biochemistry major named Juliet told Vivi all about her research on love hormones, and then Vivi found herself in a fascinating discussion about Chinese politics with a history major named Etta and some of her classmates. It was a subject she knew little about, so she mostly listened, but she never felt awkward or out of place. Despite the fact that none of the older students knew her, they seemed perfectly happy to let Vivi join their conversation. By the time she found Ariana again, Vivi felt nearly giddy. An unfamiliar combination of relief and happiness filled her with warmth. Her first college party was a success.
Ariana was talking to the girl in the red beaded dress she’d spotted earlier. As Vivi approached, the girl smiled warmly, revealing teeth as white as the pearls strung around her neck. She took a long sip of her drink, and when she lowered her cup, her lipstick was still perfect. There wasn’t even a trace of crimson on the white cup.
“I’m Mei,” she said, extending her hand. “It’s nice to—” Her voice was drowned out as jazz suddenly swept through the garden. Vivi turned to see five smartly dressed musicians in black suits playing a familiar-sounding song. “Ooh, the Charleston!” Mei shouted. Without letting go of her teacup, she began to swivel on the balls of her feet while moving her arms in perfect rhythm. “Come on!” She grinned and grabbed Vivi’s hand.
“No, I can’t,” Vivi said, stepping back. She’d never danced in public before. She couldn’t actually remember dancing in private, either. She was so bad, she embarrassed herself even when she was alone.
Mei mercifully dropped her hand, and less than a second later, she was swept up by a member of the band in a black suit. Vivi watched in awe as they danced in such perfect unison that she wondered if they’d choreographed the whole thing. “I wish I could do that,” Vivi whispered to Ariana, who was also staring, mesmerized.
“Your turn,” Mei called cheerfully. She pulled away from the boy and gestured toward Vivi.
“No, I’m serious. I can’t.” Vivi stepped back as her heart pounded a frantic alarm. But the boy, still under Mei’s spell, would not be put off. Vivi just had time to give Ariana her teacup and sparkler before the boy took her hand and began to push and pull her in time to the music. For a moment, all she could do was stare in horror and sway awkwardly. She didn’t know what to do with her feet or her free hand. Her face started to burn. How many people were staring at her right now?
But just when she thought the panic would overwhelm her, her feet began to move seemingly of their own accord. Her hips swayed from side to side as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other. The boy grinned at her, and without thinking, she grinned back. No matter which way he moved, she followed seamlessly, as if connected to him by a string.
“I knew you could do it,” Mei said with a mixture of amusement and satisfaction. Vivi was having so much fun, she barely stopped to wonder how she could hear Mei’s low murmur over the music. Or why it sounded like the girl’s voice was inside her head. Because when Vivi glanced over her shoulder, Mei was gone.
The song ended and a slower one began. The boy cocked his head to the side with a smile, wordlessly inviting Vivi to join him for another, but she didn’t want to push her luck. “I should find my friend,” she said. “But thank you. That was . . .” She blushed and cut herself off. “Thank you.”
“That was amazing,” Ariana squealed as Vivi approached. “I wish they’d taught the Charleston at my ballroom-dancing school.” She looked around the garden, sighed, and handed back Vivi’s drink and sparkler. “It’s hard not to be a little hopeful about getting a bid, isn’t it?”
Vivi nodded, feeling the same way. She’d never imagined herself as part of a sorority, but then again, she’d never known that there were sororities like Kappa. These girls were smart, curious, and passionate—just like the people Vivi had always dreamed of befriending in college. But wasn’t it arrogant to assume that they’d be interested in her? Just because she’d managed to go a few hours without mortifying herself didn’t mean she belonged in the most glamorous, exclusive sorority at Westerly.
A murmur went through the crowd and