Dance for Me(27)
Instead of answering with words, she pulls a scrap of paper from inside the folder she carries between a stack of books and hands it over. It has the name of the school stamped at the top and I realize that it is an article that has been torn from the monthly newsletter that circulates campus.
As I read it over, my eyes grow wide. Shock fills my voice and I screech to a halt, turning on Annie, who’s chewing nervously on her bottom lip. “You’re going to pose nude?”
Several people on the quad glance at us, but continue walking. Annie clutches her books to her chest, growing pale. “I don’t know. The more I think about it, the more I think it’s a stupid idea. I mean, I still wear a shirt when I have sex, and I’ve been with Jason for years.”
I can see where that could be a problem. I don’t want to discourage my friend from taking chances, but this is the kind that I know she will regret. Friends don’t let friends make bad choices. “Sweetie, this is so not you.”
“I know.” She sighs, defeated. “I just thought it could be an easy A. Take my clothes off for an hour, let some people draw me, and then go.”
“Trust me,” I say as we resume walking. “Taking your clothes off for strangers isn’t as easy as it might sound. If you can’t do it for your boyfriend, then you definitely aren’t ready to do it for anyone else.”
She nods thoughtfully, and I know she’s hearing me. But I also know that even if I hadn’t said anything, she would have reached the same conclusion. Annie is smart that way. If she isn’t comfortable with something, then she steers clear of it. Which is why it’s so damn hard for me to understand why she chose the boyfriend she did.
“Have you decided what you’re going to do for your project?” she asks me.
“Nope. Then again,” I say, bumping her shoulder with mine, “maybe I’ll go pose nude in your stead.”
“Maybe you should,” she says, shocking me. “You’ve got the body for it, and I know you’re not shy.”
“I feel like I should be offended,” I tease.
“No, not at all. You’re just a heck of a lot more confident than I am. You should give it some serious consideration. And you never know, maybe that mystery man of yours will get jealous of all those people seeing what belongs to him, and drag you out of there by your hair like a total caveman.”
“Oh, yes, because I’ve always wanted my very own caveman. Those bulbous foreheads and ape-ish good looks make me weak in the knees.”
We laugh, but the closer we get to the parking lot, the more I consider her suggestion. My relationship with Ransom aside, it would be an excellent opportunity, and she’s right. Thanks to stripping, I don’t have any issue with showing my body to strangers. That ship’s sailed. It could be a chance to get a good final grade with unforeseen benefits.
Tucking the article in my pocket, I promise myself I will think more about it later. “So, who’s up for drinks tonight?”
TWELVE
Music hums from the two-story colonial as Annie and I make our way up the sidewalk. People spill from the open door onto the large porch and into the front yard. After pulling a short shift after class, I’m ready to party.
Our usual fare is to meet up with friends at a bar, get shitfaced, and sing bad karaoke, but tonight is different. Brody and his Greek brothers are elevating a few lucky pledges to full members of the fraternity, and it’s a cause for celebration. So, here we are.
The moment we cross the threshold, I’m questioning the wisdom of being here. Half the student body seems to have crammed itself into what is probably a normally large space. Total chaos appears to be the theme they’ve gone with. Random panties and bras hang from lampshades and chandeliers. A girl crouches in the corner, emptying her stomach into a potted plant. There’s a guy walking around with a trash bag, his attempt to keep some kind of order feeble at best—he must be a pledge.
Someone shouts, and then everyone erupts into excited cheers. Annie and I try to make ourselves small as the crowd parts down the middle and a group of guys wearing togas race by, blasting each other with water balloons.
The place is a zoo. Annie and I share a look. “I’m going to get something to drink.”
“Jason said he was here. I’m going to go see if I can find him.”
“Okay. I have my phone on. Text me if you need me.” That’s our plan. Whenever we find ourselves in a scene like this, we keep our phones on. If one of us gets into trouble, or just needs to check in, we’re only a text or call away.
Annie’s expression is strained as she walks away. I watch her go until the crowd swallows her, and then I head for the kitchen. It’s located at the back of the house, and when I get there, I let out a low, appreciative whistle.