Another Chance (2 page)

“Yes, Cassie?”

“Why are you being so nice to me all of a sudden?”

He bent back down. “What do you mean all of a sudden?”

“It’s been a long time since you took an interest in what I did, a real interest.”

“Is that what you think? Cassie, I’ve followed your progress through school because you’re my friend. Besides, as we get closer to finishing school I’ve been thinking a lot about the future and what direction I want to go in. I know we haven’t been as close as we used to be, but I do know that I don’t want to lose your friendship altogether.”

“There was never any risk of that,” Cassie said, shaken by his words. This was not how she had seen her night going.

“Everything is about to change in a huge way, and I want you on my side as we enter the next phase of our lives.”

“It’s been a long time since I heard such serious talk from you.” Cassie smiled, remembering the days they’d spent together as children. Usually with noses in books, trying to outdo each other.

He grinned. “It’s all very well being one of the in-crowd, but if you don’t enjoy it what’s the point?” Patrick kissed the tips of his fingers, touching her nose. Memories of the past came flooding back. When being teased as children about being boyfriend and girlfriend, that was the way they showed their affection without too much contact.

“I like seeing you smile, Cassie; you don’t do it often enough. Drive safe.” He walked back towards the hall, waving before he entered.

“Talk about a blast from the past,” she murmured to herself.

When she arrived home, Cassie tried to sneak in the door, but her mother pounced. “You’re home early.”

“I just stayed for the speech and a dance.”

“You danced?”

“With Patrick Cross even.” She grinned. “It might happen once, but it happened, and no one made him do it.”

“Oh, Cassie. One day you’ll realise that things weren’t that bad.”

“Honestly, Mum, high school has been tough. I’m excited about university though.”

“That’s my girl,” she said, putting her arm round Cassie’s shoulders. “Let’s go inside, your father’s just boiled the kettle, and I’ve got some chocolate biscuits.”

“Enabler.”

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing, Mum, let’s go.”

CHAPTER TWO

Three weeks later, Cassie watched the rugby team run onto the field for the last time. The last chance to watch Patrick in action. A team from a nearby school arrived for one last rugby game for the year.

Cassie sat apart from everyone else, glued to the action with an eye on Patrick. He was perfect. Tall, dark and handsome didn’t quite cover it today. She envied his athletic ability, her own sadly lacking plus she suffered from two left feet. It had been easier to bury herself in her books than attempt anything sporty.

At the end of the match, the teams exchanged shirts. It was tradition, and she didn’t mind the sight of Patrick removing his shirt. He was hot with a capital H. Cassie would not be the only one drooling.

After talking to his team mates, he headed her way and she watched as he approached, all tan and muscle. Just the sight of him made her heart race and the naughty thoughts she had made her blush. These days, that happened often.

Rumour had it that he’d broken up with Vicki on the night of the dance. There had been lots of chatter, but nothing definite. Cassie hadn’t seen them together, but now it appeared he was going to Vicki, who stood with her group of friends in front of Cassie.

The smug expression on Vicki’s face told a story in itself as her friends chatted excitedly about Patrick being on his way. They were all making noise about how he was coming to make up with her.

Cassie didn’t want to see Patrick and Vicki together. They had made a connection the night of the dance, but he hadn’t acknowledged it or made any further approach. The thought that they were back together wasn’t pleasant.

She stood, turning to pick up her bag. “Cassie?” Came a voice.

Patrick stood right behind her.

“Hey.”

“I wondered if you might like this.” He offered her the opposing players shirt.

“You wondered if I might like a stinky shirt?” She asked. Defences up without a thought; inside she cringed at her instant reaction.

“We did beat them. It’s my souvenir, but I thought you might like it. Symbolic for the last day of school.”

He grabbed her hand, pulling her down onto the bench she’d just stood up from. She looked around to see if anyone watched them. All eyes in the immediate area were on her.

“I’m sorry, I guess I just didn’t get that this is important to you. Sure. If you want me to have it.”

“I meant to ask the other night. What are your plans for next year?”

The impulse to look at his bare chest was strong, and Cassie failed to fight it. Without thinking, she chewed her bottom lip, a habit she had fought hard to stop. “I’m going to Auckland Uni,” she said, “well, will if they approve my application.”

“You’ll be a shoe in. I’m going there too, in fact, my parents are moving to Auckland so we’ll all be going.”

“Cool.”

He handed her the shirt. “This may seem a little weird given that we haven’t spoken since the night of the dance. You’ve been on my mind.”

“I’ve thought about you too.”

He had that intense look going on. That one that made her feel as if he read her mind and was picking up on every dirty thought she’d ever had about him. She shivered. “I’d like to take you out. That’s if you want to go out.”

“Are you serious? No joke?”

“Why would I joke about something like that?” he asked.

“Because of the crap your mate Dave put me through when he asked me out to set me up. I spent days washing egg out of my hair.” She stood up, handing him back the shirt. “You should find someone else to give the shirt to.”

“Cassie, that was years ago. I had nothing to do with that.”

“I’m so tired of being an easy target,” she said, “I’m going to leave now.”

She walked away, leaving him sitting looking at the shirt in his hands.

After collecting the last of her books, she made her way to the car park. As she turned the last corner, she almost walked straight into Vicki. “Not so fast fatty, I want a word with you.”

“Get out of my way, Vicki. School is finished.”

“You’re brave on the last day,” Vicki said, “I can still make you suffer.”

“Oh grow up; you’re seventeen not seven. I’m going home now, I suggest you do the same.”

“Or what?” Vicki asked. Her friends sniggered behind her.

