Page 73 of Unwritten Rules

More freaky nodding in sync. So, so freaky.

“We will be your new guide in all things wealthy and elite. You need to learn the ropes on how our society works since youobviouslyhave no clue about the social etiquette that goes along with being who you are. We are having a party tonight for only the ones who can afford it, and you will be there to show face. I can get to work clearing the air and your name for you–my family has all the connections of course. It’s the perks of being a Whitmore. I can start and end people and I will be right by your side, helping you out.”

So, this was being elite.

She patted my knee. “Don’t worry about the problem families, either. Their spawn won’t be in attendance. You can bring along your little friend as a courtesy.” She gave another hair flip so she could flick her gaze to Kelly, still leaning on the wall paying us no mind.

I nodded, knowing that attendance was probably mandatory. Getting on her bad side right off the bat didn’t sound like a good idea. “And my bodyguard.”

“Duh! Give me your phone.” She opened her hand, expecting it. Obliging, I handed it over. She took it and scrolled faster than I’d watched Kelly flipping through her phone. She took a selfie and then handed it back. “I put my info in your phone for quick access to me. I don’t hand out my number to justanyone, but I’ll trust you with it. I texted myself so I have yours too.” She flicked her wrist, and the entire group stood up with her. “We’ll see you tonight! I amsohappy I caught you before the party. Don’t worry, babe. You are in good hands with me.”

That was a lot of speak for nothing of real substance being said. She struck me as the type to hold a firm grip on her place in the world, fearing losing it at any moment. Whatever just happened, it left me dumbfounded that people acted like that.

Kelly appeared in front of me, snickering. “What was all that?”

“A lot of nothing. One thing’s for certain: Sloane just told me that Brent is her boyfriend.”

She stiffened. “We’resofucked, aren’t we? I mean,youdefinitely are.”

I had a feeling I was going to do a lot of mental facepalming this semester. “Wedefinitely are. She invited us to an exclusive rich people party and in the same breath tried to hook me up with three different guys.”

My phone dinged with a message. It held the complete list that she mentioned. “Check this out. It’s a list of the ‘top families’ that Sloane is oddly obsessed with.”

“Wait.” She grabbed my phone from me. “You’re number three. No wonder she’s obsessed with you now. And her so-called boyfriend is number one. Are you surprised that she’s trying to claim him as hers? Huh. Looks like I’m number five.”

“Oh no.”

“What?”

“Sloane is going to hate you.”

She turned my phone around. “She’s sixth.”

?Chapter 20

Fallon

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