by Anna Albo
"Sure. I'm focusing on school right now, but we could do that. Later, though."
"Yes, I totally understand. School first." She paused. "A few of us were thinking of doing a study group. You're more than welcome to join us."
"I'd like that. I can use the help."
"Good. I should go. I have to pick up a book from the library before our class. See you in a bit."
I chuckled to myself. She was a sweet girl, but not my type.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
EMMA
Genie picked out an outfit for me, something I'd normally never wear. She took a simple fitted knit black dress from the closet and flung it at me. The spandex hugged every inch of my body, leaving nothing to the imagination. Yes, I'd pranced around tennis courts wearing less, but that was different. This kind of dress would attract attention I didn't want.
Genie ignored my objections. "You have fabulous legs. I'd kill for those legs."
"Tennis legs."
"Do you even have an ounce of fat on you?"
"But you have curves. I'd kill for those."
"Nah, you've got it all. You look great."
I was having my first girl's night out at the tender age of nineteen. Genie did my makeup, which was kind of fun. I sat on the edge of the bathtub, closed my eyes and let her do her magic. Normally I didn't wear much more than a bit of concealer, some blush, and a tinted lip gloss, but Genie was doing the works. She moved on to my hair and did a messy updo that looked spectacular. I stared at the reflection in the mirror and didn't recognize myself.
"All the guys will go crazy when they see you."
"Do you think?" I asked, twirling in front of the mirror.
"I guarantee it."
I came out of the bedroom and Zach's eyes went wide. "Wow, you look hot."
"Doesn't she?" Genie sounded like a proud mom. "I told her we'd find a guy for her tonight."
"We didn't say that," I said, my skin tingling from the compliment.
"Zach, you still coming with us?" Genie asked, grabbing our coats.
"I better come as the chaperone," he said, still staring.
Zach became our designated driver. We picked up Genie's friends Lucy and Andrea.
"I thought this was a girl's night," Lucy said, climbing in. She was the last stop. "What's Zach doing here?"
"He says he's our DD."
Lucy, the bubblier of the two, pressed her pink glossed lips together and looked over at Andrea with eyebrows raised. Did Zach not normally hang out with them? What was I missing?
"Genie says it's your first time at Bravo's," Andrea said. "The guys party pretty hard, but we've got your back.
"Thanks."
"We never abandon one of our own," Lucy said with a smile.
"But we're all underage. How are we going to get in?"
All eyes fell on Genie.
"So I may have an in, there. Zach and I know all the right people."
"It helps when your dad is a long-serving senator for the great state of Minnesota," Lucy said.
"I never hear any of you complaining," Genie said, playfully punching Lucy in the arm.
The attention turned back to me. "Do you have a boyfriend?" Andrea asked.
"No. Do you?"
"Yes, he's my high school sweetheart," she said, her face beaming. "And before you ask, he totally trusts me. He knows I go out to have fun, nothing else."
"How about you, Lucy?" It was weird. I was asking questions, actually getting to know someone without it sounding awkward and forced.
"I've been dating Eric a few months. We met at a summer camp we both worked at. He goes to Western too."
"And what are you taking at Western?"
"I'm pre-med," Andrea said.
"I'm in civil engineering," Lucy threw in.
These were women I could relate to. They both had aspirations that didn't include landing the right husband or belonging to the best country club.
"This is your first year?" Andrea asked. She had amazing curly red hair that bounced all around her. She could have come out of a shampoo commercial.
"Yes. I'm still not sure what I want to major in."
"You have a few more months to decide," Lucy said. "Until then, just enjoy yourself."
I was a part of something. Genie and her friends seemed to like me. By the time we got to the club, Jake, Bianca, and everything else that had happened the past few months were the furthest thing from my mind.
Our first stop once inside the crowded club was the bar. The noise was so loud we had to yell at each other.
"What do you like to drink?" Genie asked.
