It's a Match!

by Zoë Marshall

  Cole: Just avoiding some astrology homework. You have beautiful eyes by the way.

  Jenny: Thank you *blushes*

  Cole: Where are you from?

  Jenny: Little town called Chesterfield. It’s only an hour or so away. Where are you from?

  Cole: San Francisco.

  Jenny: Where’s that?

  Cole: Seriously?

  Jenny: LOL. No. I don’t live under a rock!

  Cole: Hey, did you hear about that freshman bonfire tomorrow night?

  Jenny: Yeah. I was thinking of maybe stopping by for a bit.

  Cole: Maybe I’ll see you there then.

  Jenny: Would you maybe want to meet up before and we can go together? I’d love to get to know you better.

  Cole: I’d like that.

  Jenny: Well, let me give you my real number then ;)

  Cole stood in front of the full-length mirror hanging on his closet, thinking about what it was going to be like dating again. It had been quite a while and he was worried he might be a bit rusty. Should he buy flowers? No, he couldn’t do that before a bonfire. Where was she supposed to put them, in her pocket? And what if Jenny wasn’t even thinking of this as a date? Maybe she just didn’t want to show up to the bonfire alone.

  Cole wasn’t a huge fan of dating—he was more of a relationship guy—but it was time to rebrand. This was an exciting new time in his life and he knew he needed to embrace it. And he knew he needed to trust Sutton, even though she might be setting him up for failure, since he had set her up with Chad.

  It wasn’t like he’d done it intentionally. He just knew that Sutton’s favorite thing about Aiden was how he made her laugh, and Chad’s cheesy puns had promise.

  Hunter took a break from typing feverishly on his laptop and turned to Cole. “What are you up to tonight?”

  “Going to the bonfire. Are you going?”

  Hunter laughed. “Absolutely not. I have so much homework to do. Remind me never to pick Neuroscience as my major again. I thought I was prepared, but it’s harder than I thought it would be.”

  “I wish football was a major.”

  “Maybe you could petition for it to be one.”

  “Yeah, that’ll be the day.”

  “Are you going to the bonfire alone?”

  “No. I have a date,” Cole replied. “Ish.”

  “Ooh, fun! Where did you meet her?”

  “Well….” Cole hesitated. He felt mildly embarrassed about this whole Matchbox swap arrangement, but what the hell. He was going to need someone to talk to about it. “Sutton and I decided we would take over each other’s Matchbox accounts to find each other dates.”

  “Wow, really? That will be fun!”

  “Yeah … that’s what she said. Honestly, I’m a little worried. But it was my idea, so I’m just going to need to trust her.”

  “Well, have a good time. I’ll still be up when you come back, so you can tell me all about it. I’m definitely going to have to hear that story.” And with that, Hunter went back to working on his laptop.

  “I should head out. I’ll see you later tonight. Don’t work too hard.”

  “Ha. I’ll try my best.”

  Cole put his wallet in his jeans pocket and headed to Jenny’s dorm, which was all the way across campus. His hands were shaking a bit as he approached her door, so he knocked, then placed his hands in his pockets.

  The door opened to reveal a very beautiful Jenny. She had long black hair styled into a low side ponytail. Her eyes were an intoxicating shade of green. She had a crooked smile, which Cole found very unique and intriguing, and was wearing a worn pair of dark skinny jeans and a black tank top, which fit her figure perfectly. Good job, Sutt, he thought.

  “Heyyyyyyyy,” she said, somewhat slurred. When she went in for a hug, he smelled alcohol on her. Was this girl drunk?

  “Hey. You look really pretty.” Cole regretted the words as soon as they escaped his lips. Way to play it cool.

  “Thanks! I just need a minute. Want to come in?”

  “Sure.”

  Cole followed Jenny into her room and stifled a gasp. The room looked like a tornado had eaten another tornado, then thrown it up. There were large piles of clothes on the floor, and dirty dishes and empty beer bottles everywhere. Cole was a bit of a neat freak sometimes (Sutton’s obsessive cleanliness had rubbed off on him), but he tried to contain his disgust.

  Jenny motioned for Cole to sit on the bed and he stepped over a pile of clothes and warily sat down.

