A Summer to Remember

were neatly color coordinated and arranged by sleeve length.
    “Well, we had originally planned on going to the annual party at the frat house, right?” I laid out the three outfit choices and shoes I brought on Lily’s bed. I examined each outfit carefully, trying to make a decision.
    “Yeah, but I wasn’t sure if it was still something you wanted to do since Jason is going to be there and I’m sure his little tagalong Cally will be there, too.” She walked out of her closet, outfit in hand.
    “We’ve been looking forward to this party since freshman year! I think I can put my sorrows away for one night.” The annual party at the frat house was a huge end of year party where the college kids and the graduates were able to get together and see what would be in store for next year. They’d been throwing this party for as long as I could remember.
    “The frat party it is, then.” She grinned at me. “You have to wear that red top!” She pointed to one of my outfits I had spread across her bed.
    “Are you sure it’s not too dressy?” I held it up. I always loved this top because it fit all my best features perfectly, but wasn’t too revealing in the chest. Not like I had much to show, anyway. And the red silk felt amazingly soft.
    “Girl, pair that with those dark jeans and zip up black heels and when those frat guys see you, you’ll have Jason wishing he never let you go!” She walked into her bathroom and shut the door behind her.
    “The red one it is, then.” Lily never failed to make me smile.
    When we finished getting dressed, we shared the bathroom mirror to do our hair and apply our makeup. I loved getting dressed up, even if it was only for dinner and a movie.
    “Steven said he just got a cab and he’s heading this way. We’ll go grab something to eat then head to the party after.”
    “All right, sounds good. Is he by himself?” I added a few more sprits of hairspray to my curled hair.
    “I think just Jesse is with him.” She waved her hand in front of her face in an attempt to clear the air so she could breathe.
    “Okay, cool.”
    “I think they’re here. Are you ready?”
    “Ready as I’ll ever be.”
    When we got down to the cab, Lily crawled into the back of the van with Steven, and Jesse and I each sat in a bucket seat. Jesse has been friends with Steven and Jason for as long as I can remember. I met him when Jason and I started dating. He’s always been a super nice guy.
    “Hey,” I said to Jesse as I closed the van door behind me.
    “Hey, I’m sorry to hear about you and Jason,” he said, sounding genuinely concerned.
    “Thanks.” I’m a little shocked he bothered to say anything about the break up. I mean he’s always been super nice to me but I didn’t think guys cared about that kind of thing. “I’m sure everyone knows by now, huh? Word travels like a wildfire at that school.”
    “Yeah, I’m sure. I bet by the end of tonight they’ll all have something else to talk about.” He smiled at me.
    “I’m sure you’re right.” I laughed.
    “You know, I think he made a big mistake. You’re a great girl. Even though he’s my friend, he’s never treated you the way you should be treated. You could do better.” Jesse turned to look out the window. I took a minute to regroup my thoughts; I wasn’t really sure what to say to that. Was he just being nice or was he hitting on me?
    “Thanks, Jesse, that’s really sweet.” I smiled even though he was trying to avoid looking at me.
    “Anytime.” He forced himself to look at me for a minute and smiled.
    When we pulled up to the pub to eat, the guys decided to go in and see how long it would take for us to get a table. Since it was graduation night, a lot of the restaurants were going to be packed. Jesse has a cousin who works as a hostess here so hopefully if she’s working we can get in fast.
    “Okay, what the hell was all that ‘he never treated you right you could do better’ talk about?” Lily crossed her arms and waited for an answer.
    “I have no idea—I was wondering that same thing. We’ve only been broken up for all of what? Two hours? And I already have his friends hitting on me? Great!” I couldn’t keep the sarcasm out of my voice and Lily couldn’t help but laugh.
    “I must admit, it was cute, though.”
    “Only cute because he was saying it to me and not you! I mean, he’s a really nice guy. but he’s just not my type. So if this is something you and Steven are trying to