"I don't know. I'm not much of a drinker. Surprise me."
She ordered me something fruity with a kick. It tasted pretty good.
"Pace yourself," Zach warned. "You may not notice right away, but those drinks pack a punch."
A few drinks in it was time to dance. A little liquid courage went a long way. Lucy, Genie, Andrea, and I danced up a storm. After a while some random guy jumped in, dancing with us and asked my name.
"She's got a boyfriend," Genie said before I could answer. "So bugger off."
"He was kind of cute," I said once he'd found other girls to dance with.
"He's bad news. He's always here flirting with the cute girls. Trust me, you don't want anything to do with him."
We danced some more and when I looked around for Zach, who'd already met up with a bunch of friends and seemed to know half the crowd, he was standing near the bar where we'd left him, cradling a soda and chatting with the blonde from school. She was here? How did she know we'd be here ... unless he'd invited her? Did he like her that much? The drinks started bubbling up in my stomach.
"Let's get another round," Andrea suggested.
I wasn't sure I could handle another drink, but before I knew it, we were back at the bar, a few feet from Zach and the blonde, and Lucy was ordering drinks.
"Who's the girl?" I asked Genie.
She looked over at Zach and his friend. "I don't know. I've never seen her before. Zach's a chick magnet. He walks into a room and all the girls are ready to hop into bed with him."
I watched them some more. He was so fixated on her that if someone shouted fire, I'm not sure he'd notice. He leaned over and whispered in her ear. A huge smile spread across her face and she nodded.
"Drink up," Lucy said, thrusting the drink in my hand. "The night is young."
I did. And then I kept drinking. I lost count and became the drunk girl, the girl I loathed. Zach and Genie helped me to the car at the end of the night. My head was spinning and my stomach was ready to heave at any moment.
"Please don't throw up in the car," Zach said.
I nodded, too afraid that if I opened my mouth, I'd hurl. We dropped Lucy and Andrea at their dorm and Genie at her place. She was going to pick her car up later.
"Zach, you can handle this?" Genie asked.
"I'll be fine."
"And don't take advantage of her!" she added with a laugh.
By now I was lying flat out on the backseat, clutching my stomach and moaning in discomfort.
"You're a lightweight," Zach said when we got to the apartment. He opened the door and helped me to my feet.
"They tasted good."
"I warned you."
"I know."
A few seconds passed. "Who was the blonde you were talking to earlier?"
"Heather? She's in my Poly Sci class."
"You like her?"
"She's nice. Why do you ask?"
"You talk to her a lot."
"I do? I didn't notice."
"She wants to have sex with you." Oh. Had I said that or just thought it?
"Yup, you're drunk."
Crap. I'd said it. "She was undressing you with her eyes." My lips were moving before my brain had time to stop them.
"Really drunk."
"Don't you want to meet someone nice? Why do you chase after all these vacuous girls? Don't you want something meaningful?"
This coming from someone who couldn't stand straight. I stumbled along to the lobby with Zach propping me up.
"Sure I do."
"No, you don't," I slurred. "You want the Biancas, Beccas, and Heathers of the world."
"No, I've never wanted the Biancas of the world."
"I'm dizzy."
"And drunk."
I leaned up against him in the elevator and when we reached the apartment, he poured me some water.
"You should probably eat something too. It will help with the hangover."
I waved him away and took only a few sips of water. "I need to go to sleep."
I staggered to my room and collapsed onto the bed. I closed my eyes and was out within seconds.
A FEW HOURS LATER I raced for the bathroom. I made it just in time to throw up what little was in my stomach. My throat burned from alcohol and bile. My eyes teared as I slumped to the floor. I looked down and realized I was still wearing the black dress. I must have looked a mess.
Zach appeared in the doorway, shirtless and wearing pajama bottoms. I couldn't help but stare at his chest. It was there on display, all muscular with a light sprinkling of chest hair, begging to have my hands run through it. I shook my head and let out a groan. What was wrong with me?
