I have no idea what that means, but it might increase my chance of getting into the eating club. The scholarship selects only nine undergraduates a year. During my research, I discover Dalton’s dad was a Wilson Scholar, as well as a member of the Ivy Club. That must have been how he got in as a first-year. This becomes my new game plan. I spend the next few weeks on my application, skipping social events to work on the essay sections. The guys down the hall keep inviting me out, but I have to turn them down. As much as I want to make new friends.
Thankfully, it’s worth it in the end. Because I receive an email from the dean in January. I’ve been selected as a Wilson Scholar along with eight other students. And it looks like Dalton is one of them, too.
The reception dinner takes place at the president’s house. It’s a four-course meal and the dress code is black tie. I don’t have anything formal to wear, so the school lends me a suit that’s a little tight on me. It’s my first fancy event since my cousin’s wedding when I was ten. I’m hoping there’s an open spot near Dalton when I arrive. But he’s already sitting next to Cornelia. Why is she always around? I’ve run into her a few times on campus and she just pretends not to know me.
Dalton notices me coming in and smiles. As usual, he looks great in his dinner jacket and matching bow tie. I smile back and find an open seat on the other side of the table. The guy beside me turns and says, “First time here?”
I nod. “Can you tell?”
“Sort of, yeah. But it’s mine, too, so we can experience it together.” He has dark-brown hair and a handsome smirk. “It’s not every day you dine at the president’s house, right?”
“You think he actually lives here?”
“Honestly, I always assumed he slept upside down in a cave somewhere.”
We hold in our laughs as the servers come around with the salad. As everyone begins eating, I notice him staring down at his silverware. I lean over and whisper, “It’s the fork on the left.”
“Thanks.Almost went in with my hands there.”
“I wouldn’t have judged you. It’s pretty confusing. I only know because my mom worked at a hotel for fifteen years.”
“Must have been a nice hotel.”
“Four stars with a rooftop pool. The son of the owner actually goes here, too.”
“Oh, really?”
“He’s sitting on the other end of this table.” I wait for a discreet moment to gesture at Dalton.
“So we’re in the presence ofroyalty,” he says, feigning wonder. “I’m assuming you know him?”
“We actually dated. Didn’t last long, though.”
“I hope it at least ended well.”
“I guess it could have been worse ...”
He nods knowingly. “Well, I’m sure he’ll regret it when you buy yourownhotel.” We smile at each other. I didn’t notice the amber flecks in his eyes until now. “I’m Noah, by the way. In case you can’t read the handwriting on my name tag.”
“I’m Evan. Glad we’re sitting together.”
We continue chatting as the next course comes out. Mushroom bisque with a dollop of crème fraîche. Noah is a sophomore studying economics. He grew up in Wisconsin and his parents are both high school teachers. There are two options for the main course—chicken cordon bleu or grilled sea bass. We decide to order differently so we can try each other’s dishes.
After dessert is served, the president rises to give a speech. He thanks us for coming and says, “I hope you’re all getting acquainted, which is the purpose of this dinner. We had an incredibly high number of applications this year, so it’s my privilege to welcome the new Wilson Scholars. However, there was one particular applicant who stood out to us. And that individual will be receiving an additional ten-thousand-dollar scholarship.”
The president turns to me, holding his glass. “Congratulations, Evan Dao. Let’s give him a round of applause, shall we?”
I look around, speechless. I had read there was a scholarship prize, but I hadn’t considered winning it. I only submitted an application as a way of getting closer to Dalton. A woman comes around with a silver pin and attaches it to my lapel. Then we’re moved into another room for tea and coffee. The president says a few words and leaves us to mingle.
I wasn’t expecting to become the center of attention tonight. The other scholars come up to introduce themselves and look at my pin. Of course, Dalton and Cornelia haven’t said a single word to me yet. They’re standing in a circle with two others, chatting among themselves. I don’t have to wonder what the conversation is about. Because Cornelia gestures in my direction, speaking loud enough for me to hear.
“I’m sure he needs the scholarship more than the rest of us. Although, he’s likely going here for free, too.”
One of the other girls chuckles. I should probably ignore them. But I’m getting tired of these comments about me. Maybe it’s time I finally say something. Eventually, I turn to Cornelia. “Sorry, what was that?”
She folds her arms and says, “You couldn’t hear me? I said it must be nice having your education funded while ourparents actually have to work to pay ours. Just like your tuition at Bucknall, right? How does it feel having everything given to you?”
Now I understand what her problem is. I’m not really sure what to say back. “I don’t know what you’re upset about. We all got into the same school, didn’t we?”
