Also by Stephanie Perry Moore
Perry Skky Jr. series
Prime Choice
Pressing Hard
Problem Solved
Prayed Up
Promise Kept
Beta Gamma Pi series
Work What You Got
The Way We Roll
A Beta Gamma Pi Novel Book 2
Stephanie Perry Moore
KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP.
www.kensingtonbooks.com
All copyrighted material within is Attributor Protected.
For
Marjorie Kimbrough
(My godmother sent from above)
Know that the bond of sisterhood we share
encourages me and helps me
keep on rolling for God!
It is my prayer that every woman experience
such real friendship—no jealousy, no strife ... just love.
And that every reader know that
she must not only seek real sisters
but be a real sister as well.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Sorority life can be so fulfilling—especially when the sororitymembers deeply care for one another, come together for a common purpose, and have each other’s back. The sisterhood should uplift each member and be a positive experience. Unfortunately I know firsthand that sisters are not always “on the same page.” The positive attributes that come from strong-willed women working together can also be a downfall when those strong heads butt against each another. Disaster strikes when people care more about themselves than what is best for the group. Applying the simple biblical truth—to love thy neighbor as thy self—can make the sisterhood bond deep, honest, real, and blessed.
Crafting a story about what sisterhood should really be means a lot to me. In my own organization, I currently am the Southern Regional Membership Services/Sisterhood Chairperson. Trying to find a way to please many people seems impossible. Many times I feel defeated with tasks before I even attempt to begin the job. Thankfully, the Lord has allowed me to believe that as long as my heart wants to serve others, pray for them, and see that only His best happen for them, then I’m truly serving the members. Lovingon your sisters is not about pleasing them, it’s about wanting to make them happy. I know that if everyone looks inside themselves and steps up the love they have for one another, our world will be a better place. My writing exists only because of those who love me, and to them I give a huge thank-you.
For my family: parents, Dr. Franklin and Shirley Perry, Sr.; brother, Dennis; and sister-in-law, Leslie. For my mother-in-law, Ms. Ann. For my extended family: Bobby and Sarah Lundy, Antonio and Gloria London, Cedric and Nicole Smith, Harry and Nino Colon, Brett and Loni Perriman, Chandra Dixon, and Michele Clark Jenkins—thanksfor sharing your heart with me. May every friendship feel this good. The tie is real when hearts connect.
For my publisher, Kensington/Dafina Books, and especiallymy soror, Lesleigh Underwood—thanks for giving your resources to me. May every friend always give and share like you do. The bond of friendship will grow when we don’t hold on to our assets but rather use them to help someone else.
For my writing team: Carolyn O’Hara, Ashley Duncan, Chantel Morgan, and Alyx Pinkston—thanks for the effortyou give me. May everyone learn that it takes hard work to be in a true relationship or job of any kind. The bond can be resilient when both parties are in it for the long haul.
For my DST sorors, for whom I care deeply (especially my special sisters): Jenell Clark, Deborah Thomas, ChristineNixon, Cassandra Brown, Sarah Lundy, Isha Western, Pam Murphy, Dayna Fleming, Yolanda Rogers-Hauser, Anitra Shaw, Cynthia Boyd, and in memory of Brenda Haywood—thanks for the connection you share with me. May the compassion for others always be somethingdeeply felt in our organization. The sisterhood bond is tighter when we see a soror as we see ourself.
For my children: Dustyn Leon, Sydni Derek, and Sheldyn Ashli—thanks for the trust you place in me. May you know I’m always here for you. The bond is tighter becausewe are each doing our part to make it work.
For my hubby, Derrick Moore, thanks for the intimacy between us. May that flame of love we share never die. The bond is unbreakable because we are one.
For my readers, thanks for the blessing your support gives me. May the message in this novel speak to your heart. The bond I feel we have as author and reader is one I hold dear because we’re here to make each other’s worlds better.
And for my Savior, thanks for the grace You daily grant me. May every person understand that if You can forgive us, we should forgive those who trespass against us. And then may they know the relationship bond is everlasting when forgiveness is attached.
BETA GAMMA PI TRADITIONS, CUSTOMS, & RITES
Founding Data
Beta Gamma Pi was founded in 1919 on the campus of Western Smith College by five extraordinary women of character and virtue.
Sorority Colors
Sunrise lavender and sunset turquoise are the official colors of Beta Gamma Pi. The colors symbolize the beginningand the end of the swiftly passing day and remindeach member to make the most of every moment.
Sorority Pin
Designed in 1919, the pin is made of the Greek letters Beta, Gamma, and Pi. This sterling silver pin is to be worn over the heart on the outermost garment. There are five stones in the Gamma: a ruby representing courageous leadership, a pink tourmaline representing genuine sisterhood,an emerald representing a profound education, a purple amethyst representing deep spirituality, and a blue sapphire representing unending service.
Anytime the pin is worn, members should conduct themselveswith dignity and honor.
