Wicked Game - Rafe Cameron X OC

Chapter 8.

"Hey, Katherine." She turned around and saw Kiara stepping out of her car, making her way toward the porch with a grin on her face.

"Hey, Kie, what's poppin'?" Katherine greeted her, leaning casually against the porch railing.

"Okay, so...I can bring a plus-one to the Midsummers, and I wanted to ask you if you'd want to join me." Kiara's voice was filled with enthusiasm, but Katherine froze, looking completely flabbergasted. Her mind reeled at the idea.

"Uhm...I mean, I'd love to, but there's one small problem with that, Kie..." Katherine gave her a flat, uncertain smile. "Pretty much every kook in town hates me. So, I'm not sure walking into their most fancy event of the year is the best idea."

Kiara crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow in challenge. "And? Since when do you care about what those losers think?"

"It's not just that." Katherine threw her hands up, trying to explain her hesitation. "I literally have nothing to wear. Unless you want me pulling up in my Cookie Monster PJ's, I don't think I'd fit the vibe, Kie. And let's be real, those PJs are the only fancy thing in my closet." She added the last part with a playful smirk.

Kiara burst out laughing, shaking her head. "You're too much. Don't worry about the dress. We'll find something for you to wear, I promise. I've already got it all planned out."

Katherine sighed and leaned further into the porch railing, her smile fading a little. "It's not just the clothes, Kie. I mean, you know how it is. I'd stick out like a sore thumb at that kind of event. It could end up being a total disaster. You know what they're like." Her tone had grown softer, almost uncertain.

Kiara waved her hand dismissively, scoffing at the thought. "Who cares what they think? Besides, you'll be with me. No one's going to mess with you if I'm there. And if they try, well, we've handled worse, haven't we?"

Katherine bit her lip, her mind swirling with images of being surrounded by people who had judged her, looked down on her for years. The Midsummers was the crown jewel of kook events—a glittering, opulent gala attended by all the rich families of the Outer Banks. She'd never even considered stepping foot inside that world. The thought of it made her stomach twist.

"Plus," Kiara added with a mischievous grin, "if things get too intense, we can always make a quick escape. Trust me, I've got plans A through Z all ready."

Katherine raised a skeptical eyebrow, trying not to smile. "Oh yeah? What's plan Z?"

Kiara's grin widened. "Steal a boat and sail into the sunset, obviously."

Katherine laughed, shaking her head at her friend's wild imagination. Despite her initial hesitation, Kiara's infectious energy was hard to resist. Part of her actually wanted to believe this ridiculous idea could work. "You really want me to go with you that bad, huh?"

"Of course I do," Kiara said, her tone softening. "You're my best friend, and I want to share this with you. It's not gonna be the same without you there. Besides, we'll stick together, make some memories, maybe even stir up a little chaos if things get too boring."

Katherine looked out at the empty street, her thoughts still racing. There was something undeniably thrilling about the idea—being there, in the middle of kook territory, with Kiara at her side. She couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement, even if it was tinged with nerves.

"Alright, fine," Katherine said, giving in with a sigh. "But you're in charge of finding me something to wear because, seriously, I've got nothing."

Kiara's face lit up, her excitement immediately bouncing back. "Yes! Don't worry, we'll find you the perfect outfit. Trust me, by the time I'm done, you'll look so amazing no one will dare to hate on you."