by Jacob Chance
“I’m not opposed to writing nonfiction books, but what I really want is to work for one of the local news stations.”
Raising his water glass to his lips, he takes a sip. “Reporting from the field, or behind the scenes?”
“I’m not sure. I’ll probably start out behind the scenes and see how it goes.”
“Please,” Eliza huffs. “You were meant for the spotlight.”
I roll my eyes. “You’re crazy.”
“Have you looked in a mirror lately?”
“Stop it. You’ll embarrass me.”
Eliza snorts, “Impossible. Nothing embarrasses you.”
“Is that true?” Nolan interrupts our back and forth, drawing my eyes to his.
Slowly, I nod. “Yep.”
“Interesting.”
“What does that mean?”
He smirks and I realize he’s turned my own reply from last night around on me. Clever bastard. Nolan leans forward, his arms on the table. “I agree with what Eliza said about you belonging in front of a camera.”
Does he mean naked and in a porno? Or is he really being nice? Studying his expression for any sign of condescension, I find none. In fact, I’d say he looks sincere.
“Well, thank you. I’ll have to see how it goes once I find an internship. A lot of the times that’s the gateway into working for the network.”
“Good luck. I hope it all works out for you.” His smile is genuine and wide.
“Thanks. I’ll need it.”
Nolan heads up to the register to pay while Eliza and I slip outside onto the sidewalk to wait.
“Well, that was awkward,” she complains.
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about being a third wheel. Actually, I take that back. I’ve never felt so invisible around other people before.”
“Pfft, you’re being silly.”
“No, I’m not. You guys were in your own little world filled with heart eyes.”
“You’re crazy. I wouldn’t date Nolan if he was the last guy on earth.”
“I don’t remember asking you out, but it’s good to know. Now I won’t waste my time.” He looks hurt by my words.
My eyes squeeze shut. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Opening my eyelids, I spin to face him, my remorseful expression revealing how horrible I feel. “I’m sorry. I--”
He waves a hand, dismissing me. “Don’t worry about it. Message received. Thank you for having breakfast with me, but I have a bunch of stuff I need to get done.” Anger flashes in his eyes before dissipating as they land on Eliza. She steps forward and hugs Nolan.
“Thank you for helping me last night. You saved my life. My head might’ve exploded, otherwise.”
“Sounds like I saved myself from having a mess to clean up. Brains aren’t really my thing and being one of the newbies in the frat I get all the gross jobs.”
Stepping forward, I try to draw his attention. “It was great meeting you, Nolan. Thank you for breakfast.”
He flicks a cursory glance in my direction. “Nice meeting you too. And don’t mention it.” He holds up a hand and waves at someone behind me. “Eliza, I’ll see you in class this week. Excuse me, I see a friend of mine.” He moves around us and jogs over, meeting up with another guy without another word. Without saying goodbye to me. What the hell? I cross my arms over my chest, watching as they walk down the sidewalk away from us.
“Stop pouting.”
“I’m not,” I huff.
“You have no one to blame but yourself. What did you expect him to do when he overheard you say something so horrible about him? And something that isn’t even true.”
“I’m sorry he heard what I said, but I meant every word of it.”
“You’re delusional. You like him.”
“He’s a likeable guy, I’ll give you that. But I don’t like him as in ‘like to see him naked’.”
“Sure. You stripped that boy naked ten times over in your mind during breakfast alone.”
I giggle. She’s got me, but I’ll never admit it to her. I can barely admit it to myself. Denial is my middle name. “Not true.” It was at least eleven times. “I can admit he’s attractive, but he’s too young.”
“Two years is way too much, especially with how mature you are.” She rolls her eyes.
“You know, I don’t appreciate your sarcasm. Why don’t you work on toning that down?”
“Nope. You’re going to have to suck it up. The truth hurts.”
