The Freshman (College Years 1)
“Is that your young man?” Gracie cackles the moment the words leave her mouth.
I glare at her. “Yes.”
“Answer him!”
I send a response.
Where are you?
Tony: Frat party. It’s boring.
Me: You want me to come over and spice it up? Is that what you’re asking for?
Tony: Definitely.
Me: What frat?
He sends me his location.
“He’s at a frat party,” I tell Gracie.
“Is he in a frat?”
“I don’t know. I don’t think so.” But honestly, I’m not sure. I don’t know much about this guy. At all.
“Come on. Let’s get you dolled up for your booty call.” Gracie leaps to her feet and heads for the bathroom.
I follow her, and let her curl my hair, though nothing too elaborate. I remove my old mascara with a makeup wipe and add a fresh coat to my lashes. I change into my favorite jeans and a cute cropped top.
“What do you think?” I ask Gracie once I’m back in the living room and ready to go.
She whistles low. “Hottie.”
“Really?” I go to the mirror near the front door. We use it to make sure we look decent before we leave for the day—or night, like I’m about to. Maybe. “I look like I’m trying too hard.”
“No, you don’t. You look pretty, Hay. And since when do you care so much about looking like you’re trying so hard? Usually you just go for it. You’re just you.” I glance over my shoulder to find her smiling at me. “Is this boy special?”
She draws out the last word.
“He’s just a boy.” I stare at my reflection as I keep repeating that mantra in my head.
He’s just a boy. He’s just a boy. He’s just a boy.
So why does this feel like something that could be more?
“My expectations are too high,” I say to Gracie. And to myself.
“Stop dawdling and go to this party. It’s midnight.”
“It’ll still be in full swing.” I grab my purse and send her one last look. “You want to go with?”
“Hell, no. I’m tired.” She yawns, and I can tell it’s real. “I’m going to bed. But I’ll keep my phone right beside me. Text me if things go haywire and you need a rescue.”
“It won’t,” I reassure her.
“You never know. I’m here for you, babe.” She blows me a kiss.
In minutes, I’m in my car and driving to the frat, which is located in a neighborhood on the other side of campus. Traffic is light because it’s late, and I have a mental conversation with myself the entire drive.