Perfekt Order (The Ære Saga Book 1) Read Free Page A

and white. Sometimes you’ll find yourself in a
situation our upbringing didn’t prepare you for. God knows I have.
I just want you to promise me one thing.”
    “What?”
    “Break a few of your all-important rules for
me. College is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It’s the
most freedom with the least responsibility we’re ever going to
have. Stay out late, go crazy at parties, maybe even go on a date
once in a while. I promise they won’t kick you out of Math Club for
having a little fun.”
    “I have fun.” My chin jutted upwards. If
Jason didn’t think quadratic equations and ski practice were fun,
then he didn’t have the sense God gave a goat.
    “Just live a little. That’s all I’m
saying.”
    Since my brother was prone to spouting wisdom
worthy of a tiny green Jedi master, I forgave his ignorance
surrounding the joy of math. “Okay, Bro-da. Just for you.”
    Jason chuckled at the nickname. He looked so
pleased with himself that I didn’t have the heart to point out he
was dead wrong. Sure, math and “chick sports” might not constitute
“living” in his world. But I did know what life held for me:
college, a cutting-edge engineering job, and a “happily-evah-aftah”
with a real-life Prince Charming, just like our maternal southern
belle always promised.
    “Well, I’d better go. Wish me luck at this
thing.”
    “Party on, Mees.” Jason held up his hand in a
fist. “You’ve got this.
    “Thanks. Try not to break too many hearts
this semester, okay?”
    “I never make a promise I can’t keep.” Jason
shot me a wink, and I laughed.
    “Love you, Jase.”
    “Love you, Mia.”
    I turned off my phone and slid it into my
back pocket, then took a deep breath and walked purposefully down
the hall.
    Here we go.
     
    ****
     
    When I was halfway down the staircase, I was
accosted by a whirlwind of blond curls and vanilla perfume.
    “Are you ready or what, flicka ?
Charlotte just texted me—she and Heather are already at the party.
Let’s go!”
    Brynn bounced on her tiptoes, her pale green
eyes radiating joy and her ear-splitting smile brimming with
energy. If she was going to be this chipper all the time, I’d be
sure to hit the coffee before our paths crossed in the
mornings.
    “How do I look?” I twirled.
    Brynn eyed me from top to bottom.
“Hair—touchably soft. Makeup—subtly sexy. Outfit—chic yet
comfortable. You can’t go wrong with skinny jeans. You’re perfekt . And we’re missing all the fun—come on!” Brynn
grabbed me by the wrist and pulled me down the stairs.
    “I just have to grab—”
    “You’re fine.” The living embodiment of cheer
bounded for the front door, dragging me behind her. She skipped
down the porch steps so quickly, I practically had to run to keep
up. How did anyone have this much energy at nine p.m.? Brynn must
have been a night owl.
    We made our way across the street and onto
the lawn of a three-story Victorian. Brynn navigated the sea of
students strewn across the grass, making her way toward two girls
on the front porch, holding red cups. As we got closer, I
recognized them from the pictures we’d exchanged. Smile on. It’s
time to meet the roommates.
    “Heather! Charlotte! I got her!” Brynn
finally let go of my wrist, and propelled me unceremoniously onto
the porch. I stopped myself just before stepping on the shorter
girl’s black Converse sneakers.
    “Sorry,” I apologized.
    “No worries.” The girl waved. She had crimson
hair that fell in soft waves around her face. Her boyfriend jeans,
graphic tee and green rectangular-framed glasses gave off a hipster
vibe. “I’m Heather.”
    “And I’m Charlotte. So lovely to meet you
after all those e-mails, Mia.” Charlotte held out her hand, and I
shook it. She had silky, black hair that fell in an angled bob to
the top of her shoulders, with thick bangs that must have needed
weekly trims, and she wore suede ankle boots that were to die
for.
    “It was definitely a long summer.