Jackson called as he stood by the door, fixing
his bowtie. Come on, Reggie! We're
going to be late, son!
Reggie stepped put of
the bedroom. Do I really gotta wear this
crazy thing?
Yes you've
really gotta wear that crazy thing, Jackson
laughed. This fundraiser is very important
to Brooke.
I know, I
know, Reggie said. And we gotta look
our best.
That's
right. Jack smiled.
I'm
coming! Katie replied, hopping out of the
bathroom, trying to get her show on. She stood up
in front of Jackson and Reggie,
straightening the front of her powder blue dress.
The bottom just slightly brushed the floor.
Do I look OK? she asked.
Reggie said. You look slammin'.
Down
Reggie, Jackson said, placing his hand on
the boy's shoulder with a laugh. You
look beautiful, Katie.
You sure
it's not too much? I have never been to one
of these Pine Valley Galas before.
It's
perfect. Trust me. Jackson said, putting
his arm around her, ushering her out of the
apartment. There are a lot of great
people who'll be there tonight.
I just want to
make a good first impression, Katie said.
You ain't
gotta worry about that, Reggie said.
Heads're gonna turn when you walk in
there.
Katie smiled.
Thanks, Reggie. she said. Jackson
smiled as they headed to the car.
Tad aimlessly
adjusted his bowtie as he walked into the Pine
Valley Country Club. He hated these black tie
events. If it had bee
for anyone else, Tad probably would have just
stayed home. But Brooke had been there for him
through everything with Dixie. The least he
could do was show up for the fundraiser. It was
for a good cause after all.
Oh, Tad,
Simone called. Tad looked over and saw Greenlee,
Simone and Mia. He approached them.
Well if it
isn't the Fusion...Three? Tad said.
Where's Kendall?
She's
coming later, Mia said. We
didn't ask.
I didn't
think you were coming, Greenlee said.
I mean after BJ's this
afternoon...
Water under the
bridge, Tad said. All that...
sexy man' stuff. He cringed.
Simone laughed,
hanging onto him. Mia gave her a funny look and
Simone smiled, just her nature. Mia took a step
back as many of
the people in the room got silent, glancing at
the door. Jackson, Reggie and Katie had entered.
Who is
that? Mia asked.
Oh, that's
my newfound cousin, Greenlee said.
Tad had already turned to face
the door. Tad? Hey, Tad shook himself
out of his trance and turned to Greenlee.
Are you alright?
Tad said. Just great. he paused.
Look, I'll catch up with you girls
later.
Simone said.
I need to go
find Brooke and show my face.
Mia
said as Tad walked away. What's up
with him?
Ah, Tad Martin
seems to have been bitten by the love bug,
Simone laughed.
Greenlee looked at
her. And you would know, Simone, she
said.
As a matter of
fact.
This must be
overwhelming for Tad, Mia said. I
mean... he hasn't even been with another
woman since Dixie died.
Well Tad dating
Katie would be like him dating me, Greenlee
said. Or one of you guys. I mean she's
my age, and Tad's...
Well Dixie was
younger. Mia said.
More than
fifteen years? Not hardly.
You're
just saying that because she's family. You
wouldn't be saying that if Tad had the hots
for say... Simone.
Hey I
wouldn't mind that. Simone said.
Keep dreaming,
Simone. Greenlee said.
Are you saying
that Tad couldn't be interested in someone
like me?
Truly
interested? Like lasting relationship interested?
I'd put a week's pay on that one.
There is
nothing that blondie over there has that I
don't.
So then go for
it, Simone, Greenlee laughed. Make
your move.
I'll get
in on this wager, Mia said. Simone,
you're gonna make a fool of yourself.
All in the name
of love girls, Simone said.
Now we're
not talking fling here, Simone. Mia added.
We all know how good Tad was at
flings.
I don't
know, Mia, Greenlee said. Long term
may not be in Simone's vocabulary.
Ha ha,
Simone said. Why do you think that Tad
couldn't be interested?
Three words,
Simone. You're not Dixie.
Far from
it, Mia said.
And you're
saying that... Katie over there is? Simone
asked.
He must see
something in her, Mia said, looking over.
Who knows.
I am not
hopeless.
You're guy
chasing Simone. Seems pretty hopeless to
me.
I'll show
you guys, Simone said. Tad could be
interested. I'll prove it.
