A/N - I really, really appreciate the reviews. It keeps me updating quickly. I have the next five chapters pretty much outlined which is a good thing because now I have an idea of where this is going. I hope it has not seemed all jammed together. This chapter moves a little bit too slow for my liking, but I needed it to set everything up. I apologize if you guys are bored, but please continue reading. I promise that future chapters will be faster paced, and filled with….wait for it…..wait for it…..wait for it…..SMUT! With all the tension, it will get hot. I might have to change the rating after I write the next chapter depending on how good my smut skills are. Again, thanks for the reviews.
Sunday Morning"Where the hell have you been?" Emily asked when Kirsten walked in the door at three thirty in the morning. Kirsten, the whole way home, thought about what she would tell her friends about how she had spent the last few hours. She figured honesty was always the best the policy. Besides, if she lied, then they would make it into something it wasn't. Kirsten then surveyed her surroundings and realized there must have been some sort of party going on in her dorm room. Empty red Solo cups, two of her friends passed out on the couch and Emily and Allison laughing uncontrollably over nothing at all.
"I am glad you were so worried!" Kirsten wasn't mad at all. She just found it amusing that they would express such concern for her, but it was in the middle of a party.
"Where were you? You said you were going to the library after the Alumni thing, and then you never came home. Did you see Trevor or one of his Water Polo buddies and get invited to a party and forgot to call us?" It was killing Emily to know where she was, but not as much as Allison.
Allison never wanted to miss anything. " Oooh, that sounds about right! I bet it was Trevor. He has been sweating you since last year. How could you forget to call us?"
Kirsten wondered how long the alcohol in their system could take them on this trip into their fantasy land. Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard Allison say, "Did you hook up with him? You did, didn't you? You dirty, rotten stay-out! How was it?"
Kirsten had to put an end to this fast. Rumors about Trevor and her hooking up would be spread around campus by noon if she let it go on.
"Sorry to disappoint you guys, but I did not meet up with Trevor, although he is pretty cute. I was not at a party and forgot to call you guys; I would never do that. I did not hook up with Trevor although you make my life seem so much more interesting than it really is." Kirsten started to make her way to her bedroom and put down her books, when she realized she was tracking sand across the entire living room.
"But apparently you were at the beach?" Emily said with her eyebrows raised.
"Who did you go to the beach with?" Again, Allison needed to be the first to know everything.
"Ok guys, I am going to tell you the truth, but do not make a big deal about it. I thought about telling you guys the whole way home, dreading your reactions, because I know you are going to make it out to be more of something that was really nothing."
"Kirsten, you're rambling! Just tell us." Allison was growing impatient.
"I went to the library like I told you, I saw Sandy there..." She was immediately interrupted.
"You were with Sandy! Oh My God! Did you play him hot and cold?" Emily's mouth hung open.
"How was he? I want details Kirsten. Don't leave anything out!"
Kirsten just started walking back to her bedroom while saying, "This conversation is over, and for the record, it was nothing like that."
"Come on, Kirsten, don't shut us out. We were just kidding." Emily followed Kirsten into the bedroom and shot an evil glare back at Allison. She got the message to keep her mouth shut, otherwise Kirsten wasn't going to tell them anything. If Kirsten Nichol was one thing, it was that she a very private person.
Kirsten knew she could trust them, she just didn't think they could understand what happened between her and Sandy. It was almost as if they found some common ground, and actually formed some sort of friendship. Albeit, a friendship based on crossing insults, but it was still something they probably couldn't even picture.
"No interruptions?" Kirsten asked, basically stating that if they did interrupt again, she would be done talking. When they didn't answer her, she continued, "I saw Sandy at the library and he was deciding whether or not to build up enough courage to open up a response letter he received from Berkeley Law. We traded insults as usual, and that was pretty much it." There was no physical contact as you two assumed earlier." She immediately thought of him spinning her around, but knew not to even mention that.
Kirsten waited for them to say something. When they still kept quiet, she turned around to grab her pajamas and gather her stuff to go into the bathroom.
"Can we talk now?" Emily asked. Kirsten looked back at her and smiled, letting her know it was okay. "How did you end up at the beach with him?"
"He asked me to go with him to open the envelope. I think he was just scared of a rejection and basically wanted anyone to be there in case the rejection killed him. I just happened to be there, and he was accepted. We laid in the sand, separately of course, and we talked about nothing in particular. Before I knew it, I woke up and I realized I must have fallen asleep. I walked back and here I am."
