I set the envelope on the table between chemistry formulas and pack dynamics theory.
"It’s here," I announce, voice smaller than I'd like.
Calder looks up from his reading, something flickering across his face.
“Snap.” Tyler produces an identical envelope. Julian follows suit.
Each envelope is addressed in formal calligraphy:
Mr. Tyler Vale
Mr. Julian Cross
Miss Elowen Rowan
I open mine with careful fingers. The card inside is even more formal than the envelope.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ashford
request the pleasure of your company
for dinner at the Ashford Estate.
Saturday, November 21,
6.30 PM for drinks in the drawing room.
Formal attire requested.
"Formal attire," I read aloud. "Requested.Saturday. Before we meet Julian’s family."
I feel Calder's attention sharpen. Tyler and Julian exchange glances.
"It's only dinner," Calder says. "My mother wanted proper introductions. "
"At your family estate," I point out.
"You'll be fine," Tyler assures me. "You've met them before."
"On campus. In regular clothes. Not at their estate wearing formal attire." My hands are shaking. I set the invitation down before I crumple it. "I don't… What does that even mean?"
"Elowen—" Calder starts.
"I need to call Lila." I pick the invitation back up and pull out my phone. "I need… just give me a minute."
I step away from the table before anyone can respond.
"Emergency," I say when she answers. "My room. Can you come now? Please."
"On my way," she says immediately. "Five minutes."
I turn back to my pack. "I'm going to meet Lila. Girl crisis. I'll see you later?"
"We'll be at my place after this," Calder says. "Come by when you're done?"
I nod, already heading for the library exit.
I pace my dorm room waiting for Lila to arrive.