"You are a train wreck."
I nodded.
He pulled a washcloth from a drawer and ran some water. He handed it to me and it felt cold but refreshing against my cheek.
"Do you want me to get you something?"
"A cure for this hangover would be nice."
"How about some water? Or I could make scrambled eggs or something."
"No food. The thought of food makes me want to throw up again."
"I'll get the water."
He left and I closed my eyes and put the cloth completely over my face. If I hadn't changed, I hadn't washed my face either. My makeup was probably all over the place. I was worse than a train wreck.
Zach returned and sat next to me, handing me the glass of water. I took a few gulps and put it down. I leaned my head against his hard, bare shoulder. The action was involuntary and I liked it. I didn't touch people much, and I made sure my hands didn't leave my side. He smelled heavenly, a mixture of cedar wood, bergamot, and sandalwood.
"I'm never doing that again."
"You were funny."
"I have never felt this crappy in my life."
"Well, tomorrow will suck too. Then you'll start feeling better."
I closed my eyes and took in the moment. It was nice despite the circumstances. "Thanks for the water."
"You're welcome."
"Thanks for everything. I'm not sure what I would have done without you."
"Pay it forward some day."
"I will."
"Should we get you back into bed? I think you could use the rest." He helped me to my feet and to my room. "Goodnight, Em. Sweet dreams."
I BARELY RECOGNIZED the face staring back at me the next morning. Black mascara and eye shadow ringed my eyes and my hair was matted on one side. The pounding headache didn't help matters.
I took a long, hot shower, letting the water pound against my skin. Despite how awful I felt now, the night before had been one of the best of my life. The only thing that came close was finally beating Melanie Peters in a three-set marathon to win my only title against her. And while the satisfaction of beating her was euphoric, this was entirely different. I had fun. I hadn’t wanted the night to end. I met two new people who liked me, who wanted to hang out with me, and I owed it all to Zach and Genie.
I dragged myself out of the shower and got dressed in my most comfortable yoga pants and oversized t-shirt. It was almost noon, and I was dying for some good old-fashioned bacon and eggs.
I found the kitchen empty. I put on a pot of coffee, pulled out a medium frying pan then grabbed the eggs and bacon from the fridge. I sliced a few tomatoes and seasoned them with a bit of salt and pepper. They went onto a baking sheet while the oven heated. I peeled and cubed a few potatoes and seasoned them with oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and a hint of spicy paprika. I tossed them around in warmed coconut oil and threw them into the hot frying pan. They'd have to cook for a bit before I tackled the bacon and eggs.
Zach appeared and pulled a chair up to the opposite side of the counter and watched me work. He had a shirt on this time.
"Coffee?" I asked.
"You bet. You look chipper this morning. No hangover?"
"Nothing some Aspirin can't fix," I said, pouring coffee in his favorite South Park mug.
"I'm starving. What are we having?"
I relayed the menu as he hopped off the chair and grabbed some plates and cutlery. I finished up our breakfast and we dug in.
"I think I've gained ten pounds since you moved in."
I highly doubted that. "I do make healthy food," I said. "Except for this breakfast."
He chowed down on his sunny-side up eggs, the way he liked them, and I thought about all he'd done for me. Without him I would have never met Genie and her friends—all of whom accepted me. But most of all I had Zach himself in my life. I owed him so much and other than some home-cooked meals, what did he have to gain?
That's when I felt it. A little tickle in my heart and it made me gasp. I'd only ever felt that once before ... and look how that turned out.
Zach looked up from his plate and caught my stare. "What's up? Something on my face?"
"No," I said, darting my gaze away. Were my cheeks flushing? I grabbed my coffee cup to hide my face just in case.
He smiled, that killer smile that made every girl trip all over her feet. And then I thought of the blonde. Heather. I hated my mind sometimes, and how quickly it could take a beautiful moment and crush it into tiny jagged, tear-your-skin pieces.
