Small Town Girl, Big City Dreams • Kate Martin

Chapter 9: So High School

Inspiration Song: "You already know, babe"... So High School by Taylor Swift

No, but seriously, listen to this song on repeat while reading this chapter.

I waved at Jade, finding her easily in the crowd. She was wearing my jersey again, but this time she had the front tucked into a black leather skirt and her hair pulled back into a ponytail. The end of her hair was still curled, however. She waved back with a big smile on her face.

"Girl, you are down bad," A'ja said, coming to stand behind me in line for warmups.

"And by the looks of it, she feels the same," Kelsey joined in, getting in line behind A'ja.

"When are you going to ask her on a date?" A'ja asked. KB passed me the ball and I went in for my layup. I made it and passed it to A'ja. She did the same and passed it to Kelsey.

Once they were behind me in line again, I continued the conversation, "I'm asking her on a date tonight."

"Good for you, Kate," Kelsey said encouragingly. "Where are you going?"

I laughed, "I'm keeping that on the DL until the date is over. You guys tend to pop up everywhere."

"Hey now," A'ja began, "I told Syd to leave you two alone, but she wouldn't listen. Ain't that right, Syd?"

Having yelled the second part, Syd heard her easily. "I'm innocent. I just didn't want Money to miss out on memories with the team. Plus, who can turn down the Cupid Shuffle? Even Kate has enough rhythm for that dance."

I rolled my eyes. "Thank you ever so much for your concern, Syd. When would I ever get the chance to dance to the Cupid Shuffle again?"

"See?" Syd held her hands out, "I'm glad you see it like I do, Kate!"

I laughed. I loved my ridiculous teammates.

***

We ended up winning the game against the Sparks 89-82. I played 26 minutes of the game, had 5 points, my first three in the W, as well as a block, and a few assists and rebounds. For my debut game, I was pretty happy. It meant even more to me that Jade was here to witness it.

Having played well, I was feeling pretty confident about asking her on this date.

"You coming down?" I called from the floor of the arena.

"Who me?" she asked, holding a hand to her chest, pretending to be shocked.

"Nah, the other brunette with the Martin jersey," I quipped.

"Ouch, superstar," she said, walking down the steps towards me. "I'm hurt."

"Hi, hurt," I said enveloping her in a hug. "I'm sweaty."

"Eww," she said, unsuccessfully trying to push me off of her. "Not the dad joke."

"At least it's not a dead dad joke," I retorted.

She feigned hurt, "Too far, Martin. Too far."

"Will you forgive me if I ask you on a date?" I asked using my puppy dog eyes.

"Hmm, I'll think about it," she said, but I could tell she was fighting a smile.

"Well, Jade Alexandria," I grabbed her hand. "Would you do me the pleasure of going on a first date with me tonight? I'll pick you up at 7?"

"Absolutely," she smiled and squeezed my hand. "What should I wear?"

"Something comfy," I replied. "We're going to be active."