This book is a work of fiction. Anything from this book which may have resemblance to actual events is entirely coincidental.

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                                                                             AYE, AYE, CAPTAIN!

                                                                                  Jomarie Anne

“Wow, these papers are sure too many,” I gathered the papers Irina, Amelia’s assistant in the Theta Alpha Chi sorority, gave me.

“Amber isn’t up yet. She got home late last night from practice. Are these all she needs to sign?”

“Yes, Miss Megan. Your grandma said she needs it done by ten a.m. today.” Irina said.

I shot an eyebrow. Was my grandma real bossy for a FORMER Alpha.

“I’ll call you as soon as Amber’s done. You can go now.” I told her. Irina nodded and left.

It’s been a week since Amber started to hold her office as the Alpha and I resumed mine as the beta. It was Tuesday morning and as what we have agreed with Amelia, we were staying at the sorority mansion. If Amber had not come home last night, I would have been a bit scared about staying here by myself.

I mean, who wants to stay alone in a half a century old sorority house anyway? It was a relief when she came home.

“Good morning,” Speaking of, my cousin came down the staircase all dressed up. She nodded towards the papers. “What are those?”

“You’re up early. Where are you off to all dolled up? I thought you didn’t have classes today. These are the sorority papers Amelia needs you to sign. It’s for the turnover.” I placed it on top of the table.

“All of these?” Her eyes narrowed. She sighed and took out a pen from her Lacoste bag. “Well anyway, I don’t have to read these anymore. I know what it says so I’ll just sign everything fast so I can now leave.”

She started scribbling away, not bothering to read a word or take a glance at the paper.

I eyed her curiously as I sat on the couch. I knew Amber’s always hurrying for her cheerleading practices but she didn’t have any scheduled practice today.

“What’s with the hurry?” I asked.

She looked up. “Oh, Carter’s taking me to this art gallery.”

Oh, I should have known.

“Oh…”

She frowned. “What do you mean ‘oh’?” She narrowed her eyes at me. “I know what you’re thinking, Megan. That dirty mind of yours is wrong. And stop ‘oohing’ at me. I also wanted to check out the gallery.”

I threw my hands up and laughed. “I wasn’t saying anything. Oh, but I didn’t know you were into arts now.”

“There you go again,” She shrugged and smiled as she finished signing the last paper. “It’s good to try new things sometimes.” She handed me the papers.

I smiled. “If you say so, enjoy your little ‘date’ then.”

“It’s not a date. What is with you?” She sighed. “Don’t you have a date with your Mr. Geeky boyfriend?”

I frowned. “Nope. Good thing you reminded me, Seth’s been kind of hard to reach lately. I wonder what’s going on?” I knew Seth could be busy with his job and studies sometimes but he hasn’t called for a few days now. I’m not really a clingy girlfriend but I was starting to worry.

Amber smiled and shook her head. “See? You should focus on your own relationship rather than trying to make an issue out of my friendship with Carter.”

I laughed. “Alright, I was just messing around. I’ll try to visit him at the bar later. Meanwhile, someone’s got to be here while the Alpha’s away so I’ll just lounge around or maybe ask Aaron to come over.”

“That guy’s been busy lately. I wonder who he’s dating again.” Amber remarked.

“You sure you’re done with these?” I waved the papers at her. “I’ll have Irina pick them up already.”

“Nope, it all says the same thing.” She said.

She got up and started to the door. “See you later, Meg!”

“Enjoy your date!” I laughed as I teased her one last time. After she left, I climbed up to my bedroom and got my black bikini. It was sunny so it’d be nice to lounge by the pool and maybe get a tan.

After changing to my bikini, I got some copies of Vogue and made myself cocktail.

I was lying on the lounge by the pool when Amelia walked in and sat down beside me. She peered at me through her sunglasses.

“Where’s the Alpha? I need to talk to her.”

I sat up lazily. “Hmmm…she went out. She’s going somewhere with Carter.”

“You mean to say she blew off her time for the sorority for a date with someone who’s definitely not her boyfriend?” She snapped.

“Relax, Carter’s her best friend okay? You don’t have to add malice to it,” I said irritably. So much for lounging around in peace. “ it’s just like hanging out with me, only, he’s a guy.”