"He left you sleeping on the beach by himself? What an ass!" Allison seemed genuinely pissed off that he would do that. "He doesn't have one gentleman bone in his body!"
"Kirsten, you should have called us, we would have met you half way or something." Emily felt bad that Sandy would do that to her.
"Guys, Sandy was still there when I left. I didn't want to disturb him and I didn't want him to walk me all the way back here." I am not even sure he would have, she thought to herself. "Are you guys done with the interrogation, I need to get some real sleep.
Kirsten walked out of her room and into the bathroom leaving Emily and Allison behind. They just stared at her as Allison said, "There has to be more to that story". Kirsten made her way back into her room and replied, "There is nothing more to it. Although the Trevor story you managed to concoct sounded a lot more interesting to me. See you in the morning." That was Kirsten's way of saying she was done with this conversation.
Sandy was fighting the daylight that was burning his eyes. It was the same feeling he got when they turned on the lights in the bar after last call. It was not something he enjoyed. He stopped for a cup of coffee on his way home and a beautiful blonde girl from behind the counter gave him a really big smile. Sandy knew those kind of smiles. He usually followed it with a charming smile of his own. This time was different. The only thing that girl did for him was remind him of Kirsten. He thanked the girl politely and continued home. He amused himself as he thought of how wrong he was about Kirsten. She actually had some semblance of a heart. He still thought she was as tough as nails and high maintenance, but he got to see a side of her that he would not have expected. As he walked up his front steps his final thought was that he could see them being friends. She was smart enough to have a battle of the wits with him and that he loved. Overall, he had a good time, plus he was got his wish - to stay in Berkeley.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't Sandy Cohen, the man who was supposed to come home and celebrate with the rest of his buddies who had to do it without him." Paul, then took a good look at Sandy, and continued, "But it looks like he did enough celebrating of his own." Sandy just smiled at Paul's comment and at the image in front of him. Paul and Trevor still up at seven in the morning, smoking a joint and the house in utter shambles around them.
"Sorry guys, but it looks like everyone had a bit of their own fun." Sandy reached over and took the joint out of Trevor's hand, took a hit and handed it back.
"Trevor scored a bag last night and before you knew it, the house was filled. I told him he could crash here and we could take him home later." Paul knew that Trevor and Sandy were not the greatest of friends. They always put up with each other for Paul's sake, but they were utterly different.
"Cool, thanks for the bag. I am going to lay down and catch some sleep, but if you need a ride later, let me know." Sandy didn't not like the guy, he just always thought he was a little bit shady. As he headed for the stairs, Paul stopped him.
"So? Details, my friend? Who was it this time? It was the hot blonde from the coffee shop, wasn't it? The cup of coffee in your hand gives it away!" Paul, making up his mind without a word from Sandy.
Sandy didn't know why he felt the need to splurge any information, especially in front of Trevor, but it just came out. "It wasn't the girl from the coffee shop, and I did get into Berkeley Law in case you were wondering."
Paul looked around the living room at the mess and pointed it out. "Do you think we had any doubt? So spill!"
Sandy played it as casual as possible. "I was at the library and was at the beach with Kirsten. There is really nothing more to tell, and don't even think it, I can see where your mind is going."
Paul laughed right in his face. "I don't know what is the worst of the three lies you just told. One, the fact that you were at the library, two that Kirsten Nichol actually agreed to go anywhere with you, or three, that there is nothing more to tell. I really believe you can woo any girl if they gave you a chance, even a girl as cold as Kirsten could be."
Sandy just shrugged his shoulders as Trevor interrupted them. "I believe it. Kirsten, is a sweet girl, but I have been asking her out for months and I can't even get her to agree to let me buy her a drink." Trevor took one more toke and said, "The only unbelievable thing was that you were at the library."
Who did this guy think he was, Sandy thought. He walked over to him, grabbed the joint, and walked upstairs with it, just to piss him off. Sandy couldn't believe that Trevor and Kirsten had any sort of friendship or that Kirsten would be interested in a guy like him at all. The more he thought about it though, he figured Kirsten and Trevor were a lot alike. They came from similar backgrounds - the rich, wealthy and privileged. Rest assured, Sandy figured Kirsten would be able to see right through Trevor though. She was smarter than he thought she was, and Kirsten Nichol would never let a guy like that in her life.
Tuesday AfternoonKirsten worked at a little art gallery whenever they called her to cover someone's shift. She figured it would look good on her resume, plus she got to study stuff other than what was in her textbooks. It was Tuesday afternoon, which was not a very busy time, so Kirsten was able to really appreciate the work that hung on the walls. She could stare at it all for hours. Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard the door open and a customer come in.
