Read Games Frat Boys Play Online
Authors: Todd Gregory
Games Frat Boys Play (28 page)
“Oh, my God.” She barely whispered the words.
“But I hate the whole notion of civil and criminal trials,” I went on. “So, I had my attorney contact the owners of this business and inform them of what exactly was going on around here. They weren't very happy. But we offered them a way out.” I stood up and walked over to the storeroom door. “Apparently, Body Quest is struggling financially. Some months you wind up in the black, sometimes you're in the redâwhich doesn't really speak very well to your management style or abilities.” I turned the knob. The door was locked, but it didn't matter. “So, I had my attorney make the owners an offer, which they accepted. Once the paperwork is finished, Rosemary, I will be the new owner of this business.” I walked over to the desk and put my hands down. “We anticipate the closing will take place on Monday.”
“IâIâ”
“When I walked into this office, Rosemary, I hadn't really made up my mind what to do about you.” I smiled. “But once you started in with your condescending, superior attitude, with absolutely no interest whatsoever in the egregious criminal invasion of my and Jay's privacyâat the hands of one of your employees, in your place of businessâ you made up my mind for me. Once the sale is closed on Monday morning, you're fucking fired.” I waved my hand around the office. “I suggest you start packing up your personal property. If you have not removed it all from this office by one on Monday afternoon, it will be thrown into the trash. You will be escorted off the premises by the police.” I walked over to the door, and paused. “Wow, that felt really good. Thank you, Rosemary. I really enjoyed this. Have a nice day, you miserable bitch.”
She stared at me, her mouth open, as I shut the door to her office.
It did feel good.
Money is power.
I walked up to the front desk. Robby was smirking at me, one eyebrow raised. “Hello, Robby.” I smiled at him. “I bet you didn't know that whenever you use your phone to videotape or take a picture, there's a digital marker on the images that is particular to that phone. It's kind of like fingerprints.”
His smirk vanished.
“So, I hope fucking Chadâor whatever little reward he gave youâwas worth it.” I winked at him. “I have someone tracing that video of me and Jay back to the phone that originally recorded it even as we speak. I hope for your sake it wasn't yoursâbecause we are going to press criminal charges.” I clicked my tongue. “I bet you didn't know it was illegal to record people without their permission, especially when it's done maliciously, to embarrass or humiliate the people being recorded. Did you know that?”
“Iâ”
“And by the way, I certainly hope you have other irons in the fire.” My smile grew. “You see, I bought the gym today. Monday I take possession. And you're fired.” I turned and started walking away, then stopped and turned back. “And I really feel I have a responsibility to any future potential employers of yours to let them know about your criminal tendencies.” I tilted my head to one side. “I think I saw a Help Wanted sign when I drove past the McDonald's on Shaw on my way here. That's about the only job you're going to get for the rest of your life. Give my best to Chad, will you?”
God, it felt great.
I started whistling “Paparazzi” as I walked back to the car.
I sat behind the wheel of my car and laughed.
Then I started the car and drove home, where I took care of a few more things. Everything was lining up exactly the way I wanted.
Money, indeed, is power.
Chapter 13
I
hesitated, my hand poised to knock on Chris's door. It was just before six, and the pledges weren't due to arrive until eight o'clock. The Great Room was already set up for Big Brother Night, and the more I thought about it, the more nervous I was getting. I'd been so wrapped up in all the Chad drama I hadn't given Big Brother Night a second thought. I'd stopped at a liquor store and picked up the family beer, but I still felt incredibly unprepared.
Maybe taking a little brother is a mistake,
I thought as I stood there. I knew who Galen Donovan wasâI remembered him from Rush and I'd talked to him a little bit at some of the parties, but I didn't know much else about him. For that matter, I didn't know a whole lot about any of the pledges.
hesitated, my hand poised to knock on Chris's door. It was just before six, and the pledges weren't due to arrive until eight o'clock. The Great Room was already set up for Big Brother Night, and the more I thought about it, the more nervous I was getting. I'd been so wrapped up in all the Chad drama I hadn't given Big Brother Night a second thought. I'd stopped at a liquor store and picked up the family beer, but I still felt incredibly unprepared.
Maybe taking a little brother is a mistake,
I thought as I stood there. I knew who Galen Donovan wasâI remembered him from Rush and I'd talked to him a little bit at some of the parties, but I didn't know much else about him. For that matter, I didn't know a whole lot about any of the pledges.
