To Kiss Kate

5. the diner

Jackson Michaelson:

I pulled out of her driveway. She seemed alright, maybe a little quiet, but nothing that I noticed. I remembered the first night I met Hendricks, when one of the guys roasted him for being in love with her. It did seem a little random that he texted me, of all people, and asked me to check in. I assumed it was because he knew I was new, and he knew I wasn't busy...

"She seem okay?" Brad asked me as we hit the road.

"Yeah.. I don't know what the deal is. Weird day I guess."

"All I know is that it's fucking sunny, we're at the beach, and there's a hot ass girl who wants you. And I'm pretty sure she has a friend." He laughed, turning up the music as I drove. I wasn't sure the vibe I got from Kate. Sometimes she seemed a little flirty, other times it was like she didn't even know me. All I knew was that I wanted it. I noticed the heavy trees on both sides of the road, apparently at the same time as Brad, who was pissing me off today.

"She lives out in bumfuck doesn't she.. what's even the point of living at the beach if you live out here." Brad said, shaking his head.

"Some people don't like the beach I guess. It's quiet out here, less tourism." I said, feeling like I had to defend her for some reason. He didn't respond, which was fine. We made the ten minute drive quietly, listening to music or Brad saying stupid shit every few minutes.

We pulled into the parking lot and got out, we could've easily played catch on the beach near my house, but a change of scenery was needed. The park wasn't too busy, it was only around 2:30, so mostly everyone was at work or school. I knew today was the last day for high school students and I wondered if that was what happened with Kate. My phone vibrated in my pocket, but I ignored it, assuming it was one of my family members telling me to be home for dinner or something else irrelevant.

We tossed the ball for a good hour before we simply just got bored.

"You should throw a party here. Invite some people from home, the townie kids here.. it'd be pretty sweet." Brad suggested as we walked back towards the car.

"Oh yeah, I'm such a good party thrower." I said, rolling my eyes. Back home, I had thrown a party at my house, where the neighbors weren't too fond of it, called my parents, who subsequently called the police to stop us. Wasn't great.

"Dude, you have no neighbors here. No neighbors that would hear a party... come on." I shrugged.

"I'll have to see when my parents leave again." He grinned, feeling like he had won I'm sure. As we sat in the car, I finally took out my phone.

Unknown 2:38pm
Hey. It's Kate. Just wanted you to know it's Twofers French Toast at Duke's tonight... working 4-6.

I smiled to myself. She had taken the time to find my number, and tell me to come into her work. I felt Brad look over my shoulder.

"Hell yeah, man. I told you. Fuck yeah." He patted my shoulder. "Also though, have you noticed she's like the only kid here with a job? What the fuck is that about?" He asked, looking out the window casually. Brad had a tendency to be one of those guys.. The rich ones who were just like everyone in Brooklyn. I again, felt obligated to defend her.

"She works hard. Who cares?" I said sternly, turning the car on.

"Relax, man. I'm just saying, I wonder if there's a backstory." He spoke like he already knew the backstory. I was sure that whatever variation he had heard, was dramatized, and I was also sure he would dramatize it even more.

"Sounds like you know the backstory." I said, not even bothering to look at him.

"I just heard there's a chance she's not going to Duke.. to put it short." He seemed to scoff at this, which annoyed me even more. Why was he being such a dick today?