by Zoë Marshall
Sutton heard a knock on her door and opened it to reveal a grinning Cole. They hugged tightly and she invited him in. “How was the drive?”
“Not bad actually. I timed it perfectly so that I wouldn’t run into any traffic.”
“Well, welcome to my tiny room.”
Cole looked around and nodded. “I like it. You did a great job of working with the space you have. I think my room is even smaller.”
“Yeah, but you have barely any stuff! I practically brought my whole life with me.”
“Yeah, you were always quite the little packrat,” Cole said, smirking a bit.
“What did you want to do today?” Sutton asked, taking a seat at her desk.
“Aren’t you the one who’s supposed to decide that? I have absolutely no idea what there is to do around here,” Cole replied, sitting down at the edge of her bed.
“Good point. Well, I’ll think of something.”
“I don’t really care what we do. I’m just really glad to see you!” Cole said, smiling widely.
“I’m really glad to see you too. It feels like it’s been forever!”
“It really does.”
“Ava should be home shortly. Maybe we can all go get a late lunch?” Sutton suggested.
“Sounds good. I’m excited to meet the notorious Ava. She sounds like a lot of fun.”
“Oh, she is. I think you guys will get along great. Everybody loves her.”
“Sounds like someone else I know,” Cole responded.
“Yeah, yeah. So … any new prospects for me?”
“Not really. The ratio of cool to douche guys is not impressive. I feel like you’d like the guys at my college much better.”
“I’m having the same problem. Do you think we should just give up the search?”
“Absolutely not. It’s a challenge and I never back down from a challenge,” Cole replied, matter-of-factly.
“You always were quite competitive.”
“And I will win.”
“Oh, is it a competition now?” Sutton asked, getting up from her desk and sitting next to Cole on the bed.
“You said it, not me. I’m going to do some looking around while I’m here, so I can see what I’m working with.”
“That’s an unfair advantage.”
“You’ll be visiting me next time, so it will be fair.”
“Okay then.”
Sutton heard the door open and Ava rushed over to Cole to hug him. “It’s so great to meet you! I feel like I already know you, given how frequently this girl talks about you!”
“Hey, I’m right here,” Sutton said, defensively.
“Hi, honey. So, what are our plans?”
“I was thinking a late lunch. Maybe at that sushi place downtown?” Sutton suggested.
Cole shook his head emphatically. “No, no sushi. You know me better than that, Sutt.”
“Fine, pizza it is then.”
“Much better.”
THE NEXT MORNING, Sutton and Cole sat in a coffee shop downtown, sipping their lattes.
“I couldn’t sleep last night, so I checked out your Matchbox. I think I found a great guy for you. He loves cooking,” Cole said, sipping on his coffee.
Sutton looked at Cole skeptically. “And that’s all you’re basing it on?”
“No, he also likes to read and stuff.”
“Every guy says he loves to cook and read, but I’ll give it a shot.”
“We should invite him to that party Ava was talking about last night,” Cole suggested.
“Ew, the frat party? So not my scene.”
“Need I keep reminding you that our whole idea here is to break your patterns?”
“Fine, but I’m not going to enjoy it,” Sutton said, pouting.
“I would think a frat guy would be exactly your type.”
“Somehow, I don’t think that’s a compliment.”
“Oh, it’s not,” Cole replied, playfully.
“Gee, thanks.”
“I just want you to be happy, Sutt.”
“I know. And even though you suck at choosing dates for me, I still trust you.”
“As you should.”
“Want to go grab a lunch before the party?” Sutton asked, tapping her fingers on the table.
“Sure. But I’m buying.”
“I won’t argue with that.”
I’M A HOPELESS romantic. Cooking may be my favorite thing to do. I spend my free time exercising and reading. Swiping that match up will probably be the best thing you’ll ever do in your life. #yourewelcome
Garrett: Hey beautiful.
Sutton: Hey you.
Garrett: What’s a gorgeous girl like you doing on here?
