Her sobs were quiet, like those of a child. But, Brady knew that Chloe's
pain was much deeper than that of any youngster. He also knew that the only
thing he really wanted at that moment was to see her smile.
Dropping his body onto the wooden planks of the pier, Brady positioned himself only inches from Chloe - close enough to comfort her, but far enough away to give her space.
Chloe refused to bring her tearful gaze up to meet Brady's intense stare as she stated, "I just want to know who my father is."
The simple statement drained Brady of whatever strength he previously believed he possessed. He liked to think of himself as a mighty force, but hearing Chloe's quiet words truly tore him apart. The more time he spent with her, the more he realized he cared for her. And, seeing her in pain was perhaps the most hurtful vision his eyes could encounter.
Gently wrapping his arm around Chloe's shoulders, Brady slowly pulled her to him. He was quite surprised when Chloe was not only complacent but seemed to welcome the offered comfort. Softly caressing Chloe's arm, Brady whispered, "It all going to be okay. I promise."
Clutching the sleeve of Brady's shirt tightly, Chloe responded, "I hope you're right, because I'm not sure if I can handle things staying the same."
"I swear to you, Chloe, everything will work out just fine. It won't be long before you and I get married, and you'll be able to move out of that house and away from Nancy."
Releasing a shallow chuckle, Chloe commented, "I never thought I'd see the day when I would actually be looking forward to marrying Brady Black."
"Yeah, well, I never really planned to propose to one of my sister's teeny- bopper friends."
"Teeny-bopper?" Chloe questioned, her tone obviously a little less dreary. "Now, is that any way to refer to your future bride?"
"No," responded Brady, his voice carrying a seriousness that Chloe did not yet understand. "I guess that's not the way to describe my beautiful fiancée at all."
Chloe's voice was timid once more as she asked, "How would you describe me, Brady?"
A short silence filled the evening air as Brady pondered his response. Several days had passed since he and Chloe had nearly gotten caught together in the bathroom, but the kiss he had placed on her lips was still haunting him. Never had any woman been able to captivate him in such a way. The only question was if Brady was ready to confess that to Chloe.
"Well, I suppose I would have to say that you're talented - even if you lack feeling . . ."
"Gee, thanks, Brady. As always, you really know how to make a girl feel special."
Continuing to hold Chloe close to him as they both stared at the water, Brady ignored Chloe's interruption and said, "And, you're obviously intelligent and more than a little stubborn."
"And you're not stubborn?" Chloe retorted.
"We're not talking about me, now are we? Anyway, I guess most people would also say that you're pretty."
A smirk emerging on her lips, Chloe stated with false innocence, "You said I was beautiful a few minutes ago."
Moving his hand up to Chloe's head, Brady began to mindlessly stroke her hair as he quietly said, "I suppose I did."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Baseball. Basketball. ESPN. Homecoming. The biography of any eighteenth century poet. The janitor's collection of soda cans. All were things that Philip would find more interesting than his date.
Stealing a quick peek at his watch, he realized that he had only spent half an hour with the girl. He was beginning to wonder how much longer he was expected to spend time with her, because he wasn't sure if he could endure another five minutes - much less the rest of the evening.
Philip knew that most of the school thought that he had been suffering from temporary insanity when he became so completely attached to Chloe. However, Philip knew that his obsession with his former girlfriend was ten times more sane than agreeing to allow his friends to set him up on blind dates to help him get his mind off Chloe.
This was the fourth date in as many days, and Philip vowed it would be the last. After spending Saturday helping Jason ruin Mimi's trip to the movies with Jeremy, Philip had only been given Sunday to relax before the school week - and his new dating life - began.
Monday night had been Shawn's treat. And, that night had proven to Philip that his pal was a lot of things - wise concerning women wasn't one of them. Philip's date for the evening, Natasha, worked part-time at the shop where Shawn's father had his motorcycle repaired. Philip had been forced to endure two full hours of talk about carburetors and other mechanical devices that he really had no desire to hear about - especially not during the middle of a movie.
As promised, Philip agreed to take one of Belle's cheerleader friends out on Tuesday night. The girl was so incredibly energetic and happy that she actually made Belle look dreary and depressed. Philip was only able to take an hour of her sunshine, yet ditzy, attitude before feigning sick and ending the date.
