Page 16 of Ice Princess

Calm down, Rebel.

My pulse hammers in my veins. I have no plan. I came over here on impulse and it would be best to leave, regroup and return to my quiet life, in my quiet corner of town, far away from the Kinseys.

That’s the smart thing to do.

But then Marjorie White opens her big mouth and says to the Davis sisters, “Can you believe that? I almost thought she was here to join the Lady Luck Society.”

The other women snicker as if the thought is completely and totally bonkers.

And that’s when I snap.

“Why can’t I?”

Carol arches a brow in surprise as if to say ‘oh, you’re still here?’

The fire in my heart burns brighter. “Why can’t I join the Lady Luck Society?”

Carol smiles patiently, as if I’m a struggling student she has to spend extra time to teach after school. “Rebel, if this is about the community center across town, I already said?—”

“I’d like to join.”

“Join what?” Carol says in a measured tone.

“The Lady Luck Society.”

There’s a beat of silence.

Suddenly, Marjorie and the Davis sisters burst out laughing.

Carol’s lips twitch as well, but she’s more adept at controlling it. “I’m afraid we’re not opening the club to new members at this time. Now, if you’ll excuse us, this is a private, Lady Luck Societyonlytable. So if you’ll just?—”

I turn my attention to the woman beside Carol. “Victoria Pierce.”

She startles and glances up at me.

I rest my elbow on the table and set my chin in my palm. “When did you get back? I didn’t know you were already a member of the Ladies.”

My eyes are on Victoria, but my words are for Carol.

“Well, I… I…” Victoria’s mouth falls open and then slams shut.

I don’t mean to put her on the spot since I don’t know her. She was two years ahead of me in school and one of the most popular girls at Cornblue, so we didn’t interact much.

However, fair is fair. Everyone here knows that Victoria was not a member of the club before she left for law school and yet, she’s sitting here with them.

Carol puts a hand over Victoria’s and rises slowly. Her eyes are hard as flint and I can tell she’s about to take the kid gloves off.

“Rebel, the Lady Luck Society takes many things into consideration, including family background. Your mother does hard, honest work around town. However, Victoria’s family is not on the same level as yours for you to compare yourself to her.”

Carol’s words prick my heart and angry tears spring to my eyes.

The older woman pats Victoria’s hand comfortingly. “Besides, Victoria is practically family. She and Gunner were almost engaged before she left for college. There’s no need for her to go through the rigid process. Certain privileges are given to the girlfriends and wives of the Kinseys.”

I drop my hands into my lap.

My shoulders tighten.

My chest burns.

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