Page 94 of Pucking Good Girl

Gen looks around the room. “Whatever you want to discuss, you should have come to me first rather than wasting everyone’s time. Emergency meetings have to be called by the president, or a member of our government if two-thirds of the government members sign off on it. As it is, I wasn’t aware of this meeting, and neither was the government, since Madison and Olivia just found out. That makes two-thirds. So whatever seemingly urgent matters had to be discussed, they’ll have to wait until our monthly meeting in two weeks’ time. So, once you tell me who had this ridiculous idea, I’ll send them a Venmo request for the price of my massage. If anyone needs me, I’ll be soaking in my jacuzzi tub. I had to get here in a hurry and I have massage oil all over me.”

“Not so fast,” Sam stops her. “Since you’re here, you might as well stay for the meeting. It’s about you, after all.”

I’ve seen Gen glare many times in the almost four years we’ve been sisters, but the withering look she aims at Sam is downright scary. “Did I speak in tongues, or are you high on something? I just said that this meeting was called illegally. So sisters,” she addresses everyone in the room. “You can all go back to whatever your evening plans are.”

“The meeting was called legally,” Carissa objects. “It’s your choice if you want to stay or go.”

“Ha,” Gen snorts. “I seriously doubt it. If the Zeta government didn’t call the meeting, the other way this could be legal is if three quarters of the sisters requested it. And again, I haven’t received any requests. Or if a member of the Zeta Theta Beta central chapter had called it.”

“Ooh,” Sam says, echoing Gen’s snarky taunt on the night I was expelled. “Someone studies our bylaws. I’m impressed. You’re right, Gen. This meeting was called by a member of the central chapter.”

Gen’s eyes narrow into two furious slits. “Bullshit. I don’t see anyone older than twenty-two in here. And since the members of the central chapter are all alumni…”

“I called this meeting. And we’re already behind our schedule. I have my Intro to Visual Arts class in one hour, so let’s begin and make this snappy.”

I’m glad Giovanni is recording audio and video of this meeting. Because the look on Gen’s face when Professor Cantucci enters the room right on cue is priceless.

“Professor Cantucci?” She gasps. “What are you doing here?”

The professor’s smile is soft, almost sweet. “I’m a member of our central chapter. I used to be president of the Harvard chapter when I was an undergrad student; and I’m the founder of the Zeta Theta Beta Historical Institute. Now that you’ve heard my credentials, let’s get this show on the road. Like I said, I have a class to teach soon. Zeta sisters, please take your seats or find a standing place in the room.”

The next moment is fraught with tension as both Gen and the professor grab the back of the chair at the head of the table where the president sits.

“Excuse me,” Professor Cantucci’s tone hardens when Gen doesn’t let go of the chair.

“This is the president’s chair.” Gen glares.

The professor’s next words are calm but cutting. “You’re mistaken. This chair should be occupied by the highest ranking Zeta member in the room. And tonight, that’s me.”

“Get your fat ass out of that chair!” Gen barks at Olivia, grabbing the chair to the right of her usual spot.

Olivia looks hurt, but does as she’s told. I’m never going to understand why she and Madison are friends with Gen when she treats them like shit all the time.

“You aren’t fat,” I whisper to the Zeta treasurer as she finds a standing spot next to me.

It’s true, she’s willowy thin, just like Gen.

“Shut up, slut.” She hisses.

I don’t take it personally. The hurt in her eyes is obvious. I just wish she didn’t let Gen speak to her like this.

“Zeta sisters,” Professor Cantucci begins. “Before we begin, let me thank you for being here tonight. I know everyone’s time is precious, so I’ll get straight to the only item on this meeting’s agenda. I’m going to ask you to vote on the exclusion of Genevieve Bergen from our ranks.”

As predictable, Gen’s reaction is immediate and violent. “What?” She stands up so abruptly that her chair capsizes. “What the fuck did you just say?”

Professor Cantucci’s eyes are bright but serious when she repeats herself. “We’re here to vote for your expulsion from this sorority.”

“On what grounds?” Gen looks more furious than concerned.

“On the grounds that a student under investigation by the University’s disciplinary board isn’t allowed to serve in any governing body on this campus. Further than that, a student under investigation isn’t allowed to serve in any government position in our sorority according to our charter’s rules. Therefore⁠—”

Gen interrupts her. “I get that. But why on earth would I be under investigation? If it’s for not eating the revolting fish guts that bitch brought to class today, I promise that you’re going to regret this. I’ll get my daddy to call Dean Fletcher and you’ll be putting all your old pieces of pottery and musty scrolls in a box by the end of today.”

“You’ll be happy to know that this hasn’t gotten anything to do with not eating the garum. It’s more because you were caught cheating on a few exams.”

Gen’s eyes widen, and fear flashes in her gaze for the first time. But it’s short-lived. “You got this all wrong. Talia copied that pop quiz from me. After I told her I wouldn’t be able to help beyond studying together. But she was too busy fucking my boyfriend and his brother to study, so she cheated. If you don’t believe me, you can ask your T.A.”

“Is that so?” Professor Cantucci baits her.