Wicked (Somerset University #2) - Ruby Vincent Page 0,44
girls streamed out of the house, taking hold of me and practically carrying me inside.
“Congrats, Val.”
“Loved your speech.”
“I can’t wait for this year,” Keily gushed. “It’ll be twenty times more amazing with you at the helm.”
I might have gotten something out if I wasn’t bowled over by our home’s new décor. A banner hung over the staircase proclaiming, “Congratulations, President Valentina!”
Pink and green streamers strung overhead and ran up the banister. A heavenly smell wafted out of the living room, and the girls carried me inside, beaming proudly at their spread of cupcakes, soda, cheesecake, muffins, and every other sinfully delicious treat under the sun.
Sofia stood by the mantle, looking plenty pleased with herself for keeping the secret.
“I can’t believe you guys did this.” I went around collecting hugs. “This is so much better than a council meeting.”
“Sorry, Valentina,” Miss Ortega said as she hugged me. “This doesn’t get you out of the meeting, but we would be remiss if we didn’t celebrate. How about an hour of cake and fun and then we can get started? How does that sound?”
“Sounds great.”
I descended on the chocolate hazelnut brownies like they had my name on them. One of the girls kicked up the music and the party started. Sofia took the tray of brownies and led me off into a corner with Mai and Blair.
“We had to pull this together quickly,” said Mai. “But our lovely brunch ladies were happy to come through for you.”
“I am going to spend so much money in that place this year,” I said.
“Did Ortega tell you we’re still having the meeting?” asked Blair. “I’ve written up the agenda and I have some suggestions we should talk about.”
“That can wait,” Sofia spoke up. “This party is for you too, Blair. Enjoy. Let that hair down. Dance on the table.”
She laughed. “It’s not that kind of party. But there is something I need to ask you,” she said, addressing that last sentence to me. “Since you’re not moving into the house, it’s cool that I take Leighton’s old room, right? I’ve started packing my stuff but Ortega said I have to clear it with you first.”
“Fine with me,” I replied. “No point in it sitting empty. Any plans for how to decorate? Leighton went wild on the place. Coolest room I’ve ever been in.”
“Right?” she breathed. “I loved what she did with the closet. Instead of a book nook, I was thinking of a study space—quiet and tucked away. The fish tank headboard is a bit hardcore for me. Instead, I’m hiring someone to make a mural on that entire wall...”
Blair fell into her version of letting her hair down, gushing about her plans for her new room while we stuffed ourselves.
Miss Ortega floated in and out, checking on us in between setting up the dining room.
“Shouldn’t we help her?” I spoke up. “She doesn’t have to go real mama bear on us. We can handle refilling our drinks and printing handouts.”
“She’s here to make life easier for us,” Sofia said. “In every way. This morning she set out breakfast for us and offered to sit down with anyone needing to process Leighton’s death.”
“And she put in a maintenance request to fix my leaky sink,” Mai put in. “Full-service house mother right there.”
“Who is trying to get our attention,” said Blair. “It’s time, Val. Take the chocolate cupcakes with you.”
“I will,” I said around my mouthful.
Ortega was indeed waving for our attention. We crossed the room, meeting her out in the hall.
“I’d like to say this meeting will go quickly, but we have a lot to cover,” she began. “The prep is done for dinner tonight. If we go over time, I’ll cook, so you six can keep working.”
“Thank you. You don’t have to—” I stopped, the final part of her sentence penetrating. “Wait. The six of us?”
“They’re ready to begin when you are.” Ortega stepped into the dining room and gestured at our guests.
My eyes flared—slightly—but the surprise came through clear enough to twist Aiden’s lips.
“Hey, Val.” He saluted. “Congrats on the win. I had my money on Heather. Impressive upset.”
“Aiden,” I forced out. “Why are you here? This meeting is for the Sally house.”
“Those plans will inevitably link up with us. The Halloween party. The end-of-semester trip. And there’s talk you’re shaking things up. Gotta be in on that.”
I clenched my teeth. Why does this insufferable asshole look like he’s enjoying himself?
“By the way, how’s Ezra doing? Recovering from a gunshot wound must be brutal.”