Chris was rightâI was failing as a brother.
But whatever it was he wanted to talk to me about, I was almost positive it wasn't about Big Brother Night.
Some of the brothers were out playing basketball when I'd pulled into the parking lot. When they saw my car, the game had stopped, and they'd gathered under the hoop, talking to each other. When I parked, I waved. Only one of them had waved back.
My heart sank a little. That wasn't a good sign.
Of course they've all seen the video,
I told myself as I walked toward the house.
But why this cold-shoulder treatment? We're SUPPOSED to all be brothers, bonded by the fraternity. So much for brotherhood and the ideals I was taught as a pledge.
I told myself as I walked toward the house.
But why this cold-shoulder treatment? We're SUPPOSED to all be brothers, bonded by the fraternity. So much for brotherhood and the ideals I was taught as a pledge.
I wasn't as confident as I'd been when I'd talked to Jeff earlier. Underneath it all, I'd been a true believer in Beta Kappa. Sure, I'd been a shitty brother this semesterâblowing off meetings, not coming to parties, and not coming around as much as I probably should have. I'd been so wrapped up in my own lifeâ
revenge on Chad,
a nasty little voice whispered in my headâI'd not given the brotherhood as much attention as I should have, as they'd expected me to when they'd offered me a bid last semester.
revenge on Chad,
a nasty little voice whispered in my headâI'd not given the brotherhood as much attention as I should have, as they'd expected me to when they'd offered me a bid last semester.
But this rejection really stung.
There were other brothers in the backyard, sitting around the picnic tables. I wavedâand again, a couple waved back but the others pointedly ignored me.
And as I walked into the house, my heart sank with each step I took toward Chris's office.
This is about Big Brother Night, that's all it is,
I kept repeating to myself. Taking a little brother was nerve-racking enough, given everything else that was going on.
This is about Big Brother Night, that's all it is,
I kept repeating to myself. Taking a little brother was nerve-racking enough, given everything else that was going on.
But I'd be a good big brother to Galen. I would. I would help and guide him through his pledge semester, and would make sure he'd make a better brother than I'd been so far.
I took a deep breath, and knocked.
When Chris opened the door, he looked unhappy. “Come in.” He waved me into the office and shut the door behind me. He walked around the desk and plopped down hard into his chair. He really looked miserable.
I took a seat in the chair across from him. “What's this about, Chris?” I asked, trying to control my rapidly beating heart.
Stay calm, don't get emotionalâremember, logic is the key.
Stay calm, don't get emotionalâremember, logic is the key.
“God, this sucks.” He moaned. “You have no idea how much I regret running for president.”
“It's got to be a rough job,” I commiserated.
Stay calm, stay calm and focused. Chris is a good guy and he likes you.
“This isn't about Big Brother Night, is it?”
Stay calm, stay calm and focused. Chris is a good guy and he likes you.
“This isn't about Big Brother Night, is it?”
“In a way it is.” He looked like he was ready to cry. “Jordy, this is really hard for meâI hope you know that, but I don't have a choice.” He cleared his throat. “You're not getting a little brother tonight. I'm so sorry.” He couldn't look me in the eyes. “Roger's agreed to take Galenâhe was his second choice.”
“And why?” I asked. I was sure I knew. I felt bad for Chris, who was obviously not enjoying this, but I was damned if I would make it easy on him. “What have I done?”
“I'm sure you're aware of the video e-mailed to the brothers?” He looked up at me finally. His eyes looked bloodshot.
I nodded. “Oh, yes, I'm aware of it. It was sent to me, too.” I shrugged. “I'm sure people were shocked; I certainly was, and I'm sorry about that. But I wasn't the one who shot it, and I wasn't the one who circulated it.”
“Unfortunately, some brothers came to the Executive Council.” He shook his head. “I'm sorry, Jordy, I tried to head this off. But there are brothers insisting you have to appear in front of the entire brotherhood on Monday.” He sighed. “So, tomorrow afternoon at one, I have to ask you to meet with the Executive Council to discuss this. After you tell us the circumstances, we'll deliberate and decide whether or not a hearing is called for.” He sighed. “I'm so sorry, Jordy.”
“A hearing?” I shook my head. “I don't understand.”