Next, on Wednesday night, Philip was foolish enough to go out with someone chosen by Jason and Zach. It was an even bigger mistake than agreeing to go out with someone chosen by Shawn or Belle.
Philip had arrived at the Brady Pub to meet his date only to find her already waiting in the booth for him - along with her fourteen-year-old son and eight-year-old daughter. Only Jason and Zach would think of setting him up with a cocktail waitress who also happened to be a chain smoker.
Somehow, Philip had made it to Thursday night. However, he wasn't so sure he would be able to survive it.
Glancing across the booth, Philip watched with bored fascination as his date's mouth continued to move endlessly as she discussed her immense interest in the research of some type of bio-toxin. The only thing Philip really wanted to do as she continued on mercilessly was drop his head to the table and fall asleep. Of course, this was his punishment for not paying attention when Kevin Lambert was talking.
The day before, Kevin had been speaking, but as usual Philip was paying little or no attention to the less popular student. Then, Kevin had asked Philip a question, following it with the only words Philip actually heard - so yes or no? Philip knew that he had a fifty-fifty chance of getting the answer right. So, he had answered yes - and therefore agreed to go out on a date with Kevin's cousin who was being home-schooled.
Waving a hand if front of Philip's face, Darlene asked in her amazingly nasal voice, "Hello, Philip, are you even listening to me?"
"Huh?" Philip responded as he blinked a few times and tried to truly focus on what his companion was saying.
"I said that I really have to be going because there is a program airing on the Discovery Channel that I really don't want to miss. Of course, you are more than welcome to come to my house and watch it with me."
"Um, you know, Carlene . . ."
"It's Darlene."
"Whatever," grumbled Philip. Seeing the unhappy, almost evil look in the girl's eyes, he continued, "I really would like to watch the show with you and all, but I really don't want to intrude. I mean, I'm sure you would enjoy it much more if you could focus all of your attention on it and not have to worry about having me there as a house guest."
Shrugging indifferently, Darlene grabbed her oversized purse and left the booth without saying another word. Philip only prayed that Kevin's cousin wasn't one of those people who practiced voodoo - because he would hate to have her go home and make a doll with dimples.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"You are such a total jerk."
"Am not, Meems."
With a clenched jaw, Mimi unhappily responded, "Yes, you are. What you did last weekend proved that you are so self-absorbed."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Jason replied as he sipped his soft drink and glanced around Dotcom.
"Let's see, does a certain attack at the movie theater ring any bells?"
Ignoring Mimi's sarcastic question, Jason leaned back away from the corner and watched someone enter the popular hangout. He grumbled lowly when he saw that the person was actually approaching the counter where he was sitting with Mimi. "Nerd Alert."
Mimi had no need to ask what Jason was talking about when she heard a voice behind her timidly say, "Hi. I'm not intruding am I?"
"Yes."
Tossing Jason her classic annoyed glare, Mimi countered, "No, of course not. Why don't you join us, Susan?"
"Or," Jason cruelly suggested. "Why don't you just leave?" However, when Mimi's elbow made forceful contact with his ribs, Jason added, "But, we'd really like it if you stayed."
"Really?" questioned Susan as she sat down beside Mimi.
"No," mumbled Jason with a scowl. After all, this was the first time he and Mimi had actually had a real chance to talk after the little incident at the theater on Saturday. Now, just when Jason was preparing to pry Mimi for information concerning her new friendship with Jeremy Horton, Susan had to show up and ruin things.
Turning on the stool so that she was facing Susan and had her back to Jason, Mimi smiled brightly and said, "Ignore him - I do."
"You weren't ignoring me when I was in that towel. In fact, you were practically drooling."
Mimi's face flushed pink, but she did her best to disregard Jason's comments and continue a civilized conversation with Susan. "Once again, just ignore him. So, how are things going with you and Kev?"
"They're okay, but we really haven't gotten the chance to go out but that one time," Susan said with a genuine smile, forgetting that the only thing separating her from her tormentor Jason Masters was Mimi. "I can't tell you how glad I am that I actually got the courage to take that first step."
"You mean to go out on the first date?" Mimi curiously asked as Jason quietly made snoring noises behind her back.
