Page 74 of Fault Line

He gives me a humorless snort. “I think I’ll survive without that knowledge.”

“So, how’s work going?” I ask, deflecting the conversation away from me and my current relationship status. “Any better this last couple of weeks?”

“Not really,” he says with a pinched look on his face. “I’m always exhausted after a big weekend, and I’m overwhelmed with juggling Bentley and school. It’s really fucking hard not to skip class every day.”

“That sounds like a lot to deal with, E.” I give him a reassuring look, reaching across the table to pat the top of his hand. “I’m sorry.”

His voice tightens. “I just don’t know how I’m going to keep up.”

“Could you maybe ask Luca for a loan?” I ask, already knowing the answer to my question.

He’s too stubborn and strong-willed to ask his family for any more money, especially his older brother. The two of us are similar that way. Except, his decision is for more noble reasons. Borrowing money from his siblings was a mistake he made in the past, when he was buried in the depths of his addiction. But for me, it’s more so due to the principle of the matter.

My parents already pay my tuition and board—they make enough money for it not to hurt their bank accounts—but I refuse to ask for anything more than necessities. I already feel indebted to them in a big way. And in no uncertain terms, they’ve made it clear that I’m not topping their priority list.

“I’m not asking my family for money ever again,” he says, giving me a tight smile. “You know that.”

I let it go, and we quietly finish our coffee, the silence filled only by the sounds of Bentley panting at our feet. Then I hop into the back of his car—because apparently, the dog needs to ride shotgun—and we drop him off before heading back to campus.

My heart races, breath catching in my throat as we make our way through the quad. My palms are damp with sweat, and my stomach’s churning. It’s over-the-top, I know, but today’s the first day I’ll see Holden since we made our decision.

We’re officially dating now. It’s new, exciting, and kind of strange. A feeling that’ll take some time to get used to.

As we enter the classroom, my gaze immediately gravitates toward his usual seat. He’s sitting there across from me, his eyes glued to his phone. I huff out a breath as I sit down beside Elio, trying to ignore the thumping in my chest.

Before I manage to get myself situated, Holden glances up, and our eyes meet. A tender smile spreads across my face, and I give him the two-finger wave. In response, he shoots me a sly grin and a wink that makes my cheeks flush with heat.

I like the way it feels, though, all fluttery and nice. So, as the lecture drones on, I can’t resist sneaking tiny glimpses of him. I try to be subtle, turning my head just enough to catch his gaze without drawing attention from Elio or our professor.

It’s a game we’re playing, a dance of stolen looks and secret smiles. And for once, I allow myself to fucking revel in it.

* * *

Once classes endfor the day, I head back to my apartment to get some work done. I’m attempting to finish the rest of October’s assignments so I can put my full effort into graduate school applications.

As I sit at my cluttered desk, surrounded by stacks of paper and scattered pens, my phone vibrates loudly beside me. I glance over to find Sofia’s name flashing on the screen. Hesitant to take the call and break my concentration, I weigh my options before deciding to pick up.

“Hey, Sof,” I answer, propping the phone against my ear.

“Hi,” she says, her voice chipper. “How’s it going?”

“It’s fine. Just working on some school stuff. What about you?”

“I’m good, thanks for asking.” She quickly changes course. “So, listen. Andrew and I are coming to Boyer this weekend. I want to show him my hometown. So, if you can spare like one night to have dinner with us, then that would be appreciated.”

I hesitate for a moment, unsure of how to broach the subject. Holden and I have only been seeing each other for a few weeks now—a fewdays,to be more accurate—and I don’t know if I’m ready to introduce him to my family yet.

But he did agree to be my buffer, and this would be the perfect opportunity for it.

“Actually, yeah, that could work out,” I say, my voice filled with trepidation. “I’ve ... been seeing someone, and it would be a good chance for you to meet him.”

“Really? Who is he?”

“His name’s Holden.” I sigh, noting the absolute shock in her voice. “He’s a hockey player, and he’s in my major. We’ve known each other for a while now, but things have just started to become more serious.”

“Oh, wow.” Her voice drips with sarcasm. “An athlete, huh?”

“And what’s that supposed to mean?” I scoff, tapping my pen against the desk in front of me. “You know, your first two serious boyfriends are both pro athletes now.”

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