Chapter 39

Night had already fallen, and the KTV room was swimming in pulsing lights. It was their final blowout before graduation-beer in the air, parting in everyone's heart. A few of her roommates were already crying their eyes out, holding onto the mic and belting out a painfully off-key version of "No Goodbye." "Calliope, are we seriously not gonna see each other again after this...?" "We're all gonna be scattered everywhere... Getting everyone together after this? Basically impossible..." Calliope's eyes were red, though she didn't break down or cry aloud-just let the tears slide silently down her cheeks. She raised her glass, her voice low and hoarse from the alcohol. "If you're ever in Aurelian, hit me up. I've got dinner covered." One of the girls, still sniffling, let out a chuckle. "You're gonna be a big-shot heiress! We plebs wouldn't dare impose." But another one got serious real quick, gripping Calliope's hand tightly. "Don't say that crap! If any of us gets married, no matter where