Taking a page from Mimi's book and blushing slightly, Susan confessed, "Not exactly. I was actually referring to how I finally got the nerve to ask Kevin out."
Jason grabbed Mimi by her upper arms and gently pushed her just a little to the right so he could see Susan over her shoulder. Without a word being spoken, he knew exactly what Mimi was thinking - and he didn't like it one bit.
Clearing her throat, Mimi gave a sugary-sweet smile and snooped, "So, Kevin never actually asked you out that night at Jason's little barbecue?"
Not even wanting to hear the answer to the question, Jason released Mimi's arms and dropped his head to the counter. He could practically hear the wheels of revenge turning in Mimi's head.
In response to Mimi's question, Susan answered, "Well, he hinted around at it for a while and even said he had something to ask me. But, he never actually asked. So, not long before the barbecue was over, I finally got up the nerve and asked him out."
"You asked Kevin out? He didn't ask you out? Oh my God! That is so great!" Mimi squealed before pulling Susan into a hug. Turning to face Jason once more, Mimi lowered her face down to where his was still resting on the counter and loudly questioned, "Did you hear that, Jase? Susan asked Kevin out. Kevin did no asking! Now, isn't that just great?"
"No."
The pure oddity of Jason and Mimi was just a little too much for Susan as she gave a quick glance to a watch she wasn't even wearing and mumbled, "Gee, look at the time. I'm sure you two would really like some time to talk, so I should be going."
Mimi quickly grabbed Susan's arm with one hand while harshly pushing Jason with the other. "Don't go, Susan - at least, not yet."
"Mimi's not your boss, Susan. You can leave any time you want," stated Jason, his head continuing to stay on the counter top.
"No," drawled Mimi as she once again poked Jason, prompting him to finally lift his head from the hard surface. "Don't leave just yet. I have a feeling that someone wants to ask you something."
"I have a feeling that you're dead wrong," countered Jason unhappily.
"I'm right. You know that you actually lost the bet," hissed Mimi just low enough that Susan couldn't hear.
Shaking his head, Jason said with a frown, "No way, Meems. It's all the same. What does it matter who asked who out?"
"It matters." Looking around at all the teenagers, Mimi smiled when she saw a very familiar face. "Susan, will you excuse us for just a second? I promise, we'll be right back."
As Mimi pulled him away, Jason mumbled, "Speak for yourself."
While walking across the room, Mimi quietly stated, "Face it, Jase, you're gonna have to ask Susan out."
"Not until Hell becomes a ski resort."
Stopping suddenly, Mimi spun on her heels and gave Jason what she hoped appeared to be an angry glare. "You know that you lost. You said that if Kevin asked Susan out, I had to wear that hideous outfit to school and call you stud. But, if Kevin didn't ask Susan out, you would take her on a date. Don't tell me you're a welcher."
Jason bit his lip to prevent himself from releasing a string of profanities. Technically, Mimi was right, but Jason would rather sell his soul than admit it and ask Susan Adamson out on a date.
Mimi dragged Jason halfway across the building before they stopped at the booth nearest the C.D. rack. Looking down at the person sitting alone there, Mimi attempted small talk by asking, "So, Phil, what happened to your date?"
"She left - thank God."
"Um, would you mind if we join you for just a second?"
"Sure, Meems, go ahead."
Sitting down across from Philip, Mimi pulled Jason down so that he was sitting beside her. For a moment, the booth was silent as Mimi wondered how to get Philip to side with her, Jason tried to think of ways to get out of asking Susan out, and Philip simply wondered what exactly was going on with his two friends and why it was that none of the girls he had met ever piqued his interest.
Drumming her fingers on the top of the table, Mimi flashed Philip a smile before saying, "You know, Philip, I've always thought of you as a really fair guy. So, Jason and I were just wondering if you could settle a little disagreement for us."
"Sure."
Jason merely shook his head with disgust as Mimi told Philip all about the bet made concerning Kevin and Susan. He had no idea how Philip would respond. On one hand, Philip might side with Mimi just to get back at Jason for ever suggesting the bet involving that infamous video tournament. Then again, Philip never failed to be loyal to his fellow football players. However, Jason knew that loyalty only went so far.
