“Currently, I’m pissed that you’re hurt. I can’t believe someone would do that. I thought those people had class.”
“Money doesn’t change what’s inside a person. If anything, it exposes who they are. Why don’t you tell me how you’re doing?”
I shrug. “Same old, same old.”
“In my experience, no news is good news.”
“True. Things are calm here, which is wonderful.” I pause, biting my lip while trying to gather my words. “The girls are going to be really sad if you don’t come for the holidays again.”
“I’ll do my best, but I can’t make any promises. My schedule is… uncertain right now.”
I scrunch my forehead in confusion. “That doesn’t make any sense. You know what classes you have and when.”
“That’s not what I mean. I don’t know what’ll be expected of me and how much time it’ll take.”
“Okay,” I say, drawing out the word. “If you say so.”
“Just drop it, all right?”
I fold my arms over my chest, trying to ignore the hurt seeping into my chest. “Fine.”
Ben sighs and rakes his fingers through his hair. The lights above him catch and reflect something shiny on the screen. I squint and get closer to my phone.
“What’s that?” I ask.
“Huh?” He drops his arm, holding his hand in front of his face. “Oh, this is nothing.”
“Nothing? That looks like a gold ring. Unless you're slowly turning into a rapper, I need to know where that bling came from.”
Ben’s lips twitch. “A rapper?”
“We’re from the rough neighborhood. For all I know, you could be the next Eminem. Show it to me.”
He pauses. It’s slight, but in our relationship, his hesitation is like a bullhorn. I blink at the screen in disbelief.
“It’s not a big deal.” He lifts his hand, positioning the ring in the center of the screen. “See?”
I run my gaze over the golden object, my eyes widening. On the ring’s oval face is a raised anchor with an “M” engraved above it. The arms of the anchor extend outward, completely surrounded by ornate filigree to add to the overall antique look. Not to mention the diamonds lining the entire thing.
“Are those real?” I ask.
Ben drops his hand and nods.
“And what is the “M” for? Your last name is Johnson.” I roll my eyes. “Oh, duh. It’s for a fraternity, isn’t it?”
His gaze darts to the side before meeting mine. “Yeah.”
“Have you been hiding this for years?” My voice rises, along with my sense of betrayal. “Why didn’t you want to tell me? I know we used to make fun of preppy people like that, but let’s face it. We wished we were them. You’re family, and I’d never judge you.”
“I know. It’s just that this group is intense. And like you said, we used to make fun of rich, privileged kids who wiped theirasses with hundred-dollar bills. But when you hang out with them… I don’t know. It’s different.”
I wave a hand in dismissal. “As long as you don’t become a prick, I don’t care what fraternity you’re in. Hell, I might join a sorority when I go to college.”
“Are you still thinking of coming here?”
“Of course.” I narrow my gaze in suspicion. “Why wouldn’t I?”
He shakes his head. “I just don’t want you to get your hopes up. That’s all.”