The B Pin
The B Pin was designed in 1920 by the founders. This basic silver pin in the shape of the letter B symbolizes the beginning step in the membership process. The straight side signifies character. The two curves mean yielding to God and yielding to others. It is given at the Pi Induction Ceremony.
Sorority Flower
The lily is the sorority flower and it denotes the enduranceand strength the member will need to be a part of Beta Gamma Pi for a lifetime.
Sorority Stone
The diamond is the sorority stone which embodies the precious and pure heart needed to be a productive memberof Beta Gamma Pi.
Sorority Call
Bee-goh-p
Sorority Symbol
The eagle is the symbol of Beta Gamma Pi. It reflects the soaring greatness each member is destined to reach.
Sorority Motto
A sisterhood committed to making the world greater.
The Pi Symbol
The Bee insect is the symbol of the Pi pledges. This symbolizes the soaring tenacity one must possess to becomea full member of Beta Gamma Pi.
Table of Contents
Also by Stephanie Perry Moore
Title Page
Dedication
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
BETA GAMMA PI TRADITIONS, CUSTOMS, & RITES
1 - BECOMING
2 - GOSH
3 - PERIOD
4 - BECAUSE
5 - GUT
6 - PRINCIPLE
7 - BLEAK
8 - GIGANTIC
9 - PREGNANT
10 - BREAK
11 - GRAVE
12 - PRESENT
13 - BASKET CASE
14 - GIVE
15 - POWERFUL
16 - BULLYING
17 - GONE
18 - PASSION
A Reading Group Guide - Beta Gamma Pi, Book 2: The Way We Roll
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Teaser chapter
Copyright Page
1
BECOMING
If I see one more Beta Gamma Pi girl looking down at me because I’
m not sporting any of them pitiful letters, I might just kick her tail. Yes, I’m here at their convention,but I am not Greek. I’m not here like other wannabes; I’m here because I have to be.
My mom, Dr. Monica Jenkins Murray, is their National President, and that makes me sick. I can’t believe my time with my mom has taken a backseat to the sorority. For real, when it came to my mom doing sorority business versus my mom being a mom, I came last every time. Yeah, she said all the sorority stuff was for the good of the communityand one day I’d understand her sacrifice, but when she didn’t make any of my piano recitals or, parent-teacher conferences, I started to detest the group she loved.
After my parents divorced and my older brother moved out with my dad, it was just my mom and me. Though we lived in the same house, we were worlds apart. Basically I felt Beta Gamma Pi took everything away from me. I was at the National Convention only because some of the ladies on the executive board were more of a mom to me than my own mother. The First Vice President, Deborah Day, who lived in California, begged me to come support their endeavors. Because she was always there when I needed someone to talk to, I came. Plus, the VIP rooms in the hotel were stocked with alcohol. With no one around to supervise, I was feeling nice.
“You’re all smiles. I guess you just finished kissing the National President’s butt, huh?” I said to a girl coming out of my mom’s presidential suite.
“I’m sorry, do I know you?” the girl said, squinting, trying to figure out who I was.
“You’re so full of it,” I said, calling her out as I stumbled,trying to get my key to work on the door. “You know who I am. You’re just trying to get on my good side to raise your stock with her.”
The girl persisted. “I’m sorry, I’m not trying to offend you, but you really do look familiar. Do you need some help with that?”
I snatched my hand away. “I don’t need your help.”
“What’s going on out here?” The door flung open, and my mom came out in the hallway.
“I was, uh trying to get in the room.” I fell back a little.
“Girl, you are so embarrassing me. Get your drunk behindin here now,” my mom said sternly. Then she sweetly spoke to the other girl. “Hayden, come in, please.”
“Wasn’t she just leaving?” I said. I was so confused. My mom went over to this Hayden girl and just started explaining my behavior, like she needed to apologize to some college girl about how I was acting. Why couldn’t my mom apologize to me that I had to put up with a brownnoser?
“Come here, Malloy, I want to introduce you guys,” my mom said. I reluctantly walked over to them. “HaydenGrant, this is my daughter Malloy Murray. Malloy, Hayden is the Chapter President of Beta Gamma Pi on your campus.”
“See, I thought I knew you.” The girl smiled, and she reached to shake my hand. “I’m going to be a junior. I knew I’d seen you around school, but I didn’t know this was your mom.”
“Yeah, sure you didn’t know this was my mom,” I said sarcastically while keeping my arms glued to my sides.
My mom huffed, “Lord, you don’t have to be rude.”
“Then don’t force me to talk to someone I don’t want to talk to, and don’t apologize for how I’m feeling. I have a right to be angry, okay, Mom? I don’t want to embarrassyou anymore, so please get this girl out of my face. I don’t care what school she goes to. Unlike both of you, I don’t think Beta Gamma Pi is God’s gift to the world.”
