As always I own nothing. No copyright infringement intended.
I wrote this years ago over at Pages of True Love. I had such a blast writing this, once again thank-you to my ladies. If you read this you know who you are. MUAH!
Project Matchmaker
Chapter One
Seventeen year-old Joey Potter sits staring out the window of her sixth period English class. Lost in her own thoughts she's watching two handsome young men lounging beneath the tall trees outside. Resting her chin on her hand she sighs longingly. Feeling a light tap on her shoulder she turns to see her best friend Jen Lindley drop a small piece of paper onto her desk. Smiling she unfolds it and reads the four words there.
"See anything you like?" is written in Jen's neat handwriting across the top. Jen being her best friend since the first day of kindergarten knows her better than anyone else, and knows the reason she's been spacing out for most of the class.
Picking up her pen she writes "Yeah! But its not like he'd ever notice me so it doesn't matter does it!" Before refolding the paper and slipping it back onto Jen's desk.
Jen smiles as she reads Joey's response and adds her own comment underneath. "I wouldn't be so sure of that Josephine."
Joey reads Jens words and raises an eyebrow questioning her meaning, silently asking if she knows anything. Jen just grins at her before returning to her reading. Finally the bell rings releasing them from the boredom. Walking slowly to their lockers they discuss the latest assignment before meeting up with Jen's boyfriend Drue Valentine.
"Ladies you look ravishing today, as always." He says wrapping his arms around Jen's waist dropping a quick kiss on her lips.
"Hi Sweetie. Where have you been hiding all day?" Jen asks smiling happily at him.
"Hey Drue." Joey says.
"Here and there." He smiles mischievously at the girls.
"Honey what trouble are you getting yourself into now?" Jen asks immediately suspicious.
"Me, nothing." He says innocently.
"I'm sure it's nothing." Jen pokes him in the ribs smiling.
"Whatever. I'll leave you guys to sort this out. Jen I'll see you after Calculus. Drue be good." Joey picks up her books and smiles at the bantering couple. As she turns the corner towards her last class someone bumps into her, knocking her over and sending her books flying.
"Watch it!" An angry voice says, as Joey lies sprawled on the floor.
"Jerk!" She calls after the retreating letterman jacket responsible. Reaching for her books she continues to mutter under her breath, complaining about obnoxious, insensitive jocks.
"Hey we're not all that bad are we?" someone else asks, handing her the last book. Looking up to see who the deep sexy voice belongs to, she is met by the bottomless blue eyes of Pacey Witter.
"Umm... I guess not." She stammers, blushing furiously. Thankfully the bell for the next class rings saving her from any further embarrassment she rushes off with out another word. For the next forty minutes she sits in class thinking about what just happened and how embarrassing it was. Once her class is finished she rushes to meet up with Jen.
"Hey you." Joey says dumping her books into her locker.
"Hi." Jen says grinning at her. "So was I seeing things or were you talking to Pacey Witter before last class?"
"It's not what you think. Some jerk in a letterman jacket ran me over, Pacey just picked up one of my books. It was nothing. He doesn't even know I'm alive." Joey explains pulling on her coat.
"Well then we're just going to have to make him notice you." Jen's eyes twinkle as she speaks.
"No Jen, whatever it is your planning you can just forget it." Joey protests, knowing it won't do her any good but protesting just the same.
"Come on, you've been hot for him for years now. Schools almost over, time is running out."
"Jen he's not interested, he hasn't said more than a dozen words to me since Junior High."
"Why is that? You guys used to be friends, what happened?"
"He turned into a jock! After that I wasn't cool enough for him anymore."
"I think he likes you." Jen says thoughtfully, leaning against the bank of lockers. "I've seen him watching you."
"Doubtful, I'm hardly his type."
"And you know this how?" Jen mocks. "Oh right, I forgot you guys are just that close these days."
"Jen..."
"Seriously think about it, he's one of the best looking guys in school, he could have any girl he wants. I mean look at how many bimbos throw themselves at him, but he rejects them all. Why?"
"He's gay?" Joey suggests smiling. Jen just gives her a unamused look.
Joey knowing Jen means business sighs. "Ok, so he's not gay."
"Come on, it's Friday night. Jacks having a party we're going. I already told him we'd be there so don't even bother thinking up an excuse." Jen says pushing herself away from the lockers and tugging Joey down the now deserted hall.
"Do I even get a say in this?" Joey whines.
"Nope, I'm doing this for your own good, and as your best-friend I'm entitled to interfere in your life."
"Fine, so what am I wearing to this party?"
