Frat House Confessions

5. Ridge

Five

Ridge

“Ridge.”

I was heading upstairs to my room when I heard my brother call my name.

I looked down to see Wes, my younger brother, and soon to be frat brother, leaving a group of pledges and heading my way.

“Hey, Wes, what’s up?” I asked as I turned and headed back down the stairs.

Wes was a freshman this year, and first up on his agenda was to become a Delta. I’d encouraged it because having a group of brothers behind him would not only keep him motivated, but it was a good way for Wes to meet people and get involved.

He was planning on going out for the swim team, since he’d been on the team in high school, but being a swimmer wasn’t going to get him p***y, especially as a freshman. Being a Delta, however, now that would have all the ladies fighting to get a taste.

“Crush said you’d be at the party tonight, that you’re entering a girl into the contest.”

“Nah, we’re not entering, I’m just playing along to … show solidarity, if you will. It’ll still be a pledge event. Why, worried about a little competition?” I joked, even though I knew that’s not what he meant.

Wes was the middle child, the good one. He was Mom’s favorite and the peacekeeper in the family. I was hoping getting him out of her clutches would give him the chance to loosen up for once.

“I don’t know how I feel about the whole thing … seems kinda dickish,” Wes said quietly, looking around to make sure no one heard him.

Namely Crush.

“It is, but we won’t let it get out of hand. Crush may be an i***t, but he’s not malicious … Antoine would never have signed off on something that could be seen as hazing or bullying,” I assured him.

Antoine was our president, and nothing happened in Delta without his approval.

“Do you have a girl picked out already?”

Wes sucked in air and blew out his cheeks like a blowfish. It’s a nervous thing he’d done since we were kids.

Having him here, at Delta with me, was actually extremely satisfying to me, and I hadn’t thought it would be. Given the fact that I’d grown up as Dad’s punching bag and he’d always been shielded behind Mom’s skirts, my brother and I didn’t have the best relationship.

But, we were both growing up, out of the asylum of our childhood, and finally getting to know each other as people.

Logically, I knew it wasn’t his fault he was Mom’s favorite. And, honestly, I’d rather be the one taking the hits and keep my brothers safe, but after years of bruises, welts, and broken bones, logic didn’t always factor.

I’d been jealous of my brothers, and so eager to get away the ink had barely dried on my diploma before I was gone.

After a few months, I’d started to worry that without me there, my father’s anger would turn to Wes or Brody; luckily, that hadn’t happened. Mom had finally put her foot down and stood up to our dad, and he’d apparently lost interest and started sleeping around … finding his jollies elsewhere.

We were all better off without him in our lives.

“Yeah, there’s this girl in my Lit class, she’s pretty cool. I told her about this competition and although she’s not into Greek Row, she does need help with something, so we’re gonna trade.”

“What does she need help with?” I asked, hoping some chick wasn’t taking advantage of him already. “Is she a good fit for the comp? Cause Crush takes this s**t very seriously.”

“Huh? Oh, yeah, she’s a good fit. She’s not interested in a makeover, but said she’ll play along if I help her pick up chicks?” Wes replied, not taking his eyes off the ground.

I chuckled.

“Wait, she wants you to help her get women?” I asked incredulously. “And, how are you going to do that? With your vast knowledge of eighties movies?”

Unless things had changed drastically in the two years since I’d left home, I knew Wes was the last person anyone should ask for dating advice.

My brother had zero game.

“I know how to talk to girls,” Wes protested.

“Dude, you dated one girl in high school, Cynthia, and you knew her your whole life. All you guys did was eat lunch together at school one day and boom, you were dating. Have you ever even asked someone out on a date.”

Wes thinned his lips and I knew I was right.

“You better be careful,” I warned him, placing my hand on his shoulder. “College chicks are different than high school. They may be just a few months older, but something happens when they get out on their own. If you don’t deliver what she’s asking, there’s bound to be some blowback. Especially if she comes through for you.”

“It’ll be fine,” he said, shrugging my hand off. “She’s a nice person, you’ll see.”

I lifted a shoulder.

What could I do? I’d warned him, now he was on his own.

“All right, well, I’m gonna go get ready, I’ll see you at the party,” I said, but before I could turn and head back up, he stopped me.

“Hey, have you heard from Brody?”

“Nah, not in a couple weeks. Why?” I asked.

“Mom said he’s acting weird … staying out all night, hanging out with guys she doesn’t know. She’s worried.”

“I’m sure he’s fine,” I scoffed. “He’s a senior for God’s sake, what does she expect, him to be home sitting down with her for dinner at the formal table, serving her cocktails?”

“Ridge,” Wes warned, his tone impatient. “She’s not as bad as you make her out to be.”

“Actually, she’s worse,” I replied, and was officially done with the conversation.

I turned and started up the stairs.

“What about Brody?” Wes called up after me.

“I’ll call him later,” I said, then walked down the hall and switched my mind to other things.

Namely, the upcoming party and my deal with Karrie. I found myself wondering what horrible slacker gear she’d show up in this time.

I could hardly wait to find out.