"Hey Kirsten." Trevor said with a huge grin. All he was thinking was how he was going to tag this girl.
"Hey Trevor" Kirsten replied while thinking about how handsome he really was, although she knew he was categorized as the classic player. Tell girls what they want to hear and not give a crap about the consequences.
"I was walking down Main Street and saw you in the window. How's it going?"
"Pretty well, just picking up a few hours here and there."
"This place has gotten in a lot of new pieces." He started to point out a few and Kirsten couldn't help but be surprised.
"How do you know so much about art?"
"It's a pastime, I guess." He smiled at her, planning his next move.
"So, the new pieces were not the only reason I came in here. I saw you in here and I was wondering how much more persistent I need to be before you decide to go out with me."
She laughed, "Persistence has not gotten you anywhere, so far."
"Yes, but girls love men who are persistent. How can you resist it?"
Kirsten, for some reason, immediately thought back to what Sandy said her loosening up and she decided what was the worst that can happen. She wasn't stupid. She knew Trevor was just like Sandy when it came to girls. Although, the girls Trevor dates always end up hating him. She always assumed it was his dishonesty. Now she knew after spending time with Sandy, that had to be it. What little she did know about Sandy was that he had an honest soul. That's why all his trysts ended up amicable. But Trevor seemed nice enough so what was the harm.
"Okay, fine, but one date and no more persistence." She said it with a smile but it came out less than enthusiastic.
"Really? Great! I promise you will have fun and you will not be sorry." Trevor couldn't believe it. This was the hard part and he completed the task. Once he was on the date with her, there was no doubt in his mind that he would have trouble scoring. He never had trouble in that department.
Just outside the gallery, Paul and Sandy were walking by. They were discussing the fact that Sandy missed out on his own celebration Saturday night and that they should have another one.
"It's really not necessary. We can just go to The Black Oak on Friday and celebrate."
"Sandy, we go there every Friday for no reason at all. We should have a party at the house, get a keg, maybe get a DJ from the campus radio station. It will be alot of fun." Paul's enthusiasm was easily transfixed on Sandy.
"It does sound like fun. Lets start passing the word around today. You know how this place is! Two days is all it will take to get a decent crowd there."
Paul looked over Sandy's shoulder and spotted Trevor in the gallery. "Would you mind if I told Trevor? I don't have to, but he is going to find out eventually." Paul was just asking to be polite, but Sandy knew Paul was going to invite him anyway.
"Yeah, sure. The more the merrier, right?" Sandy had already spotted Kirsten inside and figured it was a good excuse to say hi, plus she would hear about the party.
They opened the door to the gallery and stepped inside. The white walls and cold ceramic floors left Sandy feeling completely out of place. He followed Paul as he approached Trevor, but Sandy couldn't keep his eyes off of Kirsten. She looked incredible. She had a knee-length skirt on that was not too short, trying to show her professional side. Her hair was swept up and it accented her neckline. Sandy, then looked down at himself in his jeans, sneakers and faded navy Yankee t-shirt and suddenly felt underdressed. Oh well, he thought.
"Trevor, hey, trying to class yourself up by learning a few things about the world of art?" Paul was teasing because it was what he did best.
"Hey Paul, hey Sandy. I should be asking you both the same question. Unless Cohen here just looks dumber than he really is."
"You know, I just love when people form opinions of me, when they are just clueless."
Kirsten was watching this whole transaction from a few feet away, pretending to be busy with logging inventory. She couldn't help but smile when Sandy made that last comment. She was a victim of doing exactly what he just accused Trevor of doing and she was glad he called him out on it. Kirsten looked up and caught Sandy's eye. He winked at her knowing he got the best of Trevor. He looked incredible. His body was so fit from all the surfing he did, she almost wanted to watch him in action, so she could see him with his shirt off.
"Hey Kirsten!" Paul broke Kirsten out of her daydreaming and followed with, "Sorry to barge in like this, but we wanted to let Trevor and you to know that we are having a party Thursday night to celebrate Sandy's acceptance to Berkeley Law. Pass the word, come around nine."
"Awesome, sounds like fun. I'll be there." Trevor looked at his watch and realized he had to make an afternoon class. "Guys, I will see you Thursday. Thanks for the invite and I will pass the word. It is going to be off the hook." He, then walked over to Kirsten, "So we are still on for tomorrow, right? I will pick you up at eight. I promise, you are going to have a blast." He gave her this creepy, seductive smile that just made her feel uncomfortable.
