Emerald Cove

Chapter 7

Katherine's POV

"Where is your head today, Middleton?" Coach yells at me as I miss another catch. This one was a simple drill pop up that I shouldn't have missed even with my eyes closed. I miss another ball and this time I'm sure her head is going to explode. "Seriously, Middleton! Give me 10 laps! Take that time to get your head in the game! We've got two weeks until the season starts and you, Middleton, are about to get this team double practices!" At that everyone else on the team groans and glares at me as I start on my laps. I've got to get myself together or I will be voted "most hated player" on the team this year.

I can't help it. I just can't focus today. All I can think about is Charlotte. I feel like a creeper. Not to mention, tonight is the first time that the two of us will spend alone. I know it's not a romantic relationship between us and never will be, but the thought of spending time with her alone is exhilarating. You can get to know someone in a group of people, but it's not until you are alone with someone that you get a glimpse of who they really are. The thought of knowing who Charlotte is when no one else is around simply has me giddy.

The rest of practice wasn't as bad. When I'd finished my laps we were working on infield plays which left me to my thoughts. After practice I hurry home to shower and then after my shower I change my outfit 5 times before settling back with the first outfit I picked out. I look around my room and make sure everything is in place. I sit on the couch in my room and watch the sun set over the bay that our house sits on the banks of. I can't help it, but every 2 minutes I find myself checking the time. I can't sit here any longer. I don't care if I'm early. I have to move and go now or I'm going to go crazy.

When I walk in the restaurant and see her sitting in the booth with her head down, intently focusing on her schoolwork I feel my heart flutter. The way her hair falls over shoulder and she tilts her head to the side as she works out whatever she's thinking about. I really have it bad. Sitting with her and passing time eating pie calms my nerves. There is just something very calming and natural about being with her.

As we leave from the restaurant I feel like my skin is buzzing with anticipation at being alone with her. I keep reminding myself that nothing is going to happen and the best that I should hope for is friendship. However, when I turn around and see her eyes raking over my body I am stunned. Was she just checking me out? I must be out of my mind, but the blush on her cheeks is almost too adorable to bare.

I put the car in drive and head towards my house. I love the quietness that has settled into the car with us. It's peaceful and calming. The hum of the car just adds to the calming ambience.

My mind wonders to the project. If I wasn't going to college to be a lawyer I would probably open up my own business. I would own a shop. I don't know what kind of shop. I've considered an ocean side bar or something. I smile to myself thinking of the cow my mother would have if I told her that I wasn't going to college and instead I'm going open a bar. That conversation would go almost as well as I told her I'm a lesbian.

"...What are you passionate about?" Charlotte asks suddenly breaking the silence. You. I think and realize that saying that I'm passionate about her is not a good idea.

"I think the better question is what are we passionate about that can lead to making money," I says with a laugh. "I am passionate about the beach, animals, human rights, and... cars. However, I'm not sure how any of that can be turned into a business."

She pauses for a few moments and I am sure she is trying to think of a way to tell me how stupid my passions are. I'm usually excessively confident, but something about her makes me doubt myself. I realize it's because I care about how she sees me. I've never really cared about anyone's opinions of me before. I mean I care about my parent's opinions, but that is because I don't want to embarrass them. However, with Charlotte I care about her opinion because I want to be a better person for her. "I think I have an idea. I'm not sure how feasible it is as a business idea, but what if we created our business model based on the beach and encouraging people to not litter and share the beach with the sea animals..." she finally says and I struggle to contain a sigh of relief.