Buck had left her to get ready in peace, and was now strolling down the street toward the post station. He wanted to tell them he would show up at the dance with his girlfriend; not that it was finally official. He wanted them to hear it from him directly, he felt he owed them that much at least. For old times sake. Before he reached the station however, he ran into Lou.

Her smile beamed at his face and she looked very coy.

"There you are!" she giggled and Buck smiled back, though somewhat surprised to see her that happy. Last time they spoke she had been a bit wary of him, and perhaps a hint mad at him for leaving without saying goodbye. But she, like the others, had accepted his explanation; he needed to think in peace and try to find himself in this time of confusion.

"Hi, Lou. Going to the dance?" he asked her.

"Sure am, as soon as everyone's ready. And you?"

She swayed on her heels while she waited for his reply, staring him straight in the face. Her inquiring look had him a bit worried.

"I thought I might drop by," he started coyly.

"Good!" she nearly screamed, then grabbed his hand and lead him with her.

"Yeah, you see I'm-"

"Going with Catherine!" Lou finished for him.

Buck dug his heels in the dust and stared at her. "Huh?"

"My friend, Catherine!" Lou still smiled and Buck was all the more confused.

"Catherine. who?"

"Oh, you'll love her! She's single, tall, pretty, and lots of fun! I told her you'd meet her up at the dance a quarter to seven. Don't be late!"

Lou started to walk on while waving a warning finger in the air between them, when Buck hollered after her. "I can't do that!"

"Oh, why not?" Lou asked and returned to his side. Her eyes bore into his soul, searching for an answer.

"Because I already got a date!" Buck cried and Lou was taken totally off guard.

"Excuse me. You?!"

Buck sighed impatiently. "Why is that so hard to believe?" he asked.

"Well, you just. haven't had many dates lately, I. I just thought you might be free tonight. that's all."

Buck looked at her honest face and realized she might be right. He hadn't seriously dated anyone in years. "Okay. You got me into this mess, and you get me out. I got my date and you can tell Catherine she's still single."

With that said he started to walk toward the station again.