The next day
"Why are we going to watch the soccer team practice?" Jack asked.
"Because Emily is playing this semester and I told her I would come. Plus she says she wants us to meet her friend." Arvin answered.
Jack and Arvin joined the rest of the spectators watching the girls practice. Arvin immediately spotted Emily on the field.
"Woo! Go Emily!" Arvin yelled.
Emily laughed and nudged her friend who was standing next to her. The girl turned to look where Emily was pointing. A smile played on her lips.
In the stands Jack's breath caught in his throat.
"I bet your glad I brought you here now." Arvin teased.
Jack couldn't speak he was too entranced watching the brunette pull her hair back in a messy ponytail.
The practice started and Emily and the brunette showed flawless teamwork scoring over and over.
"She's smart and athletic. Just your type of girl." Arvin pointed out.
Jack just watched her play.
Once practice was over Arvin and Jack stood outside the locker room waiting for Emily. A smile spread across Jack's lips as the brunette followed Emily over to them.
"Hey baby." Arvin smiled kissing Emily on the forehead.
"Hi," she said kissing him on the lips "Good to see you Jack." she smiled.
"I share your sentiment," Jack answered "Who's your friend?"
"Oh, where are my manners Jack, Arvin this is my friend Irina. Irina this is Arvin and his friend Jack." Emily introduced.
"Nice to see you again as well. . . . Irina." Jack smiled.
"Likewise." She answered smiling slightly.
"I bet you're hungry, how about we go get something to eat." Arvin offered.
"Sure, sounds good to me." Emily smiled.
"Sounds great." Jack and Irina said simultaneously.
Arvin and Emily exchanged smiles.
At the diner
"Ok, I have four double cheeseburgers and fries. Two lemonades and two Pepsi's." the waiter said.
They nodded and he left their table. Arvin and Emily were sitting on one side of the booth with Jack and Irina on the other.
"You didn't strike me as a cheeseburger girl." Jack stated.
"Why? Did you expect me to eat salads or something?"
"No, it's just so American."
"What are you saying? Since I'm from Russia I shouldn't like American food."
"No, it's just. . . I'm sorry. I don't know what I'm saying." Jack said chastised.
"Irina be nice." Emily warned.
Irina laughed and patted Jack's hand.
"I'm only joking." Irina laughed.
Jack turned to look at her intrigued. When their eyes met he noticed her intake of breath. She quickly looked away and shifted uncomfortably in her seat. By this time their order arrived.
"So Jack. How's the Calculus work going?" Arvin asked.
"You know I already know how to do that st. . ." he froze realizing what he had said.
He turned to see Irina's reaction, She wasn't surprised.
"I knew you were only trying to start up a conversation." Irina smiled.
"How did you know?"
"You had already worked it out on the sheet of paper you gave me."
Jack reddened at his stupidity. Emily and Arvin laughed.
"So are you boys excited about the party tonight." Emily asked.
"What party?" Jack asked taking a sip of his Pepsi.
"I'm throwing a small get together with some of my friends. All of you are invited." Irina smiled.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world. What time?"
"Nine."
"I'll be there."