"The Cut"

Chapter 24- It's A Date

CHAPTER 24- IT'S A DATE

By the time the lunch bell rang, the school was in complete turmoil. The varsity soccer team was so full of pep for the game on Saturday, they provided enough energy for the entire student body. Grace and Bailey met Evan and Gavin at the lunch table. Katie joined Becca today and this proved to be a perfect opportunity for Chase Cooper to "man-up" and ask Katie Colson to the dance.

 He had been hesitant to approach her at her locker before first period. Time was ticking away, though, and he had to say something before the end of the day. Bailey interjected once everyone was sitting and consulted Katie about her plans for the dance.

 Chase knew she was fully aware that Katie was still dateless.

"So, Katie, are you going to the dance with the gang? Everyone's going. All of us... and Chase. Sans the Homecoming whore, of course." She darted her eyes in his direction.

"This is your chance, MORON! " She wanted to scream at him.

 Chase cleared his throat. He finally took the cue.

"Do you have a date yet, Katie?" Chase played along. Katie made a face that let everyone know she was well aware of Chase's intentions.

"Nooo, and I think you know that I don't have a date, Chase Cooper." She over-enunciated her words and watched his expression shift. She was making him uncomfortable. Katie-1, Chase- 0!

 Katie for the win!

"Well..", he echoed. "would you like to have a date? You know, I'm not going with anyone since Carson and I broke up, so we could go as friends....if you'd like?" He paused, waiting for her response along with the rest of the table.

"Dude, you literally stole my line." Evan said under his breath.

 Katie thought for a moment.

"Alright, Chase. I'll go to Homecoming with you. Do you have tickets, by chance? I hear they are running low." Chase smiled at her.

"It just so happens that I do have two tickets. How about that?" He said and she smiled back at him in mock surprise.

"Stop!" She put her hand over her chest and Becca and Grace laughed out loud. She was good.

"I'm being totally serious. I bought them at the beginning of the week." He told her.

"Well, isn't that something? You know, I happen to have a dress lying around from my cousin's wedding last month. Do you have appropriate attire for the dance, as well?" Everyone looked back and forth, following the banter between them.

 It was like a ping- pong match! They were providing comedic relief for the entire lunch table.

"Ha! I do." Said Chase. "We have a ceremony for soccer awards at the end of every season. I already bought a suit for the occasion. Black and white. Keepin' it classy." He said with self-confidence.

 He smiled his sexy smile.

"What color's the dress?" Asked Grace, partaking in the fun. She figured she'd help Katie along!

"It's pink. Babydoll pink. With a lacy, pink overlay and a charming pair of pink sandals to match. You know, I think I even have a purse somewhere that complements it, too!"

 Grace smiled at her.

"Sounds peng!" She commented and Bailey nodded in agreement.

"Mmm-hmm. Pink is the new black this season." She stated. Now, it was Evan's turn.