Page 102 of Built to Fall
She didn’t complain about sitting next to me, didn’t flinch back when I leaned in close, and now she’s not even mad at me for shamelessly flirting with her.
It’s territory I shouldn’t be stepping into, not when there’s so much risk, but it feels like I’m being pulled here.
As if the gravity of her is greater than my better judgment. It’s what makes me realize I never truly stood a chance.
Savannah leans back in her chair, her gaze meeting mine behind Lina, and I can tell by the look on her face that she knows exactly what I’m thinking.
“Are you coming over after dinner?” I whisper in Lina’s ear.
She sucks in a harsh breath, startled by my closeness. “Yeah. Is that okay?”
“Of course.”
I’ve gotten used to her being there, to the point where it feels weirder for her not to be.
“Hey, Savannah, how is your fashion column going?” Eden asks from across the table after everyone orders.
“Good, good.” She nods enthusiastically. “I’ve been working with a bunch of different brands, which has been really fun! I’m even doing a collection with Ralph Lauren at the beginning of the year.”
“Ralph Lauren?” Lina asks, her mouth wide.
Savvy by Savannahhas become one of the most well-known fashion publications in the world. She started it as part of Yale Press as a small fashion column, but now it’s a global style authority with its own digital platform, exclusive brand partnerships, and a loyal international readership.
I only know all of this because she’s spouted it out to me at least a hundred times.
She’s proud, and it’s exactly what she has worked so hard for. While it may be shocking to hear about a twenty-one-year-old girl working with top names, like Ralph Lauren, it’s not surprising when you know Savannah.
“Yeah. I’msuperexcited about it! I was even thinking about asking Kara to model for the shoot with me, and maybe Bennett Hemingway.”
“She would love that!” Eden exclaims, clapping her hands together. “Bennett Hemingway is like thehottestman on the planet.”
Lina nods along while Meredith hums in agreement.
It might be nothing, but a flicker of slight jealousy still zips through me.
I lean toward Lina again, close enough so only she can hear me when I whisper, “Rumor has it his abs are painted on.”
She barely looks fazed. In fact, I think a small smile begins to play at her lips. “Even if thatweretrue, his face makes up for it.” I can tell she’s picking up on my tinge of envy, embellishing her words just to tease me.
I’m not sure what comes over me when I subtly nip her earlobe, murmuring right against her ear, “Don’t forget whose bed you sleep in every night, pretty girl.”
Lina doesn’t say a word, but I can tell by the way her lashes flutter ever-so-slightly while her fingers curl tightly around my thigh in warning that I had the exact effect I was aiming for.
“Sav, when’s your fashion show?” Braxton asks, changing the subject while playfully pinching Meredith in the ribs.
“In a few months, at the end of February.”
“That’s amazing,” Lina tells her, sounding awestruck. “Seriously.”
Her head of platinum blonde hair bobs with excitement, and everyone can see the way Savannahgleamsat the mention of her greatest accomplishment.
“We’ll all be there,” Eden adds.
“Thank you, guys.” She smiles. “That means so much. The column becoming a full-blown publication has been crazy, and seeing everything I’ve been able to do with it is just… insane.”
My head bobs. “Damn right.”
The table hums with excitement, everyone smiling, sipping, and paying attention like we’re all witnessing something rare, which couldn’t be more accurate.