2 weeks later
The roar of the crowd is deafening as I focus on the field. It’s the start of the fourth quarter and we’re down by fourteen points. The Terriers line up against the opposing team and I say a little prayer. Please let them put some more points on the board with this play. We need to score.
Darren, the backup quarterback, catches the snap and hands the ball off to Nolan. My breath halts as I watch him snake between two huge members of the defensive line. Is he going to get crushed? I expel a sigh of relief as he’s safely past them when another gets his meaty hand on his jersey. How many players does this team have on the field?
Nolan spins away, so light on his feet, tearing free from the hold. Bolting forward, he races, his thick, muscular legs sprinting toward the end zone as fast as he can. Once he crosses over the line he throws an arm up, pumping his fist and then spikes the ball. Two of his teammates leap on him as they celebrate the touchdown.
The crowd erupts, cheers of celebration ringing out as the points get added to the scoreboard. The kick is good for the extra point, sailing straight through the uprights. Okay, we’re down by seven and there’s still plenty of time left to get the win.
Our defense can’t seem to keep up with the quick moving offense of the other team and by the end of their possession we’re down by fourteen again. Crap. They ate up a lot of time on the clock and we need a miracle at this point to win.
I’ve never been one to appreciate football, but in the last couple of weeks I’ve found myself invested in the outcome. My gaze lingers on number twenty-two, skating over every inch of him. I can’t see his handsome face or his earth toned hair, but his ass looks fine in those pants. Focus, Perri. I’m here to take notes on the game, not Nolan’s physical attributes.
I manage to jot down facts I’ll need for my article and when the game ends, I rise from the seat. Every part of me is stiff from the cold and I twist from side to side to loosen my back.
Glancing at the scoreboard, I make a note of the final score. Unfortunately, this playoff loss means the end of the Terriers’ season.
I stop by the library to grab a book I need for a paper I have to write for my sociology class. I’m heading back toward the main entrance when I spot Nolan sitting at a table, diligently working on his laptop. My legs pick up the pace and have me moving toward him before I realize where I’m going. Okay, that’s not true. It’s not just my legs that want to see Nolan. I haven’t set eyes on him since the football game two days ago. But I haven’t spoken to him since the morning after the Halloween party, and I still feel horrible for what he overheard me say to Eliza. As much as I grasp that he’s not my type, I certainly wouldn’t want to hurt him. I’m not a deliberately cruel person.
I stop beside the table. “Hey, Nolan.”
His head slowly raises and his sky blue eyes go wide when he sees me. “Hi. How are you?”
“I’m good. And you?”
“Great. No complaints.”
“How was your Thanksgiving?” Could this conversation be any more stilted?
“It was good, thanks. How about yours?”
“Nice, thanks. But it definitely went by too fast.” Oh God, it’s not getting any better. I try to think of something more interesting to talk about but my mind is drawing a blank.
“Yeah, I get what you mean. I was barely at home and I had to come back for the game on Saturday.”
“I was watching. It was a tough loss.”
“You were there?” He sounds surprised.
“Right. Well, we didn’t get the win, but it could’ve been worse with Owen out and our backup quarterback in. Don’t get me wrong, Darren did great, but Owen being injured and out for the last part of the season was the end of us. With his skillset, he’s not a player you can replace.”
“If it’s any consolation you played great. I saw your two touchdowns.” I pause, inhaling a deep breath as I prepare to apologize. Or at the very least clear the air between us. “I wanted to--”
“Sorry I’m late,” a sing song voice interrupts me before a tall, gorgeous blonde girl takes the seat next to Nolan.
He turns his head, leaving me staring at the back of his thick strands and I imagine him beaming at her. “No worries. I was just getting started.”
“Okay, I...uh...I’m going to let you get your work done. See you later.”
He glances over at me. “Bye, Perri. Take care.”
I smile tightly and give a stiff nod before scurrying away. Fuck. That was horribly uncomfortable. Is he dating that girl? She’s blonde, tall, and model thin, three things I’ll never be. I’ve got enough curves for her and me. Crap. I hate her on principle alone.
