by Blythe Reid
He laughed. “No, not at all. Honestly, that is the last thing I want.”
“What do you want then?” I asked.
Lucien paused, his eyebrows knitted together. I could tell he was thinking about his answer, wanting to get it right.
“I don’t know,” he finally admitted. “I know that sounds silly, but it’s the truth. I really don’t know.”
“Well, that’s okay,” I said, smiling kindly. “I don’t know, either.”
“Really?” he asked. Relief crossed his face, like he was happy someone else was undecided.
“Really,” I nodded. “I’m just finishing school, and then, I don’t know what I’ll do.”
“I guess we have that in common,” Lucien said.
I smiled wider and nodded. It felt good to share something with him. I suddenly felt less intimidated by his charismatic spirit. If someone as bright and lively as Lucien could be undecided about his future, then maybe I wasn’t as far behind as I thought. I was just like other people my age.
It felt nice to sit and talk with Lucien throughout the flight. Sooner than I wished, we were preparing to land in New York. I strained my neck, trying to see out the window. When I caught my first glimpse of the skyline, I felt like a child at Christmas time. My entire body vibrated with excitement.
I couldn’t wait to walk the streets of the city and lose myself in this new way of life. By the time the plane touched down, I was beyond ready for an adventure. I felt like I’d already had one, just by talking to Lucien. He was my first New York adventure, and I couldn’t wait to experience even more.
As we got off the plane, Lucien and Adam walked beside me, chatting my ear off about New York. They each told me about different restaurants and clubs I had to check out. I made a mental note to remember everything they said, but it was too much. I couldn’t possibly remember everything.
“Thanks guys,” I said with a laugh. “But I don’t think I can remember all of that.”
“Here,” Lucien said. He pulled his phone from his pocket and handed it to me. “Give me yours. We’ll trade numbers. That way we can keep in touch. I can show you all these places myself.”
“Sure,” I said. I took his phone and handed him mine.
Typing my number into Lucien’s phone gave me such a rush of adrenaline that I felt more awake than ever. I hadn’t slept a wink on the plane, so I should have been exhausted, but I wasn’t. Just being in Lucien’s presence was enough to keep me energized.
“Thanks,” Lucien said when I handed his phone back. He gave me mine, and I tucked it in my back pocket. “Well, I guess I’ll see you around, Scarlet.”
“Yeah,” I nodded. “I hope so.”
I watched as Lucien and Adam walked away, leaving me alone in the airport. At first, I couldn’t move. I felt cemented to the ground, just reliving everything about my flight. Then, with a smile on my face, I took my first step into New York.
7
Lucien
We arrived back in New York early on Saturday morning. I was in desperate need of sleep, but I couldn’t turn my mind off. Ever since I met Scarlet, she had been occupying my every thought. I left the airport that day, unable to get her face out of my head.
Adam and I hailed a cab, letting it drive us to campus. We unloaded our bags at the frat house and disappeared into our rooms. As seniors and officers, we each had a single room in the house, so we enjoyed all the privacy we could ever desire.
Adam went to bed almost immediately. I closed the door of my room and slowly began to unpack my bags. As exhausted as I felt, I just wasn’t ready to succumb to sleep quite yet. I spent the morning unpacking and thinking about Scarlet.
I replayed our conversation in my mind, hearing her voice and seeing her bright green eyes sparkle. She was captivating beyond measure. My interest in her took me by surprise. She was gorgeous, yes, but she was also so much more than that.
My eyes began to droop slowly, and I knew it was time to rest. We had our first fraternity meeting the following afternoon, and I needed to be well rested.
I laid down in bed, pulling the covers over me and letting my eyes fall closed. It felt amazing to be back in my own bed. Paris had been a dream vacation, but I was glad to be back home. I never would have admitted it to Adam, but I too, had been growing weary of travel. Being back home made me realize just how much I missed the comfort of my own room.
