“It's not a date.”
“Who are you kidding? This guy doesn't want to be part of your project; it's just the only way you would be seen in public with him.”
“It's not a date.” I think at that point I was also trying to convince myself.
“It's a date in sheep’s clothing, for sure. Like, think about it, you're going to have to see him at least once a month, every month for the whole year. He totally conned you into regular dates.”
I laughed. “No, trust me, this is totally professional. I'm not interested in him at all.”
“I don't know, Natalie. I think sooner rather than later you guys are going to be sweaty and tangled in the sheets.”
“Oh for crying out loud, will you stop?”
“Just warning you.”
“Gee, thanks.”
I headed to the bathroom with my glass in hand to start getting ready for my “not date,” and realized that Julie was following close behind. I checked my reflection in the mirror and started applying makeup. Not a lot, just a little concealer, blush, eyeliner, and mascara. I didn't like to overdo things; too much makeup was a bad thing.
“So, how exactly is he going to help you with your project?”
“I'm going to draw him.”
“Seriously?” She started laughing. “Like in Titanic? 'Draw me like one of your French girls, Jack.'”
I couldn't help but bust out laughing. Julie could be completely hilarious when she wanted to be. I laughed so hard, I almost crumpled to the floor. When we were done cackling, she said, “Please tell me it's not going to be like that.”
“God, I hope not.”
“Watch out, he will drop his drawers for a nude drawing and the next thing you know the two of you will be grinding in the sack.”
“I never said this was going to be a nude drawing. What makes you think I want to see him nude?”
“Please, every girl on campus wants to see him nude.”
“Maybe.”
“There is no maybe. If you didn't have a male to hate on right now, you would at least admit the guy is gorgeous, in a movie star sort of way.”
“Julie, you're making me nervous all over again. I was trying to get rid of the jitters, and you're not helping.”
“Why are you jittery if it's not a date?”
“Nice try. Jet just makes me nervous, in a nonsexual way.”
“Riiight.”
She waddled off and I finished getting ready, and made sure I wasn't dressed too sexy. After all, this wasn't a date. I finished off my glass of wine with Julie in the living room, awaiting Jet's arrival.
Chapter Six
Jet
I was feeling pretty good about myself as I headed back to my apartment. The day couldn't have gone better. I was finally starting to melt the chilly exterior that Natalie had. Although Natalie had sold me what had to have been an overpriced picture, I would have gladly paid any amount to see the shocked look on her face. She never believed for a minute I was going to shell out $300 for her painting.
I could definitely see talent in her work, but I was still pretty sure she had tried to rip me off. However, I was also pretty sure it softened her up enough to ask to be part of her project. In truth, I wasn't too sure how I felt about being a model, but if that's what it took to be alone with Natalie, I would do it. I couldn't help myself, I really liked the girl, but she was impossible to please. She didn't roll over for me, which was rare. Maybe that was why I liked her so much. Most of the girls on campus would bend over backwards for me if it meant getting a date with me. Not even a date, but just to have me talk to them in the hallway. Insecure girls were incredibly unattractive. If only they knew what it truly meant to play hard to get. Natalie most definitely had the art down pat; she may have even invented it.
I put the key into the lock of my apartment door and walked into my home sweet home, and saw my roommate, Kyle, on the couch watching TV. It was one thing that he liked to indulge in the most. He wasn't just my roommate, though, he was also one of my teammates. However, he was in a different weight class than I was. But he was an all-around good guy, and a solid competitor.