Being polite, she smiled back and said "Yeah, see you then." When Trevor turned around to walk out, she noticed Sandy staring at her in disbelief. He couldn't believe she fell for his act.
Paul noticed Sandy's look and knew, from that instant, that something transpired between him and Kirsten at the beach. Why wouldn't he say anything, Paul thought to himself. Paul, knowing Sandy, excused himself and followed Trevor out. "Kirsten, I hope you can make it and tell the rest of the girls in your dorm, okay?"
Kirsten nodded and looked back down at her inventory log, hoping Sandy walked out as well. She heard the front door close and then heard,
"Kirsten?" No such luck, she thought.
"Hey Sandy. So big party to celebrate huh?" She tried to make small talk and ignore his disapproving look.
"Yeah. You get home okay on Saturday night? I fell asleep and when I woke up you were gone. I would have walked you home."
"Sandy, as much as it doesn't surprise me that you don't wake up alone often, I am a big girl and can take care of myself."
"Okay." Sandy didn't want to fight with her. He found it so tiresome. He just couldn't help but think how she could agree to go out with Trevor. He knew she was a very independent person and knew she could take care of herself, that's why it made no sense.
"Are you going to come on Thursday?" He decided to go the safe route and drop it for now.
"Maybe. Do you want me to come?" She said it playfully, making him laugh at her. She gave him one of those smiles. She had a killer smile, he thought.
"Well, seeing as you were the first I shared my good news with, yes, I would like for you to come. Bring you friends too. The more the merrier, right? Plus you obviously know Trevor. It should be a good time." As soon as Trevor's name crossed his lips, he regretted it. He sounded like a jealous adolescent. He really wasn't jealous. He kept telling himself that anyway. He just thought she was smarter than that.
"Three and a half minutes." She muttered.
"What?"
"I said three and a half minutes was all it took for you to bring Trevor up. I would have figured you for at least five, maybe six."
"Kirsten, I just can't believe you can't see right through him. You lecture me about the way you assume I treat women, but you fall for his moves? It makes no sense."
"Maybe he is just better looking than you are!" She was kidding, but she knew it would rile him up.
Sandy knew she was fooling around, but the whole thing was just weird.
"Even though I don't owe you any explanation, I want you to know I am not as stupid as you think I am. I..."
Sandy interrupted her, "I never thought you were stupid. That is why the whole thing has me perturbed."
"I am so glad you care." She said sarcastically. "Who said I can't see right through him? He has been asking me out since last semester, and I kept turning him down. So, today he came in here and asked yet once again. I figured Thanksgiving break is coming up and with the holidays and a long break distracting him, he will eventually leave me alone."
"He won't leave you alone until he gets what he wants. That guy can't take a hint."
"I know his type. He is famous for the wake and run." She looked at him confused. "Weren't you the one telling me I needed to loosen up a bit? Have some more fun? Get myself off my high pedestal?"
"Yes, I did, but I know now that this is not really you."
"Maybe you don't know the real me!" She smiled knowing that she got his imagination running wild.
"I doubt it. Just like you claim to know my type, I feel that I know your type."
The door swung open and Paul called out, "Cohen, lets get moving. We are loosing valuable time, here. No offense Kirsten."
"None taken Paul. I guess I will see you guys Thursday."
Sandy turned to walk out, but couldn't resist saying, "Have fun on your date tomorrow."
"Oh I will. Thanks for the concern though."
Kirsten was glad that Sandy was expressing concern for her well being, but she hated when people told her what she should and shouldn't be doing. Her whole life has been like that until she arrived at Berkeley. At least he was acting more like a friend to her and less like a complete jerk. She really did have him pegged wrong, but he started it.
As Paul and Sandy walked around downtown, Sandy couldn't help but think of what Kirsten said. Maybe he didn't know her at all. Maybe she was a girl just looking to have a good time. She just didn't come off that way. He should be happy for Trevor if their intentions were the same, right? But for some reason, he couldn't get past the fact that Kirsten respected herself way too much to be with a guy like Trevor, especially in a sexual way.
Kirsten knew there was no way she was going to have sex with Trevor. She wanted to loosen up and have a good time, but with a decent guy . She needed to find a guy in Berkeley like Jimmy was to her in Newport. Jimmy was always a safe bet, and it was comfortable. Their feeling have come and gone so that was never something they worried about. It was simple and it was fun. That was what she needed. Oh well, its just one date, she thought.