"So," prompted Mimi. "What do you say, Philip?"
"I say - have fun on your date, Jase."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"So," began Brady as he walked Chloe home. "Is Nancy still trying to figure out who's sending you all the flowers?"
A light smile graced Chloe's lips as she answered, "Yeah, and it's not just Nancy. Craig is curious, too. But, Zach really wants to know what's going on. And, I took your advice and told him to not tell anyone about the flowers I receive every morning. I swear, I think that he's going to break soon and start asking people about it."
"Good, that'll just put us a step closer to making everyone believe that we really love each other." Brady paused for a moment as he debated whether or not he should voice his thoughts to Chloe. After a brief inner battle, he decided that if he could be honest with anyone, it was Chloe. "I'm just a little curious about this Zach guy. I know he's Dr. Wesley's brother, but what else have you really learned about him?"
Bumping her body playfully into Brady's, Chloe commented, "How sweet, you're worried about your baby sister."
"Can you blame me? Just when I thought that I was going to have to use the scare tactics on Shawn, this other guy shows up out of nowhere and starts spending a lot of time with my sister. And, this is going to sound insane, but he reminds me of someone. I don't know if it's the way he looks or maybe just the way he acts, but I swear there is something familiar about him."
"If it makes you feel any better, I really don't think Belle's interested in Zach. When it's all said and done, Shawn is the one in her heart."
The idea of any guy being in his younger sister's heart was just a little too much for Brady. In an attempt to change the topic of conversation, he said, "So, anyway, I was thinking that we could announce our engagement to our parents while Belle, Shawn, and some of the others are gone on that week-long environmental trip."
"Yeah, that sounds fine," replied Chloe, her voice broadcasting her reluctance.
"Chloe, it's already October, we really can't afford to wait any longer. We have to hurry up, announce our engagement, and tie the knot."
Shaking her head, Chloe muttered, "I can't believe I agreed to your crazy plan. I'm only a senior in high school, and here I am discussing marriage. So much is happening so fast."
Brady placed his hands on Chloe's arms and gently pulled her to a stop. Leaning over just slightly, he stared into her eyes and vowed, "You don't have to worry, Chloe. I'm going to take care of you."
"I believe you."
Dropping his body onto the wooden planks of the pier, Brady positioned himself only inches from Chloe - close enough to comfort her, but far enough away to give her space.
Chloe refused to bring her tearful gaze up to meet Brady's intense stare as she stated, "I just want to know who my father is."
The simple statement drained Brady of whatever strength he previously believed he possessed. He liked to think of himself as a mighty force, but hearing Chloe's quiet words truly tore him apart. The more time he spent with her, the more he realized he cared for her. And, seeing her in pain was perhaps the most hurtful vision his eyes could encounter.
Gently wrapping his arm around Chloe's shoulders, Brady slowly pulled her to him. He was quite surprised when Chloe was not only complacent but seemed to welcome the offered comfort. Softly caressing Chloe's arm, Brady whispered, "It all going to be okay. I promise."
Clutching the sleeve of Brady's shirt tightly, Chloe responded, "I hope you're right, because I'm not sure if I can handle things staying the same."
"I swear to you, Chloe, everything will work out just fine. It won't be long before you and I get married, and you'll be able to move out of that house and away from Nancy."
Releasing a shallow chuckle, Chloe commented, "I never thought I'd see the day when I would actually be looking forward to marrying Brady Black."
"Yeah, well, I never really planned to propose to one of my sister's teeny- bopper friends."
"Teeny-bopper?" Chloe questioned, her tone obviously a little less dreary. "Now, is that any way to refer to your future bride?"
"No," responded Brady, his voice carrying a seriousness that Chloe did not yet understand. "I guess that's not the way to describe my beautiful fiancée at all."
Chloe's voice was timid once more as she asked, "How would you describe me, Brady?"
A short silence filled the evening air as Brady pondered his response. Several days had passed since he and Chloe had nearly gotten caught together in the bathroom, but the kiss he had placed on her lips was still haunting him. Never had any woman been able to captivate him in such a way. The only question was if Brady was ready to confess that to Chloe.
"Well, I suppose I would have to say that you're talented - even if you lack feeling . . ."
