Breaking Through

eight

Caitlin and Kate sat in Caitlin's cozy apartment, the familiar hum of the TV in the background. Caitlin leaned back into the couch, absently fidgeting with the sleeve of her hoodie, while Kate watched her with a knowing smile.

"So," Kate began, her voice playful, "what's going on with Sam? You've been dodging the question all night."

Caitlin sighed, a faint blush rising in her cheeks. "I told her I'd take her on a date, but... I don't know, Kate. I'm scared. What if I mess things up?"

Kate chuckled, giving Caitlin's arm a reassuring squeeze. "Cait, you're overthinking this. Just keep it simple. Sam likes you for who you are, not for some grand gesture."

Caitlin nodded, biting her lip. "Yeah, you're right. I just want it to be special. I don't want to screw it up."

Kate smiled warmly. "You don't need to overdo it. Remember last night? You had a movie night, right? That was simple, and it was perfect."

Caitlin's expression softened as she remembered the previous night. "Yeah, it was nice. We just watched a movie, ate pizza... it felt good, you know? Easy."

"Exactly," Kate said, her tone encouraging. "You've already got the right idea. Just do something that feels natural for both of you. Sam obviously enjoys spending time with you, no matter what you're doing."

After a few more minutes of chatting and Kate's encouraging words, Caitlin felt her nerves begin to settle. When Kate finally left, Caitlin was alone with her thoughts. She sat in the quiet for a moment, letting Kate's advice sink in before grabbing her phone.

Taking a deep breath, she dialed Sam's number. The sound of the ringing line made her heart beat a little faster, but she felt a growing sense of determination.

When Sam answered, her voice was warm and teasing. "Hey, you. What's up?"

Caitlin smiled, feeling the tension in her shoulders ease. "Hey, are you free tomorrow night? I believe I owe you a date."

Sam's playful tone instantly relaxed her. "Well, I was going to go to this really cute girl's basketball game, but I guess I can cancel."

Caitlin laughed, feeling her nerves dissolve. "That cute girl better be me."

"Of course it's you, gorgeous," Sam replied, her voice softening in a way that made Caitlin's heart flutter. "I'd love to go on our date tomorrow. So, where are we going?"

Caitlin grinned, the excitement building in her chest. "It's a surprise."

---

The next evening, Caitlin was at the top of her game—literally. The basketball court buzzed with energy as her team celebrated their latest victory. Sweat still clung to her skin, her muscles pleasantly aching from the effort. As she caught her breath, Caitlin spotted Sam making her way down to the court, a wide smile lighting up her face.

Sam reached her first, pulling her into a warm, congratulatory hug. "You were incredible out there, Cait. Seriously, you were on fire."

Caitlin beamed, her heart swelling at Sam's praise. "Thanks, Sam. It felt good tonight." She paused, excitement bubbling up again. "I'm going to head home and shower, then I'll come pick you up for our date."

Sam's eyes sparkled with curiosity and amusement. "Okay, but can you at least give me a hint about where we're going?"

Caitlin shook her head, teasingly. "Hmm... no. Where's the fun in that?"

Sam pouted playfully, making Caitlin laugh. "How am I supposed to know what to wear, then?"

Caitlin took a moment to admire Sam's casual outfit—a simple yet flattering combination of jeans and a T-shirt, the number 22, Caitlin's number, emblazoned on the front. "What you're wearing now is perfect. Besides, I love seeing you wear my number. Maybe just grab a jacket."