“Fine! Fine! But I am not driving! If I have to go, I will be getting insanely wasted and will probably embarrass you…Again.” I lie. There’s no way I can risk being banned from one of the only bars in town that hardly ever cards, making it a legendary college coed hotspot.
“That’s cool, Jared offered to DD. We’ll be by to get you at 10.” And with that, Morgan hangs up. I look at the clock and decide I can squeeze in a nap and still have time to get ready. Only Morgan needs three hours of preparation for a night out. Besides, it’s St. Patty’s Day. As long as you wear green, you’re good.
**********
It’s 9:45, I’ve slept too long and I’m scrambling to get ready. I’m showered, half-dressed, and hopping around with a flat iron sizzling in my hair when my cell perks to life.
“On our way, Gabs! Are you ready?” Jared shouts over loud music and laughter. I can hear Morgan in the background; she’s already started the party.
“Ummm, I will be. I still have a few minutes, right?” I stammer. I’ve got on my top but only pink lacey panties clothe my bottom. Not to mention, I haven’t even touched my face. I look a hot damn mess.
“Yeah, I’m swinging by to get Miguel then we’ll come and get you. Damn, girl, feels like I haven’t seen you in forever.” Jared’s voice sounds husky, full of emotion. Is he ok? It’s only been a couple days.
“Well, I’ll be ready and waiting.”
Thirteen minutes later, I am dressed in tight black jeans, a dark green low cut top and heeled boots. My hair is bone straight down my back and my makeup is flawless. Pretty damn good, if I do say so myself.
“Wow. You look great, Gabs,” Jared says, gathering my frame into a bear hug. He’s always been affectionate, but something else is in his embrace. His hands grip my skin, gently caressing the surface. It’s weird, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that it felt good. I’ve been longing for his touch for years.
“You too,” I squeak against his solid chest, only the thin fabric of his polo shirt separating my mouth from his nipple. I breathe in his freshness. As always, he smells of Irish Spring soap, fitting for this occasion. He releases me from his grip, holding me at arms-length to observe my body. I do the same and note that he’s wearing a green striped polo, blue jeans and fresh white Nikes. His chestnut locks have been freshly trimmed and his green eyes twinkle brighter than ever. It feels like I haven’t seen him in months, though it’s been a mere two days.
Honk! Honk! Morgan lays on the car horn, relaying her impatience and scaring the crap out of Jared and me.
“Come on! Let’s go!” she hollers from the front seat. I can see she’s donned in hunter sequins, way too dressy for O’Malley’s but you can’t tell her that. I grab my purse and coat and we make our way down the driveway, ready for pitchers of green beer, loud music and a few laughs to make me forget missing Dorian for the next six days. And that there’s a vicious killer tracking me.
O’Malley’s is in full swing when we arrive, and it doesn’t disappoint. Rock music blares through the speakers, and there’s a beer pong tournament underway. It’s an endless river of green and many of the college girls are determined to wear as little of it, or anything else for that matter, as possible.
We find a table and settle in before it gets too crowded and becomes standing room only. Jared, James, and Miguel bound up to the bar to order pitchers of beer while Morgan and I scope out the scene. Mostly coeds from the numerous colleges and universities in town fill the bar and many are obviously on the hunt to find someone to occupy their bed tonight. We get a few glances from random men but no one has the chance to approach us before our handsome entourage returns with drinks.
And handsome they are. Jared is a tall wall of hard muscle in his fitted polo. I love how the fabric stretches over his mountainous biceps, accentuating his impressive build. Soccer and weight training has really done his body good. James is a bit taller than his baby brother but not as built. Being a competitive swimmer, he’s in impeccable shape but a bit on the thin side for my tastes. He shares the same green eyes and auburn locks as Jared though he wears them shorter. Miguel is shorter than the two yet stocky and built like a football player, his sport of choice. His bronze skin, almond eyes and dark, glossy tresses make him desirable to most of the female population, but he’s always just been Jared’s friend in my eyes.
The guys pour us mugs of beer and we all toast to an awesome St. Patty’s Day. Jared sips his free soda, compliments of the bar, since he’s been appointed the designated driver for the evening. Hours later, after a couple drinking games and shots, we’re all feeling jovial and festive and I’ve hardly thought about Dorian, my evil pursuer, or much else for that matter. Jared and I have retreated back to the table after a game of darts and are sharing a basket of curly fries. Miguel and James have entered the beer pong tournament are doing pretty well. Morgan is entertaining a nearby table of frat boys and they are eating out of the palm of her hand. Thanks to her, I haven’t had to pay for a drink all night.