Linda cracks open a beer

Linda’s eyes never left Tom. Her hands tore at the twelve pack’s packaging. Pulling a bottle free, Linda gave the cap an expert twist. Letting the cap fall, Linda lifted the bottle to her lips and took a health pull. Only when the bottle was half empty did she set it down and appear ready to speak.

“Professor Werner got called away.” Linda started. Tom folded his hands across his chest. She was obviously stalling by giving him more information than he needed. However, he knew she was going to explain it her way. There was nothing he could do to hurry it along.

“The TA assigned some problems and dismissed the class.” Linda continued, “Since Flow Mechanics was my last class for the day, I came back to work on the problems. The sun was so bright and warm that I couldn’t resist. I grabbed a beer and stretched out on the balcony to catch some rays.” Tom frowned slightly. At least that explained what had happened to his six-packs.

“When I got back, I joined her.” Cindy admitted. Tom scowled. Tom had no doubt that had included drinking the beer. Despite the fact she had turned 18 in May, she wasn’t old enough to drink. While he didn’t agree with Wisconsin’s law that set the minimum age for drinking at 21, he felt the need to at least give it lip service.

“About an hour ago, we ran out.” Linda explained, “So we went to Kip’s to buy more.”

“And some frozen pizzas for dinner.” Cindy added.

“Anyway,” Linda continued, “While there we ran into Tony.” Tony Williams was one of the guys in Cindy’s Algebra class. Tony was a tall black man. He had decent inside game and a great jump shot. Although he hadn’t received a scholarship, he was likely to be the starting power forward in a couple years. Sooner if his ball handling skills improved.

“When he caught us staring at him, Cindy walked up to him and started talking to him.” Linda said, “It started innocently enough. They started talking about the assignment due Tuesday. Needless to say, I got bored.” Tom snorted. That wasn’t surprising. Algebra was a freshman or entry level class. Linda was a senior working on an advanced Engineering degree with Math and Physics minors.

“When my mind wandered, so did my gaze.” Linda admitted sheepishly, “It didn’t take Tony long to realize where I was staring. I couldn’t help myself. When Tony noticed I asked if that was real.” Cindy let out a bemused chuckle. Linda ignored her.

“And when he said yes, I told him to prove it.” Linda told Tom, “Tony asked what it was worth. Needless to say, one thing led to another. Finally, I issued a challenge. If I won, I would know, one way or another.”

“The problem with challenges,” Tom noticed, “Is that they can be lost as well.”

“Which is why I hedged my bet.” Linda answered. Tom gave her a quizzical look. “Cindy was looking at Tony the same way. So I challenged him to take on both of us, doubling our chances of winning.”

“And she accepted?” Tom asked skeptically. Cindy blushed, but nodded. “And what if Tony beats both of you?”

“Well…” Linda started slowly, “Unless Tony manages to skunk us both badly, we’ll have our answer long before the end of the challenge.” Tom cocked his head. He wondered what the girls were up to. However, the girls said nothing. Finally his curiosity got the better of him.

“And just what is this challenge that will let you win, even if you lose?” Tom asked. Linda blushed. Cindy looked as if she wanted to run and hide.

“Well?” he prompted.

“Uh…Strip poker.” Linda answered. Cindy tried to hide behind the twelve pack of beer she held. Tom **** himself to keep his expression neutral.

“Strip poker,” Tom repeated. A lot of people would have expected that from Cindy. She was a freshman, away from her parents for first time. She dressed like a tease and she sounded like a party girl. The fact that she struggled to maintain her BC average added to that stereotype. Linda on the other hand was senior with a 3.9 average. She dressed very conservatively. And with her glasses on she looked something like a nerd. Reality was just the opposite. Cindy was the shy one while Linda was rather promiscuous.

“Yea,” Linda confirmed, “Will you help us?”