hey, isn’t that CATHERINE “CATE” COHEN, who looks a little like NAOMI WATTS? i hear SHE is a FIFTY TWO year old CIS WOMAN who works as a INTERIOR DESIGNER & BUSINESS OWNER OF “SKIN BY CATE” who has been in town for 50 YEARS. they ARE a member of one of aspen creek’s founding families. you can usually find them at MAPLE GROVE or LA BELLA VITTA. if you ask me, they remind me a lot of GOLDEN HAIR LIKE LIQUID SUNLIGHT, EXTRAVAGANCE IN FORM OF A SMELL, RED-TINTED SMIRKING LIPS, THE SMOOTHNESS OF A PEARL NECKLACE, FINGERS ADORNED IN SPARKLING RINGS. just keep an eye on them & see if their true colors shine through!
tw: infidelity.
cate's biography.
Catherine “Cate” Cohen was born Catherine Ann Lenoir into a humble farming family, that has worked under the Danes family for years now. At just two years old, she moved to Aspen Creek. With a deep appreciation for her upbringing, Cate blossomed into a determined young woman.
In high school, she met Benjamin Cohen, the man she believed to be her soulmate. Their whirlwind romance led them to marry shortly after graduation, eager to build their lives together. By twenty-three, Cate welcomed twins, soon followed by their youngest child. From the outside, their family life seemed idyllic, marked by lively dinner parties and social gatherings in their gated community. However, beneath the surface, Cate silently suffered with her husband’s increasing distance. As Ben entered the realm of politics, the pressures of expectation pushed by his own father began to take a toll on their marriage.
Determined to maintain her sense of self, Cate channeled her energy into her career as an interior designer. Inspired by her mother’s nurturing spirit, she balanced work and family life, striving to create a loving environment for her children. As a non-Jewish spouse in the Cohen family, she often faced subtle prejudice, referred to as a “shiksa” at gatherings. Yet, she embraced the term, using it as a badge of resilience in the face of her mother-in-law’s disdain. Ben’s mother never liked her, but Cate loved him and was willingly to see things through for the sake of their love.
Cate’s world shattered when she discovered Ben’s affair. The emotional fallout was devastating; their already strained relationship crumbled under the weight of betrayal. They were barely speaking at the time, since Ben was always busy and Cate had decided to pour her energy into her work, launching a skincare line focused on older women. She had hoped for reconciliation, believing that their empty nest would allow them to rediscover each other and fall back in love. Instead, she was left heartbroken as she watched Ben move on without her. The backlash was major and she was actually happy to see him suffer for once.
The facade of the perfect mayor’s housewife began to crumble. Years spent trying to gain acceptance and approval evaporated, leaving her to confront the reality of her situation. Yet, through the pain, Cate remained unwavering in her love for her children, becoming a devoted grandmother to her only grandchild and supporting her son in his own betrayal. She’s essentially becoming the Deb Scott of Aspen Creek and we’re yet to see how that will all unfold.
In a community that had once celebrated her, Cate now stands on the precipice of reinvention, determined to reclaim her identity and find joy in the chapters yet to come.
cate's wanted connections.
best friends & close friends.
I’d love a group of close knit friends for her, the people that really had her back during those rougher times as she rebuild herself.
neighbors
Anyone that lives in Maple Grove!
drinking buddies
You know that woman has been with a glass of wine in hand since the scandal was released so anyone that can keep that energy going with her.
enemies
Anyone that dislikes her!
friends to lovers
Something kind of like Lorelai and Luke. The slow burn she needs as she regains her confidence in love.
friends with benefits / one-night stands
A girl has needs!
clients
Can be from her interior designer or skincare business!
Selena held out a topped up wine glass towards the other woman before taking a seat on her plush couch, angling her body towards Cate. "I got this one from a nearby vineyard and I loved it but let me know what you think." Selena wasn't an avid wine connoisseur by any means. But she'd had a gift certificate that was expiring for the experience at the vineyard and had made the most of it. Of course when she'd driven home with a few too many wine bottles, there was one person in particular she knew she'd enjoy sharing it with. "Next time you're looking for a getaway, we should go together. I think you'll really like it."
