Chloe returned to the dorm with a skip in her step, humming brightly. This did not go unnoticed by Felicia, who was found on the carpet painting her toenails with unblinking intensity. Without looking up, she set about her interrogation: "Ai, Chica! What's up? When did the clouds part?"
"Huh? I don't really know what you mean, Licia. I feel the same as I did before I went to class." Chloe struggled to hide back a smile.
"B to the S. I've been stuck in this tiny room with your gloomy ass for over a day. Now you're all sunshine and rainbows? What, did you run into Marcus at your class? Did he finally call you?"
At the mention of the name "Marcus", Chloe no longer had trouble hiding her smile. It fell right from her face. "Did he call?" She echoed.
Switching feet, Felicia continued to concentrate on her nail polish. "Si, I figured you must have been grumpy because something happened when you were alone in this room and he didn't call the next day. That shit usually pisses me off big time."
Taking a few deep breaths, Chloe took her time responding: "I...uh...well, he wasn't in class today. I didn't see him and I really don't want him to call."
Felicia looked up, eyebrows reaching nearly to her hairline.
"I mean, I don't want him to waste his time." Chloe stumbled.
Rolling her eyes, the fiery roommate went back to her pedicure. "I see you're not gonna take my advice, Chica."
Chloe sat at the edge of her bed with a loud huff. "It's not that I don't listen to you. I just don't want to get all hung up on a guy. I've never really spent time with boys and I don't want to be the idiot that goes gaga."
Felicia finished her clearcoat before answering, "Oh, honey. You don't have to get attached. That's not my advice. You just need to have fun. You don't have classes until the afternoon tomorrow, right?"
Chloe fidgeted, "No, why?"
"Ai, stop acting like I'm going to make you drink chicken blood. All I'm saying is that my morning class is canceled tomorrow and we can sneak out for a little practice tonight. It won't be crazy busy but a few desperate guys will be out."
"Practice for what?"
"You need to learn to flirt and not get crazy attached. No getting stupid drunk this time, though." Felicia warned.
Still riding high on earlier feelings, Chloe was able to withstand the same sinking feeling associated with seeing Marcus. "Licia, why don't we just go out together. Forget guys. I like just hanging out with you."
Felicia shut her makeup drawer with typical dramatic flair. "Ai, Chica. I will do this one thing for you because we are best amigas. But you must have a few drinks with me. I won't be having you go back to your pure ways and bore me to death." She had opened her other drawer and pulled out a tiny pink thong, tossing it right at Chloe's face. "I have to corrupt you a little before we graduate."
Laughing, Chloe threw the lingerie back and grabbed her biology textbook. "OK, OK. But I have to study for my midterm first."
Felicia put the wicked panties away and answered: "I'll wait for you, Chica. But don't think I won't be planning your outfit."
Chloe made a face in response and settled into reading.
LATER THAT NIGHT:
True to her word, Felicia dressed Chloe in a purple crop top sweater that barely stretched over her perky breasts, and a denim high-rise skirt. There was still much to dispute over, as the timid roommate wished to remain unnoticed.
"If us girls are just going out, why do we have to dress up?" asked Chloe.
Felicia rolled her eyes, "I never drink and slum, Chlolita. I have a reputation to keep up. When in public, you must always dress how you want other people to think you feel. Understand? Right now, I want to feel sexy."
"Um, I guess. But no one will think I feel sexy if I'm stumbling on those high heels."
Throwing her hands in the air, Felicia slipped into her emerald-green dress effortlessly. "Ugh! Fine, wear those boy shoes. At least you won't be taller than me." She sat on the bed to put on her own strappy black stilettos as Chloe tied her Converse flats.
Chloe stood to grab her purse and Felicia admired her project. "See, amiga. You look like a girl who is comfortable in her own skin. This is important."
"Yikes! You win, Licia. I'm glad I LOOK comfortable and not how I actually FEEL. Let's go slowmo."
Felicia applied one last coat of lipgloss. "You joke, Chlolita. But soon you will be comfortable. Trust me." She reached for her clutch. "Ok, I'm ready."
They set out for their early night joking and giggling, hair loose and flowing behind them. The first stop: Felicia's favorite dive with the cute bartender. He went by the name of Phil and Chloe was more than sure the pair had messed around in the past. This was the second time she had to endure their sideways glances and the voice Felicia always used to talk to men—low and ditzy. But she couldn't complain too much. Being on a student budget, Phil always gave them free food and drinks. Patience was a cheap price.
Phil had just given them another round of margaritas and Felicia placed a hand on his to keep the attention on her.
"Phil, mi amor. Answer us this, how do you think Chloe looks tonight?"
Blushing fiercely, Chloe protested shrilly, "Licia, no!"
"Oh relax, Chica. I'm just asking. He's here and he's honest." Her roommate and Phil exchanged a knowing smile.
The bartender turned his attention to Chloe, still smiling. "That shirt is totally working for you, girl. Caught my attention."
As if it was even possible, Chloe's blush deepened. All she could manage was a squeaky "thanks".
A voice behind them spoke and Chloe felt a presence. "She caught my attention too."
In unison, both girls turned towards the voice. Chloe sat frozen while Felicia exclaimed "Marcus!"
Indeed, the classmate who haunted her day to day life stood directly behind Chloe. She felt a combination of embarrassment, anger and a heat between her legs. It was as if his voice set off a chain reaction from her core that went all the way to her toes—an erotic tingling. Remembering the class demonstration from that morning, Chloe felt a rush of determination to stay in control. She slowed her breathing and broke the silence. "Hi, Marcus." Stretching a smile across her face, she tried to act as casual as possible.
"Hey, Chloe. What're you girls up to?
Felicia started to respond but Chloe silenced her with a sudden kiss. No one spoke. She only broke contact when Phil and Marcus shared a nervous chuckle. For once in her life, Felicia sat speechless, staring at her friend. The moment was broken by the smack of glass hitting the bar top.
"Ladies, this calls for a shot." Phil poured Don Julio into four shot glasses—