“It wouldn’t look good. People know she’s dating Damon Wright and now she’s hanging out with another guy.”

“People will always think what they want. I should have thought you’re already used to that.” I said, carelessly flipping through Vogue.

“And how about you? Don’t you have somewhere to go?” Amelia asked.

“Nope.”

She snorted. “Well, it looks like you and Amber had switched places. Doesn’t she know how serious her duties are?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll have her back by afternoon if you want to talk to her badly.”

“I can’t believe you kids, even Aaron is ignoring his responsibilities. You should be taking these things seriously. The family business could use your help.”

I shrugged and rolled my eyes. “Well, it’s not as if those are ours already.”

Amelia finally gave up. Good. “It will be yours someday so you should start learning by now. Where are the papers?”

“I piled it on the table in the office. They’re already signed.” I replied, happy that my grandma won’t be hanging around.

“If you need me to fulfill my duties, I’ll be here all day but you’ve got to ask nicely!” I smiled, snickering at her annoyed face.

As soon as she left, I returned to my moment of solace. Nothing beats a little ‘me-time’.

Amber

Carter and I were walking along the paintings in the gallery at Rowlins where Michael peregrine, one of San Francisco’s renowned painters, was holding his exhibit.

Paintings weren’t really my thing but I can appreciate a good visual. And it was one of Carter’s interests so I wanted to be there for him.

“Hi, Miss Amber Hampton, right?” Michael shook my hand.

“Right, nice to meet you, Mr. Peregrine,” I smiled and acknowledged the painting in front of me.

“Excellent work, if I do say so myself.”

“Thank you very much,” He turned to Carter and shook his hand too. “I’d love to see some of your works as well, Mr. Simmons I heard you’re quite the photographer.”

“Thanks, I’d love to show you some of them sometime.” Carter replied. Michael handed him his card.

My phone suddenly rang. It was Damon. I swallowed and glanced at Carter who was still chatting with Michael. Good, I can answer this.

I excused myself and hurried to the corner and answered the phone.

“Hey, baby, how are you?” I answered.

“Hey, I’m all good. I’m still here in my office, I was just stressed. I thought I’d call you to relax.” Damon said in his sexy voice.

“Well, I’d want to fly over there but unfortunately, someone promised me he’ll be the one flying over here to make me happy.” I teased him.

“I will,” He laughed. “What are you doing now?”

I looked around for Carter. He was nowhere to be seen. Maybe he moved on to a different area.

“Oh, I’m just here at the sorority house,” I lied. “It’s really boring, I wish I could go out with Megan but it’s a call of duty, you know,”

I really felt guilty lying to Damon. I’m not used to it at all. We’re very honest with each other but for some reason, hanging out with Carter wasn’t really something I think he’d get too excited about. It’s not as if he had anything to worry about Carter at all but still…

“Well, don’t worry, it won’t be long before I visit you and before you know it, we’ll have the day all to ourselves.” He said.

“Right, I can’t wait.” I smiled.

“I’ve got to go now, I have some report to finish. I’ll see you soon, my love.” Damon said.

I ended the call and was startled to see Carter standing behind me.

“Was that Damon?” He asked casually.

I smiled nervously. Why was I nervous anyway? It’s not as if talking to my boyfriend was wrong.

“Yup,” I smiled.

“So, you’re at the sorority house, huh?” He laughed and looked around the gallery. “Well, this place could pass for one, I guess.”

Oh god. He heard me. I should’ve known he’d been listening, this sneaky guy.

I smiled gently. “I’m sorry, I just didn’t want to give him the wrong idea. I wouldn’t want him to worry.”

“Am I something he should be worried about?” His hazel eyes fixed on me.

My heart was thumping again. Uh, what the hell.

“Um…well, he doesn’t really know you that well so he could use a little peace of mind,”

Carter smiled. “He doesn’t have to worry, it’s clear that you’re really in love with him. Maybe if we get to talk he’ll realize there’s nothing to worry about.”

He looked away and started walking. I really felt as if I had hurt him and I could never bear to hurt my best friend.

