Chase took Kate to a small diner on the corner of the street. He led her to a booth in the back and slid in opposite her. Kate took her menu and looked it over, while Chase just stared at her. Feeling his eyes on her, she looked up and raised one eyebrow.

“I know what I’m getting.” He said. Kate nodded slowly and looked back down.

“What can I get you guys?” The young waitress asked.

“I’ll just have burger and fries please.” Chase said.

Kate ordered the same and the waitress went to place the order. Chase leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table.

“So Kate, what do you do for a living?” He asked her. Kate sipped from her drink and sighed.

“I’m a photographer.” She said. Chase smiled and nodded.

“An artist, that’s awesome.” He said. Kate nodded.

“What do you do?” She asked. Chase smiled and shrugged.

“Oh a little of this and a little of that.” He said with a grin. Kate raised her eyebrow and waited for him to finish.

“I volunteer at the homeless shelter and at the Boys and Girls club, where I mentor a few different kids. I also couch boys soccer twice a week and I work at a nursing home.” Chase told her.

Kate felt her mouth drop open slightly. This guy was a Saint. She shook her head and looked down. Chase chuckled.

“Pinkly, that’s an odd name for a dog.” Chase said. Kate smiled.

“It’s after the band Pinkly Smooth.” She said. Chase nodded slowly.

“I’ve never heard of it.” He said. Kate chuckled.

“They weren’t that popular.” She said.

They were silent for a while because the waitress brought their food. As they were eating, Chase started telling Kate about his childhood and things like that, when she got a text from Zacky.

‘Bri’s phone died. He said he misses you.’ Kate closed her eyes and put her phone away.

“Hey, you okay?” Chase asked. Kate sighed and nodded.

“Yeah, just some business.” She said. Chase leaned forward and looked in her the eye.

“Kate, I work with kids and teenagers all day, I know you’re lying.” Kate just smiled and shrugged.

“It’s nothing.” She said. She brought her hand up and played with her hair. Chase saw her Death Bat tattoo.

“I thought you looked familiar.” Chase said. Kate raised her eyebrow.

“I don’t know what you mean.” She said.

“I recognize your tattoo. I’ve seen you with Synyster Gates. You’re his girlfriend right?” He asked with a smile. Kate nodded.

“Yeah, I am. How do you know that?” She asked.

Kate began to get nervous. She started looking towards the door and squirming in her seat.

“His nephew plays on my soccer team and I’m friends with his brother Brent. Brent showed me a photo of you two.” Chase said.

Kate let out a laugh and relaxed. Chase laughed too and sat back.

“By the way, I wasn’t trying to pick you up or anything when I asked you here.” Chase said.

Kate nodded and picked up a French fry.

“Really, I just wanted to talk.” He said.

Kate smiled.

“Chase I understand.” Kate said. Chase nodded and flashed a smile.

“Friends?” She asked. Kate held out her hand. Chase reached out and shook her hand.

When they touched, Kate felt a small tingle all over. Chase smiled slightly and held her hand a little longer.

“Friends.” Chase said. Slowly, he let her hand go and picked up the check.

“I’ll be right back.” He said.

Kate sighed loudly and closed her eyes. Her phone buzzed again. This time, her text was from Johnny.

‘Call me ASAP.’ Kate’s heart stopped.

She jumped up and ran over to Chase.

“I’m sorry but I’ve got to go, something’s come up.” She said.

Her voice was frantic. Chase nodded and put his hands on her shoulders.

“Are you okay, Kate?” He asked. Kate sighed.

“I don’t know yet. But why don’t you text me later?” She said. Chase nodded and Kate bolted out the door.

Kate brought her phone to her ear and waited for Johnny to pick up.

“Kate.” He said. His voice was hushed, like he was hiding in the bunks.

“Johnny, what’s going on?” She asked.

“Look, nothing serious yet. But I thought you should know our new makeup girl is really hot and she and Brian are getting really friendly.” Johnny said.

Kate stopped walking and looked at the ground.

“I’m gonna keep my eyes on him for you and I won’t let him do anything okay?” He said.

Kate just nodded and didn’t say anything. She couldn’t find any words to say.

“Kate I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to upset you. I just wanted to warn you.” Johnny said.

“Thanks Johnny. Um Zacky said Brian’s phone is dead?” She asked.

“It is. He left it out last night. I’ll try to get him to call you Kate but, I can’t promise that he will.” Kate sighed as she walked down the driveway.

“Alright Johnny. Thank you.” She said.

Johnny hung up and Kate just sat down on the porch. She could hear Val on the phone from inside the house. She was probably talking to Matt. Kate’s heart sunk. Brian was being friendly with that girl. Just like when they met. Maybe that was his game. Kate didn’t want to think about it. She pushed the thought from her head and went into the house.

Val looked up and gave her a sympathetic glance.

“Okay well I gotta go. Bye baby.” She said as she hung up.

“How was your meeting?” Val asked. Kate shrugged.

“Fine. Did you tell Matt about the name?” She asked.

Val nodded.

“He loves it. Um he told me about the new hairstylist. Her name is Aubrey.” Val said. Kate sat down and looked at the TV.

“Oh?” Was all she said.

Val knew that she struck a nerve and she dropped it. She looked over at Kate and saw a single tear slipping down her cheek.