Being back in the Delta Pi house felt right. I smiled to myself as I let sleep overcome me, ready for what my senior year would bring.
Sunday afternoon arrived all too soon. My jetlag hit me like a ton of bricks when my eyes flickered open.
I could tell it was late in the day by the amount of sunshine seeping through my curtains. The sun was high and bright, which meant the meeting would begin any second now. I frantically searched for my phone and checked the time. It was half past two. The meeting was due to start at three.
I sighed and leaned back against my pillow again. Jetlag was always the worst part of traveling. It was worse than all my hangovers combined.
When I finally dragged myself out of bed, my entire body felt heavy. I stretched and tried to regain some flexibility in my joints, but it was no use. I would feel stiff for the next few days.
Grudgingly, I pushed myself toward the bathroom and cranked the shower to full blast. I undressed and climbed inside, letting the water wash over my skin. As I stood in the shower, I thought about Scarlet once again. I pictured her face and smiled.
On the plane, I told myself I was only being my usual, charming self. I was using my talents to keep her interested in me. She was sexy and innocent, just the kind of girl I would have loved to corrupt.
Standing in the shower, I reassured myself that my interest in Scarlet was purely sexual. She was just like every other woman I seduced. We talked on the plane as a way to make her comfortable around me, to make her feel safe. Someone like Scarlet couldn’t be easily pulled into bed. She was sheltered and shy. She would need more coaxing than most women, a more subtle seduction.
When I finished my shower, I was still thinking about her, but I felt better now. I’d been worried that I couldn’t shake my thoughts of her, but now I knew it was just sexual desire and nothing more.
Eventually, I would get her in my bed, and then all my interest would fade. I’d played this game many times before, and I knew every level. Scarlet meant nothing more to me than another conquest. Telling myself that made me feel like the real Lucien Wolfe again. I got dressed and made my way downstairs, ready to start the first chapter meeting of the year.
The common room was deserted when I arrived. I wasn’t surprised. No one showed up early for the meetings except the president. This was my first meeting as president of Delta Pi, and I felt ready. I’d been waiting since freshman year to hold this kind of power, and now that I had it, I was eager to wield it.
I sat silently in the main chair and waited for the room to fill. As it did, I nodded and waved at my brothers. Most of them didn’t know I was already back from France, and they all had questions about my trip.
I silenced them with a simple look. This wasn’t the time for socializing. We could all catch up later, after the meeting.
Adam arrived last, rubbing his eyes. His hair was a mess, and I knew he’d been sleeping until minutes before. He looked even worse than I felt, and I didn’t blame him. Jetlag was a bitch that we’d both woken up with. The only difference was, I couldn’t succumb to it. As president, it was my job to maintain a certain image. That imagine had no place for weakness.
“Welcome back,” I said, once everyone was seated. “Glad to see everyone survived the summer.”
“Yeah, even us,” Adam said, laughing.
I grinned and wiggled my eyebrows at the room. Everyone, especially the younger guys, were dying to hear about our vacation. I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction, not yet.
“Well,” I said. “Let’s just dive right in to the good stuff. I have a lot planned for us this year.
Frankly, the bidding process has always bored me, so I’ll let Bryan handle the new recruits this year. Bryan, you good with being Pledge Captain?”
“Of course,” Bryan said, grinning sadistically. I knew Bryan was the right option because he always got off on torturing the new guys.
“Great,” I said with a nod. “Then, the next order of business is our philanthropy projects for the year. I have a few ideas lined up already, but if anyone has suggestions let me know, okay?”
Everyone nodded and I smiled. I knew exactly what they were all waiting for. Pledges and philanthropy were the most boring part of being in Delta Pi.
We all maintained the right image in public, but behind the scenes, we lived for one thing: parties. Delta Pi’s legacy was our parties. We threw the best ones on campus, and we weren’t shy about it.
