AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I inhale sharply at the elegant chandelier hanging overhead, its light touching every surface from here to the second-floor balcony. The floors are a stunning hardwood and impeccably clean — possibly enough to eat off of, though I’m not eager to test that assumption.
And throw pillows. So many throw pillows.
The house is already packed with people, from pledges like myself to current Beta Kappa Beauties, along with a few legacy sisters like Courtney. Instantly overwhelmed by various voices, I stay close to Courtney.
“Mimosa?” Courtney offers after a moment, clearly enjoying herself as she watches me look around.
“Sure,” I say.
I follow her through the foyer into the living room where the drink cart is. Picture frames line the walls, highlighting Beta Kappa’s many success stories. Doctors and lawyers. Popstars and politicians. And Courtney Morgan herself, the announcement of her inevitable star-making off-Broadway debut in a Joey Brywood production displayed in the center.
I smile. So damn proud of her.
Courtney greets a few girls passing us by, then pours our drinks. “You look different,” she says, eying me.
I ignore the stiffness in my spine. “Different?” I ask. “How so?”
“I don’t know. You seem poised.”
“Poised?”
“Fair. Graceful.” She smirks, a smile full of mischief. “Practically regal.”
I sigh. “Why didn’t you warn me about that Princess of Delta Xi stuff?”
“And ruin the surprise? Heavens, no!” She raises a wineglass to her lips. “Every girl wonders what it would be like to be a princess — and I wasn’t about to spoil the experience for my good friend, Dana Darling Kirby. Now, cheers.” She offers me the second wineglass. “Don’t worry, it’s virgin. Just like you,” she adds.
I accept it with red-hot cheeks, happy her quip wasn’t within earshot of anyone else. “Cheers,” I say, bowing my head before taking a sip.
Practically regal indeed.
“So, I hear you want to have sex with my brother.”
I cover my mouth before spitting sparking orange juice all over the wall.
Courtney cackles, a hand slapping my back. “Relax, your highness,” she says.
“Where did you hear about that?” I ask, mortified.
“From Connor. Who else?”
“Connor?”
She nods. “He was concerned.”
“He was?”
“He doesn’t want sex to affect your oh-so-important lifelong friendship. It’s understandable.”
I wipe my lips. “And what do you think?” I ask.
“Truthfully, I’m all for it.” Another sage-like nod. “In fact, I’m surprised I didn’t see it coming.”
“Really?”
“Just ‘tween us girls,” Courtney leans closer, “he’s always had a thing for you.”
I blink.
