CH. 1

"Cat! What do u want?" Tess practically screamed at her.

"Sorry!" Embarrassed, she ran over to the counter, gave Tess an annoyed look and placed her order.

The girls paid for their food and sat in the back at a booth where Gabe was waiting for them.

"We got you a salad." Both the girls giggled as Gabe gave them both an annoyed look. "Just kidding."

Catherine looked around. There were several couples enjoying their dinner and another group of friends just hanging out. Considering it was Friday night, the place wasn't so busy.

"55!" The cashier called out.

"That's us! "Catherine started to get up. "I'll get it. The least I could do since you paid for my food" Gabe stood up and headed for the counter.

"I think he likes you!" Tess teased Catherine and leaned into her and fluttered her eyelashes.

"we are just friends." Catherine gave her a stern look. They've known each other since the 8th grade and were neighbors growing up. Catherine moved to NYC with her dad and lil sister when her mom passed away 9 years ago. Her dad was made a partner at a prestigious law firm and couldn't turn it down.

Gabe came back and they all sat in silence as they ate their food. They were pretty hungry from working all day and they wanted to make sure that they have enough energy for their celebration for tonight. Gabe had just been promoted and they got invited to a private party by Heather, Catherine's lil sister.

Catherine had just taken a big bite of her burger when she felt someone tickle her side. She almost spit the bite out but held It in. She turned around to see a face that she hasn't seen since college.

"JT! Omg how are you?" She jumped up and gave him a big hug.

"Aww. Good to see you too!" He teased and hugged Catherine back. They shared a couple class together but were never really close, but right now Catherine is feeling nostalgic.

Catherine noticed JT call someone over from the counter. He nodded his head to JT and started walking over to them. Catherine looked over at the guy walking towards them. She cannot shake the familiarity with his face. She knew she had seen him somewhere before but can't quite figure it out.

"Hi." Vincent said while making eye contact only with Catherine. She felt familiar to him.

"HI." Catherine said sheepishly and looked down. She felt her cheeks turn red.

Gabe noticed that his best friend was now blushing turned to the two guys to take the attention away from Catherine, "I'm Gabe. This is Tess and I take it you know Catherine."

"Uhm not sure. I'm Vincent. Vincent Keller."

"Vincent went to college with us Cat. We hung out a lot that's probably why you look like you've seen a ghost."

"Maybe." Catherine said as she smiled back at Jt trying to avoid Vincent's eyes. Something about the way Vincent looked at her made her heart skipped a beat. She shook her head and decided to ignore it was glad when Tess changed the subject.

"So JT, how long are you in town for?" Tess asked in a flirty manner.

"Only for a couple of weeks. We are scouting for a new location to open up our store. We are expanding here in NYC. Finally! If it goes well, I get to move to the BIG APPLE."

"Looks like congratulations are in order!" Tess chirped excitedly." What are your plans tonight? We're taking Gabe to a private party to celebrate his promotion. You guys are welcome to join if you don't have any other plans."

"Sure. Only if you'll be there." Vincent looked at Catherine and winked.

"Oh she'll be there." Tess said as a matter-of-factly.