Everyone, including the Dean himself, knew our reputation. As long as we kept our GPA’s up and stayed out of jail, he turned a blind eye to all our questionable activities.
“Okay,” I said. “Now for the stuff you guys actually give a damn about. Party planning.”
“Hell yes,” a few guys said. A couple more clapped their hands enthusiastically. Still more, sat up straighter in their chairs.
“What do you have planned for us, Pres?” Timothy asked.
I grinned at him and then turned to the room as a whole. “One a month,” I said simply. “I know we’ve usually kept things simple, with a big party every semester, but I want to shake things up this year. One party every month to celebrate something different. It’ll be insane, and we’ll most likely get in a lot of trouble, but I don’t care. I’m ready for this year to be fucking amazing.”
“Damn,” Bryan said. “That’s a big undertaking, Lucien.”
I nodded. “I know. But we can do it. What do you guys think? Let’s take a vote. All in favor?”
Almost everyone raised their hand. I grinned and clapped.
“That’s it then,” I said. “We’re doing it.”
“What about the party?” Timothy asked. “The tradition.”
“We’ll have it,” I said firmly. “Of course, we will. Delta Pi has been throwing that party for generations. I’m not messing with that tradition.”
“Let’s think about this for a second,” Bryan said slowly.
“What?” I asked.
I tried to keep my annoyance from showing, but I couldn’t help it. I’d been so excited about this meeting. I didn’t want anyone second guessing me or my plans.
“Are we sure we want to do this?” Bryan asked. “Maybe this year is the year to do away with it. I mean, if we’re having a party every month, there’s no reason to—”
“It’s not up for a debate,” I said firmly. “Look, we’re a democracy and everything, but come on. We can’t not have the party, not after all these years. Do you really want to be remembered as the class that broke a decades old tradition? Because I don’t.”
“We can’t,” Hunter said. “Lucien’s right. Can you imagine what the alums would say if they found out? They’d have all our balls for even considering this.”
“Okay,” Bryan said, raising his hands in surrender. “You win. We’ll do it.”
“Excellent,” I nodded. “Now, for the rest of the parties.”
I launched into an explanation about each party. I’d spent weeks planning my pitch and everyone loved it. By the time the meeting was over, I felt like the best president Delta Pi would ever have.
From the way my brothers were slapping me on the back as they left, I was sure they felt the same way. This idea was brilliant, and I’d come up with it. I would do down in the history books as the most legendary Delta President.
“Seems like everyone is on board,” Adam said, once the room was empty.
“I think so,” I said with a nod. “It’s a brilliant idea, don’t you think?”
“Of course,” Adam said. “It’s great, but…”
I looked at Adam suspiciously. He was watching me carefully, as if he was afraid to tell me something. I waited for him to speak again, but he didn’t.
“Spit it out,” I said. “What’s up, Adam?”
“I was just thinking,” Adam began. “About the party.”
“Which party?” I asked.
“You know which party,” Adam said testily. “Bryan had a point, Lucien. You can’t just ignore what he said. This party has been controversial for a long time.”
“Enough,” I said sharply. Adam was really starting to piss me off. This was definitely not how I wanted to start off my presidency.
“Look,” Adam said. “You may not like it, but I’m just telling you how it is. It may not be the best idea to continue this particular tradition, okay? Will you do me a favor? Will you just think about it?”
I glared at Adam. My anger bubbled just beneath the surface, and I struggled to keep it in check. First, Bryan interrupted my perfect meeting with his stupid idea, and now, Adam was bringing it back up.
First, he tested my patience in France, and now this. I was beginning to wonder why I put up with him. He’d been my best friend since freshman year, but lately, he and I just didn’t see eye to eye.
“We’re doing it,” I said with authority. “And that’s final. Are we clear?”
“Lucien,” Adam began, but I cut him off with a look.
“It’s one party,” I said. “One out of ten. Just one. It’s happening, Adam. Let it go.”
