Nick walked down the street to one of his best friends' house. He'd known her since he moved to Florida when he was very young. Some guys don't have girls as their best friend, but it was different with Cassandra. Everyone called her Cassie. Nick found a great sense of trust with her. he went up to her door and let himself in. They always did.

"Cass! I need to talk to you," he said and sat on the sofa picking up a Sports Illustrated magazine. Her mom wasn't home. She never was before seven.

Cassie came down the stairs. "Well, you've just made yourself at home, haven't you?" she said looking at him with his feet propped up on the table.

"I really need to talk to you," he said while putting down the magazine.

"Okay, shoot." She sat down across from him in a chair.

"Me and Melissa's one month anniversary is tomorrow. I promised I would take her someplace special, but I don't know where."

"I think you should take her to where you had your first date."

"We went to the movies. We can't exactly go see the same movie, so there's not a point to it."

"Oh. That's right. Well, why don't you take her to the beach. I think that's really romantic."

"Yeah. The beach. Usually, I could think of something, but I want it to be perfect. My mind's just gone blank."

"I think the beach is perfect for your anniversary."

"Definitely. I'll buy her flowers too. She'll love it."

"She should. I know I would."

"Cass, why don't you ever go out on dates? There are a bunch of guys at school who would love to go out with you."

"I'm just not into dating right now, Nick."

"Why?"

"Because. I have other things to do."

"Don't give me that. You have plenty of time to date."

"I just don't want to. Not right now."

"Okay. But I think you should."

"You always try to tell me what to do," she said sarcastically. "Anyway, why do I need a boyfriend when I can hang out with you, my best friend."

"But, you need-"

"I know," she cut him off. "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."

"Okay. How about me and you go play some basketball at the park tomorrow?"

"You don't have plans with Melissa?"

"I make plans with Melissa on Friday nights. Like tonight. I try to save Saturdays for me and you to have fun."

"Okay. Why don't we start playing basketball every Saturday? You need to get pumped up for the season anyway. It's starting soon."

"Yeah, cool, but I may not even make the team."

"Yes, you will, Nick. I have faith. This is our last year of highschool and I bet you'll be the star player."

"Don't get your hopes too high."

"You just don't give yourself enough credit."

"That's your job as my friend." He grinned. "I have to go now. Get ready for my date. I'll see ya later knucklehead."

"Alright, Blondie."

He got up and walked out the door.