Page 25 of The Perfect Catch

When no answer came through, I typed,Sleep well. I’ll see you tomorrow.

Would she be okay? I knew I was only interpreting what happened over a text message, but I didn’t want to do anything that took the smile away from the girl I was falling head over heels for.

It took a lot longer for me to fall asleep that night, and even when I did, I dreamt of Kate being locked in a prison cell because she’d spent time with me. Her mother was the warden, and when I knocked on her door because she didn’t pick me up for the dance, I thought her mom was going to either arrest me or shoot me. I might have woken up sweating, the emotions of reality still running high from the nightmare.

I walked into work at seven, before the garage even opened for the day. Doc was already under a car, his long legs spread out below one of the cars that had been there a time or two.

I squatted down, trying to see what he was replacing this time. “Hey, Doc. Where do you want me to start today?”

He used his legs to propel the creeper he was laying on out from under the car so he could see me and grinned. “Dax, you’re here early.”

“I thought I’d come in and get some stuff done before we open. I, uh, I’m going to a dance today and will need to leave a bit early for the activity.” I moved my boot across the floor, feeling more than self-conscious under Doc’s eye. He was like a second dad, or third if I counted all the punishments I’d gotten from Mr. McKee. I knew he’d either lecture me or give me a hard time about finally going on a date.

“It’s about time you enjoy some of the high school experience,” Doc said, leaning forward with a wrench in his hand. “Who are you going with?”

A picture of Kate popped into my mind, and I couldn’t help but grin. “Her name is Kate Adams. She’s the student body president.”

“Adams, Adams,” Doc said, mumbling to himself. A few seconds later, he snapped his fingers. “Aw, yes. Her mom’s name is Karla, right?”

I shrugged, trying to remember if that was true. “I think so?”

“Good family. I knew Karla and her first husband, David. They were a pretty great pair and lived close to us before they moved to their new house. They were always fun to hang out with and good people. I was sad to hear he’d died in a car accident, but I hadn’t kept in touch for a while.”

My thoughts turned back to the night before, and curiosity won over. “Was Karla always really controlling?”

Doc studied my face, a hint of a smile around his lips. “She had some moments that were a little controlling, but for the most part, she and David seemed like a good team. Why do you ask?”

“She has Kate’s schedule so packed with things to make her look good on college applications that Kate can barely breathe. I know I wouldn’t survive doing all that.” I picked up a screwdriver from the rolling tool table next to me, turning it over in my hands.

“I think Karla had to work a lot once he was gone. They had a lot of bills, and supporting the family took time. Maybe she’s just hoping to help Kate avoid something like that in her life?”

I turned over Doc’s words a few times, realizing he was probably right about that. If Kate’s mom went through even a fraction of what my family did every month, the wondering if there was going to be money for food or if we could pay for all the activities and fees we had with three kids, I could see why she’d want to push Kate to get a good education.

I set to work, my thoughts turning to Kate often, causing my excitement to mount about the upcoming dance. I shouldn’t be this way, should be shutting down my feelings for her, but there was a sliver of hope that she’d return them.

I’ll be by your house in about thirty minutes to pick you up.

I glanced at the time and noticed I’d been working for nearly four hours. It had passed as if it were only a few minutes. I loved my job, but work had never gone by that fast for me.

After wiping my hands off on a cloth, I replied,Sounds good.

“I’m heading out, Doc. Let me know if you need me to do anything on Monday.”

“Enjoy your date. Have some fun for once, Dax. You deserve it.” Doc grinned at me from behind the cash register.

I strolled out of the shop, counting down the minutes until I’d see Kate. This was either going to be a night to remember or a date that would cause me the beginnings of heartbreak.

Chapter 18

Kate

“Why would you askhimto the dance?” my mom asked, her face pinched like she’d just eaten a pickle.

I had just taken several bags of supplies out to the shed where Dax and I would design our shirts. I must have left my phone on the counter because it was in her hand, and she kept waving it around like it held a ton of secrets. I was just glad she didn’t have the passcode to see all my text messages to him.

“Why not? He’s never been to a dance, and he’s part of the senior committee.” I was trying to stay calm and relaxed, making light of it even though my mother looked like she was ready to explode.

She closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose with her thumb and forefinger. “Katie, there are so many kids you could’ve invited. Are you trying to date him because he’s a baseball player? Is that some sort of trend right now?”

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