“The bylaws of the national chapter state that if a brother conducts himself in a way that embarrasses the brotherhood, the brotherhood can hold a hearing to determine whether or not to expel him.” Chris rubbed his eyes. “And unfortunately, since it is possible you might be expelled from the brotherhood on Monday night, we can't let you take a little brother.” He moaned. “This is
such
shitty timing. I'm sorry, Jordy. But at least you can explain things to the Executive Council tomorrow and maybe we can head off actually holding a hearing.”
such
shitty timing. I'm sorry, Jordy. But at least you can explain things to the Executive Council tomorrow and maybe we can head off actually holding a hearing.”
“Couldn't we do this today? This seems a bit unfair to me,” I replied, starting to get a little angry. I took a deep breath.
Stay calm,
I reassured myself.
Don't lose your temper, don't get angry.
“I'm the victim in all of this, Chris. Someone taped me having sex without my consent and spread the video around in a deliberate attempt to publicly humiliate me. That's who should be subjected to a hearing. That's who conducted himself in a way embarrassing to the brotherhood.” I took another breath. “Chris, I'm not saying that what I did was rightâit certainly wasn't. That was the steam room at my gym, and it never should have happened. But the person behind all of this
also sent it to the management at my gym.
The guy in the video was my trainer. He's been fired. This little attempt to embarrass
me
ruined someone else's lifeâand this had nothing to do with him. Nothing. Is that the kind of person we want in Beta Kappa?” Granted, I'd already fixed that mess, but Chris didn't need to know that.
Stay calm,
I reassured myself.
Don't lose your temper, don't get angry.
“I'm the victim in all of this, Chris. Someone taped me having sex without my consent and spread the video around in a deliberate attempt to publicly humiliate me. That's who should be subjected to a hearing. That's who conducted himself in a way embarrassing to the brotherhood.” I took another breath. “Chris, I'm not saying that what I did was rightâit certainly wasn't. That was the steam room at my gym, and it never should have happened. But the person behind all of this
also sent it to the management at my gym.
The guy in the video was my trainer. He's been fired. This little attempt to embarrass
me
ruined someone else's lifeâand this had nothing to do with him. Nothing. Is that the kind of person we want in Beta Kappa?” Granted, I'd already fixed that mess, but Chris didn't need to know that.
“Jordy, if it were up to me, this wouldn't be happening,” Chris replied sadly. “Unfortunately, the house is a democracy. I tried to convince the complaining brothers to drop it, but they wouldn't.” He buried his face in his hands. “I like you, Jordy. I've always liked you, from the moment we met. I think you're a definite asset to this houseâeven if you haven't been as active as you should be this semesterâand you definitely have more to offer Beta Kappa than a lot of the deadweight we have around here. I'm not going to vote against you.”
“I appreciate that, Chris.” I managed to keep my voice level, but inside I was boiling. “Can I at least know who the complaining brothers were? I have a right to face my accusers.”
It didn't come from Chad, of course. He's too smart for that. But he's pulling the strings off stage.
It didn't come from Chad, of course. He's too smart for that. But he's pulling the strings off stage.
“I can't tell you that.” He cleared his throat again. “I warned them this was the kind of thing that could tear the house apartâpeople being forced to take sidesâand no matter what the outcome of your hearing, there's going to be hard feelings. This happened once beforeâ”
“To Jeff Morgan.” I nodded. “He told me about it this afternoon.”
“Jeff's hearing cost us some brothers.” Chris shook his head. “There were brothers who didn't want us to let gay guys in the house. There were some who hated the idea so much they left the brotherhood because of it. Others didn't want gay guys in the house but were willing to put up with it rather than leave. As you know, we have a diversity policyâbut there are guys who will vote to get rid of you just because you're gay. It's homophobia, of course, but they'll say your conduct was embarrassing to the house and disguise it that way.”
“It's the same thing all over again, isn't it?” I gave him a rueful smile. The anger drained out of me, and logic was taking over again. “And after me, it'll happen again to some other gay brother. All it takes is one person with a cell phone that shoots video, Chris.”
“I talked to Eric, and he's agreed to be your rep at the hearing, if it comes to that.” Chris sighed. “I'm hoping we can resolve this at the Exec meeting tomorrow, and bury it. I'll make all these points when we're in session after you tell us your side of this. I'm on your side, Jordy, for what that's worth.”
“I appreciate it, Chris.” I stood up and offered him my hand.
He gave me the fraternity handshake. “I'm really, really sorry.”