Sutton: I’m new to the area. I thought I’d try to get to know some people.
Garrett: Yeah, me too.
Sutton: What kind of books do you like to read?
Garrett: Well, I have quite the comic book collection. And I enjoy the occasional self-help book or dummy guide.
Sutton: Is that so?
Garrett: God, no. I’m just joking. I like philosophical books mostly. What about you?
Sutton: Romantic comedies.
Garrett: Aw, so you’re a romantic, too?
Sutton: I can be. So … my incredibly awesome and amazing best friend is visiting this weekend. I was going to go to the Theta Chi party later, if you want to tag along.
Garrett: Well, seeing as I live there, I’ll probably be in attendance.
Sutton: I love frat boys. This will be perfect.
Garrett: Sounds like it.
“You’re not actually planning on wearing that, are you?” Ava asked, looking Sutton up and down skeptically.
“Why? What’s wrong with it?”
“You couldn’t show less skin if you tried! Well, I guess you could throw on some gloves and a scarf to make sure you don’t reveal too much,” Ava replied sarcastically.
“You know I’m not really one to wear revealing clothing.”
“Yes, but—in the wise words of Cole—we’re trying to break your patterns, remember? Whatever you’ve been doing hasn’t been working, so maybe try going outside of your comfort zone?”
“Fiiiiiine, what could it hurt? I already got roped into this stupid frat party.”
“It’s going to be so much fun! They’re going to have an ice luge and ping pong tables. Literally nothing could be more fun. Plus, I’ve had my eye on the Vice President of the fraternity since their rush party a couple months ago.”
“Then we’re going to get him for you,” replied Sutton, remembering how supportive Ava had been about helping her find a suitable guy.
“Excellent. So … how about this?” Ava held up a tight black mini skirt and Sutton cringed.
“It’s raining out, Ava. No skirts!”
“I suppose you’re right.” Ava rummaged through her drawers a bit more and pulled out a pair of tiny black pleather leggings. “These then!” She tossed them to her and Sutton let them fall at her feet.
“Absolutely not. What about these?” Sutton held up a pair of distressed skinny jeans.
“Fine, I’ll wear the leggings then!”
“I could never pull those off anyway.”
“I beg to differ, but I want you to be comfortable. You are, however, wearing my black cropped halter top.”
Sutton knew there was no use arguing. She would just keep her jacket on the whole time.
“And don’t even try hiding under a jacket all night…. I know you,” Ava added.
“Too well, apparently.”
“That stomach is just begging to be shown. We only have a handful of years left until our metabolisms catch up to us. We should really take advantage of this time.”
Sutton laughed as she pulled out her phone to text Cole.
Where are you at? We’re about to leave.
I’m almost there. I got caught up talking to a beautiful girl.
Oh, really?
Yeah, I invited her tonight. She thin
ks I go to school here, though. So don’t say anything.
Geez, C. What’s going to happen if you totally hit it off and then have to leave and tell her you were lying the whole time?
Honestly, I hadn’t thought that far ahead.
You rarely do.
Hey, I’m a guy. That’s just how we operate. See you in a few.
K.
“Is he coming or what?” Ava asked, applying some mascara.
“Yeah, he’s almost here. Apparently he met a girl.”
“No shit! Is that weird for you?”
“Why would it be weird?”
“Do I have to spell it out for you?”
“For the last time, it’s not like that! I’m happy for him. He told her he went to school here though. He’s not usually one to lie,” Sutton said, fidgeting with Ava’s uncomfortable crop top.
“Honey, he’s a guy. That’s what they do. They’ll say anything to get in a girl’s pants.”
“Yeah, but Cole isn’t usually like your typical guy.” Sutton put her jacket on and turned to Ava. “Do I look okay?”
“Once you ditch the jacket the second we get there, yes, you’ll look perfect.”
Cole arrived a few minutes later and the three of them walked to the party. It was only a few blocks away, but they were freezing by the time they got there. Sutton had the perfect excuse to keep her jacket on. But the second they walked in, Ava looked at her disapprovingly. “No, take it off. You promised.”
