Page 1 of Kings of the Campus

1

TESSA

Istand in the mirror adjusting my striped black, yellow, and white top one last time. The high-waisted brown trousers hug my plus-size frame, and the old-fashioned men’s suspenders complete my usual “intrepid 1940s reporter” look, as my best friend Valencia calls it.

This attire feels most comfortable to me, reminding me of a time when journalists shaped the world. I take a deep breath, grab my bag, and head out the door, ready to face the day.

All across the campus, students are bustling about heading to their early morning classes. The air is misty and smells of pine and woodchips, and I inhale it, a smile spreading across my face. There’s no place like Sterling Heights University.

Making my way to the campus café, the scent of freshly brewed coffee lures me inside. As I enter, I spot Valencia leaning against the counter as she gestures with her hands to give the barista her order. Her long, dark wavy hair is pulled up into a ponytail and she’s got on her boyfriend’s hockey jersey over a pair of black leggings, looking way more effortlessly cool than I ever could.

“Hey, Tess!” Valencia waves as I join her at the counter.

“Hey, Val,” I say, grinning back.

“I got you a vanilla latte,” she says, waving her card over the reader. “My treat.”

Hefting my backpack up my shoulder, I bump her hip with mine. “I’ll grab us a table,” I decide, picking one in a quiet corner, where I spread out and look over my schedule.

Valencia joins me shortly, bringing over an iced vanilla latte for me and a caramel cold brew for herself. “How’s the podcast editor for theSterling Sentineldoing?” she teases.

“Busy,” I say with a grimace. “My schedule is stuffed full this semester. Especially now that Sigma Theta is being reinstated.”

Valencia looks down at her cup, hands wrapped around it. “I might have been hoping that maybe you could lay off them,” she says, not meeting my eyes.

My brows furrow. “What? Why?”

“Well, you know how Matteo and I met during the trial, and all that?”

I nod, recalling how Matteo had been part of a group of Sigma Thetas who took a stand against their fraternity brothers, condemning their actions during the drugging scandal.

“And he even interviewed for your podcast series, remember?” Valencia adds, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. I nod, fidgeting with my fingers in my lap. Valencia had also been one of the people interviewed on my podcast series for theSterling Sentinel, it’s how we became friends.

Valencia blows out a breath and starts speaking in a rush. “The guys who are in charge now are sincerely trying to make a difference. They spent all summer planning out the year, including a ton of charity events. I was just hoping that maybe you could give them a chance and not be all ‘intrepid reporter’ on them.”

Taking a long sip of my drink, I consider her request. “I’ll think about it,” I say after a beat. “But you know I’mthe podcast editor for the school paper. I’m literally in charge of investigating and reporting shady behavior. If somethingisgoing on, I can’t just ignore it.”

Valencia sighs. “I get that, Tessa. I do. It’s just…They’re all trying so hard. They’re different from the ones who caused all that trouble.”

I bite my lip and Valencia reaches out, squeezing my hand. “Matteo said that Alec Montgomery, he’s the new president, was the one to lead the guys who stood up against their brothers. And Jace Whitmore, their new vice president, was right there with them. They’re good guys, Tess. Can you just give them a chance?”

I look at her, considering her words. Valencia is my best friend, and I know she’s only asking because she believes in Matteo and wants to support him. “I’ll think about it, Val. I promise. But I can’t make any guarantees. If there’s a story, I have to follow it.”

“Fair enough,” she says with a small smile. “Just…maybe don’t go looking for trouble where there isn’t any?”

I chuckle. “I’ll do my best but you know how I am.” I’m like a bloodhound when there’s a story around. That’s why I made a whole series to cover the scandal in the first place. I knew there was more than a single article or podcast episode could cover. When I think about everything Max Byers and his cronies were getting away with for so long, it sends a shiver down my spine.

“Yeah, I do,” Valencia says, the worry leaving her eyes as she grins at me. “But you should at least come to the Welcome Back party tonight. If you meet Alec, Jace, and the others you might realize that there’s nothing to worry about.”

I tap my purple pen against my lips. “Okay, I’ll come. If there’s nothing to worry about, then I’m sure it will be fine, right?”

Valencia sits back, shoulders relaxing. “Great,” she says, seemingly placated for now. “You have nothing to worry about. I mean, Max is still in jail,” she adds.

I stiffen for a moment, his name striking a nerve. Max was the ringleader of the entire ordeal and he and I had a personal history. When he was put behind bars, I felt a huge sense of relief, like a weight being lifted from my shoulders.

“Yeah,” I agree, trying to pretend like I’m fine. “He and his buddies can stay there for all I care.”

We continue chitchatting about the summer break, catching each other up on what’s been going on before we both have to leave for class.

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