Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 87439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 437(@200wpm)___ 350(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 437(@200wpm)___ 350(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
“Those aren’t even near each other,” Keegan points out.
“Yeah,” Ty agrees, “and the other hotel is Wayford Hall.”
“How are we gonna have parties?” another Sigma Alpha asks.
I can see that my fellow Alpha Theta Mus are uncomfortable, but I’m hoping they’ll realize why we called them here too, and that they’ll sympathize with our rival frat.
“It’s not ideal,” Ty says. “And the problem is the damage is extensive enough that we’re looking at having to deal with this through a good chunk of the semester, if not through the spring.”
“This is my senior year,” Ryan says, obviously rattled by the news, and surely speaking for more than just himself. “These are my guys.”
“Lance and I have discussed a possible alternative, but it would involve both Sigma Alpha and Alpha Theta Mu agreeing to it. Lance will take it from here.”
He gives me space at the podium, and I step up for my part.
I always get a little nervous when I have to get up in front of everyone like this, especially when it’s not just my own house, but I remember the day I pledged to be president of the frat—it’s not a responsibility I’ve ever taken lightly, so I power through. “It’s been tough with everyone on top of each other like this. It’ll be messy if we do it through the semester, but to keep Sigma Alpha together, I’ve offered to take a vote with Alpha Theta Mu to see if we’re willing to share our space.” I can read the apprehension on some of the guys’ expressions. “It’s not what any of you signed up for. And that’s why Ty and I agreed we won’t do this unless we have a unanimous vote and everyone’s happy with this. But before we take a vote, I want everyone to keep in mind how we would feel if ours was the house that burned down, and we were the ones who were gonna be separated, especially for the seniors.”
“It doesn’t have to be all bad either,” Ty chimes in. “Could mean bigger and better parties. More hands to tend to responsibilities around the house.”
“I think we can go ahead and take a vote,” Ash says.
“Yeah,” Marty agrees. “Alpha Theta Mus who want to help Sigma Alpha out, show of hands?”
I notice my crew—Ash’s, Marty’s, and Payton’s hands—pop up, followed shortly by the rest of the house. A lump forms in my throat. I’m choked up seeing what a cool crew we have here at our house, the sort of thing that makes me proud to be Alpha Theta Mu.
Ty sidles up beside me, and I see the admiration in his expression. “Regardless of what Sigma Alpha decides, thank you for that. We’ve always been rival houses, and we still want to kick your asses, but it means a lot that you would invite us into your space. Now let’s find out if my Sigma Alphas are cool with this solution.”
“Oh, we’re cool,” Ryan says.
“What are you, the spokesperson for the frat?” Jaxon asks.
“You not cool?”
“I’m fine with it, but we need to take a vote.”
“Come on,” Ryan says to the guys, pushing to his feet. “Show of hands? Who’s in? Let’s see those palms high.”
All their hands pop up in an instant, and Ty and I sneak a look at each other.
“Is that all we needed to talk about?” Ash asks.
“Well, yeah,” Ty says, our guys having showed us that all our stress had been for nothing.
“Then I think there’s one thing left to do,” Colin adds. “You obviously must have a huge-ass party to celebrate Sigma Alpha staying here.”
“First party of the season!” Ryan hollers, and it’s on.
The guys aren’t in the living area long. They’re off getting things ready to bring it, sending out group texts to get the neighboring frats and sororities over here. By the time we’re finished setting up, I’m at a DJ table in the living area, playing my mix, chatting up Ash and Colin.
“This’ll be interesting,” Ash says.
“Yeah,” Colin follows. “In all my time at Peach State, this was the last thing I ever expected would happen between Alpha Theta Mu and Sigma Alpha.”
“Tell me about it,” I say, reflecting on my own personal rivalry with their president.
Marty approaches with some drinks for us, handing them out.
“You see Ty around?” I ask as I take mine, and he smiles; he knows how hung up I am on my man.
“Can’t even be away from the guy for a whole hour,” Marty observes.
“It’s taken us longer than that to set this up,” I insist.
“Barely.”
“It’s cute,” Ash says. “Trust me, I don’t like being away from this guy for too long. I miss my Colin when he’s gone.” He’s already got his arm around Colin, and tugs him closer.
“And I miss my Ash Ketchum,” Colin says before they share a kiss.