  “So, how’s school going so far?” Jenny asked, rummaging through her closet.

  “It’s good. Still haven’t decided on a major. How about you?”

  “Business. I figure it’s a good degree to have to fall back on, no matter what I decide to do with my life,” Jenny responded, pulling out a pair of cream-colored flats.

  “Yeah, you can’t go wrong with a business degree. I could never do it. I’m in Intro to Microeconomics right now and it’s just not my thing.”

  “I haven’t started any of the required courses yet.” Jenny stumbled a bit as she put on her shoes. “Okay, ready.”

  Cole stood up and once again stepped over the massive pile of clothes.

  They small-talked as they walked to the bonfire. Cole learned that Jenny was an only child, a mommy’s girl, and loved sushi. Raw fish really wasn’t his thing, but he figured to each their own. Sutton hated how picky an eater Cole was. He was one of those strictly pizza-and-burger guys. He wasn’t adventurous, and it limited Sutton’s menu options during their dinner parties. She’d tried to get him to try sushi once and he’d practically turned green as he tried a piece of a California roll, which she said wasn’t even real sushi, but she thought would be a good beginner roll. She’d never tried to get him to eat anything remotely adventurous from that point on.

  As they were almost to the bonfire, Jenny said, “Hold on,” and walked over to a bush. In utter terror, Cole saw her squat down at the bush and pee. They were literally one minute away from the bonfire, which surely had a set of bathrooms. He considered making a run for it, but he wasn’t one for giving up on a challenge.

  Jenny laughed as she bounced back to Cole. “Sorry, that just had to happen.”

  He simply nodded in response.

  They walked up to the large crowd of people and Jenny led them straight to the extensive assortment of alcohol.

  Cole was still at a loss for words as Jenny filled up two cups of beer and handed him one. He took a few sips as he looked around at the energetic swarm of freshmen.

  A short peppy blonde bounced up and extended her hand. “Hi, guys! I’m Kelly, the one-woman freshman welcoming committee.”

  Cole shook her hand as Jenny ignored her and walked away. He and Kelly talked for a couple of minutes about his classes and how he liked the dorms and the people he’d met so far. He told her about his first couple of football practices and how he really liked his frequently-studying roommate. Kelly was in her third year and a Political Science major.

  Cole looked around, searching for Jenny, though a part of him was relieved she had departed.

  Kelly smiled. “So, where did your date go?”

  “It’s not really a date. I mean, I think it was supposed to be … but it wasn’t really going too well.”

  “You know what they say, there are plenty of fish in the sea.”

  “I can see that,” Cole replied, looking around at the many beautiful girls.

  “My boyfriend and I met sophomore year, but I really enjoyed being single my freshman year. I highly suggest it, just to make sure you get the whole college experience. Are you joining any clubs or fraternities? My boyfriend is the president of Kappa Sigma.”

  “Football takes up most of spare time.”

  “Ah, that makes sense. I really enjoy watching the games here. Very exciting! It’s a great team,” Kelly replied warmly.

  “I spend all of my time on the bench, but I’m just grateful to be a part of it.”

  “I s
hould get back to making my rounds. Have fun!”

  “Thanks, Kelly. I’ll see you around.”

  “Yes, you will!” Kelly exclaimed excitedly.

  Kelly walked off and Cole once again began searching for drunk Jenny. He eventually found her standing near the fire, laughing and flirting with a group of at least ten guys.

  She spotted Cole and rushed over to him. “Oh my god, Cole! Where have you been?”

  “Around. Where have you been?”

  “Just meeting people. Want to go grab another drink?”

  “I’m actually not feeling that great,” Cole lied, planning his escape from the date from hell.

  “Oh, okay. I can get somebody to walk me home! Feel better!”

  Cole nodded and began the walk back to his dorms. As he walked into his room, he took his phone out of his pocket and texted Sutton:

  Seriously? That was by far the worst date I’ve ever been on.

  Karma.

  You did that on purpose!

  I really didn’t. She seemed nice. I’m sorry you didn’t have a good time. What happened? You’re home early.

  She was drunk by the time I got her. And her room was a tragic mess. She ditched me as soon as we got there. What are you up to?

  Working on a book.

