No Boys Allowed

Prologue:

I’m back home from college for the weekend, and my childhood friend Bianca Park invites me over. She stayed at Kansas State University while I went out of state to Notre Dame. With her parents away for Valentine's Day, it’s the perfect chance to catch up and meet her friends from her sorority.

Chapter 1:

I knock at Bianca’s door, anticipation bubbling inside me. When she opens it, her face lights up like it’s Christmas morning.

“Hello! It’s been forever. I’m so glad you’re here.”

She wraps her arms around me in a fierce hug, almost lifting me off the ground.

Bianca, of Asian descent and just 19, is stunning in a black satin robe trimmed with delicate black lace. Her dark hair is pulled up messily into a bun, and her dark brown eyes sparkle with excitement. I’ve never thought of her this way before, but tonight, I’m struck by how attractive she looks.

“Come on in and meet the girls,” she says, leading me into her warm, inviting living room.

A fire crackles in the fireplace, casting a cozy glow over the room where four girls I’ve never met are gathered.

Mia Blair, age 19, is wearing a pink cami top with white lace trim that hugs her toned belly, paired with tapered pink satin drawstring pajama pants adorned with red hearts. Her light brown hair is tied back in a messy ponytail, and her dark blue eyes twinkle with mischief.

Brooklyn Fairchild, a light-skinned Black woman also 19, wears a pale yellow satin button-down pajama top paired with matching shorts. Her bushy black hair is styled in twin pigtails, and her dark brown eyes shine with enthusiasm.

Erica Archer, another 19-year-old, is dressed in a rich plum long-sleeve satin pajama top and matching pants. Her curly red hair cascades around her shoulders, framing her face as she greets me with a bright, welcoming smile.

Avonlea Valentine, also 19, captures my gaze in an ice blue satin cami top and shorts that complement her figure perfectly. Her dirty blonde hair is pulled into a messy ponytail, and her dark brown eyes seem to assess me, a hint of a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth.

“Ero, these are my Pi Beta Phi sisters from K-State,” Bianca says, waving her hand toward the group.

Mia gives me a playful finger wave, while Brooklyn nods at me with a casual “’sup?” Erica beams at me, her smile practically radiating warmth.

Avonlea remains quiet, her eyes appraising me as if she’s contemplating what I might look like without my Notre Dame fleece pullover and khaki pants.

“Girls, this is Ero. He’s my oldest and best friend in the world. We haven’t seen each other since we left for college because neither of us were in town for fall or Christmas break,” Bianca explains.

“I hope it’s okay he’s here. He doesn’t have a date for Valentine’s Day either, so he’ll fit right into our Anti-Valentine’s Day party.”

The girls exchange glances before bursting into giggles.

“An anti-Valentine's party? How fun!” I say, eager to join the festivities.

Mia winks at me playfully.

“Yeah, it’s way better than being alone on a sappy holiday,” Brooklyn adds, leaning back casually and crossing her legs.

“Stick with us, Ero. We’ll show you how to really enjoy Singles Awareness Day,” she says with a grin.

Erica claps her hands, excitement lighting up her face.

“Ooh, maybe we can play some games later! You know, to liven things up.”

She shoots me a friendly smile, and I can’t help but smile back.

Finally, Avonlea’s voice breaks through, low and teasing.

“Well, well, the prodigal friend returns. And just in time for our little... celebration.”

Her dark brown eyes scan my outfit, as if weighing my worth in this lively gathering.

I take in the scene around me. The television plays “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” while popcorn, candy, and drinks are scattered haphazardly across the room.

“Girls, the pleasure is all mine. Thank you for letting me crash this party. I promise, I’ll do whatever it takes to make your Anti-Valentine’s Day celebration the best ever. It’s just so good seeing Bianca again. I hope you’re okay with us catching up for a bit. Does anyone need a refill on their drinks?”

The girls giggle and nod approvingly at your offer to help out. Mia bounces up from the couch, her crop top riding up to expose more of her toned midriff.

“Aww, aren't you sweet! I could definitely use another Truly”

She bats her lashes at you flirtatiously. Brooklyn stretches languidly, her yellow satin top straining against her curves.

“Make that two, handsome. And maybe grab some more snacks while you're at it?”

She pats her flat tummy with a grin. Erica pipes up eagerly,

“Ooh yes, please! Some more candy would be amazing. You're the best, Ero!”

She beams at you, her green eyes sparkling with warmth and a hint of mischief.

I take the girls' drink orders and fix myself a vodka mixed with a coconut LaCroix on ice with a little lime juice. I put the drinks on a large tray. I pop two more bags of popcorn and pour them into a large bowl, and grab an economy-size bag of mini candy bars. Balancing everything perfectly and hoping I don't fall, I return to the girls.

As I walk back in balancing the tray of drinks, popcorn, and candy, the girls all cheer and applaud.

“Yay, refreshments!”

Mia grabs her Truly and takes a big theatrical swallow, some dribbling down her chin. She giggles and wipes it away with the back of her hand. Brooklyn snatches up a handful of mini candy bars, unwrapping one and popping it into her mouth.

“Mmm, you sure know how to treat a girl right, Ero,” she mumbles around the chocolate, giving you a playful wink.

Erica reaches for her drink, her fingers brushing against yours as she takes it.

“Thank you so much, you're a lifesaver!”

She takes a sip, then turns to Bianca with a grin.

“Your boyfriend here is pretty useful to have around, B.” Bianca rolls her eyes and grins.

“Not my boyfriend, Erica, just a boy who happens to be my best friend in the world. But yes, Ero can be very helpful.”

To be continued in chapter 2...