Cate has been exceptionally lucky to be surrounded by the most incredible people at such an emotionally draining time of her life. Friends that knew her well and knew just what she needed. She smiles as she accepts the glass of wine, the rich aroma swirling up to greet her. “Oh, dear, this looks amazing. You do always know how to pick something special.” She takes a small sip, savoring the flavors as a delightful expression settles on her face. “A weekend away does sound like a dream. I’ve been taking some days away by myself, but the company can always make it better. You let me know next time and I’m in.” She takes another sip. “And thank you for the wine, by the way. This one tastes as delectable as it smells.”
“You’ve caught me, Cate. It’s the only true intention I’ve ever had — to get all the scoop and sell the gruesome details to the press.” Zig joins in on the laughter as he gently shakes his head, though he would not mind catching up with Mr. Gibson’s side affairs. Aspen Creek had shown to be more dramatic than he anticipated. “Interesting as in… Not the ordinary kind of stuff that one should be up to. So, yeah, maybe I am sugar-coating it a bit but I haven’t really spoken to anyone about this particular situation. It’s a delicate subject.” He isn’t sure if he’s ready to say it out loud, or admit it to anyone what he’s been doing on the side. It’s become his dirty little secret, sometimes it was even a little excting, that double life of his. But then he was faced with the consequences that it could lead to in his real life, and he was terrified.
“That would be a bit predictable from you but that’s okay, I’ll live.” Cate only shrugs, a smirk on the corner of her lips. Her expression changes as Zig’s does as well, as if the secret he’s holding is much heavier than what he’s letting out. But Cate isn’t one to pry, she knows how that feels a little too much. “That’s fine, sweetheart, you don’t have to start talking about it with me. But if looks like you should with someone. A best friend, a family member, anyone that you know you can rely on — because trust me, not talking it out only leads to heartburn and forehead wrinkles.” She tries to lighten up, slightly patting his hand. “And you’re such handsome boy, you shouldn’t be walking around with such an anxious expression.”
"Flawless? Please, you flatter me. I'm the newbie who's only just started taking epsom salt baths," Bryony was even tempted to take the compact out of her purse and point out the pores she thought were too big, the wrinkles she thought were getting too noticeable. But of course, Cate was a consummate professional and would've never spoken those insecurities to Bry's face, "I do always wear sunscreen, that was an essential being a mom. But... massaging? I mean, that's what the jade roller is for, right? And the, uh, the thing that's like a flat stone?"
“But you’re young and your skin hasn’t started to wither yet so it’s about the perfect time to start.” Cate winks at her. She would never lie to another woman, especially a friend, and though Cate had a caring nature, she valued the truth. She’d want the same in return — if her hair looked unkempt or the bags under her eyes looked too deep, she’d like to know. “And what did you think the roller was for, Bry? Heavens,” She chuckles, a hand over her mouth. “The roller and the gua sha, the flat one, are for massaging your face and your neck. It’s great for puffiness, improved circulation and even to soothe skin inflammation. There’s a lot of videos online about how to use it, but I can always come over and give you some tips, if you’d like.”
though jade was not the confrontational type, she often found herself pushing others to stand their ground and speak their minds. still, she knew better than just rile cate up just for the sake of.. what? she studied cate, but jade was unable to tell if her friend needed a distraction or to keep venting. perhaps a bit of morbid curiosity, but also an earnest attempt at supporting her, jade waved away the inquiry. "no if you need to babble on, go ahead. i'm honestly so happy for you because now you get this new beautiful start! how many people get this opportunity to just be fresh and new?" jade spoke in a soft voice, but her words were stern. "plus, that guy stank!" she pinched the tip of her nose and waved the air around them away with her other hand. it didn't matter to her if it was true or not. what mattered was making cate laugh.
Cate isn’t sure if talking someone’s ears off about her problems is the thing she needs, she’s been through therapy already and has been surprisingly tame when it comes to releasing her tongue against her soon-to-be official ex-husband. But as they come to an agreement in the divorce process and she’s faced with the swan song of their marriage, she’s becoming more fragile. Five months just weren’t enough time to heal from the end of three decades and three kids together. She shakes her head lightly, sipping what’s left of the wine on her glass. “No, that’s just the amount of wallowing that I’ll allow myself today. That man won’t cause me any more wrinkles.” Cate lifts her eyebrows, relaxing her face. “You know, what? He does. Fuck that man.” She joins in Jade’s joke, chuckling lightly as she does. “I can’t believe I won’t have to share a house with him anymore. Now, that’s a relief.”
