Campus God (Campus)

For a moment, I study her. It’s obvious that Mom is in her element. Both the curve of her lips and the excitement dancing in her eyes are genuine. I don’t doubt that she loves Garret, but would she be just as content with him if he didn’t have a fat portfolio or a beautiful mansion she gets to call home?

I think we all know the answer to that one.

Her gaze flickers to mine as I arrive on the last tread. Rather gracefully, she lifts a slender arm to wave me over. Air gets clogged in my throat as I reluctantly close the distance between us. I can practically feel the heat of her gaze running over the length of me, assessing what she finds, mentally cataloguing the flaws on display. Not once does her expression falter. She’s a pro at masking her inner thoughts behind a pleasant façade.

She makes introductions and I’m asked a handful of surface level questions regarding college and potential career paths. After about ten minutes, the couple I’ve been conversing with departs, wanting to check out the silent auction items. Garret kisses me on the cheek before taking off for a refill on his scotch. As soon as I wrap up this little convo with Mom, I also plan on dulling the pain with an alcoholic beverage. I’ll Uber it home if it’s necessary.

“Hello, darling.” She air kisses both cheeks, careful not to make contact. God forbid she smudge her lipstick.

“Hi, Mom.”

She steps back just enough to give me another once over. “I saw that gown while out shopping and knew it would be perfect with your coloring.” Her gaze flickers to mine before dropping to my breasts, which are on full display. “Although, it does seem a tad snug.”

It takes everything I have inside to resist the urge to tug at the bodice. “Oxygen is overrated, right?”

She pats my cheek. “You’re so amusing. Perhaps I’ll book us a week at that amazing spa in Arizona over Christmas break. I think we could both use a gentle cleanse to flush out all the poisonous toxins and impurities.” She gives me a knowing look as if we’re co-conspirators. “It’ll also be beneficial in shedding some of this excess water weight.”

“Ahhh…” The thought of spending a full week confined with my mother for company is a fate worse than death. I give my head a violent little shake. “I’m not sure that’ll work, but thanks for the offer.”

She waves a manicured hand in the air between us. “Nonsense. It’ll do wonders for your complexion.”

Actually, the only thing it will end up doing is bringing on a massive case of self-loathing.

Been there, done that. Bought the T-shirt for posterity.

“As amazing as that sounds, I might have a project to work on. I’m not sure.”

One perfectly sculpted brow rises. I’m shocked those muscles even work with all the Botox and fillers that have been injected. “Over Christmas break?”

“Maybe,” I mumble as inspiration strikes. “For extra credit.”

“Hmmm. I suppose we can discuss it another time.”

I really hope not.

Just as I’m about to make up an excuse to flee, the front door opens and another couple walks in. A smile magically appears on Mom’s face as she waves them over.

I plaster fake happiness across my features as they stop to greet us.

“Hello, so good to see you again! Jeremy and Anne, correct?”

The older man nods before slipping his arm around the woman at his side. My guess is that she’s at least twenty years younger. What I’ve discovered is that it’s not an uncommon age gap in these circles. The men continue to get older, and the women get increasingly younger. And more plastic looking. Although, this one looks significantly less fake than my mother.

“And this is my son—”

My gaze collides with familiar dark eyes.

“Crosby.” The name slips free on a surprised gasp.

Mom’s attention bounces between us. “I take it you two know each other?”

It takes effort to look away from him. He’s the last person I expected to see this evening. Other than a handful of guests I’d met at their wedding, I hadn’t anticipated knowing anyone.

“Yes,” I say. “We both attend Western.”

Mom nods before extending a hand for Crosby to shake. “Delighted to meet you.”

As he smiles, his lip ring glints beneath the crystal chandelier. It’s a little mesmerizing. I’m instantly flooded with memories of what it felt like when he kissed me.

“Same. It’s obvious where Brooke gets her beauty from.”

I almost choke out a laugh when he lifts her hand to his lips and brushes a kiss against her knuckles. Even more surprising is the light blush that blooms in Mom’s cheeks. Crosby dazzles her with one of his patented panty-dropper smiles before setting her free.

It’s so tempting to roll my eyes.

Who knew Crosby Rhodes could turn on the charm to this degree?