Page 10 of Palm South University: Season 3
IT’S A LITTLE SURREAL,standing in the backyard and watching our new Kappa Kappa Beta sisters. Well, they’re not quite sisters yet, but they’ve accepted their bids, and I still remember what that feels like. They’ve all changed into swim suits and cover ups, and now they’re taking pictures, throwing up the KKB hand sign and starting friendships that will last long after we leave Palm South.
I can’t believe it’s already been a year since I was in their shoes, and thinking back on everything that’s happened in the last year, I can’t help but smile. It’s been a wild ride, and I know there’s still so much left to come.
“You sure you don’t want to take a Little Sister this semester?” Skyler asks, sidling up next to me and offering me a sip from her Tervis tumbler. We’re not supposed to drink at the KKB house, but the rules are always broken on Bid Day, and I take a long pull before handing it back to her.
“Yeah, I’m sure. My classes are going to be really tough this year and I just want to get my footing before I try to be a mentor for anyone else.”
“That’s fair,” she says, smiling.
She looks tired, eyes outlined by dark circles. I didn’t go to the Omega Chi party last night, but news about what happened made its way across campus by the time I woke up. Skyler was at the O Chi house all night, trying to make sure Clinton was okay, which I’m sure isn’t the case.
“I think it’s smart of you to focus on yourself for a while. Better than ending up like me.”
“What does that mean?” I ask, nudging her. “You’re the most bad-ass person I know.”
She chuckles, running a hand roughly through her hair and twisting it over her shoulder. “A bad ass without a major. I have no idea what I’m doing, Little.”
I frown, rubbing her arm gently. “You’ll figure it out. You’ve got plenty of time.”
She nods, smiling softly, but then a yawn overtakes her. “I can’t believe I’m being this lame, but I’m going to sneak upstairs for a nap. If Erin asks, can you just tell her I’m not feeling well?”
“Don’t worry about her, she’s got plenty to keep her busy,” I say, nodding to where Erin is coordinating a group photo of the new recruits. She wanted the best of the best, and she got them. I’m proud of her, and I know I’m not the only one.
Skyler yawns again, offering me a half wave before ducking inside.
And then someone bumps into me from behind, knocking me off balance.
“Whoa!” A deep voice says, and I know the voice, know it too well, which is probably why my entire body reacts at the feel of two strong hands steadying me. “Sorry about that.”
I spin, his hands still on my waist as I peer up at him. “You’re kidding, right?”
Adam grins, and my stomach twists into a tight sailor’s knot. “Couldn’t help myself. Had to reenact the first time we met.”
“You’re so stupid,” I say with a laugh, pushing two hands into his chest to put distance between us.
He removes his hands from my hips, tucking them into the pockets of his navy blue and white swim trunks, instead. I trace the muscles of his arms, remembering what they looked like without a t-shirt covering them. How has he changed so much over just one summer? It’s like he left Palm South University a boy and came back a man.
I have no idea how to act around him now, not after how last semester ended. We crossed over the feather-light line drawn between friendship and something more, and now I don’t know what to do without its boundaries.
“How are your classes this semester? Full schedule?” he finally asks, pushing his sunglasses up onto his head.
“Yeah, I’m sure you’ll find me in the library most of the year. I have more lab hours than a white rat.”
He chuckles. “Well, before classes take over your life, can I ask you for a favor?”
“Uh-oh.”
Adam takes a step toward me, pulling his hands from his pockets to place them together over his chest in apleasegesture. “Just do this one thing for me and I’ll owe you.”
“Spit it out already,” I tease.
“We’re gearing up for the concert, since the one I hosted last year ended up being such a success. But now, it’s year two, and whereas last year no one had any idea of what to expect, this year, they’re going to want bigger and better. I’m working on the lineups and I’ve got the bar covered, but one of the biggest complaints last year was the guys-to-girls ratio. If you haven’t noticed, a lot of the fraternities aren’t exactly a fan of little Alpha Sigma excelling at something.”
I sigh. “That’s so stupid. We’re all a part of the Greek community, why is it always some big competition?”
“I don’t know,” he answers. “But I need your help. I have a reservation in front of the Student Union three days this week to campaign for the concert. I can get the girls,” he says with a cocky smirk. I roll my eyes as he continues. “But I could really use your help with the guys.”
“You realize I’m like the literal last person in the world to depend on for good flirting, right?”