  A book? When did you start that? I thought you were more of a short story and poem girl.

  I decided to try something new. But I don’t really know what I’m writing about.

  A romantic book, no doubt.

  Well, yes and no. It’s a book about a girl trying to get over a breakup.

  Sounds vaguely familiar.

  What can I say? I write what I know.

  Have you talked to Chad at all?

  Cheese guy? Absolutely not. I’m scared to see what you have for me next.

  He seems like a guy you would like.

  I’m pretty sure you said that about Chad.

  This one will be much better.

  Mmm hm. Well, I’m gonna get some sleep. Sorry Jenny was a tool.

  Yeah, me too! Night Sutt.

  Night C.

  I LIKE LONG walks on the beach with my beautiful girlfriend, until the LSD wears off and I realize I’m just dragging a stolen mannequin around a Taco Bell parking lot.

  Brandon: How do you feel about LSD?

  Sutton: Not really into drugs….

  Brandon: Oh, I don’t mean the drug. I’m mean LSD as in Large Sultry Dogs.

  Sutton: I’m not even sure how to respond to that.

  Brandon: What? You don’t like dogs?

  Sutton: I’ve just never really thought of dogs as ‘sultry’.

  Brandon: Well, you obviously haven’t met my dog then, because Jefferson is quite the sultry Great Dane.

  Sutton: I bet he is.

  Brandon: He likes to sit on my lap. He thinks he’s small people.

  Sutton: Do you guys have story time?

  Brandon: He’s a fan of the classics. Jane Austen mostly.

  Sutton: I love Jane Austen.

  Brandon: Who doesn’t?

  Sutton: A sultry dog lover who reads Jane Austen to his Great Dane, huh?

  Brandon: That’s me in a nutshell. So … how do you feel about nuts?

  Sutton: Um … good protein.

  Brandon: This is true lol. So, what kind of trouble do you like to get into around here?

  Sutton: I’m a sweet girl. ‘Trouble’ isn’t in my vocabulary.

  Brandon: “I knew you were trouble when you walked in.”

  Sutton: T. Swift fan?

  Brandon: God, no. You?

  Sutton: I like a couple of her songs, but no, not really.

  Brandon: Good. We’ll get along just fine then. Hey, there’s a pool party this afternoon. Would you want to go?

  Sutton: Swimming? It’s freezing out!

  Brandon: My buddy has a heated indoor pool.

  Sutton: Nice. What time?

  Brandon: Maybe around 3 or 4?

  Sutton: Yeah, maybe. Let me get some homework done and I’ll let you know.

  Brandon: You won’t regret it, Sutton.

  Sutton tried on the two bathing suits she’d brought to school and decided neither of them would work. Maybe she just wouldn’t go. Ava saw her struggling and handed her a neon pink suit with fringe on it. Sutton looked at it apprehensively. “I could never pull this off.”

  “Hell, yes, you could! And it can’t hurt to just try it on.”

  Ava turned away and went back to organizing the numerous heels in her closet.

  Sutton took a look at herself in the suit. She turned from side to side and was surprised at how flattering it was. “What do you think?”

  Ava turned back around and beamed. “Jesus, I’m a genius.”

  Sutton laughed. “Thanks Ava. It’s not very me, but me isn’t really working out for me lately.”

  “It’s freshman year of college. It’s the perfect time to wear a suit like that. So, where’s this party? Do you think I could go?”

  “I don’t see why not. It’s supposed to be a big party.” Sutton decided it would be nice to have her friend there to provide a potentially necessary exit.

  “Oh, yay!”

  “Do you need your suit back?”

  “Oh no, I brought like twenty.” Ava changed into a sparkly light purple swimsuit and looked at herself approvingly. “We’re going to have so much fun!”

  Sutton was nervous. She didn’t usually like to show her body off like this. She put on a little white summer dress and a pair of brown Hollister sandals.

  “What time are you supposed to go there?”

  “Fifteen minutes or so.”

  “Wow, I better start working on my makeup!” Ava exclaimed.

  “You’re wearing makeup to a pool party?”

  “Of course. And so are you. It’s not like we’re actually going to swim.”

  “We’re not?” Sutton asked, confused.