"For someone who was so wasted last night, you throw together an amazing breakfast."
"Thanks."
"Genie and her friends liked you."
A shy smile spread across my face. "Really?"
"I wouldn't tell you if it wasn't true."
"They weren't feeling sorry for me, were they? Do they know about the whole Bianca thing?"
"They don't know about it. Besides, our campus is huge. Not everyone knows Queen Bianca."
"I hope they invite me out again."
"I'm sure they will."
Yes, life was definitely on the upswing as long as I kept myself in check.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
ZACH
I had a couple of hours between classes and met Brett at the gym. We had an upper body workout planned. He was already waiting and chatting up a brunette at the free weights. The guy was clueless when it came to girls. He had a way of striking out every time. He wasn't a bad-looking guy, average height, sense of humor, but the second he opened his mouth, crap came flying out. I gave the guy advice, but not once did he take it.
The brunette saw me coming and her green eyes locked on me. Shit, Brett would be pissed. I nodded to her, trying to act disinterested at the same time. Brett followed her stare and when he saw me, he frowned. Double shit. The girl said a few more words and wandered off, but not before giving me a pouty smile.
"Really? Wear a fucking bag over your head next time. I almost had her."
Right. "Sorry. Must be my magnetism."
"Shove it!"
We got to work. I only had an hour before I had to meet Genie. I promised to have a quick lunch with her before my Economics class. There was an urgency to her text, like she had something important to tell me. If she was pregnant, Mom and Dad would kill her.
"How was your night out with the girls?" Brett asked, his tone mocking.
"Jealous that I got to spend my Saturday night with four beautiful ladies?"
He let out a huff. "Wanna invite me next time? I'd tap Andrea or Lucy."
And that's exactly why I didn't invite him. "Haven't they already shot you down a million times?"
"I figure if I wear them down, they'll submit to my charms."
"What charms?"
He gave me the finger.
We did some reps and took a short break. I loved the burn, it made me feel like I was accomplishing something.
"And Emma? Man, I can't believe I just asked about her."
I bristled. "Then why did you ask?"
"Curious, I guess. Like watching a car crash."
I took a swig of water, carefully formulating my thoughts. If I sounded too pissed off, he'd get on my case. Treading carefully was the right approach. "Look Brett, you want to be on Team Bianca, I don't give a shit. Go shove your nose up her ass. Makes no difference to me. But leave Emma out of it. She's a nice girl and doesn't deserve all this shit from you guys. I've said it before and I'll say it again: what has she ever done to you?"
Brett took a step back and looked up at me. I was easily four inches taller than him. He narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest. So much for treading carefully. "What is it about this girl?" he asked. "I don't get it. It's like she's got you by the balls."
Brett had been my best friend since forever, and we were tight, but for some reason I knew I needed to be on guard. "I see things in her that you don't. It’s that simple."
"So you want to do her?"
His face was twisted in confusion and disbelief. He seemed so lost. I felt like his Dad trying to explain why his favorite hockey team had to trade their star away. He couldn't grasp the concept that not everything was about sex. "She was down-and-out. She had no one."
"So you feel sorry for her?"
"No, I just ... I needed to help. I can't explain it."
A flash of understanding came over him. "You're always picking up strays, you know that? Sometimes you gotta walk away. You can't be the good guy all the time."
"Why not?"
"You want to be lawyer or a politician some day? You have to be cutthroat. You won't be able to hide stray dogs in your basement, hand money to bums on the street, or give the clothes off your back to some homeless guy. And you especially won't be able to let random sketchy chicks crash at your apartment."
Yes, I'd done every one of those things and never regretted any of them. That's what made me different from Brett and most of our other friends. When I handed the homeless guy my wool Burberry scarf and leather gloves on a bitterly cold January night, I didn't think twice, not even when my hands froze so bad I wanted to cry from the stinging pain.