I followed him and grabbed his hand. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for you to think I lied ‘cause I didn’t want to let people know I’m spending time with you. It’s just that…”

He smiled and gave me a pat. “Hey, don’t worry, I understand. He’s your boyfriend, and anyway, I really appreciate you coming with me.”

I smiled. “Really? No hard feelings?”

He laughed. “No. Come on, after this I’ll treat you to lunch at Hampsburg. I heard they have those lobster recipes that you like.”

“Great! I’m feeling hungry, anyway.” I grinned.

Carter’s question left me thinking. Why was I feeling guilty, anyway? He wasn’t someone Damon should feel threatened with, was he?

I got home that afternoon hearing the loud blast of music from the apartment. I opened the door and found Carly practicing in the den. She had set aside the couch so that her yoga mat was spread on the floor.

She noticed me and turned off the player. She got up and got a glass of water from the fridge.

I set down my bag and plopped on the couch.

“Wow, you’re really taking it seriously, huh?” I remarked, seeing the mess she’d made.

“Taking what?” She asked, stretching her legs.

“Cheerleading,” I said.

“I have to. We’re practicing hard for the preliminaries. There’s no room for mistakes,” She said. She glanced at the clock.

“Have you been working overtime? You’re always coming home late.” She said.

“Well, got to earn some money.” I turned on the TV.

“Oh by the way, how’s Megan? I haven’t seen her around lately.” She laid down the mat.

“She’s doing fine, just been busy these days.” I shrugged, avoiding her look.

“Oh really? Is that why she’d called you like a hundred times today?” She handed me my phone. “You left it. Strange, you never leave your phone.”

I checked my phone and indeed, there were eight missed calls from Meg.

“So spill, why are you avoiding her? Last time I checked, you were head over heels with Megan Hampton. Did you guys fight?” She asked curiously.

“No, we’re really okay.” I insisted. It’s true that we were okay, but maybe I wasn’t.

Carly plopped down beside me.

“Hey!” I protested. She was all sweaty.

“It’s about meeting the Hamptons, isn’t it? I heard you guys talking.” She said.

Okay, so maybe I was kind of avoiding Meg. She’d recently asked me to meet her mother. And I was okay with it, really. It’s just that when I think about it, I get all nervous. If I was in the upper class like her, maybe it’d be better but unfortunately, I wasn’t.

“I thought you’d do everything for her.” My sister pressed. She could really be irritating sometimes.

“Look, I would, okay? It’s just that I’m not sure how it would go. I’m just nervous and well, with Megan bringing the topic up every time, it doesn’t really help.” I sighed.

“Well, I’m sure the Hamptons do not bite. Hey, you already got through Amber. Once you’re able to go through Amber Hampton, you’d be fine.” She said.

“Carly, Amber’s different. She understands. Haven’t you heard what happened to her aunt? She was disowned by the Hamptons because she got married to that British man. I’m just scared they’d do the same thing to Meg and I would never forgive myself if that happens to her.” I explained.

“Look, even if that was the case, it’s the new age, for god’s sake. I don’t really think that would apply to Megan in this century.”

“Just think of it, how do you think her family would react if they find out she’s dating a bartender?” I’m not really sure, but if it was I, I think I wouldn’t be too happy.

“What’s wrong with bartenders? You’re a cute one anyway,” She teased. “And I’m not saying that as your sister. If it was Lana you’re dating, then her family could literally kill you. The worst thing the Hamptons could do is mock your lifestyle because it doesn’t fit them.”

And that was something I wasn’t sure I could take. Since I’m not really a fan of the elite, I wouldn’t know how I’d react if they judge me.

“What I’m saying is, if you really want your relationship with Megan to work, you’ve got to do this and I’m quite sure Meg wouldn’t let them do that to you. She’ll help you out.” Carly assured me.

I got up and started to go to my room. “Yeah, whatever, I’ll just rest for awhile. Just turn the music down; we don’t want the neighbors thinking we’re running a club here.”

Carly chuckled. She waved my phone. “How about this?”

‘I’ll take care of that later,” I said.

Maybe a good rest was just what I needed to gather up my courage to meet the Hamptons. Everything for Megan, Seth.