As I hurry toward the front of the library, anger assails me. I can’t believe he might be dating someone already. So much for not being a player. Maybe he was lying to me all along and here I am feeling bad about what happened.
Shaking my head, I sigh and pull my library card from my pocket. Handing it off, along with the book I’m checking out, to the woman at the desk, I glance around hoping for another glimpse of Nolan. What, do I think he’s going to come chasing after me? Please. He’s otherwise occupied with his blonde babe.
Once the librarian’s done checking me out, I slip the book inside my backpack and shove my card down into the front pocket on my jeans. I need to forget about Nolan. I can’t go there anyway. He’s nothing to me and he never will be.
Chapter Four
Nolan
The motion of the train relaxes me and I lose myself in thoughts of Perri. She looked so beautiful when I saw her at the library today. Her hair was looped on the top of her head and she was wearing an oversized B.U. hoodie, black leggings, and the same Chucks she had on at the party. Somehow I found this relaxed version of her more attractive than the costumed one I met. A too big sweatshirt couldn’t hide how sexy she is. In fact, for me it only enhanced it.
It was all I could do to form a reply when she spoke to me. If Flynn’s younger sister, Kendra, my study partner, hadn’t interrupted us, I’m not sure what Perri would’ve said. She looked like she had something on her mind. Maybe she wanted to reiterate how she’d never date me. Drive the knife into my heart a little more - because the first time wasn’t painful enough.
I’ve thought a lot about Perri since the night she slept over… thought about her more than I should. Especially with the way she cut me down. As much as it hurt to hear her say those words, I’m glad I did. I don’t want to waste my effort on a girl who isn’t attracted to me.
As it is, she’s occupied too many of my thoughts and I’m not sure why. I’m not someone who looks for a challenge at every turn. The fact that she’s not interested should put an end to all thoughts of her. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be that easy for me.
What makes her so special? She’s gorgeous, but there are a lot of girls on campus who are. Is it the depth of her bronze irises? Time stands still when I stare into those bottomless brown pools. A myriad of emotions can flicker across her face in a split second like a flurry of snapshots. I find myself afraid to look away because I don’t want to miss any of them. She’s that captivating.
Clancy nudges my sneakered foot with his own until I turn my head toward him.
“What’s up with you? You’re so quiet.”
“I’m tired. I haven’t been getting enough sleep.”
“Wake up, dude. We’re about to see something worth staying awake for.”
I rub my hands up and down my face to snap myself out of this funk I’ve sunken into. “How did you hear about this place, anyway?”
“Flynn’s cousin went and then told him about it.”
“I hope it’s worth the hefty cover charge.”
“Stop your whining. Twenty bucks isn’t bad to see half naked girls dancing.”
“I could see that for free at any one of our frat parties,” I laugh.
“This is something different to do. And we’re all out together. Stop sucking the fun from it, Archer, before I kick your ass back to the house.”
He’s right. I’m being a killjoy. I can’t let what happened with Perri bleed into other parts of my life. I’m not some moody asshole who can’t deal with something not going my way. I’m magnifying my attraction for Perri and there’s no reason for it. She’s just a girl. And last time I checked there was no shortage of them around me seven days a week.
I hold my fist out for Clancy to bump. “You’re right. I’m being a grouchy ass.”
He flashes me a quick grin. “I know you are. I also foresee that you’ll be thanking me after the show. If nothing else you’ll have some new material for your spank bank,” he chuckles.
“Ha ha. You’re a fucking riot.”
“Yep, so I’ve been told. Don’t hate just because I’ve been blessed with good looks and quick wit.” I quirk a brow his way. “Don’t feel bad about yourself, Nolan. At least you’ve got good looks going for you.”
I smile, unfazed by his joking and tick my head from side to side.
“No come back?” Clancy quips. “No worries. Just sit there and look pretty.” He pats my shoulder.
