Everyone started cheering and hollering. It was like a pep rally for a football game.
“Brothers,” I yelled over the noise. My head was still throbbing and my midsection was sore as hell. I wanted to go lie down, but this wasn’t done. “Before the meeting is adjourned, I would like to make clear that I was in no way skipping out on the frat this weekend. I hit up a doctor and laid low… Wanted the attackers to wonder where I was, what I was doing.”
One of the men who beat me cleared his throat. I smiled at him.
Oh, what a beautiful thing it is to be calm when people expect you to be enraged.
He actually looked scared.
I’m just getting started.
“I was also working on something, an opportunity for the fraternity. Something that will bring a lot more notoriety and good press to our house.”
Everyone seemed interested.
“As you all know, I’m friends with Maryland Knights quarterback Romeo Anderson and also Braeden Walker.” Everyone sat up a little straighter in their seats. “Since they’re both also alumni of Alpha U, I knew they would want to be involved in what I was suggesting.”
In truth, this was Romeo’s idea. I was taking the credit because it would make me look good with the house and gain me some extra favor in case it was needed.
“What is it?” one of the guys in the back hollered.
I grinned, my puffy lip stretching uncomfortably. “Romeo and Braeden have agreed to play in a charity football game with Omega. The money raised from ticket sales and donations will go to a charity this house will choose through popular vote. I suggest Omega makes the charity one they support annually and, every year after this, organizes at least one event to fundraise and donate one hundred percent of the proceeds to said charity.”
People started talking excitedly, and I lifted my hand. “In addition to Romeo and Braeden playing, they will be getting a few other Knight players to donate their time to come down and participate. Because of the popularity of the team here in their home state and Romeo’s legendary reputation here on campus, this will be a very popular event and a chance to raise quite a bit of money.”
“And get the Omega house back to being the most prestigious frat on campus!” Jack whooped from beside me.
Everyone cheered.
“I will set up a meeting with the Wolves coach here on campus this week and talk to him about scheduling a time for us to play the game, maybe get in some practices, etc. Teams will be divided up at a later date. Once all the details are worked out, I’ll have another house meeting to keep everyone in the know.”
“Props to our prez for not letting our rivals keep him down and for still striving to make this house better.” Jack spoke to the room.
“I am not and will not step down from the presidency that I have held for almost two years. I remain true to the Omega brotherhood and will be until I give over the honor of president to Jack in just a few short weeks.”
Everyone clapped.
I turned to Con. “Thank you, Conner, for looking out for the frat, for taking action when you thought we were leaderless.”
Con swallowed, his eyes wide.
“But as you can see, I’m here. And I’d like to decree that if anything or anyone else should question my loyalty to the frat in the coming weeks, it is Jack who should step in and act as president.”
Jack stepped forward. “Thank you, Trent. Men, keep your eyes and ears open for anything that might lead us to the scum who did this to our leader. Any information on their affiliation or motives will be rewarded. We will show this entire campus that Omega is not a house to be fucked with!”
Everyone went crazy again.
I banged the gavel, signaling the end of the meeting.
Con and his merry band of assholes left the room pretty quickly. I wasn’t so lucky. I was the last one out, having to talk to almost everyone. I answered question after question. I replayed what happened over and over, joining in plotting and speculating.
Most people were inclined to believe this was the work of a rival frat. I didn’t disagree with them. Eventually, I’d rat out the guys in this house. Until then, I’d let the rumors run wild.
By the time I was done, I didn’t even have to make an effort to look pitiful because I felt pitiful.
“I’m gonna call it a night, guys,” I said to the few remaining brothers. “I need some pills and my bed.”
“You need anything, anything at all, just yell,” one brother said and offered his hand. I shook it.
Another guy spoke up. “And don’t worry about anything tonight. Get some sleep. No one will get in this house that isn’t supposed to be here.”
“Fuckin right,” I drawled and shook his hand, too.
My ass dragged up the stairs. I wanted to go home to the familiar sounds of Prada running around, Braeden’s sarcastic jokes, and Rimmel’s hovering.
Most of all, I wanted to lie in bed with Drew. Maybe hold his hand.