"Gee, thanks, Brady. As always, you really know how to make a girl feel special."
Continuing to hold Chloe close to him as they both stared at the water, Brady ignored Chloe's interruption and said, "And, you're obviously intelligent and more than a little stubborn."
"And you're not stubborn?" Chloe retorted.
"We're not talking about me, now are we? Anyway, I guess most people would also say that you're pretty."
A smirk emerging on her lips, Chloe stated with false innocence, "You said I was beautiful a few minutes ago."
Moving his hand up to Chloe's head, Brady began to mindlessly stroke her hair as he quietly said, "I suppose I did."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Baseball. Basketball. ESPN. Homecoming. The biography of any eighteenth century poet. The janitor's collection of soda cans. All were things that Philip would find more interesting than his date.
Stealing a quick peek at his watch, he realized that he had only spent half an hour with the girl. He was beginning to wonder how much longer he was expected to spend time with her, because he wasn't sure if he could endure another five minutes - much less the rest of the evening.
Philip knew that most of the school thought that he had been suffering from temporary insanity when he became so completely attached to Chloe. However, Philip knew that his obsession with his former girlfriend was ten times more sane than agreeing to allow his friends to set him up on blind dates to help him get his mind off Chloe.
This was the fourth date in as many days, and Philip vowed it would be the last. After spending Saturday helping Jason ruin Mimi's trip to the movies with Jeremy, Philip had only been given Sunday to relax before the school week - and his new dating life - began.
Monday night had been Shawn's treat. And, that night had proven to Philip that his pal was a lot of things - wise concerning women wasn't one of them. Philip's date for the evening, Natasha, worked part-time at the shop where Shawn's father had his motorcycle repaired. Philip had been forced to endure two full hours of talk about carburetors and other mechanical devices that he really had no desire to hear about - especially not during the middle of a movie.
As promised, Philip agreed to take one of Belle's cheerleader friends out on Tuesday night. The girl was so incredibly energetic and happy that she actually made Belle look dreary and depressed. Philip was only able to take an hour of her sunshine, yet ditzy, attitude before feigning sick and ending the date.
Next, on Wednesday night, Philip was foolish enough to go out with someone chosen by Jason and Zach. It was an even bigger mistake than agreeing to go out with someone chosen by Shawn or Belle.
Philip had arrived at the Brady Pub to meet his date only to find her already waiting in the booth for him - along with her fourteen-year-old son and eight-year-old daughter. Only Jason and Zach would think of setting him up with a cocktail waitress who also happened to be a chain smoker.
Somehow, Philip had made it to Thursday night. However, he wasn't so sure he would be able to survive it.
Glancing across the booth, Philip watched with bored fascination as his date's mouth continued to move endlessly as she discussed her immense interest in the research of some type of bio-toxin. The only thing Philip really wanted to do as she continued on mercilessly was drop his head to the table and fall asleep. Of course, this was his punishment for not paying attention when Kevin Lambert was talking.
The day before, Kevin had been speaking, but as usual Philip was paying little or no attention to the less popular student. Then, Kevin had asked Philip a question, following it with the only words Philip actually heard - so yes or no? Philip knew that he had a fifty-fifty chance of getting the answer right. So, he had answered yes - and therefore agreed to go out on a date with Kevin's cousin who was being home-schooled.
Waving a hand if front of Philip's face, Darlene asked in her amazingly nasal voice, "Hello, Philip, are you even listening to me?"
"Huh?" Philip responded as he blinked a few times and tried to truly focus on what his companion was saying.
"I said that I really have to be going because there is a program airing on the Discovery Channel that I really don't want to miss. Of course, you are more than welcome to come to my house and watch it with me."
"Um, you know, Carlene . . ."
"It's Darlene."
"Whatever," grumbled Philip. Seeing the unhappy, almost evil look in the girl's eyes, he continued, "I really would like to watch the show with you and all, but I really don't want to intrude. I mean, I'm sure you would enjoy it much more if you could focus all of your attention on it and not have to worry about having me there as a house guest."
Shrugging indifferently, Darlene grabbed her oversized purse and left the booth without saying another word. Philip only prayed that Kevin's cousin wasn't one of those people who practiced voodoo - because he would hate to have her go home and make a doll with dimples.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"You are such a total jerk."
