The only thing that woke me from my comatose state was the startling news that we would be working in pairs for next weeks assignment. It was a group project where we would be teaching the class about a topic he would chose for us. The worse news was he would be assigning us with our partners. I was a little worried about this because I've had the experience of being paired with people who were less than stellar in the past. I really hope I didn't get some dopey guy who wouldn't be able to pull his weight in the project. It would be a shame for me to have to kick someone's ass just so I could ensure I got an A. What if I got a freaky gothic chick instead? Please no, that's all I need, someone to scare the living snot out of me as I learned about another topic that was so irrelevant to my own academic goals. On the other hand, what if I was set up with one of those hot chicks I was drooling at right before class started. That would definitely be bare able. My joy quickly changed to fear when the professor announced, "Max Joyner you will be paired with Erica Yearly." I looked around the room to see if she had stood up so I could evaluate my partner. As I stood up to get the handout from the professor I saw her stand and walk down the stadium steps towards me. Oh man, she wasn't what I had hoped for. She was wearing really loose jeans, sandals with socks and an Arizona State sweatshirt. She had on dark rimmed glasses and her hair was hidden inside a baseball cap. Great, now I had this home school, dorky girl as a partner. As I walked over to meet her, one of the blonde beauties in the front row whispered to me, "To bad it wasn't me Mark, we could of had some fun." Great, I had such fantastic possibilities brewing before my very eyes and now I was going to be stuck studying with Erica.
"Hi Max, my names Erica. I hope you're not too disappointed."
"Don't be silly Erica, I'm happy to be doing the project with you. Maybe we meet after class and talk about our project."
I handed her the project outline and made my way back to me seat. I noticed she was three rows below me and seated towards the middle of the classroom. I kept staring at her as class went on and decided she was cute in a different way. I couldn't tell if she was fit or not because she was wearing such loose clothing. I wasn't sure if she was actually pretty because her face was hidden behind glasses and a baseball cap. What killed me was her taste in footwear. No one wears sandals with socks unless they grew up inside, away from television. I bet she didn't even know what a thong was let alone a Victoria Secret' s catalogue. My hopes of having a fun, exciting time with a beautiful partner were shot for sure. After class was out, I walked to the quad for a soda when Erica stopped me to talk about the project.
"Hey Max, sorry to bother you but maybe we could talk about our project really quick?
"Oh yeah Erica, no problem. I totally forgot about it. The professor has a way of erasing my mind with his boring lectures. What did you have in mind?"
(As she stood there talking to me, I noticed she actually had really pretty eyes. They were like an aqua green color. Very different but very pretty. Her glasses were silly though and seemed to almost magnify the size of them. I assumed due to her choice of clothing she would be pale as a ghost but her skin seemed surprisingly tan. She didn't seem heavy because her neckline was sleek and tender. I still couldn't get past those hideous sandals though. Who wears burkenstocks anymore?)
"Well Max, the professor assigned us with Cardiovascular Fitness. Not a very exciting topic. I'm wasn't sure if you wanted to meet at the university library or if you wanted to come by my place to start on it. We can do our research through the computers if you like that better. Its up to you though, we could even go someplace else. Your room or the health center or something."
"Your place if fine Erica, I'm more of a computer researcher anyway. The library would just put me to sleep so it's probably better we not go there." (What was I thinking! I could at least have a chance to escape if we went to the campus library. Too late she responded instantly)
"Okay great! I was hoping you'd say that. My place is at 7020 Williams Field Road. I live in the tan apartment complex on the corner. Its #31507 on the third floor. How about like 7 o'clock tomorrow night. I have to work tonight so tomorrow night would work better."
"That's fine with me. By the way, where do you work at?" (I'm some what of a conversationalist but I was actually just trying to seem interested by asking questions. I didn't want to be a jerk and I had sometime to kill. Erica seemed really nice too so I was curious to find out what she was about.)
"Oh It's no where great, just a little restaurant off of 3rd Street in Phoenix."
"Really, I'm down there a lot. I can't remember many restaurants. There's this one place called Hoot....."
(Erica cuts me off suddenly) "Anyway, just bring your text books and stuff and that should be good.
"Yeah that sounds perfect Erica. Maybe I can bring a pizza or something. Do you room with someone else? Should I bring more than one?"
"No, my roommate Rachel is out on a trip so I have the place to myself. Pizza sounds great though Max."
(There was awkward silence for a few seconds so I decided to make a break for it.)
"Ok Erica count me in for tomorrow, I got to go now. I have football practice to get to." (As I briskly walked away, she kind of stood there in shock for a moment before turning around and leaving in the opposite direction. For the rest of the day I kept thinking of ways to get myself out of this stupid project. I hated group projects. I had a busy social life. Even though it wasn't Friday or Saturday I still had plans. I would have loved to talk with Heather in the front row and set something up. It would have been so easy. College girls swarmed around me, It's probably because I was known for being this stellar athlete. Football season was just starting and all these groupies would be lining the practice field to watch us every afternoon. I guess being the starting free safety for a division one school had its perks. I hoped on making it to the NFL and if this season went well I had a good shot. After practice, me and some of my teammates got together and went out to get some food since we were all starving. My buddies Marvin, Trace, Fred and Jack were part of the starting defense and we were like brothers to each other. Trace grew up in Arizona and knew of all the great places to eat at. Tonight we chose this BBQ place just outside of campus.