I put my hand on the doorknob. “Seriously, Chris, I understand, and I don't hold you responsible for any of this.” I started to turn the knob. “Will you answer a question for me, though?”
He nodded.
“Was I given a bid because the brothers wanted me or because my parents are wealthy?”
“Honestly? It was a little of both.”
I nodded. “Thank you for being honestâthat makes all of this a little easier.” I started to open the door, and stopped. “One other thing I want you to think aboutâand all the brothers should be thinking about this, too.”
“Uh-huh?” His eyebrows went up.
“Why would I want to be a part of a group that would treat me like this?”
He didn't answer. When the silence got awkward, I walked out of his office.
When I shut the door, I stood there for a moment as emotion overwhelmed me. Even though I'd been expecting it, there had been a part of me that refused to accept possible expulsion. I tried to get my heart rate and breathing under control.
It was too good to be true,
that hateful voice whispered in my head again.
You don't belong here any more than you did at St. Bernard. People are the same everywhere, Jordy. They didn't like you here; they only wanted you because you're rich. All those noble ideals they drilled into your head as a pledge are worthless. The mottoâ“the helping hand”âis a fucking joke. Everything this place supposedly stands for is a joke. You wanted to believe in it all so bad it blinded you to the truth. Beta Kappa is just like everything elseâa bunch of bullshit, a bunch of mean-spirited assholes wrapped in a pretty package of nobility and working for a better world. And you fell for it all, hook, line, and sinker.
that hateful voice whispered in my head again.
You don't belong here any more than you did at St. Bernard. People are the same everywhere, Jordy. They didn't like you here; they only wanted you because you're rich. All those noble ideals they drilled into your head as a pledge are worthless. The mottoâ“the helping hand”âis a fucking joke. Everything this place supposedly stands for is a joke. You wanted to believe in it all so bad it blinded you to the truth. Beta Kappa is just like everything elseâa bunch of bullshit, a bunch of mean-spirited assholes wrapped in a pretty package of nobility and working for a better world. And you fell for it all, hook, line, and sinker.
As much I hated that voice, I knew this time it was right.
I heard someone coming down the stairs and I started walking down the hall. I didn't want to talk to anyone. I just wanted to get as far from the house as I could. Fuck the meeting tomorrow. I was never going to set foot in the house again.
“Jordy?”
I stopped walking. I knew that voice. I wiped the tears out of my eyes before I turned around. “Hello, Bobby.” I forced a smile on my face. “How are you?”
He had a smile on his face I wanted to wipe off. As he walked up to me, I hated him with every fiber of my being. I wanted to punch him, and keep punching until there was nothing left but a bloody pulp. I felt my hands curling into fists. “Good.” His smile broadened. “It's a beautiful day, isn't it?”
“I need to thank you,” I heard myself saying.
His smile faltered. “For what?”
“Sending that video to everyone in the house.” It was weird. It was like I'd left my body and had floated up to the ceiling, looking down and watching, with no power over what was said and done. “I always knew you were a bottom-feeding, backstabbing asshole, but now it's pretty clear to everyone.”
He flinched and took a step back. “Fuck you, Jordy,” he said, but it was halfhearted.
And then I returned to my body, and everything was clear. “No, Bobby, you actually fucked yourself.” I crossed my arms, my smile never faltering, my voice remaining calm.
Yes, that's it, stay calm. Logic over emotion, Jordy, that's the way you win.
“I suppose you're proud of yourself.”
Yes, that's it, stay calm. Logic over emotion, Jordy, that's the way you win.
“I suppose you're proud of yourself.”
His eyes narrowed. “Actually, I am,” he hissed at me. “I never liked you. I never thought you should have been allowed to join. So, yeah, when I saw that video, I was happy to send it around to everyone.”
“What did I ever do to you?” I asked. I was curious; I wanted to know
why
he'd never liked me. I'd never given it much of a thought before, had rarely interacted with him.
why
he'd never liked me. I'd never given it much of a thought before, had rarely interacted with him.
“You think you're better than everyone else,” he snapped. “And it's about time you were brought down a peg or two.”
“You've been listening to Chad.” I shook my head sadly. “But I do want to thank you for doing it. I've learned a valuable lesson, and I always appreciate learning.” I started to turn away, but I couldn't resist one last shot. “By the wayâI hope none of your term papers are due soon.”
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