"Am not, Meems."
With a clenched jaw, Mimi unhappily responded, "Yes, you are. What you did last weekend proved that you are so self-absorbed."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Jason replied as he sipped his soft drink and glanced around Dotcom.
"Let's see, does a certain attack at the movie theater ring any bells?"
Ignoring Mimi's sarcastic question, Jason leaned back away from the corner and watched someone enter the popular hangout. He grumbled lowly when he saw that the person was actually approaching the counter where he was sitting with Mimi. "Nerd Alert."
Mimi had no need to ask what Jason was talking about when she heard a voice behind her timidly say, "Hi. I'm not intruding am I?"
"Yes."
Tossing Jason her classic annoyed glare, Mimi countered, "No, of course not. Why don't you join us, Susan?"
"Or," Jason cruelly suggested. "Why don't you just leave?" However, when Mimi's elbow made forceful contact with his ribs, Jason added, "But, we'd really like it if you stayed."
"Really?" questioned Susan as she sat down beside Mimi.
"No," mumbled Jason with a scowl. After all, this was the first time he and Mimi had actually had a real chance to talk after the little incident at the theater on Saturday. Now, just when Jason was preparing to pry Mimi for information concerning her new friendship with Jeremy Horton, Susan had to show up and ruin things.
Turning on the stool so that she was facing Susan and had her back to Jason, Mimi smiled brightly and said, "Ignore him - I do."
"You weren't ignoring me when I was in that towel. In fact, you were practically drooling."
Mimi's face flushed pink, but she did her best to disregard Jason's comments and continue a civilized conversation with Susan. "Once again, just ignore him. So, how are things going with you and Kev?"
"They're okay, but we really haven't gotten the chance to go out but that one time," Susan said with a genuine smile, forgetting that the only thing separating her from her tormentor Jason Masters was Mimi. "I can't tell you how glad I am that I actually got the courage to take that first step."
"You mean to go out on the first date?" Mimi curiously asked as Jason quietly made snoring noises behind her back.
Taking a page from Mimi's book and blushing slightly, Susan confessed, "Not exactly. I was actually referring to how I finally got the nerve to ask Kevin out."
Jason grabbed Mimi by her upper arms and gently pushed her just a little to the right so he could see Susan over her shoulder. Without a word being spoken, he knew exactly what Mimi was thinking - and he didn't like it one bit.
Clearing her throat, Mimi gave a sugary-sweet smile and snooped, "So, Kevin never actually asked you out that night at Jason's little barbecue?"
Not even wanting to hear the answer to the question, Jason released Mimi's arms and dropped his head to the counter. He could practically hear the wheels of revenge turning in Mimi's head.
In response to Mimi's question, Susan answered, "Well, he hinted around at it for a while and even said he had something to ask me. But, he never actually asked. So, not long before the barbecue was over, I finally got up the nerve and asked him out."
"You asked Kevin out? He didn't ask you out? Oh my God! That is so great!" Mimi squealed before pulling Susan into a hug. Turning to face Jason once more, Mimi lowered her face down to where his was still resting on the counter and loudly questioned, "Did you hear that, Jase? Susan asked Kevin out. Kevin did no asking! Now, isn't that just great?"
"No."
The pure oddity of Jason and Mimi was just a little too much for Susan as she gave a quick glance to a watch she wasn't even wearing and mumbled, "Gee, look at the time. I'm sure you two would really like some time to talk, so I should be going."
Mimi quickly grabbed Susan's arm with one hand while harshly pushing Jason with the other. "Don't go, Susan - at least, not yet."
"Mimi's not your boss, Susan. You can leave any time you want," stated Jason, his head continuing to stay on the counter top.
"No," drawled Mimi as she once again poked Jason, prompting him to finally lift his head from the hard surface. "Don't leave just yet. I have a feeling that someone wants to ask you something."
"I have a feeling that you're dead wrong," countered Jason unhappily.
"I'm right. You know that you actually lost the bet," hissed Mimi just low enough that Susan couldn't hear.
Shaking his head, Jason said with a frown, "No way, Meems. It's all the same. What does it matter who asked who out?"
