say don't go - katie mccabe

Chapter 2

Once again, I found myself in the back seat of Beth and Viv's car, the initial fear from the morning now replaced with a sense of familiarity. I had already met everyone, and with the exception of one person, they had all been kind and welcoming. I couldn't quite grasp why that one person seemed distant and cool towards me, but I decided to set it aside and focus on the impending tasks.

"So, what's your impression of the girls?" Beth inquired as she navigated through the streets.

"Everyone seems great, really friendly," I replied, trying to keep the conversation light.

"See, we told you," Viv chimed in, a hint of teasing in her voice.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," I chuckled, not wanting to delve into the details.

As the conversation shifted to the upcoming party, I shared my readiness. I was dressed in a simple outfit but chose one that would be able to combat the cold weather – jeans paired with a cream-coloured knit. Time flew, and soon we were at Jen's place.

KATIE POV

Fuck she looked good.

The afternoon training session did nothing to quell the small crush that had taken root in my thoughts. I reminded myself not to act on it; she was new, and I didn't want to complicate things for her. Yet, as Blake stepped into Jen's warm apartment, the soft porch lights outlining her features, I couldn't deny the warmth that surged through me.

I battled with myself, stealing glances at Blake while attempting to suppress the magnetic pull she seemed to exert. The internal struggle persisted as she conversed effortlessly with my teammates. Wanting to avoid any awkwardness after our earlier encounter, I refrained from approaching her.

As the hour unfolded, I found solace in Jen's tequila, joined by Caitlin, who earned Lia's occasional scolding. Observing Blake chatting with Kyra stirred unexpected jealousy within me. While part of me celebrated her adaptation, another grappled with the challenge of keeping my feelings in check.

Eventually, the mix of alcohol and self-awareness led me to approach her.

"Hey Blake, I'm Katie. Sorry about this morning."

I was extremely satisfied with what I said. The tone, the wording, the fact I got it out without stuttering or slurring my words.

"Hi, Katie. It's all good, don't worry about it."

Shit that's all I had thought of to say.

"So, um–"

"Blake, do you want a drink?" Kyra interjected, saving me from potential embarrassment.

While thankful for the rescue, another part of me resented the interruption.

"No sorry I don't really drink"

Again part of me was relieved but then another part felt ashamed that I was so drunk in front of her.

"You can go grab a drink Kyra I'll stay with her"

As I said it she squinted her eyes slightly at me but didn't shoot anything back at me.

 As Kyra left, I attempted to continue the conversation, stumbling over my words.

"So, you and Kyra seem to be getting along well."

"Yeah, she's so sweet."

"I'm sure," I slurred slightly, earning a quizzical look from Blake.

"Do you need some water?"

"No, it's all good. I think I'll head home soon."

"I can drive you if you want."

"Oh, yeah, sure. I drove here, but didn't think I would drink, so you can use my car if you want."

"Yeah, sure. We'll leave in 5, yeah?"

"Yeah, sounds good thanks a lot."

BLAKE POV

Jeez, she was drunk. I felt a little bad but I decided it would just be best to take her home. It was a nice thing to do and maybe after she would warm up to me a little more.

I walked over to where all the drinks were, which was basically where everybody was and began saying goodbye. Kyra's disappointed expression did not escape my notice, and I felt a pang of guilt as I informed her of my departure.

"Aw you're leaving already" Kyra said

"Yeah sorry I'm driving Katie home"

"Oh" she said shooting a dirty look at Katie who was waiting nearby

"Well have a good night I'll see you at training"

"Yeah see you then"

She wrapped her arms around my waist and nestled her head quickly into my neck before pulling away when Katie said loudly.

"Oi you ready to go"

"Yeah," I said back

"Bye Kyra"

"Bye Blake"

I walked towards Katie who was leaning against the wall.

"Ready"

"Yeah lets go"

I began walking and tensed slightly when I felt her hand on my back. She led me out of the house and to her car she moved her hand up and down my back as we spoke.

I took the first steps, and a subtle tension coursed through me when I sensed the gentle pressure of her hand on my back. It was a touch that held a quiet reassurance, and I couldn't help but be aware of the warmth it brought to the chilly night. Navigating through the lively gathering, she skillfully guided me towards the exit, her hand maintaining a steady and comforting motion.

The cool night air greeted us as we stepped outside, the porch lights casting a soft glow on the surroundings. Her hand continued to stay on my back as we walked towards her car, the tactile connection creating an unexpected sense of intimacy. Amid casual conversation, her touch seemed to convey a silent understanding, a bridge between the unspoken emotions that lingered in the air.

As we approached her car, I couldn't help but marvel at the way her presence seemed to effortlessly ease the knots of unease that had formed earlier. The ambient sounds of laughter and chatter from the party gradually faded into the background. Her hand, a source of both physical and emotional connection, became a subtle grounding feeling in the midst of the night.

Engulfed in the shared warmth of the car's interior, our conversation continued a blend of easy banter and moments of comfortable silence. The drive unfolded, each passing streetlight casting fleeting shadows across our faces. Her hand, now a comforting constant, had moved to my thigh. Though at first I was a bit confused by her placement I quickly accepted it. In our short time from leaving the party to now, I had grown to like her so much. She was a wonderful person to talk to and now just noticed a pretty one too.