"Hey guys, I guess I can't hang tomorrow night. I have to do this lame project for my health class."
[Fred] "Dang Max, we were going to that fraternity parties with all those hot sorority chicks from the Gamma Chi Epsilon house. So did Professor Huff partner you up with any hot chicky momma' s?"
"No, not this time. I actually got this girl named Erica Yearly as a partner. You guys ever heard of her."
[Marvin] "Erica, Erica, Erica.... I've known a lot of Erica's max. Can't say I know an Erica Yearly though. Would I want to?"
"No way Marvin, unless you like glasses, baggy sweaters and sandals with socks."
[Marvin] Hahahaha that's real sexy. I bet you can't wait to start your project huh?"
"Yeah I can hardly contain myself."
[Jack] Hold on, I know that chick. She's in my English class. She wears that stuff like everyday. I mean not the same outfit but the same kind of stuff. Its like she just woke up or she's covering herself up for some reason. I feel for ya bro, I feel for ya." (Jack pats is chest with his fist and gives me the peace sign in a way that gives the impression he pity' s me).
"Hey Trace, do you know of any good restaurants near 3rd Street in Phoenix?"
[Trace] "Good places? Not really, that's kind of like burger joints and stuff. The only big restaurant I know of is Hooters but there food kind of sucks. The view is worth it though."
[Fred] Oh dang, there's this chick Rachel there who is the bomb diggity! She is smoking hot. Perfect blonde chick with massive hooters. I got's to get me some of that."
[Marvin] No way! That one waitress with those really blue eyes is the best. They're like pools of turquoise resting above two golden mountain peaks! What's her name again? Trace you remember her name?
"You guys actually go there. You freaking sick bastards. I'd never go to a place like that."
[Fred] That's because your gay Mr. NFL linebacker. You should just be a wide receiver 'cause we all know you're not a tight end!"
[Trace] You're the gay one Fred. I've seen you use a loofa in the shower after practice.
(The guys crack up as they shove ribs and beer in their faces)
[Trace] It's a Hooters though Max. Why are you asking anyway?"
"I just couldn't remember what restaurant it was. Erica told me she works at a restaurant down there on 3rd Street so that's why I was curious. It couldn't be Hooters though unless they changed there uniforms. It's funny though, Erica's roommate's name is Rachel."
(The guys have a good laugh over it and pat me on the back to try and cheer me up. This is not what college is supposed to be like. It's supposed to be adventurous, hilarious and full of sexy co-eds. I guess tomorrow night would just fulfill the hilarious aspect of it . The next afternoon after class I tossed my pride out the window and marched over to the local pizza place and ordered a pepperoni pizza with extra cheese. I've driven past Erica's apartments before on my way to campus and had no trouble finding her door. When she answered the door, I was again greeted by a girl wearing sweats, a baggy sweater and a ball cap with glasses. I have to admit though, Erica was really sweet. I promised myself to treat her well and to be as charming as I could. I mean I wasn't on a date so what was my big deal anyway.)
"Hey Max, its so great to see you. You brought the pizza too, that's terrific. Come on in and make yourself at home."
(It was funny, for such a bland, drab-styled person, her apartment was very snazzy. The couches were made of this black velvet material with cheetah and zebra print pillows. There was pink accents throughout the room and the kitchen had pink and aqua colored appliances. She had this great flat screen television and an awesome jukebox in the corner of the dinning room. There was a pink and yellow surfboard hung on the wall over the couch and photographs of the beach everywhere. I was surprised and made an assumption that her roommate, Rachel, must be a hot California chick who moved out to Arizona for school. I even saw a picture of her which was awe inspiring. Rachel was in a tiny bikini on a boat with an equally hot chick who I swear looked almost like Erica. I only assume it wasn't because this girl had make-up on, had gorgeous long brown hair and a was very tan. Her body was flawless too. Man did I wish that Rachel was here so I could make a move on her. I didn't comment on the picture because I didn't want Erica to get uncomfortable. I didn't want her to think I was a meat head jock like the rest of my buddies.)
"Wow Erica, you have a really great place here. I would have never guessed you would be the type to have all this stuff."
"Yeah I know. I actually grew up in California so some of this stuff just helps remind me of back home. You grew up in California too Max, didn't you?"
"How'd you know that Erica?"
"I saw it in the game program, when you guys played Oregon last year. I went to the game and have to say you're a monster on the field. I actually grew up in Manhattan Beach. We were only a few cities away from each other."
(Wow I was shocked she knew that. She must have been a fan of my high school days or read up about me on the internet. We did win CIF twice in high school and last year we played in a Bowl game here. Now I was kind of freaked out. Was she like a crazed fan now. One who watched me and had pictures of me plastered in her room?)
"Yeah I grew up in HB.