Honestly, I’m surprised that he’s actually here. Granted it’s not like there are a ton of things to do in Rose Prairie on a Friday night, but he didn’t seem like the type to be involved with this sort of thing.
Of course, he looks as good as ever. He’s got on a baseball cap that’s pulled low over those stunning blue eyes that I’ve only seen up close one time. His black shirt is covered by a puffy baseball jacket containing the thorn logo of Rosewood.
Terrified that he will spot me spying on him, I whip my head back towards the stage, because what could be more embarrassing than being caught staring at someone?
A tiny blonde girl walks across the stage and stops in front of the microphone as two giant fish bowls are wheeled out on either side of her. They’ve gone all out with the decorations; paper hearts hang from above and a projector displays flashing pictures of happy, lovey-dovey couples holding hands or walking in the park.
Yep, I knew this was coming. That uncomfortable pang of longing to have that type of relationship rips through my heart.Damn, I really need to pull myself together. This is all getting ridiculous.
“Hey everyone!” the blonde girl screams into the microphone, her hand pushing up the bridge of her large glasses. “I’m so glad you all came out to support ourCupid’s Shuffle Dating Event!” People start clapping around us and Polly lets out a loud whoop, her excitement drawing the eyes of everyone in our row.
God kill me now.
Our hostess gives us a moment to calm down before going over the directions. “In case you don’t know me, I’m Quinn, the VP of Student Activities. This event was inspired by a suggestionput into our box in the mailroom, so if you have an idea, we’d love to hear it.” I look over at Polly, who is sitting on the edge of her seat, bouncing up and down, and give her a playful nudge. “Here’s how this is going to work. We will draw two names at a time, one from the guys and one from the ladies,” her arms extend to either side showcasing each bowl. “This is how you will be matched with your Valentine’s Date! If your name is drawn, please make your way to the stage and stand with your Cupid match.”
Let the games begin.
Chapter Seven
Jaxon
Winding through the crowd of students in the PAC, I spot Trevor and Gavin sitting at the back and I grab the empty chair next to them and plop down.
“What’s up, guys?” Reaching up, I adjust my ball cap, pulling it lower over my face.
Trevor scoffs. “Same as you dude. You know we had no choice in any of this.” He’s sagging in his seat with his arms crossed, clearly not wanting to be here. Looks like I’m not the only one.
Gavin nods his head in agreement, his long hair swinging in his face. “But let’s look at the bright side, maybe our names won’t even be drawn. Aren’t they only pulling a certain amount?”
There’s been a rumor spreading among the athletes that they are only pulling fifteen to twenty names from each bowl depending on how many girls put their names in. From what I’d heard, the female athletes weren’t forced into this whole thing. It’s like they knew guys wouldn’t be interested in this shit.
“Don’t know. I’ll buy us all a round of beers at Bottom’s Up if we manage to get out of this.”
“I like how you think, Jax.” Trevor reaches across Gavin and smacks my arm. “Deal.”
Settling in, I look around the room right as a blonde girl two rows up begins to wave her arms and call my name. “Jaxon! Is your name in the bowl?” Clara bats her eyelashes and winksover at me. “How funny would it be if our names were pulled together?”
Really fucking funny,I think sarcastically. Giving her a tight smile and a half-hearted thumbs up, she turns around in her seat. Why did I agree to take her out on that date all those months ago?
Thankfully we don’t have to wait long before this shit show begins. Quinn walks up to the microphone and kicks everything off. We’d been paired together in a group project our freshman year, and since then we’ve been friendly acquaintances. Now that I think of it, I’m pretty sure everyone loves Quinn.
With great fanfare, they slowly draw names from the bowls and people make their way up to the stage. For the most part, the girls walk up on stage giddy with excitement, while the guys trudge up the steps straight-faced and somber.
Trevor finds the whole thing fucking funny and is causing a commotion around us with his laughter. Gavin can’t help but chuckle right along with him and before long, the two of them make a game out of the whole thing. Even I crack a grin every once in a while.
Another round of names are drawn as Quinn picks a name from the pink-hearted bowl. “Polly Reyes.” An ungodly squeal erupts from the front aisle, a small girl jumping up and down in excitement as she runs on stage, bouncing on the balls of her feet.
“Holy shit,” Trevor laughs. “I feel sorry for the guy that gets paired with her. Can you imagine?” A round of chuckles breaks out around us.
“And paired with Polly is…” Quinn dramatically swishes her hand through the names, pulling one at random and unfolding it. “Trevor Blake!”
There’s no way I can hold in the laughter that bursts from my chest at the sound of his name being blasted through thespeakers. Gavin is doubled over in laughter while my head is tossed back as loud cackles break out around me.
Trevor’s mouth hangs open but he doesn’t move an inch. Eventually, hands from the guys sitting behind us nudge him into action, pushing him out of his seat. We all continue to laugh as he drags his ass down the aisle and up onto the stage to stand next to the girl with purple in her hair.
Four more pairs of names are drawn, all the while Trevor has a glazed-over look on his face, causing us all to cough to cover our chuckles.
“We are down to our final names!” Quinn pushes her glasses back up on her face as she pulls a name. “Our last guy of the evening is,” she opens the folded paper and chuckles, “Jaxon Sharp!”
