“Whatnot? What sort of whatnot did y’all get up to?” Leela asks, nudging the sausages around in their juices.
Flustered because I’m terrible at lying, I blurt out as much truth as possible. “Oh, you know. Titus and I are old friends. We talked about old times; we talked about memories with my mom. We played our stupid version of Scattergories.”
One of our sisters, Ashley, passes through the kitchen at that moment to grab a seltzer from the fridge. “An argument could be made that Scattergories is stupid all on its own.”
I do not love it when people wander into the middle of a conversation and offer their nonsensical two cents. But that’s life in a sorority with fifteen other women. It happens.
Mila has also entered the chat, slipping in through the French doors with three other sisters from the back patio.
A friendly argument ensues amongst Crosby, Leela, Ashley, and Mila about the merits of the aforementioned party game.
I decide later is a better time to talk about my dad’s problems and skedaddle up to my room to study.
Herc finally has texted back.
Herc:No, I’m not going to visit Dad in jail.
Me:Why not?
Herc:Because of class. Football practice. Oh, and the fact that he’s probably guilty.
Me:You don’t know that.
Herc:Remember the tennis balls? That could be stolen money.
I remember what Mr. Gamble said. Someone could come looking for it, and we’ll be in significant trouble.
Me:But we’re family. Daddy needs our help, and we should stick together. Mr. Gamble says everybody deserves fair representation.
Herc:Cass, I just can’t right now.
Frustrated, I don’t reply. Instead, I text Titus.
Me:Sorry about clamming up earlier. I may have to give a statement. But before that, I’d like to speak to my dad. Will you come with me to visit him?
Titus texts back immediately.
Titus:Say when and I’m there.
I love this man. And to think I was feeling weird about keeping our relationship on the down low, for now. His readiness to drop everything at a moment’s notice? That’s all I need to show me how he feels.
Moments later, Leela knocks on the door.
“Food’s ready, babe. Are you coming? We’re all eating on the patio, and we’re going to watch the sun come up.”
I smile at my friend when I look up from my notes. “I think I’ll eat later. I need to study.” I don’t much feel like having a meal with everyone and their boyfriends when my boyfriend is…technically not my boyfriend in anybody’s eyes.
“Are you sure?”
I nod, pressing my lips together, willing away these negative feelings.
“I’ll be right back,” Leela says.
I know what she’s about to do. I start to protest, but she’s already gone. A minute later, she’s back with a tray of food for the both of us.
“You should go eat with Crosby.”
“Pfft. He’ll be fine. We’re together 24/7 as it is.”Everyone on campus knows all about Leela and Crosby and how they very publicly got together.