“A secret society?” I question. “I didn’t even know Pembroke had one of those.”
Asher rolls his eyes. “That’s because it’s asecret, genius.”
I ignore him and turn back to Sam. “How do you know about this?”
Sam sighs. “Because I’m in it.”
“And what’s your secret society called?” I ask.
Sam looks at us apprehensively. “Do you guys promise not to laugh?”
“No,” Asher replies.
“Yes,” I say, shooting him a look.
“We’re called the Knights of Pembroke.”
Asher tries to hold in a laugh, and I purse my lips, trying to keep a neutral face. Sam rolls his eyes at us.
“I knew I shouldn’t have even said it,” he starts.
“No, no,” I say. “That’s a cool name. I like it. Um, where is it? Do you think you could take us there sometime?”
“Not exactly,” Sam says. “It’s under the campus and it’s for members only.”
“How do you become a member?” I ask. “Can we get Asher in?”
Asher scoffs. “I am not joining something called the fucking Knights of Pembroke.” He looks at Sam, whose face is red. “No offense.”
“You have to be a legacy,” Sam says. “That, or everyone inducted can vote on a potential new member, but everyone has to agree in order for that person to get in.”
“Then how can we get in?” I ask. “It’s important that we... become friendly with Bryce.”
Sam doesn’t ask why, and I’m grateful. “Well, usually I wouldn’t be able to get you in at all but... we are hosting a Halloween party tomorrow night at midnight. Any nonmembers have to be brought by a member and blindfolded, so you don’t know the location.”
“Great! Then we’ll go with you. That’s okay, right?”
“I guess so,” Sam says hesitantly. “But just know it can get... weird down there.”
“Weird how?” Asher asks.
“I guess you’ll see for yourself,” Sam says. “But it can only be you two. Don’t tell Annica and Dani or the rest of the guys.”
“Okay, deal,” I say.
Asher sighs but agrees.
“So do you guys want me to bring the blindfolds, or do you want to bring your own?”
I wake up early on Saturday to prepare for the day, not really knowing what to expect. Annica wants me at the apartment by four to take pictures before we go to the boys’ house. My costume arrives in the mail right on time and when I open it I just know Annica is going to throw a fit. The yellow outfit was sold out everywhere, so I got the outfit that she’s wearing on the movie cover. I go to the salon for a blowout at noon and come back to my place to start getting ready, but when I get back Adrienne is leaving with a packed duffel bag.
“Where are you going? I thought you were coming out with me tonight?” I ask her.
“Oh, I’m so sorry, Sloane, I’m going up to Ivy Gate tonight for their Halloween with that guy I’m kind of talking to. I thought I mentioned it yesterday but it must have slipped my mind.”
“Oh, okay, no worries,” I say. “Have fun, be safe.”
“You too, Cousin!” When the door closes behind her I listen to her footsteps going down the stairs. Even though she’s gone I tiptoe to her bedroom and sitting on her nightstand is her pack of Xanax that she sometimes takes for her anxiety. I stare at it for a while, wondering if she’ll really notice if one or two are missing. Against my better judgment I quickly pop one from the packet and put it into the clutch purse I’m taking out with me tonight. I put on my tight red dress with the matching red heel, and the big, fluffy white feathered boa. The last touch is red lipstick, which I carefully apply before grabbing my purse and heading out the door.
