Page 48 of Only Fate

“No one hurt me.” A grave expression flashes across her face. “At least not in a physical sense.” She gets up from the bed and snatches a book off my desk. “Now, what can I help with?”

I resist the urge to ask more questions.

If studying together will help ease her sadness, I’m happy to do it.

I pat the space next to me on my bed. She grabs her drink before plopping down. The next three hours are a mix of her quizzing me, offering suggestions on my paper, and small talk.

Even though I’m not as productive, having Essie here is nice. She also gives me great tips. Worry that I’ll fail my exam creeps in, but right now, being with her feels right. Her company is better than any test score.

“I like this,” she comments around a yawn. “A future attorney helping a fellow future attorney.” She rubs at her tired eyes. “I’ve heard so many horror stories of how competitive and dark this profession is.”

“Oh yeah, I’ve heard all about asshole attorneys from my mother.” I power off my laptop.

“Ugh.” She throws her head back. “I hope that never happens to me … that the selfish law bug doesn’t bite me.”

I hold out my hand. “To never becoming an asshole attorney.”

She shakes her head and lifts her pinky finger. “I seal my promises with a pinky swear.”

We laugh as our pinkies intertwine.

She goes back to River’s bed, so we can get some sleep.

The following morning, Essie is gone.

But she left a note, wishing me good luck on my exam.

I carefully fold the note, stick it in my coat pocket, and bring it to class on Monday. My thoughts about Essie are even more intense than before.

I can’t stop thinking about her.

About the laughs we shared.

About how she’d lean across me, point at the computer screen, and share all her tips and tricks. I threw my head back in laughter when she called them Essie’s Law School Lowdown.

I consider asking River for her number, but then I remember the power of the internet. I’ll avoid the risk of him saying no and warning me to stay away from her. He doesn’t strike me as the type to spout offbro code, but you never know.

I unlock my phone and open Instagram. I’m not one for social media. In fact, I’ve been inactive for six months. I findRiver’s profile and search his pictures until I find one with Essie. He tagged her in a birthday post.

Essie’s profile is public, so I immediately follow her and look through her photos. Our feeds are completely the opposite. I have just a few pictures, mostly of my dog and a couple from my high school graduation. Essie has hundreds—selfies, photos with friends and family, and studying pictures with the hashtag #shouldidropoutoflawschool. No evidence of a boyfriend.

A notification pops up on my screen.

Essie followed me back.

I grin, as if on top of the world, and immediately DM her.

Me: I passed my exam. I think the good-luck note did it.

It takes less than a second for her to reply.

Essie: I told you Essie’s Law School Lowdown works … and the candy! That and caffeine never fail me.

While studying, Essie asked if I had snacks. I crawled across my bed and opened a care package from my abuela. Care package meaning junk food, fast-food gift cards, and a picture of my dog with a toy that resembled me in his mouth. I offered her the opened box, and she grabbed a bag of Skittles. Whenever I gave a correct answer, she threw a Skittle into my mouth.

Me: What’s your favorite candy?

I collapse onto my back in bed and hold the phone up to my face.

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