Page 9 of Palm South University: Season 2

Oh no. This can’t be good.

“Why do I feel like I should run in the other direction?”

They both laugh, and I notice Bo hooking her pinky in the jean pocket of Ashlei’s shorts.

“The Kappa Kappa Beta date auction is coming up. We think you should be one of the girls we sell.”

I blanch. “Um, absolutely not.”

“Come on!” Bo pleads. “You’re the only redhead we have and you’re smoking hot. I know you could bring in some big bucks.”

“Bo is Co-Community Chair this semester, so she really wants to try to outdo last year’s results,” Ashlei adds. “It’ll be fun, Cassie. Promise.”

I sigh. “Are you going to badger me until I give in?” They both nod, grinning, and I just shake my head. “Fine. But you two owe me.”

Bo squeals. “Yay! Thank you, thank you, thank you!” She wraps her petite arms around me and I pat her back in return.

“Don’t worry, we’ll pay you back in the form of shots on your first Spring Break.” Ashlei winks, lifting her cup before taking a sip.

“That doesn’t sound like fair payment.”

“That’s because you haven’t been on a Spring Break yet.”

“Touché.”

Bo hooks Ashlei by the crook of her elbow, dragging her toward the living room. “Speaking of Spring Break, we need to sweat off some pounds. Let’s dance!”

Ashlei tries to grab my hand, but I pull back. “I’ll be right there. Just going to get a refill,” I say, wiggling my empty cup in the air. Bo blows me a kiss and then they disappear into the crowd and I lean back against the wall.

I’m not sure why I’m feeling so off. I haven’t seen Clay or Paris since I got back from Winter Break, but the wounds they inflicted still feel so fresh. Thinking of the talk I had with my sister when I was home, I push myself off the wall and head for the kitchen.

Don’t let anyone else have that much power over your emotions, Cassie. College is an amazing experience, but it’s up to you to ignore the drama and focus on the good. Avoid silly boys, ignore spiteful girls, and don’t be afraid to have fun.

I think it’s time for a shot.

IT ONLY TAKES ME AN HOURto get into the party spirit. I guess whiskey will do that to you.

I’m already sweating from dancing with the girls, so I squeeze my way through the crowd to the back porch to get some fresh air. When the cool January breeze hits my skin, I sigh with relief, leaning my forearms on the railing.

“Water?” He asks, and I know it’s him before I even turn around. My heart picking up speed, I turn at the hips and take the water from Adam’s hand, offering a small smile.

“Thank you.”

“No problem. You girls are fun to watch.”

“Creeper.”

He smirks. “Can’t help it.”

“I’m surprised you’re not out there dancing with Skyler.” I don’t know why the words sound so bitter when they leave my lips. I don’t care that he’s dating Skyler. I’m happy for them.

Truly, I am.

“Sometimes it’s more fun to watch.” His eyes light with an intensity at those words, his white teeth blazing against his tan skin as he smiles wider. I quickly take a drink of my water.

“Congratulations on your rush. I heard it was the best Alpha Sig has had in a long time. Stole a lot of guys Omega Chi wanted.”

Adam beams. “Yeah, thank you. I’m pretty stoked about it. The pledges are all really excited to be here and to make a great name for our fraternity.”