Small Town Girl, Big City Dreams • Kate Martin

Chapter 4: Dinner

Inspiration Song: Lost by Frank Ocean

I strolled through the doors of Sinsations to find it practically empty. I met one of Jade's employees walking out as I was walking in. Otherwise, it was just Jade and I in the coffee shop.

"Just Kate," the brunette smiled as soon as we made eye contact. "Good to see you again! What can I get you today?"

"Is it too soon to start saying the usual yet?" I joked.

"Strawberry or vanilla?"

"Hmm, strawberry," I answered after internally debating. "You really were right about that recommendation."

"I think you'll come to find out that I'm right about a lot of things," she said with a wink as she turned around to make my drink. I felt a slight blush creep to my face. I wasn't sure if Jade's flirting was harmless or if she was actually interested in me, but it felt nice. I had spent college so wrapped up in basketball, school, and my friends that I hadn't really entertained the thought of finding a girlfriend.

"Speaking of things you were right about," I started as she turned around and set my drink in front of me. I checked to make sure we really were the only two in the coffee shop. "You were right about something else too."

"Was I?" she slightly leaned onto the counter, her head in her hands. "Which something else are we referring to?"

"You have to promise not to say anything. I'm under oath until Friday that this remains a secret."

"I promise," she said, a suddenly serious expression painted across her face.

"I made the roster. I'm officially an Ace," I said, a big grin breaking out once more. I don't think I'll ever get used to this feeling.

"Kate!! Oh my god, seriously?" she asked excitedly. I nodded. She ran around the counter and wrapped me up in a hug. The contact took me by surprise, which resulted in my lag in response. However, once my brain caught up, I hugged her back. "I'm so happy for you. That's so incredibly exciting! Have you told anyone else yet?"

"Just one of my teammates and my best friend, Caitlin. You're the first person I've told in person though," I admitted. She let go of me, and I immediately missed her warmth.

"Congratulations," she said sincerely, sitting down on the stool next to me. "It's nice to know you'll be around for a while."

"Yeah, Vegas has been growing on me," I said with a smirk.

"What are you doing tonight? We should totally celebrate!"

"Well, I do have practice tomorrow morning at 7," I answer. I felt like Jade and I really clicked, and there never seemed to be a lull in our conversations when we were texting, but I was a little nervous at the prospect of hanging out with her one on one for an extended period of time.

"Oh, you'll be fine," she said with a wave of her hand, dismissing the early morning. "I have to be up too. We're young. Plus, you deserve to celebrate this. You're a professional basketball player for arguably the best team in the league. This is a big deal!"

"Fine," I conceded, deciding that not only was she right...again...but that I would really like to get to know her better and hang out with her. "But I want to shower and change before we go out. What did you have in mind?"

"Hmm," she pondered for a second before saying, "How about dinner and a few drinks while gambling? You know, the most touristy thing to do in Vegas. Unless you've already done the tourist thing?"

"I haven't," I shook my head. "I haven't done anything since I've been here besides going to practice and getting myself an apartment."

"Well, great! Let's celebrate like tourists! How does 7PM sound? I've got to close down the shop and get ready, but then I should be good to go."