JeffMads Modern AU | Year 1 {Complete}

How to Act Taught By Two Non-Actors

Dolley said we needed to be prepared for spring break. We had to have the act down if we stood a chance. I argued that'd we'd already dated for two years, what's another week?

She insisted we went on practice dates and that she posted on her Instagram, Snapchat, and texted her parents to make it all the more believable.

Our first victim was an old vinyl shop, then figure skating (with lessons of course!), and finally a late lunch at the best restaurant in town. All in an afternoon. Yes, she already had it all planned. So much for me showing her around.

But first, it was decided we'd go back to my dorm so I could get better dressed for the elements. And I pretty sure Dolley had an ulterior motive—she wanted to meet my friends.

Which, at the moment, I didn't really have.

I had forgotten my keys so I held my breath hoping for the best as I knocked on the door.

Fortunately, Samuel answered.

"I was beginning to think you got lost out there. It's been four hours."

"Yeah, I know."

"Who's your friend?"

I glanced back at Dolley, who nodded, an encouraging smile on her face.

"This is the one and only Dolley Todd. Dolley, this is my roommate Samuel Seabury."

Samuel looked suspicious. "Do you go here?"

"Not currently. I'm a senior, and I'm considering going here." She kept talking as we walked inside.

I grabbed a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, a sweater, wool socks, and went to the bathroom to change. I could hear the muffled conversation from the two.

I emerged and found they were talking about Dancing With The Stars, figures. 

"Oh, I know! Did you see the pirouette into the dip!? It was so smooth and graceful! I really hope they win." 

"Nah, you know, I'm more of a Mar--" 

I cut Samuel off.

"You ready?" I asked Dolley.

Her whole face lit up. "Yes! I'm so excited!" 

###

"Hey, James, smile!" Dolley held her phone camera so it was pointed through the middle of an on clearance, old record. 

I put down the "Gypsy" vinyl I was looking at, which reminded me of Maria and flashed my best warm smile at her. 

"You look great!" She laughed.

She slid her bedazzled phone back into her pocket, picking up her already growing stack. 

I turned back to the stack of musical LPs. Maria's birthday was coming up... I chose "Little Shop Of Horrors." If we weren't back to normal by March 30th, then I'd give it to one of the Schuyler sisters to give it to her. 

I hoped things were back to normal in a month. There was no way to be sure. 

Dolley walked up behind me. 

"Mmm, since when do you like musicals?" 

"I don't." I chuckled from her sarcasm. "It's for a friend." 

"You ready then?" 

"Yeah." 

She took the vinyl from me. 

"I was going to pay--"

She smiled her wonderful smile of hers. "This whole day is for you. In return for helping me!"