Bad Rep (Bad Rep #1)(33)
Author: A. Meredith Walters

My whole life I had tried so hard to be someone my parents could be proud of. I could never be enough or do enough to make them happy. My dad hated the fact that I was in a sorority and that’s why he refused to help pay the dues. My mom, while she loved the thought of me finally being popular, sided with my dad in thinking it was a foolish waste of time. They never failed to let me know that they thought I should be 100 percent focused on school. My dad was a teacher and my mom was a nurse. They were totally dedicated to what they did. So having a daughter who sort of flew halfcocked through life wasn’t their ideal.

“Disappointing your parents sucks.” I said softly. Jordan’s eyes sparkled at me and I felt we connected in that moment.

“It sure does,” he agreed quietly, staring into my eyes intently before I finally had to look away.

I cleared my throat, trying to dispel whatever was building between us. I gripped my hands tightly together, staring down at the table top. “You know, I say do what you want. You have to do what makes you happy,” I said.

Jordan smiled. “That’s what I’m trying to do,” he said quietly and I had a feeling he was talking about more than just his music.

My phone started vibrating in my pocket, the sound of Blue Oyster Cult’s Don’t Fear the Reaper, blaring.

“Love the ring tone,” Jordan said smiling as I pulled out my phone. I looked down and saw that it was Gracie.

“Hello?” I had an overwhelming urge to throttle Gracie for interrupting such a great moment.

“Where the hell are you?” she yelled into the phone.

“Whoa, calm down. What’s up?” I asked, shooting Jordan an apologetic smile.

“The rush event starts in two hours and Vivian is freaking out. Nothing is set up and the costumes are a mess. You’ve got to get to the house right now.”

I sighed. “I’m on my way,” I assured her and hung up.

I tucked my phone away and got up. “Sorority crisis?” Jordan asked.

“As always,” I deadpanned, grabbing my purse. We left the coffee shop and headed to our respective vehicles. “Thanks for the coffee. I enjoyed hanging out,” I told him sincerely. Jordan leaned against his motorcycle, balancing the helmet against his thighs.

“Me too. It feels like it took too long to get here. I hate that things have been weird between us. I never wanted that,” he said a little sadly.

“Me either,” I admitted, feeling that magnetic pull between us intensify. My phone buzzed in my pocket again and I pulled it out. I didn’t bother to read the text that Gracie had just sent. “I’ve gotta go. Duty calls. I guess I’ll see you on Saturday?” I asked, before getting into my car.

“Yep. See ya Saturday,” he called back, throwing his leg over the seat of his motorcycle and revving it up. He gave me a final wave before taking off down the street and I headed toward the Chi Delta house and two hours of drama.

Chapter Eleven

Rush week was a raging success. We had sent out eight bids and each girl had accepted. I finally, after months, felt like I belonged with my sisters. It felt good to help contribute to something that benefited the sisterhood. Most of the girls had made it a point to tell Vivian and I how great of a job we had done. The skit was fantastic and it had all fallen into place. Even with the massive amounts of anxiety and stressing. I had even received a call from my Big Sis in Chi Delta, Caryn, who had graduated last year and now lived in California. She wanted to congratulate me on completing my first rush week as co-chair. So all in all, I was feeling pretty damn proud of myself.

And seriously exhausted. By Saturday afternoon I was ready to drop. But my day was far from over. I had just gotten back to my apartment after being at the house all morning for Bid’s Day activities. The new girls had been excited and their enthusiasm reminded me of why I had joined Chi Delta in the first place. I hated to admit that I had started doubting my reasons for signing on with a sorority. But today reaffirmed that these girls were my friends and I belonged.

“You look wrecked, my friend,” Riley said from my doorway. She was dressed for her shift at Barton’s. I hadn’t seen much of her since school started. Partly because I was so consumed with all things rush and partly because Riley was spending every free minute with Damien.

“I wish I could just lay down and take a nap,” I groaned, throwing my shoes out of my closet trying to find the pair I wanted to wear tonight.

“You’re going to burn out if you don’t take it easy once in awhile,” Riley warned, dropping to her knees beside me and pulling out the other wedged sandal I was looking for.

“Thanks,” I told her, taking the shoe from her hand. Riley sat cross legged on my floor as I got to my feet and started getting my outfit together.

“So what’s on your epic social calendar for the evening?” Riley asked.

“It’s the Pi Sig mixer. I have to be back at the house around 7 to pre-game,” I muttered, focusing on my search for a set of earrings. “Agg! I feel like I’m losing my mind! Where are my silver star earrings? I can’t find anything!” I cried, throwing my hands into the air.

Riley got to her feet and gently pushed me out of the way as she started to root through my jewelry box. “Go sit down, you need a breather. I’ll find them.” I took her advice and lay down on my bed.

“Here they are, loser.” Riley tossed me the earrings and they landed on my chest.

“I’m a mess! What would I do without you?” I asked tiredly, my eyelids drooping heavily.

“Not be able to find your earrings?” Riley asked and we both laughed. I patted the bed beside me and Riley came and sat down.

“How are things with Damien?” I asked her, wiggling my eyebrows suggestively. Riley blushed. Dear god, she must have it bad if she was actually getting red at the sound of his name.

“Good. After work tonight, he’s taking me to the midnight showing of that comic book movie I wanted to see that you refuse to go to.” I pushed her arm.

“Sorry if I can’t sit through two hours of guys in really tight spandex talking about their crystal of power or whatever.” Riley widened her eyes.

“You just don’t get its complexity,” she intoned dramatically. I chuckled.

“Sure, that’s it. So, Damien’s taking you out on a date. Things seem to be moving along nicely,” I said. Riley smiled softly.

“Yeah, he’s pretty great. You know, he has a few cute friends if you want me to hook you up,” Riley joked. She knew how I felt about blind dates.

I made a rude noise. “I’ll try internet dating first, thanks. Besides, I’m not looking, remember,” I reminded her. Riley looked at me knowingly.