Jack held two ties in front of the mirror, frantically holding each one in front of him, flipping back and forth, back and forth. He tried to tell himself there was no reason to be nervous but he knew otherwise. This wasn't just any date; this was her. He had never imagined being so lucky. He assumed being stranded with her made him the luckiest man in the world. And that was before she kissed him in the jungle. Before he got to know her and watch layer after layer peel back. Before he fell in love with her.
He didn't have time to second guess his gray suit. The last thing he needed was Kate to think he changed his mind. As it was, he waited too long after the crash. He'd avoided her and avoided Aaron. He avoided any memory of the island; it was easier to pretend it hadn't happened. He slid right back into his old job, his mom hadn't listed his apartment for sale yet, he suspected she'd never be ready to sell his apartment or the belongings inside. He'd taken it for granted until Kate's hearing.
He listened helplessly as they described Kate's traumatic childhood. Not only had she witnessed Wayne abuse her mother, she also had to endure almost as much of the violence herself. Witness after witness volunteered to testify, recounting bruises she'd had and recalling sexual remarks he'd made to her that were overheard. It was objected for hearsay but the damage had been done. He'd seen Kate in an entirely different light, making him see himself in an entirely different light. His problems seemed trivial; while he was putting himself for not feeling enough for his father, Kate was dodging fists and inappropriate glances while wondering why her father never rescued her. To make matters worse, he had to lie on the witness stand. He had to stand in front of her and say he no longer loved her. And after, he couldn't put his own hangups aside to join her and Aaron. It was only after he'd left that he realized how badly she probably needed to talk to someone.
Despite all his mistakes, when he called her, she gave him another chance. She had invited him over to her house but he knew he needed to do more. He needed to take care of her the way no one else had.
He'd made a reservation at the fanciest restaurant in town and even sent a car service to pick her up.
Kate nervously tugged at the hem of her red dress. She had originally chosen a red dress and bright red lips but was now second guessing it. Was she ready to draw that kind of attention to herself? To Jack? Between her trial and the press over their rescue, she'd been tired of seeing her face everywhere. The last thing she wanted was to shine a spotlight on Jack any more than the rescue already had. But, she couldn't deny that she wanted to feel Jack's eyes on her. Despite all their time spent together, all Jack had really seen was her in baggy jeans and grimy shirts. She didn't want to be one of the guys anymore; she wanted him to see her. And, spotlight or not, this red dress would force him to take notice.
After saying goodbye to Aaron, she gave one final glance in the mirror before heading to the restaurant. She couldn't help but wonder if her entire life would change by the time she returned home.