The train slows at our stop and the four of us rise, moving toward the door as it slides open. We step out onto the platform only to be met by a chilling gust of frigid air.
“Goddamn, I hate winter,” Flynn growls, a shiver rocking his large frame.
“Dude, suck it up, we’re not even officially out of fall yet,” Clancy responds, shoving his hands into the front pockets on his hoodie.
“You guys are lucky it’s not cold like it is in Vermont right now. I talked to my brother earlier and he said it was only in the twenties.”
“Jesus. No wonder you’re still a virgin. Your dick froze and broke off,” Darren snickers and we all laugh.
Tugging the gray knit cap down over my ears, I zip the collar on my black fleece jacket all the way up as we navigate our way along the rutted sidewalk on Tremont Street. My eyes scan both sides of the road taking in all the sights and sounds of the city. I love being in Boston and I love everything about it’s colorful nature. Rich with history and culture, there’s so much to do and see.
Going home to Vermont for Thanksgiving last week was great. I loved seeing my family and friends, but I couldn’t wait to be back here where I belong. The air might not be as fresh, but there’s an excitement about living in the city that’s almost tangible.
Flynn opens the entrance to Score, the burlesque club where we’ll be spending the next couple of hours. One at a time the guys hand off their ID’s to the guy just inside the door until it’s my turn. I pass my fake one off to him and try to act like I’m actually twenty-one and not nineteen.
Clancy hooked me up the first week I was here. He knows a guy who knows a guy… and as a result, I’ve got a fake ID that can rival any real one. The bouncer hands it back to me with a nod and takes the twenty dollar bill from me. Now that we’re here, I can practically taste the cold beer.
We head to the long, shiny bar and order some drinks before moving toward the tables. Flynn chooses one front and center. “How’s this, boys?”
“Works for me.” Clancy pulls out a chair and sinks down onto the seat. I grab one of the remaining empty ones and set my beer on the table. My eyes scan the inside of the club. This place is classier than I imagined, with dark stained, wooden floors and wall sconces. The tables are covered in crisp white linens. I’m surprised by how many women are in the
crowd, but burlesque is more of an art form which would appeal to both sexes.
When Clancy mentioned coming here, I had to look Score up online. I had no idea what to expect. I learned that the dancers who work here are all classically trained and are professional dancers. This is nothing like a strip club.
“What time does the show start?” I inquire.
“About ten minutes, I guess.” Flynn shrugs.
“Why’s it such a light crowd? I expected it to be packed,” I mention.
“It could have something to do with it being a Tuesday night,” Darren observes.
“Let’s make a toast to new experiences,” Clancy announces with a smirk in my direction. Why’s he looking at me? And why is Flynn grinning at me too? What’s going on? These two can’t be up to any good.
“To new experiences,” Flynn, Darren, and I chorus and we all tap our bottles together. More patrons begin to fill the tables and the lights dim when there’s five minutes to show time.
Stirring in my seat, I shift my weight, my limbs stiffening up. I’ve been hitting the gym extra hard now that our football season has ended. My legs are screaming with fatigue and this uncomfortable chair isn’t helping any.
Music filters out of the speakers, the volume slowly increasing in intensity. The crowd’s sporadic cheers begin to crescendo when the curtains slowly slide apart to frame each side of the stage. At the first sight of the group of girls in short, red dresses and black chin length wigs, the hooting and hollering begins.
My gaze flicks to Clancy and I catch him observing me. He leans over. “Dude, chill out and just have some fun. You’re only nineteen, there’s plenty of time left for worrying.”
I nod and return to watching the attractive group dancing on the stage. I agree that Clancy’s right to a degree. I’m not worried about anything, but I’m not really a roll with it kind of person either.
One girl in particular captures my eye as she struts around a chair, her red tipped fingers trailing over the curved back. Stopping beside it, she places her high heel clad foot on the seat exposing a mile of thigh. Damn, this girl’s legs could give Perri’s a run for their money.
