Page 4 of Learning to Love

I smile at her because she’s not easily intimidated. That's good because it means I can hide behind her small frame, and she will take care of business. I'm not ashamed to be a coward. It is what it is, we all have roles to play in this thing called life.

Amused, they finally turn their attention back to me. "What's up, Georgia?"

I shrug, trying to reign my creeping blush in. "Just headed to dinner."

Sasha looks at me. "Your friends?"

I shake my head. "Not really, just met them the other night."

Jaxon scoffs. "Georgia, that breaks my heart."

Dallas puts both his hands on his hips. “Yea, I thought we were like, besties already.”

I laugh nervously, then point at Sasha. "Sorry boys, I already have a bestie."

They laugh, and Jaxon winks at me.

"Ladies, we're here to invite you to the first party of the social season tomorrow night. It's hosted by Fraternity Row. One of our freshmen underlings will personally pick you both up at eight. And ladies, don't you dare fret, they will deliver you safely to our sides."

Sasha, remembering that I'm socially awkward, looks at me trying to gauge my reaction to the invitation. I lightly shrug. "No need. We have a prior commitment boys."

She herds them out of the way and laces her arm through mine. For such a small package she can be quite forceful. I love it! I look at them and smile back sheepishly. They look dumbfounded. It's almost comical. They were NOT expecting that. "Maybe next time boys!" I wave as we walk away.

When I’m convinced we’re out of earshot she demands to know the whole story. She knows who they are, because she's a native Texan. She listens intently to the story and agrees with Toby, it's not the last I've seen of them. "They're hot, but probably man whores. Not interested, but let's go to the party anyways. Just us. We won't find potential dates or other friends if we're hanging around them all night, and I don't want a one-night stand. Do you?"

I shake my head fiercely. "Not at all! I'm not sure I want to go to a party. It's my idea of an actual nightmare."

She laughs. "Please! Please come with me! I'll leave as soon as you say let's go, and we won't leave a minute after. Promise."

I give in. What can it hurt? I do want new experiences. "You won't leave my side?"

"Like I said, I promise, Dani!" She looks serious and I believe her.

"Okay, let's do it!" I smile, glad we're not going to be hanging out with the guys. The party will probably be so big they won't even see us. The lump in my throat disappears and I wonder where "The Jake Ryan" is tonight? Probably shoving his tongue down some poor girl's throat. Poor girl or blessed girl? I laugh to myself. The jury is still out.

The restaurant is busy but not overpacked. I order fried pickles as an appetizer for us to share, and a steak with steamed zucchini for my entree. It's good, but I can't eat it all. I'm nervous about this party tomorrow.

"What are you going to wear?" I panic a little because I have nothing suitable in my closet.

"Not 100% sure. Maybe my low-cut red dress that ties on my shoulders. It’s loose and flowy at the bottom. How about you?" She clearly hasn't realized yet that I don't have any fashion sense.

"I haven't got a clue."

"I'll help you pick it out when we get back to our dorm." She starts laughing.

I laugh with her. It's infectious. "What's so funny?"

"I can't stop thinking about the looks on their faces when we refused their invitation."

That makes me giggle again. "It was a picture-perfect moment."

After settling our bill, we head back to our dorm. I swear I saw Jake as we walked past the athletic department, but maybe not. Sasha goes through my wardrobe, and I can tell she hates almost everything. She's nice about it though. "Let's go shopping tomorrow. You game? It's time you start dressing like a girl with a nose ring. Your clothes are a million sizes too big."

"Sounds great! I'm on a budget, but I do have some cash set aside for shopping. I'm no fashionista so you'll have to make me beautiful."

She's excited, and I kinda am, too! "It's not that your clothes are terrible it's just that they're not meant for you. You have a figure. Show it off. You ever hear less is more?"

I laugh. "I'm not going to the party naked, Sasha!"