SSS(SS) - Part 24

What Sal pictured when her brain decided on a plan of action in a split second as she gazed into the hungry abyss that was Meri—it was something different. Something like two sorority presidents stealing away for respite. A few drinks. Perhaps Sal had thought that there was a non-zero chance that Athena might have a bit of weed that she might share.

But rather than a tired, relatable sorority president with her hair down and her hand up to ask for another beer, Sal finds herself with an impeccably turned-out sorority president with her hair up and an excited, weirdly girlish glow about her that makes Sal nervous.

Athena didn’t stop at the dress; she put on strappy heels, a tasteful amount of makeup, and little jade earrings. Sal feels like an ape in her jeans and gray Red Hot Chili Peppers crewneck sweater. She sits delicately in the passenger seat, her hands resting on her cute little clutch, watching the swamp go by in the night as they drive.

The surf and turf place is hardly suitable for what she’s wearing, but it is a step up from most of what Gurlberg has to offer. It feels surreal as Sal sits across from Athena in the booth. Athena eagerly picks up her menu, eyes bright.

“Are you not hungry?” she asks, seeing the way that Sal is just sitting there.

No, Sal is hungry. She was just reevaluating her ability to read people. Athena has everyone fooled. Sal picks up her menu.

“I can eat,” she says.

“The house will still be there when we get back,” Athena says, disappearing behind her menu.

“Probably,” Sal says.

“Oh, it will. Meri’s got it all under control.”

Sal laughs quietly. “Are you sure?”

Athena lowers her menu to peer over it at Sal. “You haven’t figured out her angle yet?”

“What are you talking about?”

“She’s creating conflict. She’s orchestrating a storyline that gives your girls and mine things to bond over. She’s making messes and forcing everyone to clean them up together. Show don’t tell. Letting them see how much they have in common. Nothing’s happening by accident. It’s clever, actually.” She doesn’t sound particularly happy about it.

Athena goes back to reading her menu.

“So what she did tonight? Coming after me?”

“She must’ve had a role for you to play.”

“You don’t think she was just trying to delegate to me?” Sal asks.

“Delegate? Meri? She has to be in the middle of everything. You know that.”

Sal sits there, then clears her throat.

“Yeah,” she says. “I picked up on that. She’s good.”

“She’s so good. She’s going to be an incredible intern for someone someday. And a terrible girlfriend.”

Sal laughs. She can picture that.

“I guess CCL’s in good hands,” she says.

A lengthy sigh comes from behind Athena’s menu. Her eyes reappear. Now there’s a hint of warning in them.

“Let’s talk about something else,” she suggests.

“Right. Of course,” Sal replies.