  “No. Absolutely not. We don’t want wet dog hair. Not sexy.”

  Sutton wasn’t particularly concerned about looking sexy, but Ava made a valid point. “Okay, I’ll put a little on.”

  “Good girl.”

  After the girls were finished getting ready, they headed off to Brandon’s dorm, which was the one right next to theirs. They walked up to the third floor and knocked on his door.

  Brandon opened the door, looking quite godly without a shirt on. The chiseled abs, the low-rise swim trunks, the award-winning smile … and he had long, long eyelashes, like Cole. Sutton always made fun of Cole for his long lashes, so she noticed these things. “Well, hello, ladies. Two for the price of one? Lucky me.”

  “I hope it’s okay,” Sutton said, suddenly feeling embarrassed about not mentioning it to him before they arrived.

  “Are you kidding me? I can’t wait to walk into my friend’s house with you two lovely ladies at my side. Let me just put a shirt on and we’ll go. Come on in.”

  “Or just keep that shirt off forever….” Ava whispered to Sutton.

  “Seriously,” Sutton replied, blushing a bit.

  A few minutes later, Sutton, Ava. and an unfortunately shirt-wearing Brandon left for the party. Apparently it was only a few blocks away, so they decided to walk there. Those few blocks were freezing, but they would be inside soon enough.

  Brandon walked into the unlocked mansion and led them into the kitchen, where a few guys were making margaritas.

  “B-dawg! Who are these two beauties?”

  “This is Ava,” he said, pointing to Sutton. “And this, here, is Sutton.”

  The girls made no effort to correct his mistake. They looked at each other mischievously.

  “Let’s just roll with it,” Ava whispered in Sutton’s ear.

  Sutton wondered if Brandon had even looked at her profile. She and Ava had some facial similarities, but if he had been paying even the slightest bit of attention he would have been able to differentiate between them.

  Sutton thought about how it could be fun to play Ava
for a day. Ava was everything Sutton would love to be: fun, carefree, outgoing. Her ability to be indifferent was something Sutton was never able to pull off. Ava didn’t care what anyone else thought about her, and she was infectious to be around. Sutton admired that.

  “What does a girl have to do to get a margarita around here?” Sutton asked playfully. It was something she would never have asked if she wasn’t playing Ava for the day.

  A tall, attractive guy rushed right over to hand them drinks. “Hey, I’m Caleb. Welcome to my house.”

  Ava looked around excitedly. “This sure is a lovely home, Caleb.”

  ‘This sure is a lovely home?’ Sutton thought. Is that how Ava thought she talked?

  “Thank you, and it’s a pleasure to meet you ladies. I’m glad you could drop by. Everyone should be arriving shortly. Did you want to head to the pool?”

  “You bet your ass, we do!” Sutton exclaimed, in true Ava fashion.

  Ava giggled quietly.

  Brandon, Ava, and Sutton followed Caleb to the giant pool, and Sutton looked around in wonder. This was one of the nicest houses she’d ever seen, aside from her parent’s place, of course. The ceiling was made of clear glass, so it was sort of like being outside, but without the cold. She wondered what Caleb did for work, but she figured it might be rude to ask.

  “So, Caleb, do you go to Hardman?” Sutton asked, undressing quickly, in the way that she imagined Ava would have.

  Caleb laughed. “No, but you flatter me. I graduated last year.”

  “What are you doing these days?” Ava asked, still wearing her short shorts and black halter top.

  Sutton bounced off to the pool and dipped her feet in, careful to remember she wasn’t supposed to get her hair wet or ruin her makeup.

  “I own my own software company.”

  Well, that explained the house.

  “Impressive,” Ava replied, taking a chair next to the pool.

  Brandon walked over to the pool, grabbed Sutton, and immediately dunked her in the water, hair and all. She hoped that her mascara wouldn’t run. She didn’t want raccoon face. Not attractive.

  When they resurfaced, Brandon was smiling at her. “It’s nice, right?”

  “Totally,” Sutton replied. It truly was a beautiful place. The pool was heated to just the right temperature. Sutton’s first instinct was to be upset about being dragged into the water, but she wanted to play it cool, like she knew Ava would. She looked around and saw Ava sitting on Caleb’s lap.