. "Caitlin Matthews. Everyone calls me Cate. Nice to meet you, AJ. And you should bring those pictures by some time. I'd like to see them." The hurt in her stomach felt like a ball, but if she focused on work, on the day to day talk of living, it would let go, loosen up a little. It was the best way really.