Second Chance

Chapter 5

"Thanks for watching Lucas for me Nicole."

Nicole smirked at her friend, "it's no problem. Dressed casual for a first date."

Katherine looked down at her jeans shorts and v-neck t-shirt and tennis shoes. "Chris said casual and told me to wear tennis shoes."

Nicole knew she had made her friend feel insecure. She stood up, hugging her, "hey, you look cute. I didn't mean anything by it."

Katherine nodded as she pulled away. She pulled on her shirt, "not pretentious wearing my Harvard shirt?"

Nicole laughed, "no I think you look cute. Now go."

"Okay." She knelt down to Lucas, "be good for Nicole okay?"

"Yes mama. Are you seeing Chris?"

"I am. Is that okay?"

Lucas pulled her into a hug, "yes. I like Chris. When can I see him again?"

Katherine stood up, "I will ask him, okay?" Lucas only nodded as he turned back to the tv. She looked up at Nicole who only nodded encouragement. Katherine sighed and left the apartment.

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She arrived at the park to find Chris already there in shorts and a t-shirt too as well as his signature snapback, making her feel more at ease. He smiled as he watched her walk up to him. "Kate. Hi." He pulled her into a hug, making her catch her breath, not having had such physical contact with him.

"So what are we doing Chris?"

He grabbed her hand, interlocking his fingers in hers, "come with me." He led her to his car, opening the door for her before sliding into the driver's seat.

"Where are we going Chris?" She put on her seatbelt, looking at him as he drove.

Chris smirked, shaking his head, "you don't trust me?"

Katherine laughed, "well we did just meet."

He looked at her, smiling as she watched the sunlight light up his eyes. He drove them out of the city to another park with trails. He got out of the car, grabbing a backpack from the trunk before coming around to open her door, "I guess I should have asked if you like to hike."

She smiled at him, "it's great. I love it."

"Good. Here put this on." He handed her a Boston cap, making her laugh.

"I can't wear that." She crossed her arms, "trying to test my allegiances?"

She watched as he laughed, "no no." He ran his hand gently across her cheek, "it's so you don't get sunburned."

She groaned, putting her up in a pony tail before letting him put the hat on her, "you're lucky I have sensitive skin." Chris laughed before taking her hand, leading her on the trail. After walking for a while, they came to a clearing over looking a water fall and small stream. "Chris, this is amazing. I had no idea this was here."

He winked at her as he took off the backpack, removing a blanket and laying down before motioning for her to sit. Katherine sat on the blanket next to Chris as he pulled out sandwiches, water bottles and strawberries. "This okay?"

She nodded, taking the sandwich he held out for her, "it's perfect. Thank you."

"So, I asked Lucas what his interests are. What do you like to do for fun Kate? Kate? Or Katie? Do you go by Katie?"

Katherine sort of winced, "I don't normally like Katie. But you can call me Katie if you want to. As far as hobbies. I don't get a lot of time alone, single mom and what not. But I love yoga. And I actually love walking or hiking in nature. So, today is perfect. Thank you." She looked to see him smiling at her as she continued, "I read. I like music, movies. I don't know. Nothing out of the ordinary I supposed. I spend a lot of time with my son. What about you?"