Chapter 4: Ophelia

Chapter 4: Ophelia

It’s the moment.

I should have stopped to fix my hair, but when I saw that guy about to walk in, I knew I had to seize the opportunity. I wasn’t sure how I was going to record the whole thing, but fate put him in my path.

It’s like it was meant to be. I just hope my bangs have lasted.

Except, this is not at all what I pictured. Firstly, I’ve got to go up steps to get into the house, hauling my overstuffed bag behind me. Not exactly the easiest thing to maneuver. Next, it’s wall-to-wall people. And holy hell, it’s hot in here.

Dammit, if my bangs were still looking good, that’s no longer the case. I can feel my hair both frizzing and going flat simultaneously, tendrils springing out in the most unattractive way while also sticking to my face as if covered in glue. Sweat is pouring down my back where my backpack now seems to weigh a thousand pounds. I feel my chest grow damp as well as my armpits.

I’m going to smell like a dirty sock by the time I find Trent in this crowd.

Also, this is not what I thought he meant when he said he was going to have a few guys from the team over. Last I checked, the Baltimore Terrors do not have this much cleavage.

I pull my shoulders in slightly, straining against the straps of my bag, trying to camouflage my C-cup chest that now feels woefully inadequate. Not to mention, I’m dressed like a suburban mom in my ankle jeans, a comfy striped T, and a hoodie. I’m normally content with my short, curvy size six frame, but in this room … let’s just say this is not the ego boost I was hoping for.

I should have thought this through better, but it’s par for the course for me. I either overthink and can’t do anything, or I jump in without thinking at all. This seems like it’s falling into the latter category with each passing second. Still, I turn to the guy holding my phone and smile. "Well, I guess it’s time to find him. Make sure you get his reaction, okay?"

And then I see Trent. He’s on his couch. It’s the same one he’s had since college, and I know it’s seen better days. Good thing he’s got a sheet over it.

But man, he looks good.

"Trent!" I call out, trying to make my voice heard above the din. The party goes quiet for a moment, except for the kicking bass in the background. I don’t think I’d even heard the music when I walked in. Then voices rise, excited about Trent’s surprise.

It’s so nice that he has people who support him and are happy for him.

"Trent! Surprise! I’m here." I throw my arms open wide, leaving my suitcase as I step toward him. The overstuffed backpack makes it awkward to move, and I’m legit scared I’m going to tip over backward.

Slowly, he stands up. His eyes grow wide and his mouth forms an O.

I did it. I pulled off the surprise of the century.

This is so going in my book.

I squeal, attempting to raise my shoulders in excitement. "I know! I couldn’t wait until the end of the season to see you." I’m still standing there, arms wide open. His face grows flushed, and he runs his hand through his blonde hair, which is what he normally does when he’s nervous. Aww, that’s so sweet! He’s so surprised that he doesn’t know what to make of it all. After a moment, he steps toward me, and I throw my arms around him. Tears threaten to fill my eyes, I’m so happy.

I didn’t even realize how much I missed him.

Still nestled against Trent’s chest, I turn my head toward the guy with my phone. His face is stony. Definitely not into the moving sentiment of my gesture. He probably doesn’t have a romantic bone in his body. You can see it in his blank expression.

Whatever.

I don’t need him to be romantic. I just need him to have accurately recorded my romance awesomeness.

"Thanks," I mouth, taking my phone back.

I cannot wait to post this video. People are going to love it.

Trent still hasn’t said anything. The noise level has resumed, and if possible, is even louder than before. I’ve stunned him speechless. This is an even better reaction than I’d hoped for. And I’ve got it documented forever.

One day, we’re going to look back at this pivotal moment in our relationship and smile.

"Aren’t you excited that I’m here, babe?" I look up at him, hopeful. He blinks rapidly, his pupils wide in disbelief, like I’m too good to be true. "Where can I drop my stuff?"

"Uh, bedroom’s upstairs." Trent jerks his head toward the stairs. "I just hope no one steals your stuff. Imma get another drink. Why don’t I get you one while you put your stuff away?"

Trent heads toward the kitchen. Okay then.

He’s too stunned to process this. That’s all. I admit it is out of character for me. Usually, I think about grand gestures, but I wait for them to happen to me. This is the first time I’ve tried to make it happen myself.

And I totally pulled it off.

I haul my stuff up the stairs, looking at the flight as if it might be Mount Everest. With all these pro-athletes here, or who I at least assume to be athletes due to the high percentage of joggers and T-shirts, you’d think someone would offer to help me carry my bags up.

I guess chivalry is dead.

Or at least sleeping.

Or possibly drunk.

Once in the room, I pretty much collapse on the bed. This is not what I had in mind in terms of falling into Trent’s bed the moment I walked through the door. Of course, now I’m so gross and smelly that I don’t want him near any of my lady bits and all my anticipatory horniness has worn off like a cheap perfume.

There’s no way I can be all sexy without a shower, and there’s no way in hell I’m showering in a house full of people.

I guess the maid costume will have to wait for tomorrow night.

Not to mention that people keep passing through the bedroom like it’s the terminal at Logan on their way to the roof deck. And Trent still hasn’t come to find me yet. I bet he’s working on getting rid of everyone so we can spend some time alone.

That sounds like a good plan.

While I wait for the place to clear out, I’m going to upload my video to ClikClak. Of course, I’ve got to set it to Ellie Goulding. It’s like the song was meant for us.

It’s so good. I don’t need to edit it at all. The guy from the street captured it perfectly. I walk in, navigating the crowd, and then there Trent is, too stunned to speak as the music climaxes. Like it’s too good to be true, and he can’t believe his eyes. This is what true love and happiness look like, I add in my hashtags, #liainlove, #romanticsurprise, and of course #xoxo, and then I post it.

Now, all I have to do is wait for people to see it. That, and for Trent to come upstairs to me.