Adam just nodded and watched as I left the room in a hurry. I still felt angry, but it was subsiding quickly. Being away from Adam helped calm me down, and I decided to focus on the good rather than the bad.
Most of the guys were on board with my plan, and that was what mattered. The many outweighed the few. I refused to let Bryan and Adam’s ridiculous opinions ruin my year.
8
Scarlet
I spent most of the weekend recovering from my jetlag. My grandmother let me sleep it off without once bothering me. It felt strange to live with someone who allowed me to have some semblance of privacy. I wasn’t used to being alone for long periods of time.
My mother had a way of poking her nose in my business every chance she got. She hated when I closed my door and often forced me to open it. It was just one way she maintained control over my life. Grandmother was different.
Immediately upon my arrival, she showed me to my room and left me be. She didn’t bother me again until I emerged on Monday morning, freshly showered and feeling slightly more alive.
“Good morning, Grandmother,” I said with a smile as I walked into the kitchen.
“Morning,” she said with a smile. “I made you breakfast. Figured you might be hungry after all that sleep.”
“Yeah, sorry about that,” I said with a grimace. “Adjusting to the new time zone isn’t easy.”
“No need for apologies,” Grandmother said, waving my hand away with impatience. “Just eat. It’ll help you wake up. You’ll feel better.”
“Thank you,” I said, sitting down at the kitchen table and pouring myself a large cup of coffee.
Grandmother watched me closely with a sly grin. She knew I’d never had coffee before, not really. My mother didn’t believe in it. She felt it was just another addiction, which I did not need. I was eager to try it for the first time.
I lifted the cup to my lips and took a small sip before I winced and put the cup back down. It was awful, horrible, bitter, and strong. I’d never tasted anything so disgusting in my life.
“Add some cream and sugar,” Grandmother suggested, pushing a couple of bowls toward me.
I added a small amount of each and then tasted it again. This time, it was delicious. Still warm and strong, but the cream and sugar cut the edge. It was no longer bitter, and I found myself savoring each sip until it was gone. I still hadn’t eaten a bite.
“That’s amazing,” I said in awe.
“Welcome to the world of coffee drinkers,” Grandmother said wisely. “Don’t let your mother fool you. It’s a
wonderful world we live in.”
I laughed and helped myself to some bacon and eggs. Grandmother and I didn’t talk much as we ate. We both enjoyed our food in silence, feeling comfortable just sitting beside each other.
Despite the limited amount of time we’d spent together in the past, I felt like I knew Grandmother well. She was kind and sweet, like all grandmothers, but there was also more to her. She had an authentic quality that made her seem younger and livelier than most elderly people.
As soft as she was with me, I could tell she was stronger than any woman I’d ever known. Her personality was one I appreciated, fun and understanding with a touch of wisdom and authority.
“So,” she said after we finished eating. “What parts of the city do you want to explore?”
“I’m not sure,” I answered honestly. “I start classes on Wednesday, so I thought maybe I should map out my route beforehand. Just so I’m not late on the day of.”
“Smart,” Grandmother said with a nod. “But what else? Is there anything you’ve been dying to see?”
“The museums, I guess,” I said. “And Central Park.”
“Of course,” Grandmother said, smiling. “The basics. Make sure you venture out a little further though, okay?”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“You’ve seen so little in your lifetime,” she said kindly. “You could do with a little more experience.”
“That’s not what Mom thinks,” I said with a soft laugh.
“Well,” Grandmother said slowly. “Your mother and I don’t always agree.”
“I’m a little nervous about school,” I admitted. “I’ve never been to a public school before. Even my university back home was private and very exclusive. I never even lived on campus.”
“That was a mistake on Claire’s part,” Grandmother said firmly. “She had no business locking you up that way. You’re a young woman, and young women need to blossom. You, my dear girl, have had no chance for blossoming. It isn’t your fault, of course. It’s your mother’s. She had an obligation to you, and she failed. I think living here will be good for you.”