Chapter 3: ...But Four is a Party
***
The Monday morning after Paul's visit was a blur. He hadn't left until late Sunday afternoon, and Liz and I had stayed up late chitchatting as only roommates can. I was exhausted and I knew I looked a wreck. That's why I was surprised when a handsome guy in my Sociology class struck up a conversation with me.
"Hi. You're Jessica, right?" A male voice asked me.
I raised my head to look at him. He was turned around in the row of seats just in front of me. "Oh, yeah." Was my ingenious reply.
He flashed me a lopsided grin. He was wearing cute, tortoiseshell glasses and a tee shirt. He had a look of an East Coast prep school academic. His blonde curly locks gave him sort of a West Coast surfer boy style. I was charmed, so I tried my best to give him a winning, cheerleader smile. I was hoping that I had nothing in my teeth.
"I'm Tim. I've noticed you around campus. You know ... you and a blonde girl."
"Oh yeah? That must be my roommate, Liz." I leaned forward, suddenly wishing I had worn something more revealing.
"You got a boyfriend?" Tim asked, again with the grin. This time, two identical dimples popped onto his suntanned cheeks.
I leaned back, instantly ashamed. "Oh, yeah. I've got one back home."
Tim kept smiling at me. He must've known I was melting. "Well, that's cool. But, I hope you know that's not going to stop me from asking you to stop by my house's party on Friday."
I grinned back at him, brushing my hair from my eyes. I was praying that my charm was still on. "You're house, hmm? And which one would that be?"
Tim laughed, "Why, you picky about where you party?"
"Maybe, but if you'll be there, I guess I can ignore the lack of hors d'oeuvres and waiters in tuxedos." I giggled.
Tim laughed back, "Well, I'll see what I can talk my brothers into. But, no promises, okay? If you're extra nice, maybe I can get you a bottle of red wine."
"Thank you, monsieur."
"De nada, milady. We're at Phi Beta Kappa. It's on the far right corner of that Greek Quad. I hope you'll come. And, feel free to bring your friends." Tim smiled again, and Dr. Rheas dimmed the lights to begin class.
***
"Oh yeah? Phi Beta Kappa? They're the soccer house on campus." Liz said to me when I told her about the party on Friday. "Who's the guy?"
"He said his name was Tim." I replied. I was still unsure about going. I knew if I drank, I'd most likely need someone to make sure I didn't hook up while I was there. But, with Tim as my host, I wasn't sure I wanted the sitter.
"What will Paul think?" Liz asked, munching on a slice of three-cheese pizza.
I sighed. "I don't know."
Our friend Ashley piped up, "I think we should go. I mean, we're not going to be bad ... well ... maybe not."
Another friend from our hall, Alicia, joined in. "I'm going to go. Jess... just don't worry about Paul. I have Steve at home. They never have to know," she said with a wink.
I nodded guiltily
"Besides," Liz said, "partying with frat boys is why we came to college right? Well, other than the food, that is," she dropped her slice disgustedly and took a long drink of Pepsi.
We all laughed at her. I guess the decision had been made. Phi Beta Kappa, here we come.
***
Friday night came quickly. Liz and I met Ashley and Alicia in Alicia's room and we got ready together. We had gone shopping following Monday night's supper in eager anticipation.
I was wearing a deep plum tube dress that bared maximum cleavage and thigh, platform sandals, and nothing else. I figured that if I chickened out with Tim, I'd at least have Liz post-party.
She was wearing a turquoise blue halter dress with a deep V. It really emphasized her tan and blonde hair. I was sure she'd get herself a man faster than Mike Tyson can fight a match.
When we arrived at the house, the party was already in full swing. I spotted Tim almost immediately, and he saw me. I could tell he was about 6' or so, with a long sleek frame. Images of what his abs and regions south might look like sprung to my mind. I blushed.
He smiled that famous smile and strolled over, carrying five bottles of beer. He handed us the bottles, keeping one for himself, and swung his arms about Liz and I.
"Ladies! I'm Tim, and I'll be your maitre 'd!" he said, ostentatiously. I laughed at the other girls confused looks.
Alicia tapped me. I turned back to her and she shouted to me over the din, "Ash and I are going to look around. Don't be a pussy, Jess!" she gave me the thumbs off, and hooked arms with Ashley.
Tim escorted us to the bar. He leaned over it and shouted "My lovely guests have arrived!" The bartender looked up and smiled, moving toward us. He was nearly as tall as Tim and just as handsome. He had deep tan skin that could only be Italian and, of course, waves of thick black hair.
He extended his hand to Liz, first. "Un mio piacere, la mia signora."
Liz's eyes widened and the bartender smiled, "It means 'A pleasure, my lady.' I'm minoring in Italian. I want to live there. I'm Mike."