Page 82 of The Scientist
“Beer pong? Am I at a frat party?” I asked, chuckling.
“Most of us didn’t have a typical college experience. We’re trying to do things right this time now that we’re back in college again,” he said, smirking. “Look, we’ve got the football game on and everything.” He pointed to the TV that no one was watching. “What do you say?”
I smiled. “Alright, I’m in.”
“Awesome!” he said. “Since it’s your first time, you get to choose your partner.”
“Whoever I want?” I looked around, pretending to be sizing everyone up.
“Whoever you want,” Stuart repeated. “But just so you know, I’ve been undefeated this entire—”
“I choose Lex,” I said, cutting him off. I turned to look at Lex, my face splitting into a wide grin. Surprise flickered across his expression, but he smiled back at me.
“What?!” Stuart said, outraged.
“Lex doesn’t drink,” Nicky spat from the corner, obviously listening to every word.
“I’ll play,” Lex said, his eyes never leaving mine.
Nicky scoffed and walked away to join the others in the living room.
“Really?” Stuart deadpanned. “You’regoing to play?” His tone was doubtful.
“You said she could choose whoever she wanted. I’m respecting the rules.”
“That’s right,” I said, smirking.
“Whatever,” Stuart said. “He’s never even played before. I don’t know why you’d choose him over someone like me with a proven track record of success.”
“Simple,” I stated. “Height advantage.”
Lex’s grin widened, and everyone around us began laughing. Stuart resisted at first as he stared me down, then a slow smile spread across his face. “Good to have you back, Betty.”
“Thanks,” I said, feeling choked up all of a sudden.
After the cups were set up, Lex and I stood across from Stuart and Peter. Our team went first, with Lex lining up and sinking the first shot.
Stuart rolled his eyes. “Beginner’s luck.”
I sank the second shot, and we watched as they both drank the contents of the red cups. By the fourthround of us both making all of our shots, Peter turned to Stuart and said, “We’re fucked.”
“You think?” Stuart said in annoyance as he drank his fourthcup of beer.
I giggled, looking up at Lex, who was looking back at me with a soft expression, almost as if he was enjoying the sound of my laughter. I got distracted by the warm, tingly feeling that was spreading through my chest. I missed my next shot, causing us both to have to drink several cups of the lukewarm beer as Stuart and Peter went on a three-shot winning streak.
“This is disgusting, by the way,” Lex said as he downed his beer, grimacing the entire time.
I laughed. “Sorry,” I told him sincerely. It really was gross.
The game was pretty evenly matched after that as we all started to get more tipsy, but our team eventually won, with Lex sinking the final shot in the remaining cup. I yelled out, throwing my hands over my head in victory. I jumped into Lex’s arms, and he caught me as I laughed, feeling so carefree and happy.
He chuckled at my exuberance before he put me down, a sweet smile on his face. We were so close, I got lost looking into his lustrous brown eyes. Somehow, I’d forgotten how beautiful they were. They seemed to be shining so brightly tonight.
“I have a confession,” I said, low enough so only he could hear me.
“What’s that?” he said, still smiling.
“I didn’t choose you just because you were tall.”