"It matters." Looking around at all the teenagers, Mimi smiled when she saw a very familiar face. "Susan, will you excuse us for just a second? I promise, we'll be right back."
As Mimi pulled him away, Jason mumbled, "Speak for yourself."
While walking across the room, Mimi quietly stated, "Face it, Jase, you're gonna have to ask Susan out."
"Not until Hell becomes a ski resort."
Stopping suddenly, Mimi spun on her heels and gave Jason what she hoped appeared to be an angry glare. "You know that you lost. You said that if Kevin asked Susan out, I had to wear that hideous outfit to school and call you stud. But, if Kevin didn't ask Susan out, you would take her on a date. Don't tell me you're a welcher."
Jason bit his lip to prevent himself from releasing a string of profanities. Technically, Mimi was right, but Jason would rather sell his soul than admit it and ask Susan Adamson out on a date.
Mimi dragged Jason halfway across the building before they stopped at the booth nearest the C.D. rack. Looking down at the person sitting alone there, Mimi attempted small talk by asking, "So, Phil, what happened to your date?"
"She left - thank God."
"Um, would you mind if we join you for just a second?"
"Sure, Meems, go ahead."
Sitting down across from Philip, Mimi pulled Jason down so that he was sitting beside her. For a moment, the booth was silent as Mimi wondered how to get Philip to side with her, Jason tried to think of ways to get out of asking Susan out, and Philip simply wondered what exactly was going on with his two friends and why it was that none of the girls he had met ever piqued his interest.
Drumming her fingers on the top of the table, Mimi flashed Philip a smile before saying, "You know, Philip, I've always thought of you as a really fair guy. So, Jason and I were just wondering if you could settle a little disagreement for us."
"Sure."
Jason merely shook his head with disgust as Mimi told Philip all about the bet made concerning Kevin and Susan. He had no idea how Philip would respond. On one hand, Philip might side with Mimi just to get back at Jason for ever suggesting the bet involving that infamous video tournament. Then again, Philip never failed to be loyal to his fellow football players. However, Jason knew that loyalty only went so far.
"So," prompted Mimi. "What do you say, Philip?"
"I say - have fun on your date, Jase."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"So," began Brady as he walked Chloe home. "Is Nancy still trying to figure out who's sending you all the flowers?"
A light smile graced Chloe's lips as she answered, "Yeah, and it's not just Nancy. Craig is curious, too. But, Zach really wants to know what's going on. And, I took your advice and told him to not tell anyone about the flowers I receive every morning. I swear, I think that he's going to break soon and start asking people about it."
"Good, that'll just put us a step closer to making everyone believe that we really love each other." Brady paused for a moment as he debated whether or not he should voice his thoughts to Chloe. After a brief inner battle, he decided that if he could be honest with anyone, it was Chloe. "I'm just a little curious about this Zach guy. I know he's Dr. Wesley's brother, but what else have you really learned about him?"
Bumping her body playfully into Brady's, Chloe commented, "How sweet, you're worried about your baby sister."
"Can you blame me? Just when I thought that I was going to have to use the scare tactics on Shawn, this other guy shows up out of nowhere and starts spending a lot of time with my sister. And, this is going to sound insane, but he reminds me of someone. I don't know if it's the way he looks or maybe just the way he acts, but I swear there is something familiar about him."
"If it makes you feel any better, I really don't think Belle's interested in Zach. When it's all said and done, Shawn is the one in her heart."
The idea of any guy being in his younger sister's heart was just a little too much for Brady. In an attempt to change the topic of conversation, he said, "So, anyway, I was thinking that we could announce our engagement to our parents while Belle, Shawn, and some of the others are gone on that week-long environmental trip."
"Yeah, that sounds fine," replied Chloe, her voice broadcasting her reluctance.
"Chloe, it's already October, we really can't afford to wait any longer. We have to hurry up, announce our engagement, and tie the knot."
Shaking her head, Chloe muttered, "I can't believe I agreed to your crazy plan. I'm only a senior in high school, and here I am discussing marriage. So much is happening so fast."
Brady placed his hands on Chloe's arms and gently pulled her to a stop. Leaning over just slightly, he stared into her eyes and vowed, "You don't have to worry, Chloe. I'm going to take care of you."
"I believe you."