Page 28

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SAWYER

T he week before Thanksgiving is busy and kind of absurd. Jamie is so swamped I only meet up with him once for sex, at two o’clock on a Wednesday afternoon. Meanwhile, Ash and I are practically conjoined twins when not in class. We get coffee, study in the library, work out, eat meals and attend parties together. It’s the most fun I’ve had on campus by far. She makes me laugh so much I forget to panic about the Briar Club vote and the upcoming holiday with the Allendale family.

On Friday morning, Ash and I are each lying in our beds, sipping hot chocolate and trying to study when my phone rings from an unknown number.

“Who?” Ash asks. I’ve come to realize she doesn’t actually care who it is, nor is she truly interested in what they want. It’s just her way of staying connected in the friendship.

“Unknown caller.” I cock my head with mock curiosity. “Secret Admirer? Nigerian Prince?”

Doing a swiping motion with her index finger, she says, “Voicemail.” Her attention goes back to her screen.

The number’s local, so less likely to be a random scammer.

“What if I’ve inherited two million dollars, and I’m about to lose it because they don’t have my banking information? Can’t risk that.” I swipe to answer. “Hello?”

“Sawyer?” It’s a slightly squeaky female voice that sounds vaguely familiar.

“Yes, this is Sawyer.”

“Hi, it’s Billie Goggins, Briar Club VP.”

All the air leaves my lungs in an instant. I try to speak but instead make a tiny croaking sound. Ash’s head turns and, seeing my face, she sits up. The rushing sound in my ears is so loud, I only half hear Billie’s next words.

“I wanted to call you personally to let you know, you’re in.”

Sucking in a breath, I mumble, “Sorry… couldn’t hear. Did you say I’ve been accepted?”

“Yes. Congratulations. Welcome to the Briar Club.”

“Oh, my God,” I whisper. “Thank you! I’m so happy.”

She chuckles. “You earned it. In a few minutes, you’ll get an email with details about the Induction Ceremony. Members only.”

“Perfect…. perfect.” Sitting up, I exhale. “I’m—Is the Induction Ceremony where new members get their bracelets?”

“Let’s not jump ahead, okay? The emails will have all the information you need.”

My lips go dry, and my heart pounds. I really want to be able to wear the bracelet for the holiday get-together with my Allendale grandparents, but I force my voice to sound chill. “Of course. Thanks for the call, Billie.”

“Happy to do it. See you soon.”

The instant the call has safely ended, I fall back onto my bed and scream triumphantly.

Ash drops onto her side, facing me. “Two million Nigerian royal dollars? That’s so awesome, babes.”

We both laugh.

I tell her about my acceptance to the club, and we celebrate by adding an ounce of Bailey’s to our hot chocolate and dancing to Tronex as we hang holiday lights around our window.

After we return to studying, I can’t concentrate. I’m excited about the club, of course, but there’s a downside. My deal with Jamie was that he would help me get in and until then , I would be his plaything. I can’t help but wonder when the last time we’ll have sex will be. With a plunging stomach, I realize I may already have had it.

As I’m opening my official email from the club, I wonder what the hell is up with me. I’ve worked for this for years. I’m about to be a new member of one of the most powerful feminist organizations in the country. But, at the same time, I have to admit, if only to myself, that I’m not tired of being the sex toy of an Irish rower.