“Go home, Vicki, leave me alone.”

Vicki blocked her way and Cassie sidestepped her, to find Vicki’s friends stood in the way. Cassie sighed. “Stop acting like a child.”

“Stay away from Patrick.”

“It’s none of your business what he does anymore. Didn’t he dump you?” Cassie asked.

Vicki frowned. “We broke up, but we’ll be back together any day now.”

“Whatever, Vicki. I’m going home now.”

She pushed past Vicki, and kept walking. As they were still on school grounds, she was sure Vicki wouldn’t cause more trouble. Cassie’s car was too small to bring home everything from school. Borrowing her mother’s car had been a good idea in more ways than one. Vicki would never recognise it.

“Cassie,” she heard from across the car park. She panicked before realising it was a male, not female voice, and she breathed a sigh of relief. “Hey, Cassie, can I get a ride?” Patrick asked as he neared the car.

“Don’t you have your car with you?”

“It broke down last night. It’s in the garage. You know what a hunk of junk it is. I should have asked when I saw you earlier, but if you’re going straight home I’d appreciate a lift.”

“Sure. Get in.”

As she got to the exit of the car park, Vicki stood just outside the school gates. A feeling of relief washed over her at having brought the car to school, and as she drove past she sneaked a peek at Patrick. He had ducked below the window as they passed.

“Don’t want to be seen with me?” she asked.

“What? No, it’s just that I don’t want Vicki to see me. She’s caused more than enough trouble for you and I don’t want to inflame her. Once we get away from the school I’ll be proud to be seen with you.”

He grinned up at her, and she laughed, managing to brake just in time for the red light. “Don’t distract me,” she hissed.

Patrick laughed, cautiously peeking out the window. “Am I safe?” he asked.

The light changed to green. “You’re safe now, we’re too far for her to see you.”

“Thanks, Cassie, I owe you one.”

“Is it that bad?”

“She’s not happy I broke up with her, but I’ve grown up. She hasn’t. I just couldn’t take it anymore. I’m going to become a doctor, Cassie. University is just the beginning. We’re adults now. Besides, I’m interested in someone else.”

She felt his gaze on her and tried to keep focused on the road ahead. “I asked her out, but for some reason she is sure I’m joking.” Her skin burned with the blush that was taking over.

“To be fair, Patrick, it’s not like you’ve ever shown any interest in me like that before. I’ve been the butt of jokes among your friends for years.”

“I always stood up for you, Cassie. I punched Dave in the face after that egg gag.”

“You did what?”

“That was a shitty thing to do. Dave was fine, he forgave me, but he had a black eye for a few days. He told everyone it happened while playing sport.”

“You never told me any of this.”

He shrugged. “I liked the idea of being your guardian angel. I’m such an idiot, Cassie, I should have asked you out a long time ago, but you intimidate me.”

“Me? I’m the least scary person ever.”

“You’re the smartest person I know. Scary smart, Cassie and that made you untouchable. Besides, I don’t know if you remember, but when you were eleven you told me you were independent and didn’t need a boyfriend.”

She shook her head, unable to believe what she had heard. “I can’t even remember that conversation. So why now? If this isn’t a joke, why now?”

“School’s over. We’re adults now. The most stupid thing I ever did was to date Vicki, she might have been pretty and popular, but she wasn’t you.”

“Thanks,” she muttered.

“I didn’t mean it that way. You should try looking in the mirror, those dimples of yours get me every time. They always did.” Patrick put his hand over hers on the gear lever. “We’ve always got on well, Cassie. I’ve had a crush on you for a long time.”

She swallowed hard. “Really?”

“Really.”

The rest of the drive home was quiet as she took in what he’d said. It all seemed impossible, and yet he had confessed to feelings for her. When she stopped, he walked around the car. Cassie stood watching him, her heart pounding in her chest. Patrick reached for her hand and squeezed it. “Tomorrow night?” he asked.

Cassie hesitated. “Can I think about it?”

“I’ll give you five minutes.”

“I don’t know if this is real. It’s odd and out of the blue.”

“Not for me. We’ve got summer and then back to study, I want to spend some time with you.”

She pulled her hand away. “I need to get my head around it. I’ll let you know later.”

“How about tomorrow?”

Cassie rolled her eyes. “I don’t know.”

He grinned. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

“Are you all right?” Her mother asked as she walked into the house.

“Why do you ask?”

“I couldn’t help noticing you outside with Patrick.”

“He asked me out,” Cassie replied.

“Well that’s a turn up for the books isn’t it?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, Cassandra Warren, that you have liked that boy since you were in primary school. It’s about time he realised how great you are.”

“Mum,” she moaned, embarrassed and wondering why she had even said anything.

“Oh, Cassie, you’re a lovely girl. You and Patrick used to be good friends; it’ll be nice to see you two stepping out together.” Cassie climbed the stairs towards her room. It faced the street, the big window at the front of the house facing Patrick’s home. This was where she did most of her Patrick spotting. She wondered if he had ever sought a glimpse of her out of his window.

Her doubts about his seriousness stuck in her mind. She had been burned before. At fourteen, Dave Pratt told her he liked her. He was cute, and she had agreed to meet him at the local park to hang out. It was all just a cruel prank, and when she got there he and a couple of his friends had thrown eggs at her. Her mother forced her to go to school after that. It had been humiliating.

Yet, here was Patrick. He’d fought Dave over it, stood up for her. She was about to turn eighteen, Patrick was already there. He couldn’t pull anything like that on her now, could he? The idea of that made her sick to her stomach. “So did you say yes?” asked her mother, having followed her up the stairs.