Chapter Two

I crossed the busy Sewickley street and made the 3-block walk to the apartment Paula and I lived in. Well, it was more like a dorm. One level, 2 bedrooms, kitchen, living room, 1 bathroom. That's it-no need for the fancy stuff yet. When I got in, I walked into the bathroom to find makeup and clothes thrown all over the place.

"What is this mess?" I asked.

"Oh, sorry. I'm just getting ready for tonight. You're still coming, right?"

"Yes, I am. And now I have the lovely duty of finding an outfit. Great."

I was never one to dress up-it just wasn't my style. With 3 brothers in the house and being outnumbered by the opposite sex, you kinda get a little more different influence. Not that it's a bad thing. That's why I love Paula-we are the same, yet different. She may not be as much of a tomboy as I am, but she's my call for help when it comes to stuff like this.

"Oh, come on! It'll be fun. I'll help."

So we did a half-hour long duty of tearing through my closet. After much debate, I finally settled on a berry tie-neck dress and a pair of short heels from Paula's wardrobe. It was the only dressy thing I had these days, and I never wore it before, so why not for an occasion like this? I let my hair loose out of the ponytail it was in all day and let it fall. My brunette-colored hair was long and draped down to my lower back. I have been meaning to get it cut short, but Paula insists I keep it long. I guess my feminine side is starting to show a little more these days.

"And now, it's time for the makeup!"

"Oh, no, no, no! You know damn well that I don't do makeup! I hate having to cake that shit all over my face."

"Well, let me do it and I won't cake it on. I promise! I'll keep it natural-looking and let your inner beauty show. Come on, to the bathroom we go!"

She pulled a chair from the dining room set and plopped me down in it, facing away from the mirrors. Fifteen minutes later, I emerged a new lady that no one would recognize. She actually did a pretty good job. Just the basic foundation, tan eyeshadow, mascara, blush, and lip gloss. I must say I did look good. Gosh, I sound conceited, I thought to myself. And that is rare for me.

"Whoa," Paula said, "you look gorgeous!" We made our way out the door and walked into the dark parking lot. They always freaked me out. When I was younger, about 15 or so, I was walking home and witnessed a young woman being attacked. Afraid that the attacker would see me, I ran as fast as I could all the way home.
Ever since then, I have been terrified. Lately, I have been working on this fear of mine and seem to be doing better. We got into my Kia Spectra and drove off to Le Mont. The traffic wasn't bad, and we arrived there 15 minutes early.

"Ready to wow the guys?" Paula asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be. I never seem to wow guys, so whatever."

"Oh, Randi! Don't doubt yourself, girl! You look absolutely beautiful tonight. I'm sure you will swoon someone tonight with your looks." I never really thought of myself as beautiful. When I compared myself to Paula, I didn't even come close. She's the one all the guys notice first-tall, brunette, and built like a brick house with long legs and perfect facial features. I am the average height and have a little baggage on me. It has always been a struggle, and still is, to maintain my weight. I am content with the way I look right now, but I don't know how long that's going to last when I walk in this place.

We went up to the front desk in the main lobby and as we were asking where to go, we were greeted by Tyler. This was the first time in a long time that I'd seen him.

"Don't I know you two ladies?" I squealed with delight and jumped into his arms, so happy to see him again. Back when I first met him, I had the tiniest crush on him, but that eventually went away. He's more of a brother to me now more than anything. I sometimes find myself thinking about maybe what could have been with us, but now I will never know.

"It's been forever since I seen you last! So how've ya been?" I asked as we walked towards a set of large doors to what I assumed to be a massive dinner.

"Oh, good. I'm excited to finally make it in the NHL. So, what's new with you?"

"Just focusing on school and working at the Sewickley Cafe. My life's a bore," I laughed.

"After you, my lady," Tyler said, holding the door open for me to enter.

"Thank you, sir," I replied in an English accent. It was always our little joke of ours because we thought the English had the weirdest accent ever.

"I've missed making fun of the English people."

"Well, you now can begin your poking fun of the English people again," I said.

I saw Paula walking towards me, and I knew my ass was in trouble. When we are at things like this, she always drags me around to introduce me to everyone and then leaves me to socialize on my own. But, at least I had Tyler, so it was no big deal.

"Come with me-you are finding yourself a guy tonight, right here. I will make damn sure of it."

And that is where my fun began...