“Hayden, I’m so sorry about this again. Let’s just keep this between us. My daughter doesn’t usually drink. She’ll be much more herself when you guys get back to school. Let’s just say I do look forward to working more closely with your chapter, particularly when Malloy makes line.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Hayden said, really getting on my nerves. She could not get out of the suite fast enough for me. Of course, after she left, my mom looked at me like she was disappointed. Shucks, I was the one rightfully upset. The alcohol just allowed me to finally let out how I felt.
“Mom, don’t go making no promises to that girl about me being on line. I’m in school to get an education, not to pledge. Plus, their last line was crazy. They haze up there. You want me to have something to do with that? You’re the National President. You’re supposed to be against any form of hazing. I’m telling you it was all around school that they put a girl from the last line in the hospital.”
She looked at me and rolled her eyes. I believed what I was saying. Some of those girls would do anything to wear Greek letters. Not me.
Changing her tone, she said, “Sweetheart, if you’re a part of it, they won’t do anything like that. I don’t have to worry about anybody doing anything you don’t want, as tough as you are. Just promise me you’ll take this into consideration. This is one of my hopes for you, Malloy. Being a part of this sisterhood can be so fulfilling. You don’t even have a best friend, for crying out loud.”
“Yeah, for crying out loud, one of your biggest dreams for me is to be in a sorority. Not to fall in love with a man and stay married forever—like you couldn’t. Not to graduatefrom college with honors and get a great job or doctorate—likeyou did. Instead, you’re praying your child gets into a sorority. I might have had a couple drinks, but it’s clear to me that’s the thing you want most for me.” I plopped down on the couch, picked up the remote, clicked on the television, and put the volume on high. “Don’t hold your breath on me becoming a Beta. Sweet dreams, Mommy.”
She went into her part of the suite and slammed the door. I knew I had disappointed her. However, as much as she had disappointed me in my life, we weren’t anywhere close to being even.
“Mikey,” I said the next morning as I came out of my side of the large executive suite I was sharing with my family and saw my brother watching the sports channel with his friend.
“Hey, sis,” he said, squinting his eyes as he looked at my outfit.
I hadn’t realized my silk gown was open, and the little nightie I wore was revealing much more than my brother wanted his friend to see.
“Cover up, girl. Dang,” Mickey said.
“Not on account of me,” his friend said with a smirk.
The guy was so fine. I could see the outline of his chiseled chest through the T-shirt he wore. When I looked harder I knew exactly who he was. It was Kade Rollins, the startinglinebacker for the University of Southeastern Arkansas.
Mikey was a defensive back on the same team. He wasn’t that great, but he’d started. On the contrary, this Rollins guy was great. I remembered the sports writers wonderingwhy he didn’t go pro last year. Kade was staying for his senior year to graduate and make his stock go even higher. He was predicted to go in the first round of the draft.
Kade’s dark mocha eyes were so into me. I was actuallyloving the glare. It made me feel sexy. Mikey was furious.I turned around and went back into my room as Mikey followed.
“What’s up with that? Why are you going to come out and be all disrespectful like that? Fix your clothes.”
“Wait a minute. You came into the place where I’m stayingat with mom. Dude, you haven’t seen her in, what, a year? And I wake up, and you’re here with some friend. Now I’m the one being disrespectful because I’m comfortable?Please. I didn’t even know you were coming, and the last person I’d expect you to be hanging with would be Kade Rollins. The last few years, you’ve always dissed the guy. Now y’all hanging out all buddy-buddy and stuff?”
“The guy stayed here for his senior year. Obviously he didn’t look out for himself. I misjudged him, okay? Get dressed. The last thing I want him to be doing is looking at my sister. He’s a player.” Mikey pointed his finger in my face like I had to heed his words or else.
“We haven’t lived together in, like, five years. Don’t act like you’re my dad and stuff. I had to look out for myself. I can do what I want when I want. Move!” I said as I flung open my door and pranced right back out.
“So, Kade, what brings you to the Beta convention? This is a sorority
thing. I’m surprised to see you here,” I asked, wanting to make my brother madder.
Mikey blurted out, “His girlfriend is here.”
“No, no, don’t be telling her all that.” Kade got up and came toward me. “Mikey, you’ve been holding out. Your little sister is pretty grown-up to me.”
My brother’s cell phone rang, and he answered it. Apparentlyit was my mom. She needed some help setting something up in one of the meeting rooms.
“Why can’t she get a bellman to do this stuff? Come on, Kade, will you help me?” my brother said to his boy.
“Oh, man. I’m looking at the game,” he said, looking deep into my eyes.
“Malloy, get dressed,” Mikey said as he walked out of the suite.
Kade walked over to me. “You don’t want to get dressed. What you want to do is get undressed.”
“You first,” I said to him.
“Oh, you ain’t said nothing but a word.” He started unbuttoning his shirt.
“Please, I have no interest in looking at a little boy.” I turned around and walked back into my bedroom.
“Okay, why are you going to play hard to get with me?”
“Didn’t my brother just say you had a girlfriend?” I said through the door as I put on some jeans and a T-shirt.
“Something I’m coming out of, but don’t you want to give me something to get into?” he said seductively.