Chase lets go of my hand, but doesn’t drop eye contact as he responds to Tank. “I’m just trying to give them a warm welcome, that’s all.”
His dimples are showing as he smiles at me, and I get instant butterflies.
What the hell is going on here?
“Will I see you tonight at the mixer?”
I look over to Simone and Lani, who are just staring in fascination. They say nothing—No help.
“Um… I’m not in the sorority.” I tell him, trying not to be awkward.
“Oh, girl, it’s not a closed party,” Joy says. “You two should come!”
“Speaking of the party,” Ava pipes in. “Chop chop, boys. I made you come over to do all the heavy lifting of setting up for us.”
Ryan wraps an arm around her. “We got it, babe. Just tell us what you need us to do. It’s kinda sexy when you boss me around.”
She shakes her head at him, smiling. “Come on. I’ll show you what to do before I have to run a couple of errands. And you said Simone, right?—” she asks, turning back to us. Simone nods her head. “The spirit shirts are in the dining room in boxes. Just find your size and take a couple.”
“Okay, cool. Thanks.”
Then the boys all start to walk away, following Ava.
Chase stops and looks back at me once more. “So Iamgoing to see you tonight then, right?”
I have no idea where my sudden confidence comes from as I flirt back a little. “I guess you’ll just have to find out by looking for me.”
He gives me a touché nod. “I like a challenge,” and then he winks at me. “I’ll see you tonight, Lydia.”
I shrug. “Maybe.”
When they’re out of sight, Joy tells Simone she has a couple of things to do, but to grab her shirts and be here tonight at nine. All pledges have to be here before the mixer starts.
When she walks away, both Lani and Simone turn to me, faces in pure shock.
“What…the hell…was that?”
I try to play it off, acting confused—‘cause honestly,what the hell was that,is right. “What?”
“You were totally flirting with him!” Simone whisper-shouts.
“Was I?”
“Stop playing stupid,” Lani deadpans.
I giggle a little, and Simone’s jaw drops open.
“You were! I knew it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you flirt before,” she ponders. “That was kindahot.”
I wave her off. “It was harmless. It’s not like I’m really going to the party…I have too much schoolwork to catch up on—”
“Oh no!” Simone interrupts. “You’redefinitelycoming! Are you kidding me?”
“Simone—”
“No, I’m with Simone here,” Lani agrees. “We’redefinitelygoing. How can younotwant to see him again? I mean, did youseehim?”
I roll my eyes at her. “Yes, I saw him…He’s just a pretty-faced frat boy. No good can come from those.”