"I'm sure we'll find something at Judy's to make Witter sit-up and take notice." Jen says opening her can door, throwing her book bag onto the back seat. "Get in we're going shopping!"
"Jen you know I can't afford to buy anything. Let's just go to your house, I'm sure you must have something suitable that I can wear in that vast closet of yours."
"Sorry Jo, nothing would fit you. Besides this is on me. After all this is my plan, it's the least I can do. And what's the use of having my dads credit card if I never use it." Jen grins as she backs out of her parking stall. Her parents nasty divorce left Jen in the middle, as a result she now lives with her grandmother, while her parents compete for her attention. Her dad gave her a credit card that she can do whatever she likes with, so her mom to get even bought her a new car, a black mustang convertible.
"Are you ready to spend some serious cash?" Jen asks grinning as they pull up in front of their favorite boutique.
"Sure, why not!" Joey smiles tentatively at the petite blonde next to her.
"Yay!" Jen says clapping her hands, jumping up and down.
Walking through the store Jen picks out outfit after outfit for Joey to try on. Joey patiently models them all while Jen passes judgement on them. Finally Jen gathers the Yes piles up into her arms carrying them to the till she pulls out her credit card. Deciding you can't go on a good shopping spree without shoes Jen drags Joey up the street to the shoe store.
"Those would be perfect for tonight!" Jen exclaims searching through the boxes for the calf high black boots, finding the correct size she hands them to Joey. "Try these on." She commands.
Seeing that they fit they collect the other boxes and again proceed to the cash register. Their arms loaded with shopping bags they slip back into Jen's car before speeding away towards Joey's house.
"So all great and powerful Oz which of these outfits is going to land me Prince Charming?" Joeys asks indicating to the clothes spread out all over her bed.
"Easy, the charcoal skirt, burgundy tank, and black boots of course." She says matter of-factly.
"And why this particular combination?"
"Well because the skirt is classy but understated, like you. The top because is brings out your eyes, and it's Pacey's favorite color, and the boots because they kick-ass!" Jen says smiling widely.
"Whatever!" Joey says rolling her eyes.
"You doubt me?" Jen teases.
"Always." Joey teases right back.
"Just go change, then I'll do your hair and makeup." Jen instructs. She smiles even more as Joey leaves the room thinking about tonight, and how the poor guy won't stand a chance. She crosses her fingers hoping things work out for the best.
"Okay make me beautiful." Joey says returning a couple of minutes later, sitting on the bench in front of her vanity table. Using her big barrel curling iron Jen styles Joey's long hair into soft waves that fall around her face and shoulders. She then applies Joey's make-up; using a charcoal eye shadow she creates a sultry smoky look and accentuates it with a deep plum lipstick. Satisfied with her efforts she smiles at her friend.
"Jo, if this doesn't get Pacey Witters attention nothing will. Take a look." Joey turns to look in the mirror, barely recognizing her self. She smiles liking what she sees.
"Thanks Jen, you're the best."
"I know, now lets go I still have to get ready." Jen continues to ramble on excitedly as they make the short drive to her house. Drue is picking them up in a little over an hour so Jen needs to rush to get ready.
"Jennifer!" her grandmother calls up to let the girls know Drue has arrived.
"Be right down." Jen calls, checking her reflection on last time. "So are you ready to get Pacey's attention?" she asks Joey.
"As I'll ever be I guess. Come on you look fabulous, let's not keep Drue waiting." Joey says pulling Jen away from the mirror and down the stairs towards her waiting boyfriend.
"Wow!" Drue exclaims, smiling taking in her short blue dress with matching heals. Hugging her he asks, "Hey who's your friend?" while winking at Joey.
"Drue, you ass!" she says smacking his arm. Smiling she takes his hand pulling him towards the car. "Bye Grams, see you later." She calls before closing the door.
Arriving at the party a few minutes later they are greeted by Jack McPhee, Jens other best friend.
"Hey Jackers." Jen says hugging him.
"Lindley you came and you brought Joey. I'm impressed." He jokes. "Hey Drue, good to see you."
"You too." Drue says.
"Come on in, drinks are through there." He indicates towards the Patio. "Make yourselves at home."
"Don't mind if we do." Drue says grinning. "Joey?" he asks before leading her in the direction of the make shift bar.
"Jen how did you do it?" Jack asks once Joey's out of earshot.
"I told you I'm a woman of my word." Jen says smugly, impressed that Joey still doesn't suspect anything. "So is he here yet?"
"Not yet, but I'm expecting him any time soon."
"Good, then we can begin Project Matchmaker."