The left side with the college group.

“Tau Iota Tau!” shouted one of the many shirtless 20 year olds as another game of inflatable beer pong was won. Ava got splashed and cursed out loud. A few of the co-eds turned with guilty faces as they saw the pissed off face of the red haired woman. “Fuck I’m so sorry,” a fit white man with a backwards white polo hat apologized, “let me get you a towel and a drink on us.” Before Ava could decline the young man already had a teal colored towel ready and was already flagging the bartender down. A few others apologized now seeing Ava dry off her hair.

“Please drink on us, what would you like?” The polo hat frat member asked with a smile. Ava noticed that most of the college students had canned spiked seltzers, so decided why not try one. Within seconds the bartender opened up a fresh can and handed it to Ava.

“Thanks,” Ava responded warmly, beginning to cool off, “you certainly have a lively group here.” The man turned to the group behind him and gave a chuckle.

“Yeah we can be real fucking assholes, sorry again about that” he confirmed while extending his hand, “The name is Chad.” Of course it is, Ava thought to herself.

“Savannah, nice to meet you Chad,” she politely introduced herself. “This is a nice set up you got here,” nodding to the inflatable beruit table. With a large grin Chad ushered her to the group and introduced her. She was able to catch a few names before just repeating what she heard and hoped to remember as many as she could. The games continued as Chad explained the guys were all part of the Tau Iota Tau fraternity. The girls were either friends or girlfriends who were invited to make the trip. Before hearing the group speak, she could already deduct that almost all of these students came from family money. Luxurious family vacations, stock investments, boats, and even the words “just bought another ski lodge” were discussed in casual conversation. The boys took quite an interest in Ava when she asked if she could play next, each one climbing over the other to be her partner. However it was Chad who had the honor of being her beer pong partner.

Ava didn’t realize how late it was getting after winning her eight beer pong game in a row. She had no idea she would be so good at this party game while crushing multiple cans of spiked seltzer. While she wasn’t completely drunk, she did notice that the high fives with Chad led to celebratory hugs which she got somewhat comfortable with it.

“Alright Chad, whatever,” one of the defeated males of the group called out, “looks like you found yourself a ringer.” Chad and Ava gave each other another celebratory hug before noticing they had no more challengers.

“So what are you guys up to now?” asked Ava as she finished another seltzer. Before Chad could answer another of the crew, Josh maybe, spoke up.

“There’s a bonfire at the beach, but most of us are gonna pre-game some more in the rooms,” he said, his Oakley sunglass still covering his eyes while the sun had almost completely set. While this wasn’t necessarily her typical crowd, Ava was definitely having fun and it was refreshing to just act like a dumb 20 year old again. She thought about the plan and then looked at Chad.

“Mind if this old lady hangs out with you guys a bit more?” she asked with a quick raise of her eyebrows. Chad laughed and shook his head.

“Savannah you’re like what, three years older than us? Tau Iota Tau would love to have you!” announced Chad as the other fraternity brothers joined in proclaiming their frat name. Chad playfully wrangled his arm around Ava’s neck and shoulder. “I’m probably gonna go check out the bonfire now if you wanted to join,” he explained. “But mostly everyone else is gonna head to the room to change, have a few more drinks, and then rendezvous at the beach.” Chad gave a very cute smirk, secretly hoping that Ava would take him up on the offer. A few of the other guys, and all the girls for that matter, asked her to hang out more in the room.

Ava looked at the group then back at Chad. “Okay everyone, I’m gonna go…”