“If it makes you feel better, you can keep goin’ all you want. I love a good gossip.” Zig was fairly new to town, but he’d been around to see the scandal with the mayor unfold right before his eyes. It was easy to pick the wife’s side, knowing that all that heartbreak could’ve been avoided if only the mayor was honest about his sexuality. But Zig wasn’t there to give his two cents on the situation, he was mostly there to listen and drink a good wine with a gorgeous woman. “It has been an interesting year, you could say. I’ve done things I never imagined I would, and I’m still trying to figure out if that’s a good thing.”
“Oh, so that’s why you’ve been awfully quiet over there. Just absorbing all the information that you can on one of the town’s biggest gossips, I see you.” Her tone is playful, raising her brows at him. “If I catch you sitting here with Mr. Gibson next week…” She points an accusatory finger towards him but ends up laughing. To be frank, Cate couldn’t care less if that’s really what Zig was there for — she knew the whole town would talk about it behind her back anyways, and have been for weeks now, it didn’t make much of a difference anymore. “You said interesting, so perhaps it hasn’t been completely bad. Or are you sugar-coating it for me?”
"Life tends to throw us curveballs when we least expect it." Stef muses with a nod, humming softly. For him, it had been twins in his forties, long after he thought his days of parenting young ones were past. "It's alright - if you need to vent, vent." He adds, shrugging. Stef didn't mind listening. "Oh, just some minor writer's block, but I'm hoping it'll pass soon."
“I was hoping for early menopause, it would’ve been less stressful.” Cate jokes, attempting to lighten her situation. Over the past few months, finding humor in her circumstances has become a powerful coping mechanism. “You’re a good listener, Stef.” She smiles, grateful, as she sips on her glass. “I’m sorry to hear that. Have you tried meditating after a good cup of tea? I find it that has been helpful for me whenever I’m on a creative block for a new project. Of course, I’m not writing an album or anything like that.” She laughs.
“Getting divorced at fifty-two was not on my bingo card, but neither was getting cheated on with a younger male receptionist and yet, here we are.” Cate has to laugh at her own suffering to avoid having a breakdown. And breakdowns were never good on your skin. She sips on her glass of wine, the most expensive bottle she could find at the winery in order to spend as much of Ben Cohen’s money before their divorced was finalized. “But that’s enough about my miseries. How has your year been, my dear? I feel like I’ve been babbling for ages about myself.” / @aspencreekextra
“Your father tried to contact me yesterday. I was tempted to answer the call, just so that I could tell him to fuck right off.” Cate always felt that having a daughter was close to having a best friend that she had cooked inside of her uterus. She knew that she could always tell Aurora everything, and that the other felt the same way as well. Things had been especially hard within the past year, with their family falling apart, the scandal, Rory’s own divorce, but Cate had been trying to make light of their situation to avoid any more trauma. She turns towards her daughter. “Do you think that I should burn all of the things he’s yet to pick up from the house or just be a kind soul and donate it? Because I’m torn here.” / @rorycohens
"So I've gotten very into this whole 'bath bomb' craze, I never knew essential oils could be used for so many things!" Bryony was a bit of a flower child at heart, though being raised very religious always kept her away from the hippie-dippie lifestyle Now as an adult, she couldn't help but fawn over the latest trends in home diffusers or skin care lines that were supposed to rejuvinate your skin. Of course, Bry had no problem with aging gracefully, but making bath bombs was a fun hobby she would've loved to learn earlier, "You probably know all this already, but I also just got myself a jade roller."
Cate had never had a problem with admitting that she was vain. Despite a deep sense of love for herself that was taught by her mother, she also had an image to maintain. Perfectly manicured nails, tamed hair, bright teeth and a skin that would send shivers down a younger woman’s back. She liked to take care of herself, which is what eventually led to the skincare line she’d designed especially for aging women like her. She was proud to see her mother’s face starting to appear within the lines of her own, but she’d be caught dead before allowing herself to age badly. “Your skin is practically flawless but I have told my daughter that the earlier you start, the better. Essential oils can be a lifesaver. They’re a must for me, right up there with sunscreen.” She sips on her decaf vanilla latte. “How often to you massage your face?”
