The Full Ride

Pink Cowboy Hat-3

It turned out the fashion show featured underwear and bathing suits—I should have figured since it was Rio. I was in the audience watching for Marc. Holy cow, he came out in black briefs that were almost sheer. His body was oiled. His face oozed confidence. Remember how I said his looks would stun you? My mind was blitzed. I wanted nothing but to fall at his feet and worship.

He gave me a mischievous wink before turning and pacing down the catwalk. I felt the heat rise in the room as the entire audience watched his miraculous backside shifting with every step. Someone behind me said, “That ass!” I hardly had the presence of mind to take pictures with my phone. Yes, me, the photographer, almost too overwhelmed to shoot a photo. There’s a first time for everything.

Of course, I sent the pictures to Pete. I couldn’t help but brag. “We spent the night together,” I said in a text. “He’s so much better than I dreamed.”

Marc and I were at a steakhouse for dinner when Pete buzzed me back. “Fine. You win and you’re right. He is amazing.”

I felt a triumphant smirk come over my face, and Marc asked me what was up. Before I could stop myself, I explained how Pete said I would never do better, and now I had. Clearly and absolutely.

Marc frowned. “So…this is about a competition? About getting back at someone?”

Shit. “No! Not at all! I’ve wanted to meet you for months and months! I’m crazy about you.”

He got up from his chair. “I feel like a conquest. I don’t like that.”

“I don’t see you that way. I promise.”

He put some money on the table. “Finish your meal. I want to be alone for a while.”

I closed my eyes in anguish. Was he right? Was I using him because of his looks? Was that all that mattered?

I mulled over what Cristiano had said. Looking at Marc makes me happy. It’s fair to want that, isn’t it? Or am I a “dime-a-dozen” guy?

Maybe it would be shallow of me if his beauty was all I cared about. But Marc seemed like such a sweetheart. The tightness in my gut and behind my eyes was something I hadn’t felt before. Yes, looking at Marc made me happy, but all I could think about was making him happy.

I arrived at the hotel, prepared to plead my case, when something pink caught my eye. On one of the lobby couches, Marc had left his hat, his phone, and his math book. I collected them and brought them upstairs. All I found was a note. He said he was sorry, but he’d decided to go back to Prague early. Damn it. Hey, wait a minute. Luck was still on my side, wasn’t it?

I called my mom again. She wasn’t happy.

“Prague, now? If you’re this reckless with money, Trip, we’re not going to get you a condo when you graduate. You’re going to have to live with us until you calm down.”

I didn’t hesitate. “I understand. I’ll live with you guys if it means I can go.”

I could hear my mom’s disbelief. “Wow, Trip. Really? Well, if it’s that important to you.”

We hung up, and I called the concierge.

“Could you find me the first flight to Prague? First class? No, wait…coach.”