Page 590 of Lessons in Cruelty

Abigail crosses the living room to blow out the candle on the fireplace mantel with the grace that comes from years of yoga lessons. “Glad you finally got the message about your things. The new girl’s arriving this weekend.”

“Wait, what?” I blink, mind racing. “You’re kicking me out?”

Abigail turns, blowing on her fingernails. “Hillary tried to contact you. When you didn’t bother calling back, she gave your bed to a legacy pledge.” She shrugs, her eyes flicking to Kai again. “We assumed you’d moved on.”

I laugh bitterly. “Assumed.”

“What were we supposed to think?”

That I was coming back.

That I belonged here.

That maybe, just fucking maybe, I wasn’t just a charity case.

Fuck them. I’ve got somewhere better now.

“So you’ve packed up Melissa’s stuff too, then?” I snap.

Kai wraps his fingers around my arm and squeezes. I pull out of his grip without looking at him.

Abigail frowns faintly. “Why would we?”

“She’s moved on too, right?”

“She’ll be back soon.”

“I’m back,” I spit out. “And sooner than her.”

“Are you?” Abigail drawls.

My mouth works for a moment before I admit defeat. “Whatever. Where’s my stuff?”

“In the laundry room.”

“In the⁠—?”

“Can I get Melissa’s number?” Kai cuts in. “We really need to speak to her.”

Abigail’s eyebrow arches so high it nearly disappears into her hairline. “Please. I don’t give out my sisters’ numbers to randos.”

“Kai’s not a⁠—“

“Why don’t you have her number?” Abigail’s eyes flick back to mine. “She’s your roommate.”

Wow. Abandon your things in a sorority for a week while you take a much-needed vacation, suddenly everyone’s your fucking enemy.

“Her phone’s busted,” Kai says. “Come on, man, don’t be a bitch. Just give Haven⁠—“

“Ex-cuse me?”

Yikes.

Dogs in Ashwood Crossing are probably howling.

Abigail pushes away from the mantel with her hip, taking a step forward like she intends grievous bodily harm upon my boyfriend.

I turn to him. “Give us a minute, would you?”