Page 91 of Built to Fall
“Oh.” I laugh, not sure how else to respond. “Nothing like that is going on between us. Trust me, we’re just friends.”
I thought she would be relieved to hear this, consideringsheis the one who’s been hooking up with Grant, but I’m shocked when her expression sobers.
Then, as if she’s been waiting for the right moment, Savannah turns fully toward me. Her voice softens. “I figured I should say this because we’ve never really talked. And maybe it doesn’t matter to you, but—I was never annoyed with you. I’m sorry if it ever came across that way.”
My eyes widen, caught off guard. “I never thought you were.”
It’s the truth. I’ve more wondered why shewasn’tjealous, but that was before I realized how obviously confident Savannah is in herself.
“Good. I was just…worried about him, I guess. Grant’s my friend—he always has been, and I would love to see him find something more than what he has with me. I’ve seen him mess things up enough times to know he’s usually his own worst enemy.”
“Yeah. I can see that.”
Both our coffees are placed in front of us, and we grab them before walking back toward the path.
“I don’t do the whole‘girls hating each other for no reason’thing. So…if you ever want someone to, I don’t know, bitch about classes with or grab a drink, let me know.” The offer is so casual, like it doesn’t matter either way, but something about it feels genuine.
I nod, feeling lighter than I had a minute ago. “Yeah. I’d like that.”
“Cool. I’ll see you around, Lina.” Savannah grins, all sharp edges softening a little before she leans in to mutter something more quietly. “Oh, and this might be a weird thing to say, but Grant isamazingin bed. If anyone is going to dismantle me, I can only hope it will be you.”
I choke on my coffee mid-sip, coughing so hard I have to step to the side and catch my breath. Savannah laughs easily and tosses me a wink before heading off down the path like she didn’t completely shatter my brain in the middle of the courtyard.
* * *
The bell above the bakery door jingles as we step inside. The place is almost empty except for a couple of students crammed into a booth, hunched over laptops. The air smells strongly of vanilla and sugar, like fresh cinnamon rolls.
Grant beelines for the counter. “Hi. Do you have cupcakes? Pink and blue ones?”
“For a gender reveal party?” The girl behind the counter brightens.
I can see the look in her eye, the one that is begging for it to be true just so she can go back into the break room and be the first to send this news toNotes of New Haven.
“Something like that,” Grant says, tossing me a grin over his shoulder.
The girl points to a little display case filled with tiny cupcakes. There are a few frosted in bubblegum pink and soft baby blue. Some even have sprinkles shaped like rattles and onesies.
Grant orders six of each like it’s the most natural thing in the world, and a minute later, we’re perched at a corner table, a ridiculous spread of pastel cupcakes between us.
“So…” He looks up at me as he reaches for the box. “I heard you talked to Savannah today.”
“Hey!” I smack his hand away from the box. “Those are supposed to be for Abby.”
All he does is smirk, reaching out again and successfully opening it this time. “She won’t notice if a few are gone.”
I roll my eyes, but I don’t complain when he holds one out to me either.
“So, back to my question. Did you talk to Savannah today?”
“Seems like you already know the answer to that.”
“And it seems like you’re avoiding talking about it.”
Sighing, I peel the wrapper off my blue cupcake slowly. “We bumped into each other in the courtyard after class and talked for a bit. What else do you want to know?”
He smirks. “Did you guys talk about me?”
“You’re so obsessed with yourself.”
