Our Boy Brad

 "Tell me, are you really allergic to coconut?" Brad practically winked at Jeanette as he poured her a glass of buttery chardonnay at the rooftop lounge where jazz softly played in the background.

"Um, no," Jeanette stared back at him, even lipped, but they clinked the wine glasses and drank. "So you are a pretty little liar?" He laughed a bit impish. "Do you really know Logan James?" Jeanette tilted her head as if maybe they both were. "OK, I was his caddy for a while, seriously, the man has no reason to be on the golf course, but you know, it's his connection place," Brad shrugged. "I think I liked you better when I thought you were a distant relative," Jeanette teased. She cut into her grilled fish. "Want to try my steak?" He held up a small chunk on his fork. "Must I?" She winced. "I dare you," he teased and she took the bait. "Wow, you do shock me sometimes. Are you sure you aren't with some secret organization, to keep America hygienic?" "Maybe," she went back to her fish and rice, took another sip of wine and asked him about his major. "Undeclared." "Undeclared?" Her face tensed, "I should have known." His smile was so playful. He was fair and practically a redhead. The freckles were there, but had to see. Still, he looked quite devious and Jeanette found it infectious, against her better judgment. "You're the type who can do anything he puts his mind to." Jeanette pointed her fork at him. "I've had a lot of jobs," he told her. "I have to." Jeanette was serious as if she might be light years ahead of him. "Just don't tell me you feel like an outsider, there, at the sorority," Brad said he noticed the first person she went to was the chef's wife. "The chef's wife?" Jeanette chuckled. "She didn't even like me." "That's because they kicked her out," he said as he made his way to his onion rings next to his tossed salad dripping in ranch dressing. He ate his food before it got cold. Jeanette mixed the rice with her fish. "But why..why did they kick Margot out?" Jeanette wanted to know as Brad was pouring her another glass of wine. "Um, I can't say who started it, but somebody took to the chef and you just don't do that at OSG." Jeanette nodded as she comfortably sat back to enjoy the city skyline glistening from the rooftop. Still, she couldn't decide if Margot thought Jeanette looked down on her or if was she trying to tell her to leave.

Sorority Rush

 Jeanette felt certain to be late. After all, the boys from the fraternity were already harmonizing. But there was Miss Luna to welcome everyone. It felt like a life-changing event. She thought it was supposed to be casual. But now in the crowd she felt pushed and shoved. She wasn't sure what to think of some of these people.

She thought she saw Meg, maybe, but girl acted as if she didn't know her. Of course, they'd chatted only a bit about the sorority and how amazing it would be to live there.. But Meg was in another world now and someone was asking if Jeanette would like a mock cocktail. "What's in it?" She told the woman that she was allergic to coconut. The server gave her a harsh look as if Jeanette was being impossible. Finally, the harmonies came to an end and the group broke up. She turned to see the fellow with curls point at her as if he had a gun. His playful animated face came near and she turned away, thinking he couldn't possibly come toward her. She felt a tad underdressed and suddenly shy. This was not what she'd wanted for the evening. Then Logan James got everyone's attention. She didn't know what to make of him. Maybe a little spoiled, but he sounded like a politician. Still, he talked about the goals for the sorority and his expectations of the future to make the place bigger and better, all in honor of his sister. Before she knew it the fellow with the curls brushed up against her. He grinned as he walked past. Jeanette almost smiled back, wondering how much longer the evening would be. Maybe this wasn't the place for her. She moved closer to the entrance for a quick exit. "Hey now, you can't be leaving, can you? " The frat boy handed her a chilled bottle of water. He had one, too. Jeanette pressed a smile. "Thanks," she took the bottle. "Um, it feels like it will be a long night." "But you haven't even signed in," He towered over her, but he wasn't intimidating. His name was Brad and he was only a sub in the group. "I'm not even supposed to be here, but I got a call, the lead came down with a virus." "A virus?" "Yeah, I guess he can't get out of bed." With that, he took her arm and led her to sign-in sheets and other paperwork to fill out. "I hope you get in," he said. Now Jeanette's smile was open. Of course, she wondered how often he said that to girls during RUSH WEEK. Finally, the taco bar opened with an assortment of meats, from ground chuck to smoked chicken breasts. So many fresh toppings to choose greens, tomatoes and cheese to choose from, even pineapple. Jeanette looked at it with disgust. "Is it sanitary enough?" The chef assured it was fine. Jeanette was closed-lipped. She didn't want to make a scene, but no way did she want to find out. All along, Brad was double-dipping the cheese dip and the salsa. Jeanette cringed. "I hate buffets," she told him. "Oh come on, have a strawberry," he popped it in her mouth before she could say no. "There's even a fountain of chocolate over there." He led the way. Some filled their plates up with fruit and chocolate. Jeanette thought of food poisoning. She wanted nothing to do with this crowd so she hurried to the bathroom. It was in the bathroom when someone whispered to her about a ghost. She was in the next stall. "What did you say?" Jeanette's voice echoed through the bathroom. By the time she freshened up the mystery girl was gone. Still, Jeanette thought it strange. Jeanette's plan was to go. She needed to get out of there before last year's Sorority sisters started their line dance, but of course, there was Mr. Logan James with a dead stare, honing in on her. "Don't I know you from somewhere?" "I don't think so," Jeanette shook her head. "I think I'd remember you," he started. Brad grabbed her hand. "She's with me, I thought this would be the perfect place for her." Brad was a charmer. Jeanette thought he might be a liar too. "If you say so, Brad, I've never gone wrong with anything you've ever suggested." Logan's smile was quick and Jeanette wasn't sure what to expect now. He let them leave.