Page 29 of Unwritten Rules

Another girl came out to stand next to the first. “Beta Kappa Pi will be hosting tonight’s after party and all are invited, no matter their house, creed, or financial status.”

Kelly and I exchanged glances. “What a weird way to invite people to a party,” I whispered.

Veronica was the head of the Phi Beta Lambda, and as the head, she piped up in response. “In the spirit of rushing, thank you, Sloane, head of Beta Kappa Pi, for your kind and generous invitation.”

She waved her hands to her house members in an encouragement to speak up. In unison, they announced, “Thank you, Sloane.”

Kelly and I made quick to leave, feeling a little freaked out from the interaction. She gave me a weird look when we got home and barreled into the kitchen. “I guess I stand corrected on that Sloane girl. She seems like an absolute nutcase on a power trip.”

“I’ve seen that happen one too many times. I feel bad that those girls had to walk around with their tits on display, though. It has me questioning what the fuck sorority life is like and maybe...I don’t want to join after all. I can say at least I tried!” I sat my bag down on the entry table and pulled off my shoes, feet sore from walking in heels all day.

“Leftovers?” Kelly asked, holding up some containers from the fridge. “We have some...Asian, Italian, and good ol’ fashioned American cuisines to choose from.”

She spread them across the table, laying out plates and silverware as I sat in the chair. “I love some good cold leftovers in styrofoam. I will say, I am morbidly curious about this party.”

“Ha!” Kelly exclaimed, scooping out food onto our plates. “That’s a funny joke considering I’ve never heard those words come out of your mouth.”

“Everyone will be there. It might be good to mingle and meet some new people.”

“Wait,” she set her fork and knife down. “You want to see Brent again! Oh my god, don’t tell me you’re going to wear his jacket and hope he’s there.”

My face turned red. “Holy shit, no! I wouldneverdo that.”

“You didn’t deny wanting to see him,” she taunted in a sing-song voice while biting into some pasta.

I rolled my eyes. “If I wanted to see him, I could march up to his house down the street and knock on the door. Besides, I’m somewhat seeing Garrett.” My head was leaned into my cupped hand and I pushed around some form of breaded meat in circles on my plate.

“I still don’t believe you didn’t sleep with him.”

“Dude,” I flicked my eyes over to her and scowled. “You interrupted himtryingto kiss me. We didn’t even do that, but I don't think that matters now. He isnotthe type I should be getting myself involved with. The whole time, I was convinced he was going to murder me in the woods. With everything going on, I haven’t told Garrett I went on a date with Brent, but we aren’t exactly exclusive; he could be going on dates for all I know.”

My phone buzzed on the table and I was grateful to get out of the conversation with Kelly. I didn’t recognize the number, but the area code...

“Hello?” I tried to steel my voice despite my anxiety.

“Fallon, hello. It’s Mr. Evans. We need to start discussions on your transition process into acting CEO this weekend.” His voice was firm and left no room for argument.

I felt my heart sink into my butt. I knew what this meant despite knowing they’d come knocking for me eventually. When I turned eighteen, the rules were that I step into her shoes when I was twenty-one. Wishing I could hold off just a little bit longer, I sighed. “This weekend? I have schoolwork...and other...stuff.”

Great, very convincing. Very CEO.

“Yes, well, you have had plenty of time to romp and play. You will make time for a meeting with the board this weekend. Also, drop the exercise major–you’re becoming CEO. You need something relevant. I didn’t think I had to micromanage your behavior, but it seems like we will be needing an intervention this weekend.”

My mother wouldn’t have said that, unless she would. Maybe I didn’t know all facets of her like I thought I did. I knew her as a mother, not a businesswoman. “Yep. Got it.”

There was a slight pause before his voice came back through. “You will be taking onmajorresponsibilities. Responsibilities that you are completely unprepared for whether you like it or not. Your mother has left this company to you, and by default, us. We are here to help you so please don’t act like a petulant child. This isn’t something you can say no to without harming the empire your mother built for you; you have employees and their livelihoods to worry about now.”

I tightened my grip on the phone, a tsunami-sized wave of emotion crashing over me.What a tangled mess I’ve found myself in. “Fine,” I said, firming my voice. “I will be on the call this weekend.”

“Good. I will send you the information you need to attend. And, Fallon?”

My heart stilled. “Yes?”

“Don’t do anything reckless or stupid. I know how you young people are. This is my personal number, feel free to reach out with anything you may need. See you this weekend.” The line went dead.

Kelly leaned forward after watching intently the entire time. “Who was that?”

I sighed and sank into my chair. “Montgomery Group. I’m set to start my transition early. It’s like they knew the perfect time to call me when I get sucked into some drama. Oh, also, I have to hit up my advisor because I am now a business major.”

---