Josh and Katie came out of the movie theater chatting about the film.
Josh observed, "Not your usual scenery for zombies."
Katie agreed, "It was actually quite beautiful in places. I'm more used to zombies in rural cemeteries 'The Creature from the Crypt' and all that."
"Or abandoned urban slums," Josh agreed. "There were plenty of zombies, though."
"And the effects were nice, not the best, but certainly respectable," Katie said. "I did like some of the desert scenery."
"Definitely worth seeing," Josh glanced at her, "So, would you like to go somewhere to get a bite of something?"
"Where do you have in mind?" Katie asked.
"Anywhere except the Rack," Josh said, "These days it seems like I'm living there."
"We can get ice cream over there," Katie pointed at a nearby shop.
"Ice cream it is," Josh gestured toward it. Katie caught his hand as he brought it down. He looked at her and she encouraged him with a cheerful smile.
As they entered, the person behind the counter asked, "What would you like?"
Josh looked at Katie and asked, "Strawberry? You always order strawberry smoothies."
Katie smiled, "Of course."
Josh said, "Rocky Road for me and Strawberry for the lady."
When they got their ice cream they went outside and sat at one of the tables.
Katie said, "I used to play G-Force by myself. It's fun to play with a team, you're really good." Josh seemed slightly confused and she asked him, "Did I say something wrong?"
Josh explained, "Andy usually tells me I'm terrible and that she can kick my butt." He mused, "She usually can."
"You like someone to tell you that you are no good?" Katie asked, puzzled.
"No, that's just Andy and my 'thing', the special way we interact," Josh said.
"I don't think we have a thing," Katie said, thoughtfully, "other than I'm not Andy. I guess that's our 'thing', the way we interact."
Josh looked at her embarrassed. "I guess you're right, I'm sorry," he said.
"That's all right," Katie said. "It's no secret that you and Andy love each other and that you would rather be with her. But I do like you and I like hanging out with you. Maybe our 'thing' can be having a nice time together from time to time. I'm having a nice time."
"I am too," Josh said, "but …"
"But you feel guilty about it because I'm not Andy," Katie observed. "That's silly, Andy told you to take me out. She expects you to have a good time. You are not cheating on her."
"But it feels like it," Josh admitted, "especially when I think of kissing you, like we were about to do at the Latnok party."
"Are you thinking of kissing me?" Katie asked raising her eyebrows.
"Well, the thought has crossed my mind, I can't help it," Josh admitted.
"So try it and see what happens," Katie leaned forward. "Just a small one in case it makes your hair catch fire or something."
Josh laughed and leaned forward, giving her a gentle kiss. After they separated, she gently stroked his temple with her fingertips.
"I don't think it's even singed." She said with a smile.
Josh ran his hand though his hair, "I guess not."
"So it's safe," Katie announced, "at least in moderation."
"I still feel guilty about it," Josh admitted.
"I know," Katie said.
They finished their ice cream and as they got up to go back to his car, he held his arm out for her and she took it, smiling. She rested her head on his shoulder as they walked back to his car.