Page 20 of Built to Fall
Kara returns the smile, and I get the impression that the two of them know each other better than I originally assumed. “Wouldn’t miss it.”
Savannah then turns to us, her eyes sparkling with easy charm. “And you must be the fourth roommate. I’ve heard about you.”
“Yes, Lina.” I smile back, suddenly understanding why people get caught up in her world. It’s not just the looks or the status—it’s how Savannah makes you feel like you belong, even if you didn’t think you would.
Her soul is shining through her smile. It feels welcoming, as if she’s been saving you a seat at her table all night long. I notice it within seconds of meeting her, and it’s exactly as Kara put it:alluring.
“Nice to meet you,” she says, and her niceties don’t seem fake.
Getting a closer look at her outfit, I can’t help but wonder how I don’t recognize her from a Vogue cover. She deserves to be on one.
Her platinum hair is styled in sleek waves, all the way down to her rib cage, with oversized sunglasses holding it back like a headband. She’s wearing an expensive-looking navy mini-dress, with a white Chanel cardigan hanging from her shoulders. Every detail, down to the gold hoops and the tiny Dior handbag she’s holding, looks intentional.
“Well, I’m sorry we weren’t able to stay for very long. We’ve got to get back to the Tri Delta house,” she says, reaching outto touch my shoulder in sincerity. “But we’ll see you guys at the afterparty?”
“Of course!” Eden exclaims, looking way too excited.
“Great. I’ll see you there.” Savannah beams, bumping me in the shoulder before waving back as she exits the suite, her handful of gold rings catching in the light.
“I can’t lie…” I glance at Eden. “I understand the appeal.”
Kara nods.
Eden grins. “Told you.”
CHAPTER FIVE
GRANT
“Have you met Meredith and Kara’s friends?” Savannah asks as she comes up next to me, drink in hand. “Eden and Lina?”
I feel myself stiffen at the mention of Lina. Mainly because I’ve been turning myself inside out ever since the incident in the elevator on Wednesday, and I don’t know whether I should feel horrible about it or just let it go.
To be frank, that line would have worked on any other girl I’ve hooked up with.
They all would have been flattered by me thinking they’re the prettiest girl on campus, but Lina didn’t. She didn’t lean in, or give me the type of coy smile, or do any of the things I’ve gotten used to.
She just looked at me—reallylooked—and called me out like I was nothing more than a line in some washed-up frat boy’s playbook.
Something about her has stayed with me through it. The way her eyes flashed with that sarcastic humor. The way she didn’t let me get away with my stupid comment. There was something real about her—something captivating.
“Grant?” Savannah asks, nudging me. “Did you hear me?”
I shake the thoughts from my head. “Yeah, yeah. I’ve met them.”
“I didn’t get to talk to them much when I stopped by B’s suite, but they seemed nice. They said they were coming. Have you seen them?” Savannah tends to be a bit of a rambler. “I cannot get over how gorgeous Lina is, like, seriously. Have youseenher?”
Savannah has a way of uplifting everyone around her, despite knowing that nearly everyone is jealous of her. Normally, it would be endearing, but now I can’t help but sigh.
“Oh,he’s seen her,” Braxton emphasizes, coming up behind us. “Haven’t you, Vandy?”
“Shut up.”
“Oh! Have you hooked up with her?” Savannah asks, her brows furrowing in confusion.
Savannah and I have a good system going, and while she wouldn’t be offended if I were to end our arrangement, she prefers to be in the know. And she knows I’m aware of this fact.
“No, but trust me, Sav, he thinks she’s pretty too.” Then he leans closer to whisper, “Too pretty, right, Grant?”
