Page 94 of Built to Fall
“You have to be at least seven months pregnant before I pity you enough to start offering my services.”
Abby flits her eyes toward me. “Be honest, he scratches your back every night, doesn’t he?”
I freeze for a second, then glance at Grant, who’s sitting casually with his arms folded, looking at me like I better notdareanswer truthfully. I can feel my face heat up, but I can’t deny it.
“Alright, alright.” Grant steps in front of me, not allowing me to answer. “We’releaving.”
Abby and I both grin as Grant drags me toward the front door, his hand on my back as he ushers me out.
“See you at Christmas!” Abby calls after us, still chuckling.
Grant gives a half-hearted wave. “Yeah, yeah. Enjoy the cupcakes, Abby!”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
GRANT
I’m halfway through a game of Madden, the apartment quiet except for the muted sounds of the announcers on the screen, when my phone buzzes on the couch cushion beside me.
I’m expecting it to be from Lina before I even look at my phone because of how routine our nights have become, and when the message flashes across my screen, my assumption is proven correct.
LINA
Can I come over?
Our dynamic has completely shifted ever since she started sleeping in my bed on the regular. We’ve become actual friends, and the more we hang out together, the more it feels like I’m not just doing this for my peace of mind, but also because Iwantto.
The only break we’ve had was during Thanksgiving break, but now it’s November, and the closer finals get, the more Lina needs sleep, and the more I need reassurance that she’s okay.
Usually, I come home from practice, get some homework done, play video games for a bit, and wait for Lina to text me asking to come over for the night. Sometimes we eat dinnertogether or watch a movie, while other times she comes over late enough for us to go straight to bed.
More recently, it’s been the former because she’s roped me into watching the documentaries she loves in the same way she got me into the Greek Mythology podcast.
Some of them are about different crimes and catastrophes, making it impossible for me not to make“No wonder you can’t sleep”jokes. Others are more informational ones, about history or more Greek mythology.
All of it goes to prove her overwhelming love for consuming knowledge, and there’s something I find so endearing about it.
I text her right back.
ME
Yeah.
ME
Let me finish this game, and I’ll unlock the door.
LINA
I’m already outside.
My forehead creases at the text, not quite understanding until I hear the unfamiliar sound of the camera doorbell ringing. Nobody ever rings the doorbell here, mainly because the door is usually unlocked.
I toss the controller down and jog to the front door, pausing long enough to swipe my hand through my hair before opening the door.
“Couldn’t survive one night without me?” I joke, but when I see her, every trace of smugness instantly dies in my chest.
Lina is standing in the hallway in a too-thin tank top, arms folded tight across her chest, like she’s trying her best to holdherself together. Her cheeks are flushed from the cold, but her eyes are worse.
