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As annoying as carding at a frat party is, it’s university policy. The line to get into the Delta Xi house extends far across the lawn, stretching out into the middle of the street. Luckily, there’s no traffic. The ends of Greek Row were blocked off hours ago by campus security.
They know what tonight is.
We take our places at the end of the line, deep smiles on Alex and Ben’s face as they glance around the lawn. Each house on the street is alive and vibrant, their respective members dressed in color-coded shirts. Impress them. Get stickers. Sounds easy enough.
I realize as I’m searching the crowd that I’m not looking for Delta Xi blue. I’m looking from one head to the next, hunting for that familiar head of golden yellow hair.
Dana’s car was still in the driveway when I picked up Alex and Ben, but that doesn’t mean her new friend Dylandidn’t pick her up. As blunt and hurtful as Alex’s words were the other day, he’s not wrong. Dana wasn’t built for frat parties. She’s meant to be at home, wrapped in a blanket with a good book and a cup of tea.
Her father feels the same way, having intercepted us on our way out the door tonight.
“You guys have a good time,” he said, proud his sons would follow in his Delta Xi footsteps. “And Alex…” He paused, forcing his son to make eye contact. “Look after your sister.”
Alex groaned. “Dad?—“
“Alex.”
“Okay. Fine.” Alex nodded, but his annoyed sneer remained. “We’ll babysit Dana.”
Dana is too old for a babysitter, but I assured Mr. Kirby that we’d keep an eye out for her. Her question still echoes in my mind, a stark reminder that little Dana Kirby is no longer a child.
Will you take my virginity?
If you don’t, someone else will,Courtney told me. How’s that sit with you?
Not well, that’s how.
But giving in doesn’t seem right, either.
It’s Dana. Small. Defenseless.
Beautiful.
But I’ve always known that. I’ve always seen what’s behind the protective walls she puts up or beneath the thick jackets and baggy jeans she used to wear. Now, she wears dresses. And skirts. Tank tops and contact lenses. Everyone else can see what I coveted so closely before.
Maybe I should reconsider her question.
No. I shouldn’t.
But if she asks me again, I won’t be able to stop myself from?—
Alex raps his knuckles against my shoulder. “What are you thinking about?”
Banging your sister.
“Nothing,” I say.
My gut twists as the line moves us forward a little.
Come on.
Could this guy check IDs any slower?
“Question,” Ben says to his brother, the sudden volume of the word drawing me toward their quiet conversation.
Alex nods beside him. “What?”
“Why is it so important to you that you’re right about this?”
