Looking Beyond

Chapter 1: What Not To Wear

     "I'm concerned Sav." Brea looked at her close friend and roommate.

     "About what?" Savannah questioned while fixing her make up.

     "It's just...we've been here almost a year and we've NEVER had to clean up after the guys. I mean, dishes are fine – we all take our turns with that, but still, I thought that living in a houseful of guys would be a lot..."

     Savannah laughed. "Almost a year and you're that clueless? Hello, Dan? Honestly, you work so much with him that his obliviousness has rubbed off onto you." Her eyes brightened as she mentioned his name.

     Brea rolled her eyes. "I forgot about Dan." She picked at a string on her shirt. "Speaking of which, why does he act like he's the oldest?"

     "Because you and Erik have your heads in the clouds so much that y'all can't be bothered to act more mature." Savannah shot back in response.

     Brea stuck her tongue out. "You're always saying that about us. You're just jealous because we're forever young!" Savannah snorted. "That and because you're mad that Dan hasn't noticed how you feel about him."

     Savannah glared at her friend. "Low blow." She ran her hand under her hair. "He'll notice me soon enough."

     A baseball cap covered head popped alongside their open door. "Is she trying to convince herself that Dan will pay attention to her?"

     "When isn't she?" Brea retorted.

     Erik stepped into the room. "Vannah-Girl...give it up." He slid up beside Savannah. "I'm all the man you'll ever need." His eyes twinkled as a grin spread across his face.

     "You say that to all of the girls..." Savannah crossed her arms over her chest.

     "Only because I'm that much man Vannah." He spread his arms out wide and continued. "I have yet to meet a single woman who could handle all of this."

     "Moving along..." Brea changed the subject. "What should I do about Trevor? He's got tonight off from work and I reminded him to meet us here at six."

     "He should be here soon." Erik mentioned as he looked at Brea closely. His eyes narrowed as he took in her outfit: jeans and a t-shirt. He frowned. "You aren't wearing THAT." He waved his hands in front of her.

     "What's wrong with this? Sav said that dinner was going to be casual!" Brea asked defensively.

     Savannah looked at Erik. "You don't know what you're doing."

     "Of course I do!" Erik headed towards the closet.

     "You dressed yourself, and you have a shirt tied around your waist." She pointed out to him.

     "I'm a guy, and I look dope!"

     "Keep telling yourself that!"

      "Hey! Over here! I was trying to ask for help about talking to Trevor, not fashion advice. Need I remind you that this is Trevor we're talking about? He LIVES in shorts and tank tops." Brea tried to get the attention of the arguing pair.

     Erik rolled his eyes. "He's got that 'SoCal vibe' goin'."

     "That he does, but you...Little Miss East Coast, can't pull it off. You need something more..." Savannah added.

     "More flirty! Something that says 'I'm interested, but I'm not desperate.'" Erik chimed in.

     Savannah riffled through Brea's half of the closet. "Have you learned NOTHING from me? Not one single piece of clothing that reveals the slightest bit of cleavage? You haven't worn anything remotely sexy since before things ended with you and Shane!" She dug into her own side of the closet.