“I see.” Her big eyes blink rapidly. “It’s not her place to discuss her position with anyone. I’m the House Corp President.” She taps her chest. “I do the hiring.”
Aunt Fee’s warning to be careful of Lilith Whitmore is echoing inside my mind. It’s like she had a pair of binoculars into the future with a setting labeled:Pearl, Beware.“Mama Carla didn’t mean any harm.”
“I’m sure she didn’t, but I’ll have to remind her to let me handle this in the future. I best go tell her that right now.”
“But—”
That lady moves right past me, pushes the door open with the palm of her hand, then blasts out of the study lounge, straight through the dining room toward Mama Carla’s apartment.
I let about thirty seconds pass, then head on out myself. What I need is some time to think things through. This did not go anywhere close to the way I planned. If I can just make it to my closet without anyone stopping me, I can get some time to myself. Between Aunt Fee’s illness, and now Miss Lilith’s reaction to my application, I am second-guessing everything.
On my way there, I notice an older couple walking in through the frontdoor. The lady’s arm is hooked through the gentleman’s. They stop in front of Miss Lilith. I can’t hear what they’re saying, but something tells me to change course and head that way, see if I can be of help.
Just as I’m within earshot I hear Miss Lilith say, “I’m afraid you’re in the wrong place. Cali Watkins is not onourbid list. You should check across the street at the Chi Theta House. Why, they are a perfect fit.”
FORTY-THREE
WILDA
Her fresh-out-of-the-beauty parlor Jackie O. hairdo is sticking out in the crowd like a penguin in a desert. She’s got a high tease on top and the bottom flips up, three inches off her shoulders. I keep telling her to just go gray, but she insists on a dark dye job despite her age. Somebody, somewhere, once told her she favored Jackie Kennedy, so she’s worn her hair like that ever since.
“Mama!” I let my mouth fall open and fly a hand to my chest.
“Surprise.”
“What are you doing here?” We hug, but as always I’m careful not to muss up her hair. I’ve been warned since I was a little girl.
“Surely you didn’t think I would let this special day in my granddaughter’s life go by without me.” She’s standing amidst a zillion people in the Alpha Delt front yard, all waiting the arrival of our new pledge class.
“How silly of me,” I say with feigned regret. “It is a bit of a drive, though.”
“For pity’s sake, Wilda, it’s not but an hour and a half. I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.” Instead of looking at me she’s craning her neck around the yard, inspecting the crowd like she’s searching for a puzzle piece. “Where is Lilith Whitmoah? I haven’t seen her yet.”
“You don’t even know what she looks like, Mama.”
“Of course I know what she looks like. We’re Facebook friends.”
“Of course you are,” I say, forcing a smile. “I’m sure she’s around here somewhere.” It’s not the right time, but I plan to tell Mama every detail of Lilith’s indiscretion.
When I turn to search for her myself I happen to spot my real surprise, standing next to a photo booth, waving like an imp. I gasp. Then I practically mow Mama down to get to him.
“You stinker!” I throw my arms around his neck and squeeze him harder than I have in years. Haynes and I haven’t been apart this long since he went to a legal conference in Indianapolis after we were first married. “I thought you had to fix our toilet.”
“Come on. Our little girl is joining an Ole Miss sorority today.” He looks so dang luscious to me dressed in his khakis, a blue button-up, and a navy fleece vest. I’ve missed him so.
When I let go, Mama is right next to us, eavesdropping. “My darling son-in-law drove me heah. He is such a fine gentleman.” She scans Haynes head to toe. “And looking so handsome today.” I’ve not heard her speak his praises this much—ever.
“When will we know about Ellie?” Haynes asks me, stepping aside to let three active members with painted faces, dressed in frilly costumes and wigs, pass by.
“Not until she opens her bid card. Maybe you should go to the Grove and video her when she opens it. Then call me and let me know which one she gets.”
“Then you can video her here or at Tri Delt. Got it.” He nods, slides his hands in his pockets.
“What about me?” Mama asks.
“You stay here with your daughter. I’ll be running back from the Grove.”
“I suppose that’s best.” She turns to me. “I told Haynes on the way down, I can’t leave here today without seeing that gorgeous dorm room.”
