Page 49 of Fake Dates and Home Plates
I drag a hand over my face. Silence stretches between us, filled with the sound of Finn’s harsh breathing.
Not too long ago, Finn had his best friend tell her story on his podcast, back when he was an anonymous host. Her past was something that physically hurt to listen to, so much so that they ended one of her episodes abruptly because he was too upset to keep going. Not because of her.For her.
I can only imagine how he must be handling a situation like this.
Reining in the anger I feel, I mutter, “If that’s true, it’s more than messed up. It’s criminal.”
“Exactly.” His voice lowers, almost conspiratorial. “This isn’t just frat-boy hazing. It’s predatory. And it’s still happening.”
For a second, all I can hear is my own pulse in my ears. I think about Henley—about how much time she spent around Dakota and the rest of these guys. What if she was in the wrong place at the wrong time?
I force my voice steady. “If you’re right, the whole damn house needs to go up in flames.”
On the other end, Finn exhales, like he’s been waiting for me to say it. “Glad you agree. I’ll be in touch.”
The line clicks dead a second later.
Fuck, fuck, fuck.My stomach churns, the lunch I just ate threatening to come back up.
I shove my phone into my pocket and lean my head back against the cool tile wall. Inhaling, I remind myself to calm down. This isn’t something I need to bring attention to, not yet. If anyone tips them off, they will ensure we can’t find any evidence.
I can’t storm into that house and light a match, no matter how much I want to. I can’t even go to the dean without something more solid than Finn’s assumptions.
Especially if Finn has a plan. I don’t want to fuck it up.
And Henley…
She wants to take the fraternity down too, but how is she going to react to this? With her final meet coming up, this isn’t something she needs to worry about.
The voices of students filter in from the atrium, a thousand normal conversations buzzing around me, but it all feels distant.
By the time I push away from the corner and head back toward my table, I’ve forced my face into something neutral. My teammates glance up at me when I slide into my seat.
“Everything okay?” Bash asks, concern on his face.
I shrug, unsure if telling them about this would be a smart move. Until there’s something solid we can use, involving them is risky.
These are my teammates, though. They have my back, and I have theirs. Plus, they’ve heard just as much as I have about the Delta Alpha fraternity.
“Trying to get some more information on Henley’s ex,” I tell them, keeping my tone casual. “As much as I’d love just to beat his ass and call it a day, I want to ruin his life more.”
Ezra rubs his hands together menacingly, eyes lighting up. “Now this is the type of lunch conversation I’m interested in. I could tie him to the back of my bike and drag him through campus.”
Bash and I look at each other before looking back at our teammate.
“Maybe we wait on that one,” Bash says, sarcasm dripping from his tone.
That’s not the worst idea ever, though. I add it to my mental list.
Lukas clears his throat. “What are you thinking, Theo?”
“Physical violence isn’t enough. Besides, it’s likely to end my career just as fast as his.” I poke at the remains of my food, jawtight. “Neither the school nor the professional leagues wouldn’t be too understanding if I got arrested.”
Ezra hums softly, unimpressed. “We’ve heard the rumors about the brat frat.”
Some people call Delta Alpha the “brat frat” because most of the members are spoiled little shits living off their daddies’ money.
I shake my head. “Everyone needs to stay away from them. I mean it.”
