Arrive punctually to avoid unnecessary complications. The dress code is formal. Discretion is paramount, as was indicated in the contract.
This event holds significant weight within our fraternity. Your presence is not only anticipated but crucial. Failure to comply may have unforeseen consequences.
For any queries or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out. Your cooperation is expected.
Regards,
Professor Ames
Chapter 23
DELILAH
Islip in my earrings, wishing I could admire the way they complement my silver dress. It’s from a second-hand shop, but no one would ever know because of the label inside. Tonight calls for an elegance I don’t usually get to participate in, and I couldn’t care less. My heart has been racing ever since I got the email from Professor Ames this morning, and now that it’s almost time, I want to puke.
The door swings open to reveal Raven. She runs her gaze over my shiny dress and arches a brow. “Hey, sexy. Hot date tonight?”
I shake my head. “I wish. This,” I say, running my hands down my sides, “is for extra credit.”
“As a prostitute?”
A laugh slips out of me. “No. This place doesn’t allow bribery, so I’m pretty sure prostitution is off the table.”
“That’s a shame.” She steps fully into the room and shuts the door behind her. After tossing her purse on the floor, Raven throws herself on her bed and folds her arms over her chest. “That outfit of yours screams, ‘do me, daddy’ instead of ‘university event.’”
“I don’t care if it’s boring, as long as it allows me to keep my grades up.”
“Where is this thing anyway?”
I pick up my lipstick and apply it before speaking. I’m unsure how much I’m allowed to disclose about my contract, but keeping Miss Sherlock Holmes from suspecting anything is going to be a challenge. I’m pretty confident she wouldn’t tell anyone if I told her my situation, but that’s not my only issue. I’m not just scared of losing my scholarship, I’m beyond embarrassed this is happening.
“It’s at the student center,” I say.
“That’s for nerds. I wouldn’t be caught dead there.”
I know. That’s why I chose it as my answer.
“You were right about Professor Ames,” I say, attempting to steer the conversation in a different direction. I secure a diamond-tipped hair pin in my updo. “He’s a hard ass when it comes to grading. If I want an A in his class, then I have to do this extra credit.”
“As long as it doesn’t include sucking his dick, then you should be okay.”
I make a face. “That’s not happening. What are your plans tonight?”
“Well, I was going out with June, but she canceled on me this morning. Bitch.” Raven sighs and rolls on her side to face me. “She said she had some mandatory thing for her math club. Talk about boring. I bet she’ll be at the student center too.”
“Maybe,” I say, avoiding eye contact with my roommate. “All right, I’m out of here.”
“Have fun, if you can.”
“I doubt it.”
She snorts. “Me too.”
“Don’t wait up for me.”
Raven blows me a kiss right before I shut the door behind me. Within moments, I’m outside, the cool evening air brushing my cheeks. I stay on the sidewalks to avoid breaking an ankle in my heels. The click that sounds with every step I take is like a metronome, ticking away towards my doom.
The only silver lining in this whole ordeal is the possibility that I could see Ben. Whether or not he wants to see me is something I won’t allow myself to think about for long. It’s been weeks since we last spoke, and now the prospect of encountering him stirs so many conflicting emotions.
