Choosing Stacey (Part 1)
This is a loose prequel of sorts to my first story,
An Unexpected Game of Cards
and some of the characters in that story have small roles to play in this story. It's not necessary to read that story first. There are likely some inconsistencies between this story and the other story, just say that the narrator is a tad unreliable and blame all errors on me.
+ Ch 1 +
Kevin was your typical senior year economics student at the big State University in San Diego. He was of average height and he kept himself in shape from the habits developed while running cross country and wrestling during high school. He had a large shock of brown hair and was considered good looking by his friends, but not enough to have the ladies fighting over him. Throughout his college career, he had hooked up several times and had a few girlfriends, but no one he would consider to be 'the one'.
"Yo Kevin!"
"What's up Mike?"
"You doing anything Friday night?"
"Nope. No plans, just chillin'. Why?"
"Sylvia wants to set you up on another blind date with one of her sorority sister's older sister."
"Well, shit" complained Kevin. "The last time she tried that I got banned from my favorite bar. They've only recently allowed me back in."
"Hey, it's not our fault that her ex was in there, was fucking drunk out of his mind and wanted to kill you. The way you took him down with that fucking hip throw was amazing!"
"The bouncer didn't think so. Thankfully he let me walk out on my own. Sylvia's friend wasn't too impressed."
"Yeah, who knew she still had feelings for her ex and was just using you to make him jealous. I guess taking care of him after he bounced his head off the table you tossed him into rekindled things for them, they're still together."
"Thanks Mike, just what I needed to know!" He muttered "Fucking bitch..." to himself. It wasn't the first time he had been used by a woman.
"No prob Kev. Anytime!"
Mike ducked a lazy backhanded swing and backed away from Kevin, laughing. "So, you in?"
"Fine, sure. Where and when?"
"Just come by our place at 6pm. We'll order-in some pizza, pre-party and then head out a bit later."
"Sure, see you then." They fist-bumped and Kevin headed to his next class.
Mike and Sylvia lived together in a small off-campus apartment. Kevin knocked on their door a few minutes past six and Sylvia welcomed him in with a big hug and a small kiss on the cheek, "Thanks for coming!"
She guided him into the living room where a petite redhead was sitting on the couch. Kevin stumbled slightly when he first saw her. She was dressed in khaki shorts and a cute blouse with a deep V-neck that showed a good bit of cleavage. Her legs were well defined, but it was her blue eyes that captivated him, at least after he finished giving her chest a good look. She had a pert little nose that went well with her delicate cheekbones and full lips. She smirked at his stumble and he dropped his eyes, feeling himself blush. He felt a hazy white veil drop over his eyes as his mind locked up. The haze never failed to gum up his mind when he tried talking to any cute woman he didn't know very well.
Sylvia rolled her eyes, "Hey Stacey, this smooth walker is Kevin. Mike's known him since childhood, they both grew up together in North County."
Stacey stood up and held out a delicate hand, "Nice to meet you!"
"Likewise, er... how do you guys, um....know otter cheat?" Kevin's face heated up as he realized he wasn't making any sense.
Mike walked up and handed him a Ballast Point IPA as Sylvia took pity on him and replied, "Sorta convoluted actually. I'm her younger sister's big sister at our sorority. Kim introduced us at the start of the year and we have a few classes together."
"Ok, got it. I think." The white veil lightened somewhat, but he could feel it clogging his mind, slowing his responses.
They all sat and chatted for a bit, decided on a pizza, then demolished it after it was delivered. Throughout the evening, Kevin became tongue-tied anytime he tried to address Stacey, but he was able to talk normally to Mike and Sylvia. A six pack of beer later, it was approaching 10pm and about time to head out to Pacific Beach. Kevin only had one beer the whole evening as he was the night's designated driver. They headed out and found a spot not too far from PB Bar and Grill, their initial destination that evening. The small group ordered a round of drinks (Coke for Kevin) from the bartender and grabbed a table. Mike and Sylvia naturally sat next to each other on the bench seat, leaving Kevin and Stacey on the bench seat across from them.
"Sylvia says you're majoring in economics? I hear that's a tough one."
"Yeah, it's a lot of work, but not too bad. I'm also minoring in finance and now that's a bitch. I'm hoping to get into business school after graduation. How about you?"
"Child Psychology. I want to help kids."
Kevin nodded, "Sounds cool! Helping the little ones is a worthy life goal."
"Thank you!" Stacey smiled at Kevin. She thought he was cute in a dorky sort of way. The four chatted through another round of beers, then decided to head across the street to a dance club. After another round, the quartet moved out onto the dance floor to Kylie's Red-Blooded Woman. They naturally paired up and Kevin was lost as Stacey danced around him. She had a very sensual way of dancing, one moment dancing close to him and then spinning away with a laugh when he tried to put a hand on her hip. He was entranced by her beauty, spirit and the sexy sway to her hips as she danced around him. In turn, she loved the look in his eyes, partly lust but she could see an infatuation building in him already and despite herself, she felt herself being drawn to him, something that scared her.
Mike and Sylvia left after a couple of songs and Kevin made to follow them. "No, don't leave, stay with me!" implored Stacey. She gave Kevin a little pout and he folded, walking back up to her. They danced for a few more songs until a slow song finally started and Kevin looked at her hopefully. Stacey sidled up to him, draped her arms over his shoulders as he automatically wrapped his arms around her waist.
"I'm thirsty, buy me a drink?" Kevin sighed internally, grabbed a hand and led her back to the bar. They found Mike and Sylvia huddled together, finishing up their beers.
Sylvia looked up as the two approached, "Hey guys, it looked like you were having fun!"
"Sure were! I love to dance!"
Kevin could only nod along with Stacey's excitement. Even though he was in good shape, it had been a long time since he had danced that much and he needed a break. He turned to Stacey, "Can I get you another beer?"
"Please!"
A few minutes later he returned to the small group, a beer and another Coke in hand. Kevin passed it to Stacey who took it with a quick "Thanks!" She quickly drank about half and continued to chat with Sylvia.
Mike turned his shoulders away from the girls and looked at Kevin, "So what do you think?"