“Did I?” Sutton asked innocently.
“Take it off,” Ava demanded.
“Whatever you say….” Sutton tentatively peeled her jacket off and looked down at her stomach nervously. “I may need a little bit of liquid courage.”
“Music to my ears. Let’s go,” Ava said, leading them to the makeshift bar in the large kitchen.
“You look great,” Cole whispered to Sutton, as they walked to the large and surprisingly clean living room. The fraternity must have put the newest members to work.
“Thanks,” Sutton muttered, blushing as she always did when she received a compliment.
As the three of them approached the living room, Cole spotted Garrett doing a beer pong near the fireplace. “Hey Sutt. Twelve o’clock.”
“Huh?” Sutton looked to her right.
“TWELVE, not three.”
Sutton looked ahead and saw Garrett wiping off his mouth with the back of his sweatshirt sleeve. Ava followed her gaze. “He’s so hot.”
“Will you come with me?” Sutton asked Ava, in a desperate tone.
“Of course.”
“Go get ’em, tiger,” Cole added.
“Tiger?” Sutton gave Cole an inquisitive look.
“Yes, tiger. Go. I’m going to look for Alicia.”
“Okay, have fun,” Sutton replied, both excited for Cole and a little bit concerned about his dishonesty.
Ava grabbed Sutton’s hand and dragged her over to Garrett, who revealed a goofy smile as Sutton approached.
“Hey, Sutton. Thanks for coming. And who’s this lovely lady?”
“This is my roommate, Ava.”
He gave them both high fives. “Ready for the tour?”
“Oh, I’ve been here already. You must not have been around though, because I would remember seeing you. You two go. I’m going to look for Jeff.”
Sutton shot Ava a pleading look, who smiled encouragingly in return.
“Well, let’s go, little lady.”
“Okay,” Sutton replied nervously.
“Have fun!” And with that, Ava bounced off and Sutton followed Garrett to the kitchen.
Sutton thought Garrett was somewhat attractive. He had shoulder-length hair, but he pulled it off. His brown eyes were warm and she began to feel a little more at ease as he continued the tour. Garrett spent quite a bit of time talking about what rushing was like and all of the mild hazing he had to go through. Just as Garrett was telling Sutton a story about when the pledges had to egg the Dean’s kid’s house while their legs were tied together, Cole walked up to them hand-in-hand with a girl Sutton assumed was Alicia. Long, thick black hair fell perfectly to the small of her back. She must have been wearing colored lenses because her eyes were a soft violet color, which made them pop next to her dark hair. She had cute round cheeks, which were perfectly bronzed. Her make-up looked like it was professionally done, even down to what had to be fake lashes.
Is there anything about this girl that isn’t fake? Sutton thought, but she felt bad immediately after. Cole looked happy and Alicia was beautiful. Who cared if she had fake lashes and contacts?
Cole walked up to Garrett and shook his hand. “Hey man, I’m Cole.”
“Garrett. Nice to meet you. Oh, hey, Alicia.”
Alicia blushed as she smiled. “Hey, Garr. Having fun?” Alicia turned to Sutton and looked her up and down. “Hi. I’m Alicia. And this is Cole.”
Now that Sutton had had a couple of beers, she decided it could be fun to go along with the little charade. She shook Cole’s hand. “Nice to meet you, Cole.”
Garrett seemed bored with the whole exchange of nice-to-meet-yous. “You guys wanna play some beer pong? It’s kinda like my calling.”
“I’m the reigning beer pong champ from my high school. Let’s go,” Cole replied, with a hint of competitiveness.
They followed Garrett back into the second living room and the current game was just ending. He turned to Cole. “Okay, me and Alicia versus you and Sutton.”
Sutton was confused as she wondered just how Alicia knew Garrett.
“Sounds good. Let’s go. Do you know how to play, Sutton?” Cole asked her, snickering.
