“Uh-oh, what’s that look about now?”
“What look? I’m just thinking the stores around here don’t really have anything suitable to wear to something like that.”
“It’s not formal, just semi, I think she said.”
“Still! The stuff we just bought isn’t good enough. We need to wow everyone, and I know just who to ask for instructions.”
“If you’re not planning to join for real, you better not get your mom involved.”
“Oh, we’re joining.” I pulled out my MacBook Pro to look up the information on the sorority chairs. I bypassed everyone and focused on the president. It wasn’t a name I recognized but no worries, these things are like clans, they’re passed down from generation to generation, and in most cases, it’s all about who you know.
I needed to get myself in the right mindset to call mom, and I didn’t want any witnesses when I made the call. It’s hard for me to lie in the presence of people I like or people who know me, and I was about to put on an act that would make Hollywood blush. There was a moment before I picked up the phone to call when I wondered if I might be going too far.
I could just ignore Susie, she was no threat to me after all since Cody didn’t even seem to care one way or the other, but I can’t seem to let it go. Between the picture and the drugging situation, I don’t see her stopping anytime soon, and what better way to foil her than to beat her at her own game?
Still, when I picked up the phone to make that call that I knew would change everything, I couldn’t help but wonder. Should I have told Cody what I was doing? Should I share with him the anger that still beats inside me just at the thought of what she tried to do to him?
On the other hand, he knows what she did in both instances and never mentioned it to me either, so I guess we’re even. I have no doubt he’s protecting me by withholding that information, and when you look at it, I’m just doing the same; how can he find fault in that?
I took a deep breath and pressed call on the first saved number on my phone. “Lisa, honey, are you okay? What happened?”
“Everything’s fine, mom, don’t worry.”
“Oh, that’s good. It seems so odd for you to call me at this time, is all, though I’m happy to hear your voice; I miss you.”
“I miss you too, mom. Mom, I’ve decided to pledge. Mom, are you there?”
“I am; I guess I’m in shock; what made you change your mind? You were so adamant that you had no interest. Your dad and I had a big row about it, remember? That’s why I stopped asking.”
“It was my roommate; she talked me into it.”
“Oh? Is she part of the sorority?”
“Not yet, but she’s been invited.”
“Really? Who’re her people?” I rolled my eyes.
“She’s not from a well-heeled family, but she’s very smart, and she has all the prerequisites; that’s why they invited her.” I played up Alexis’ achievements with a few embellishments, throwing in things I know mom would love to hear.
“That’s wonderful. And she’s your roommate? Funny, I didn’t hear about any of this when I vetted her. I’d love to meet her next time your dad and I come to visit.”
“Of course, she can’t wait to meet you as well.”
“Really?”
“Yes, I told her all about you, and she thinks you’re awesome.” I crossed my fingers like a five-year-old who still believed that that meant something, but for the smile, I was sure she was wearing at that little tidbit, it was worth it.
“Mom, what should I wear to the semi-formal? I don’t know anything about this stuff.”
“You want my help?”
I felt almost guilty at the pleasure in her voice. It’s been a while since I’ve asked her for help with something like this, and with me going so far away when she didn’t want me to, it was like throwing her a bone. By the time we hung up, I realized it wasn’t so bad having a social butterfly for a mom.
My mother could probably write a book on social etiquette in her sleep and had passed it all down to me, which, when you think about it, is kind of an oxymoron. This is the same woman who wouldn’t let me go to the neighbors for five minutes to play with their kids, or anywhere that was out of her sight for that matter but had still taught me all the social norms needed to be around those same people.
The next few days were filled with planning for the event. Mom had called back early the next day with the news that everything had been taken care of, whatever that meant. Our letters of introduction had been sent by not only her but other sisters from different chapters around the country, and she’s cut through much of the red tape that we’d have had to endure had she not taken over.