Matchplay by Dakota Madison Read Free Book Online

tricky part will be selecting the artist. I think we should both do some research over the next week and come up with two or three possible artists. Then we can make a final decision from that pool. And I think we should stick with American artists.”
    “Sounds like a plan,” he agreed.
    “Great. Then I guess we’ll meet again next week.”
     
    ***
     
    I was in the midst of some intense research on artist, Mary Cassett, when Olivia and Marney burst through the door, singing and laughing. They were so loud and boisterous, I was fairly certain they had already started drinking, even though it was only five. The Friday night parties wouldn’t start for another few hours.
    “Are you still studying?” Oliva asked, slurring her words slightly.
    I nodded.
    She got very close to my face and whispered. “You have to come out and have fun with us tonight.”
    “It looks like you already started having fun without me .”
    She laughed. “Maybe just a little Happy Hour buzz.”
    My dad’s admonishment for me to have fun and start acting like an 18-year old rang in my ears so I saved my work on the computer and shut off my monitor. “What did you have in mind?” I asked.
    “The kids at The ArtHouse are having a huge bash,” Olivia replied a bit too loudly. “Everyone on the speech team will be there.”
    “Okay, but I’m not on the speech team,” I reminded her.
    “Doesn’t matter.” She got a bit woozy when she leaned over, so she sat down on the bed next to me. “Anyone, who is anyone, will be there,” she assured me.
    “And what if I’m not anyone,” I wondered aloud.
    That made Olivia go hysterical laughing even though I wasn’t trying to be funny. Most of the time I felt completely invisible and like I didn’t really belong. The only one, besides Olivia and Lucas, who even seemed to notice me was Aaron.
    “You’re funny when I’m drunk,” Olivia giggled. “You have to come with us. Please.”
    “Okay,” I sighed. “What should I wear?”
    “Something cute and sexy but not slutty. Just be you.”
    I ended up wearing a pair of low slung jeans and a coral V-neck that accentuated my curves a bit. Both Olivia and Marney nodded their approval at my wardrobe choice. When it got dark, we headed over to The ArtHouse. It was already packed with students. The party was spilling out onto the ample front porch and I could see through the windows that the rooms downstairs were jammed as well.
    I hadn’t gone to many parties when I was in high school. A ctually, I only attended a holiday party that the chorus hosted and a graduation party given by the school, which I’m not even sure counted as an actual party. I got a little bit nervous as Olivia and Marney dragged me in the front door.
    The interior of the place was colorful and funky, and it sort of reminded me of a David Hockney painting. I immediately liked it.
    “I’m going to see if I can find Lucas,” Olivia said. “I want him to protect you.”
    I nodded. Having Lucas by my side sounded like a good idea.
    Marney waved to a few other students, who looked like her, dressed in black with dyed black hair. “I’ll be right back,” she said and headed over to join them.
    I suddenly felt vulnerable and alone. I hadn’t met very many people yet and everyone else seemed to be in small groups, drinking and laughing.
    My anxiety spiked when I felt someone approach from behind me.
    When I heard the words, “Hey, Sunshine,” I immediately knew it was Aaron.
    I turned to face him and my heart skipped a few beats. He looked absolutely stunning in tight black jeans and white button down shirt. “What’s a beautiful girl like you doing in a place like this?”
    “Does that line usually work?” I asked.
    He nodded. “Almost always. But I guess there are exceptions.” He glanced down at my hand. “Do you need a drink?”
    I shook my head.
    “Do you drink?”
    “Not really,” I admitted.
    “Are you here alone?” When I looked up at him, he had a