“Childhood home of Amanda Wingfield,” Mrs. Dyson says.
My mouth falls open at the mention of Amanda. “Yes, ma’am. She’s one of my favorite literary characters.”
Mrs. Dyson looks surprised. “So you’re familiah with Tennessee Williams?”
“Oh yes, ma’am. I’ve readThe Glass Menagerieso many times I can practically recite it by heart.” What a coincidence. Ellie’s grandmother loves Tennessee Williams, too.
Mrs. Woodcock cuts her eyes at her mother, places a hand on my shoulder. “Cali, by the way, is a genius.”
I hold my hands up. “Oh no, ma’am, far from it. But that’s a nice compliment. Thank you.”
“I hope you don’t mind me bragging on you.” Ellie’s mom turns to the others. “Cali made a thirty-two on her ACT.”
I cringe. It’s not something I want made public.
“Wow,” her dad says, leaning forward. “Ever thought of going into law?”
“Actually,” I say with a winsome smile, “I have. Then I want to be governor.”
Mrs. Woodcock reaches out to stop a member weaving through the crowd.ADB Greek letters are painted in blue on her cheeks. “Selma, have you met Cali Watkins?”
The girl smiles when she sees me, claps her hands together. “Not yet. Hey, Cali, I’m Selma James. This year’s president.” Then she stretches out her arms and pulls me in tightly.
“Thank you so much for the bid,” I tell her, once she lets go. “I’m really happy.”
“Are you kidding? We’re the happy ones. Cali, let me take this opportunity to tell you how much we all love you here.”
“I can feel that. I intend to do great things for our sorority. I promise you’ll never regret your decision.”
“Phhh.” Air escapes her lips. “None of us have a doubt about that.”
Someone sneaks up from behind and puts a cheek next to mine. “Tired of meeting people yet?” It’s Sarah. I love how she’s keeping a watchful eye out for me.
I whip around, look at her like she’s crazy. “Hardly.”
“Speaking of meeting people,” Mrs. Dyson says, “has anyone seen Lilith Whitmoah?”
I notice Ellie’s mom and Selma exchange looks.
“No, ma’am,” Selma says matter-of-factly. “I haven’t seen her.” Then she asks Mrs. Woodcock if she can speak with her privately. The two of them hurry inside the House.
Sarah puts a hand on Ellie’s shoulder and one on mine. “Y’all have gifts inside.”
“Gifts?” Ellie and I look at each other and grin.Who would send me gifts?I wonder. This day is getting better by the minute.
Sarah’s arms reach around both of our shoulders. “Let’s go take a peek. Then we’ll get your faces painted.”
As the three of us turn to leave, Mrs. Dyson takes Ellie by the hand. “I want to see your elegant dorm room, dahlin’. Before I head back.”
“I’d love for you to see it, Mimi, but can Mom take you? I don’t want to leave right now.”
“I’ll take you, Eleanor,” Mr. Woodcock says before turning to Ellie. “Your mom won’t want to miss a minute of this, either.”
Ellie gets pulled away before we make it to the front door. Sarah and I keepmoving, though, and when we step inside the House I am awestruck. Although I was here for Rush, all the members were crammed inside and I couldn’t appreciate the decor. Now, standing here with my mouth open, I’m sure it’s the most beautiful house I’ve ever been in.
I don’t remember it from before, but the crystal chandelier hanging in the foyer is enormous, and it seems like it’s beckoning all who come to call. A round table sits underneath with a massive display of white roses. A grand staircase twists and turns to another floor. The ceilings must be twelve feet tall, and the furniture looks like it’s been staged for a photograph. My eyes travel all over the walls then stop at the composites in the foyer. Will my picture actually be on the one for this year? I feel like pinching myself.
Sarah can tell I’m speechless because my eyes are the size of baseballs and I’m turning a slow circle. “Pretty awesome, huh?” she says.
