Page 53 of The Jack*ss in Class

I took a deep breath. We could do this. Just get through the ceremony, but then I really had to figure out a more permanent solution for our four-legged friend.

“Tempest,” Catalina’s voice carried across the foyer. “¿Qué pasa, hermanita?”

My eldest sister swept in, immaculate as always in her black blazer trimmed with gold to match our sorority colors, with Rosalind right behind her. They’d both been active in the chapter during their college years, which was why I’d pledged KAT in the first place.

“What’s wrong?” Rosalind’s eyes narrowed. “You look guilty.”

“Nothing’s wrong.” I forced a smile. “Just nervous about the ceremony.”

“Since when do you get nervous about anything?” Catalina raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow.

She had no idea. Before I could answer, Bettie called out, “Let’s go, ladies.”

A stream of alums and guests flowed through the front doors. I lost track of how many hands I shook, how many congratulations I accepted. Everything was going perfectly until?—

“Dad, this is amazing.” A familiar voice cut through the crowd. “Mom lived in a house like this at University of Los Angeles?”

I froze. No. No way.

But there he was. Flynn Kingman, looking devastating in a suit and standing next to his father. In my sorority house. Where I was hiding a donkey.

“Ooh, who’s that?” Catalina nudged me. “Wait, isn’t that?—”

“No one,” I said quickly. “Just a guy on the football team who is in my Shakespeare class.”

“Just a guy?” Rosalind’s way too observant eyes turned predatory. “The way he’s looking at you suggests otherwise.”

I risked a glance. Flynn was indeed looking at me, a slow smile spreading across his face. The same smile he’d given me in the coffee shop the other day when I told him to ask me out to dinner again sometime.

“Ladies and gentlemen.” The National Board President tapped her glass for attention. “If you’ll all gather in the main room...”

Everyone began migrating toward the ceremony space. I tried to slip away to check on the donkey one last time, but Catalina linked her arm through mine.

“Oh no, hermanita. You’re staying right here where we can watch whatever this is.”

The ceremony started with the usual formalities. I barely heard them, too aware of Flynn standing off to the side, occasionally whispering something to his father. Every time I glanced back, he was watching me.

“And now,” the national president continued, “I’d like to share some history about April De la Reine’s impact on our organization...”

A muffled sound came from below. My heart stopped. No one else seemed to notice, but Flynn’s head tilted slightly.

Then he moved, quietly slipping toward the back of the room.

No no no.

I couldn’t follow him without drawing attention.Couldn’t text him without being obvious. Could only sit there, heart pounding, as he disappeared into the hallway.

Maybe he just had to use the bathroom?

Another sound, louder this time. Like a very distinctive bray.

Mierda. A very unpleasant rush of pins and needles ran along the back of my neck.

“Are you okay?” Catalina whispered. “You look like you’re about to throw up.”

Before I could answer, there was a crash from the basement. Then the thunder of hooves on stairs.

“Holy donkey balls,” Flynn’s voice rang down the hallway.

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