Jaws drop open, and I’m pretty sure the music screeches to a stop.
Did Trevor just call me his girlfriend!?
He’s beaming down at me and I’m glaring up at him.
Martha
He’s kidding, everyone.
Martha
We’re just friends.
Trevor
Oh stop being so coy, Mar Mar.
I look at him in disbelief: Mar Mar?!
That dimple appears again as he fights a smile.
Martha
Umm, excuse us for a minute.
I drag him back toward the door.
Martha
What do you think you’re doing?!
He leans against the door jamb, grinning at me.
Trevor
If people think we’re together…
Trevor
They’re going to start wondering who you are.
Trevor
Which means that they’ll be interested.
Martha
But if Drew thinks I’m taken he’ll never talk to me!
Trevor looks away, as if he’s suddenly uncomfortable.
He runs a hand through his thick brown hair.
Trevor
Martha, you’re very naive.
Trevor
It’s BETTER if Drew thinks you’re with someone — especially me.
Martha
Why especially you?
Trevor
He’s very competitive with me.
Trevor
And I know him better than you do.
Trevor
I’m trying to warn you about what type of person he is—
Martha
And who is going to believe this anyway?
I wave a finger between us.
Martha
Have you ever even had a girlfriend?!
Trevor makes a face like he’s just bitten into a lemon.
Trevor
Guys like me don’t do girlfriends…
Trevor
We do one night stands.
I want to ask what he means by “guys like him”…
But a shadow suddenly falls over us.
My heart skips a beat when I look up and see Drew.
My god, he’s so handsome.
Sandy blond hair, bright blue eyes, and a wide smile that could make a girl’s knees weak.
Trevor
Drew, what’s up man?
Drew
Nothing much. Good to see you, Trev.
Drew’s eyes are bright as he turns to look down at me.
Drew
And you brought a friend.
Drew
You look familiar but…I’m not sure we’ve met.
I tamp down my disappointment.
Martha
We were lab partners.
Martha
Your sophomore year.
Drew
Man, that class was a joke, wasn’t it?
Drew
I didn’t learn a thing.
I don’t agree, but decide I don’t care.
Drew is actually talking to me!
I think of rule number one and make eye contact with him. Then I say…
Martha
…But I had a great time working with you.
His grin widens as he looks into my eyes.
Trevor
SO — where’s the beer?
…Trevor interrupts, a bit loudly in my opinion.
Drew
Outside in the coolers.
Drew
Say, why don’t you two grab a few and come to the dining room?
Drew
We’re getting a game of Drink or Dare going.
Drew winks at me before he walks away.
Trevor sighs — probably at the sight of my red cheeks.
He pulls me outside to the deck and stares at me as he reaches into the cooler.
Trevor
Martha, I’m going to guess you’ve never played Drink or Dare before.
Martha
But how hard can it be?
Trevor
It’s just…these games can get a little intense.
Martha
This is my first real college party and Drew has finally noticed me.
Martha
I want to have fun.
Trevor
This is your first party?!
Trevor
You keep surprising me.
Martha
That’s what I’m known for.
Martha
Keeping men on their toes.
I meant for him to laugh at my joke, but he doesn’t.
Trevor
Look, I get you want to have fun.
Trevor
I just want you to know what you’re getting into.
Martha
If Drew’s playing, I’m playing.
Martha
—You don’t have to come if you don’t want to.
I grab a beer from his hand and head back inside.
He’s not the only one who’s getting surprised tonight.
Trevor Holt is definitely different from what I expected.
After a few moments, he follows me.
When I get to the dining room I see Tilla among the players…
Martha
Red lipstick is here.
Tilla’s eyes narrow dangerously as she takes in Trevor and me.
Martha
Now she definitely knows I was lying to her earlier.
Martha
That hasn’t seemed to have worked for you yet!
But I try to do just that as I take my seat.
Drew starts explaining the rules and then announces he’s going first.
My pulse quickens as I crack open my beer.
I can’t believe I’m actually doing this!
Drew
Tilla, drink or dare?
Tilla crosses and then uncrosses her long legs.
Tilla
I’m feeling thirsty, Drew.
Drew scans the crowd and grins when he lands on Trevor.
I feel Trevor’s body tense beside me.
His face is unreadable as he grabs a whiskey shot from the table.
He tosses it back and holds the liquid in his mouth.
Tilla licks her lips and walks over to him.
She bends down, puts both hands on his cheeks…
And “drinks” the shot from his mouth.
I’m shocked by the bawdy display.
Even more so when she locks eyes with me as she does it.
I feel an unexpected pang of annoyance and look away.
A few moments later, Tilla saunters back to her seat.
Her eyes find mine as soon as she turns around.
Tilla
Martha, drink or dare?
After the performance she just put on, I go with what I feel is the safer bet.
Tilla’s eyes light up mischievously.
Tilla
I dare you to take off your panties…
Tilla
And put them in the middle of the table…for the rest of the game.
Trevor stiffens beside me.
He’s no doubt thinking of my granny panties.
I look at Tilla and can’t help but wonder…
Did she see my panties on my bed earlier?
She smiles evilly at my hesitation.
Yeah, she definitely saw them.
Tilla
Come on Martha, what are you waiting for?
Trevor leans down to whisper in my ear.
Trevor
You don’t have to—
Martha
Well, I can’t do that, Tilla.
Martha
Because you see, I’m not wearing any.
