Chapter 14: Game Tickets
Ginny was in the office when she took a look at the photograph for the first time. The words "300 Hotties" shone at the top of the photo. She scanned the second row until she found herself, leaning in and showing off her cleavage.
"Oh Merlin," she laughed, clasping her hand on her mouth. "What if someone recognizes me?"
"No one really looks carefully at each one," Kevin assured her. "Think of it as a life experience."
"Merlin, Kevin, tell me why I was talked into this," she chuckled.
"I think you fell into the manipulation of your boss," he replied. "But really, I don't know."
Ginny was typing a report when Blaise strolled out of his office and leaned against her desk.
"Can I help you?" she asked sweetly. Blaise chuckled.
"When's the best day and time for that date of ours?" he asked casually.
"Oh yeah!" she exclaimed. "Our date." She remembered the feeling of his soft lips on her forehead.
"I'm so disappointed you forgot about it," he said. "That's the only thing I've been thinking about all this time."
"Don't even joke with me," she laughed.
"So...how is this Friday at six?" he offered.
"Sounds good to me," she said. "Where are we going?"
"Well," he replied. "Since I'm treating you, you get to choose."
"What if I choose somewhere horridly expensive?" she asked playfully.
"I really hope you don't. All I have is a gigantic porn company engrossing millions." He mocked a sigh, and she let out a laugh.
"So, how are you ladies?" asked Ginny cheerfully. The models scowled.
"It was horrible," whined Kayla. "It took three nights to heal."
"At least you're not paying for the medical costs!" said Ginny, trying to cheer them up. "Look, Cecilia, your skin looks good as new!"
"That's because it is new skin," Cecilia grumbled. "The stuff they give you at St. Mungo's hurts like crazy."
"Well, at least you are all fine now, right?" said Ginny. She took out a pile of paper. "Here are your new schedules for the photo and video shoots. Welcome back!"
Francis was smirking. "So you were in the shoot?" she asked Ginny quietly. Ginny blushed.
"Yeah," she said.
"Did Zabini talk you into it?" Francis whispered.
"Um," said Ginny. "I..."
Francis raised an eyebrow at her.
"Okay, fine, he did," Ginny said, laughing a little.
"Persuasive guy, Zabini," Francis murmured, taking her schedule.
Ginny was packing up to go home on Thursday night when Blaise walked out of his office, looking mildly excited.
"Hello, you," she said with a smile.
"Remember when I said I'd let you choose where we go for our date?" he said.
"Yes, I do," she replied.
"Well, I change my mind, because I'm just sinister like that," he said, giving her a mocked evil look. She laughed.
"What do you have in mind?"
Instead of replying he took out something from his pocket and handed it to her. She examined it.
"Merlin's beard!" cried Ginny. "A Harpies game!"
"Holyhead Harpies versus Puddlemere United," he said proudly. "Two tickets to tomorrow night's game."
Ginny let out a squeal, and without realizing what she was doing, she threw her arms around Blaise. Laughing, he took her in his arms, and a moment later she finally took in what she had done and jumped back.
"Oops, sorry," she said, a shy smile on her lips.
"No, don't apologize, I rather liked it," he said with a grin, making her blush. He hadn't given or received a genuine, no-sex-intended hug in a long time...and it felt nice.
"So where are you going?" asked Hermione, dangling her feet at the edge of Ginny's bed.
"To a Harpies game," said Ginny excitedly.
"Harpies versus Puddlemere?" said Hermione in surprise. "Those tickets are impossible to get!"
"He got 'em," Ginny replied happily, pulling out her Holyhead Harpies tank top. Dark green with gold, she sang in her head.
"I was thinking you'd go somewhere more romantic," said Hermione thoughtfully.
"I don't know, I think I'm more comfortable this way. It's gonna be awesome," she said. "He's not an avid Harpies fan as I am, but he hates the Puddlemere United."
"Well, have fun!" said Hermione. "I'm going to the movies with Ron."
"What are you guys watching?" Ginny asked, taking out her cropped jeans.
"He said the title was...hmmm...The Encounter."
Ginny looked up, her Harpies hat on her head. "That's from our company," she laughed. She took off the hat and decided against wearing it. Hermione's eyes widened.
"Seriously? He's taking me to watch porn?"
"It's not hardcore," she explained. "Brief smutty scenes. Kayla's first big movie, actually."
"There's my expert," laughed Hermione.