Late in the afternoon, Jeremy and Kat were out on the basketball court with Steven, Matt, Chris, Olivia, and Jen.
The guys were having a game while the ladies were in the bleachers sharing a girl talk.
After a few rounds, the guys then went to the bleachers to take a break.
"Hey, you just have to see Olivia play," Matt said proudly. "She'll practically give Steven a run for the money."
"That maybe because I'll be playing like a perfect gentleman," Steven said.
"Hey, I have an idea," Jeremy said. "Why don't we have an all ladies' free throws game?"
All the other guys agreed to Jeremy's suggestion. Kat on the other hand was really hesitant.
"What do you think you're doing?" Kat whispered to Jeremy apprehensively.
"Putting my faith in you."
"You'll only make me look like a total fool there," Kat said. "I'm really bad at basketball."
"Look, you've kicked ass playing Juliet and trust me, playing Juliet is way harder than basketball. Come on." Jeremy said taking Kat's hand and leading her to the court.
"Two rounds for one point and one round for three points," Steven suggested.
"Cool!" The others agreed.
Kat couldn't understand how Jeremy could be so confident. She was almost certain she will totally mess up and worse; she'll be failing Jeremy. Chris and Matt began giving pointers to their dates. Jeremy did the same to Kat. Jeremy guided Kat's hands to the ball to show her the right angle.
"Here's the thing, you have to focus on the ring," Jeremy advised. "It's that easy."
"Ok, let's get down to it!" Matt exclaimed. "Olivia will go first. No offense meant ladies but I'm sure you'll learn a thing or two from watching her and I know you need that."
"We'll see about that," said Chris placing an arm around Jen.
Olivia then went first and sure enough, she nailed it.
Next went Chris' date, Jen, who didn't managed to shoot the ball but it was close enough.
Kat was really apprehensive as she took her turn. She tried to apply Leo's pointers but much to her horror the ball reached barely above her head.
All the other guys except Jeremy erupted into laughter.
"It's just beginner's jitters," Jeremy said unabashed. "Kat will pick up soon.
"You know what, let's just walk away now and save ourselves the embarrassment," Kat pleaded.
"There are still 2 more rounds." Jeremy said encouragingly. "Don't let the first one get you."
The 2nd round's then started.
This time Olivia and Jen both scored it.
Kat took another shot that only made things worse. Sure, the ball went higher than the last time but it was rather directed to the roadside than on the ring and poor Jeremy had to chase after it as the other guys were hurling into laughter.
"Dude, Kat was superb playing Juliet but I'm afraid I can't say the same when it comes to basketball," Steven commented after Jeremy returned with the ball.
"In case you haven't comprehend it, the ball reached considerably higher on her second round," Jeremy said.
Kat couldn't understand how Jeremy could hold on to such optimism.
"Well aiming the ball at the roadside isn't exactly something to rave about," Kat heaved pessimistically.
"But the fact remains, you made a progress." Jeremy pointed out.
The final round came.
Unfortunately, both Olivia and Jen failed to hit it.
Kat would have wanted to just run away than try shooting on the three point line but then she looked at Jeremy and he was smiling at her, a smile that gave her the urge to at least try for him. So maybe she couldn't win for him but she could fight for him right?
Kat took a deep breath and tried to keep her focus on the target.
And then much to everyone's and mostly to Kat's surprise---the ball went in right smack!
Jeremy hooted ecstatically.
Kat was too stunned to move or say anything.
Jeremy went and spun Kat playfully around still hooting wildly. At last it sunk in to Kat, she squealed with delight and disbelief. More than anything, she was happy not to let Jeremy down. Everyone then went to congratulate Jeremy and Kat.
"Well you just proved me wrong," Steven said congratulating Kat.
"That's my Juliet!" Jeremy said proudly placing an arm around Kat. "How about a rematch Kat?"
"I'm afraid I won't be as lucky. You know, away, begone the sport is at the best!"