Sutton sucked at ping-pong, and Cole knew it. She was good at most sports, but something about that game confused her. She also had a mild competitive streak, and she guessed Cole knew she wasn’t terribly excited about the game, or about Garrett not choosing her for his team.
“Yes, Cole. I know how to play,” Sutton responded flatly, clearly annoyed with the whole situation.
Garrett placed the cups in their formation and filled them with about an inch of Pabst Blue Ribbon. Sutton shuddered a bit. She wasn’t a big drinker in the first place, but PBR was one of the hardest beers for her to stomach. She thought it tasted like dirty carbonated water.
As the game progressed, Alicia and Garrett were getting a little too cozy. They also happened to be dominating Sutton and Cole. Obviously, Garrett got a lot of practice at his frat’s many parties. Garrett’s beer pong cockiness was starting to irritate Sutton, and judging by the look on Cole’s face, it was bothering him too. Sutton couldn’t help thinking, There’s obviously something going on with Alicia and Garrett….
Wasn’t Garrett supposed to be hanging out with Sutton? Yet another failed date. Sutton was starting to think she should just give up on the dating game altogether.
Garrett sunk the last shot and hugged Alicia, then kissed her. And not a little kiss, but an all-too-intense one. Cole and Sutton looked at each other with confused expressions. “Let’s get Ava and get out of here,” Cole whispered in Sutton’s ear.
“Yes, let’s,” Sutton replied, glad she and Cole were on the same page.
Garrett and Alicia didn’t even notice that Cole and Sutton walked off. Sutton punched Cole’s arm as they searched for Ava. “Seriously? A frat boy?”
“I’m sorry. I thought it could be a nice change of pace for you.”
“Well, you were wrong. Again. I don’t want to do this anymore,” Sutton replied, defeated.
“Do what?”
“Set each other up on dates. We suck at it.”
“Yeah, we kinda do.” Cole appeared discouraged.
This was supposed to be fun, Sutton thought. This was supposed to be exactly what she and Cole needed. Instead, it blew up in both of their faces again and again.
Cole nodded. “Okay. You know I hate giving up on a challenge, but consider the experiment over.”
“Thank god. Oh, hey, there’s Ava.”
“Great,” Sutton muttered.
Ava spotted them and released herself from the embrace. “Hey guys! Where are Garrett and Alicia?”
“Probably in his bedroom,” Cole replied.
“Huh?” Ava asked, confused.
“They kicked our ass at beer pong, then started making out.”
“Yeah … I kind of didn’t want to tell you guys, but I do actually know who Garrett is, though I’ve never introduced myself. And those two make out every time the frat has a party.”
“Ava! How could you not tell us that?” Sutton was mad, and it took a lot to make her mad.
“I didn’t want to ruin your night.”
Sutton realized she couldn’t be too upset about it. Ava sounded genuine and she had good intentions, in her own Ava sort of way.
“I’m sorry, guys.”
Cole shook his head. “We’re gonna head out.”
Ava frowned. “Is it okay if I stay here?”
“Whatever, that’s fine. Have fun,” Sutton said, trying to contain her disappointment over the whole situation.
“What are you guys going to do?” Ava asked.
“I’m leaving early tomorrow. I’ll probably just call it a night,” Cole replied.
“Okay. If I don’t see you, it was fantastic to meet you finally,” Ava replied, giving Cole a hug.
“Nice meeting you too.”
Ava then gave Sutton a hug.
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Sutton said to Ava.
“I can’t make any promises. Bye guys!” Ava went back to sitting on Jeff’s lap, and Cole and Sutton left the party.
As they walked back to the dorm, they were silent. Sutton didn’t know what to say, and it appeared Cole didn’t either. She didn’t want to spend their last night like this, but it was what it was.
Finally, Cole broke the silence. “I’m sorry, Sutt. I really thought you’d like him.”
“In what world would you think I’d like that guy? I know he’s not my type and apparently that’s what we’re going for, but come on—he was a total douche.”