Greek (Palm South University)

“You’d be an excellent president,” Cassie says.

“Think the girls would be down with a cosplay themed social?” Tera asks with a smirk.

We all laugh, knowing that’s answer enough.

“Well, you’re all welcome into my bed in L.A. anytime,” I say. “It’s going to be a a hell of a lot nicer than this one.”

“I still can’t believe you’re moving across the country,” Ashlei muses, absentmindedly rubbing her belly. “I mean, I can, because… well, because you’re a badass. But, moving to Hollywood, starting a casino-event business…”

“Starting a life with Kip,” Cassie adds.

“It’s surreal,” I say, smiling. “But… I’m ready. And with Kip entering his show into the film festival this upcoming summer? Who knows what life will bring us next.”

“Riches,” Jess says over a sip of champagne. “And I’m sure glad you bitches are taking care of our money, because the wedding planner life isn’t one of fame and fortune, I’ll tell you that.”

“Yet,” Ashlei says. “You just wait. You’re already making a name for yourself, and you’re only a year removed from college.”

“Says the one who’s likely to make partner at her agency before next year is up.”

“I don’t know,” she says, looking down at her stomach with a serene smile. “I might take a little time off. Not a lot,” she adds quickly, eyes wide when she looks at us again. “But… maybe a little.”

“I don’t blame you. I’d want to do the same thing,” Cassie says.

“I can’t wait to spoil the brat,” Jess says. “Kade and I have already decided we’re taking on the role of aunt and uncle for all of your little ones. So just be prepared for them to love us more than you.”

“I feel like I should keep them far, far away from you once they’re sixteen,” Ashlei says with an arched brow.

Jess just gives her a mischievous smile in return.

“What about you, Little?” I ask Cassie, tapping her foot. “You ready to plan a wedding?”

“Not yet,” she says with a laugh. “I need to get through medical school first.”

Erin frowns. “Long engagement?”

“At least a few years.”

“Okay, I’ll allow that,” Jess says, pointing her finger at Cassie. “But I will not allow you to elope like this bitch did.” She points at Ashlei next. “I expect God-awful bridesmaid dresses and a proper bachelorette party and an open bar with a dance floor I can occupy all night long. Got it?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Cassie says with a chuckle.

“I’m so envious of y’all who are done done with school,” Erin says with a longing sigh. “Poor Cassie and I won’t be free for years.”

“But then she’ll be a badass doctor and you’ll be a badass prosecutor and Ashlei will be running the world from her and Brandon’s yacht and Skyler will be throwing an illegal poker tournament on said yacht.”

“And you’ll be…” I prompt her.

She scoffs. “Probably banging Kade on the balcony.”

“It is a rather fun place to canoodle,” Ashlei says with a reminiscent sigh.

“Jess, seriously. What about you?” I ask. “Stop downplaying like you’re not just as badass as all of us — if not all of us combined.”

“Seriously — I don’t know,” she confesses. “And I think that’s okay. I’m only twenty-three. I don’t need to have everything figured out. All I know is, right now, I love my job, I love my boyfriend, I love my messy, no-direction life, and I love being here,” she adds, grabbing us in a group hug. “Celebrating you bitches.”

We’re quiet for a moment, all of us lost in thought as we look around the room again, snuggling into each other’s arms.

“We can’t ever lose this,” Cassie whispers. “No matter what happens, where life takes us… we always have to have each other.”

“Come on, Grand Little,” Erin says. “Didn’t you know that when you rushed? Kappa Kappa Beta isn’t just for four years.” She shrugs. “It’s for life.”

Another silence falls over us, and my heart swells in my chest, tears pricking my eyes.

“Okay,” I say, leaning up to face them all head on. “I don’t want to get super mushy, but I have to say this, so you all just sit there and let me say it.” I point at Jess. “Shut up,” I tease before she can get the words out.

She smiles. “Fine. Two minutes only. Go.”

I take a deep breath, looking at each of them. “I couldn’t have survived the last four years without you. I mean it. I came into this university not knowing who I was or who I wanted to be, and while I still might be figuring that second part out, you girls loved me every step of the way. In the in-between,” I whisper. “And I know if you love me then, you’ll love me always.”

Ashlei squeezes my hand.

“Thank you for being my friends,” I say, and then I can’t help it — I start blubbering, which makes them all peg me with pillows before we’re wrapped in a tight group hug, our heads resting on each other as we sigh and soak it all in.