Page 10 of Accidentally Falling for Her
“What? No. A minute ago you thought I was sleeping with Arthur and now you think I’m a virgin?” she asks with a laugh.
“Well, you just never talk about…”
“I’m definitely not a virgin. We also don’t need to talk about it,” she rushes to say.
“Sorry, I wasn’t trying to pry,” I apologize, feeling guilty that I pushed when I know she’s been private in the past after staying out all night.
“Don’t apologize, sweetie,” she reassures me, hugging me tighter to her. “If there’s ever anyone important, you’ll be the first to know,” she promises with a kiss to the top of my head.
“Thank you,” I whisper. I have an awful thought that I hope she doesn’t find someone soon, because I don’t want to give up my time with her, but I try to ignore that jealous voice.She’s my best friend, I want her to be happy.She was supportive when Ryan and I got together. I still spend plenty of time with her, I’m sure it would be the same if she were in a relationship.
“I’m going to try to get some sleep before my dad’s campaign event tonight. Do you want to stay here?” she asks with a yawn.
I smile, wiggling a bit to get comfortable. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
9
ASPEN
MARCH
Junior Year
“Ionly have one more top to finish.” I update Sage, raising my voice so that she can hear me over my sewing machine. There’s a spring fling event on campus tonight, and all the fraternities and sororities have small groups performing on a stage they’ve set up in the quad. They’re charging admission, and the house that wins gets to split the profits for their charity, so people get really into it with matching costumes and choreographed dance numbers.
As social chair, Sage is in charge of coordinating stuff like this, and she volunteered to be in the dance. We’re both on the executive council this year—somehow, I was nominated for VP. Dancing isn’t my thing, so I offered to make the costumes. I’ve been loving all my fashionclasses and have gotten really into physically making the things I’ve designed to see how the different fabrics and cuts look and move in person.
I’ve gotten pretty good, if I do say so myself.
We better win with how much effort everyone has been putting into it.If I have to hear shit from Arthur’s friends about coming in second like we did for homecoming, I’ll have to stop going to parties all together.I definitely don’t want to do that.I also really want to do better than Ryan’s frat. Even though their breakup was very low drama, and Sage insisted it was mutual and she’s fine, I’d still really like the satisfaction of knowing we did better than him.
“Oh, they look amazing!” Sage says, picking up one of the costumes that’s laid out on her bed in our room.
“Thanks.” I finish the final row of stitches and add it to the pile after labeling it for the correct dancer.
“So, you know how I said not to plan anything for spring break because I was going to?” Sage asks, practically vibrating with excited energy. I nod, smiling at her infectious enthusiasm. “Well, I just confirmed everything, so I can finally tell you!”
“Do I need my passport?” I ask hopefully.
“We’re going to Paris!” she announces, clapping while she jumps up and down.
I freeze. “We’re going to Paris, next week?” I check, afraid to get my hopes up.There’s no way. It’s probably too late to even get tickets.
“Yes, and to answer the question you’re too nervous toask… yes, we’re going to multiple Fashion Week events. That’s what I was waiting to confirm—Oof.”
I’m out of my chair and flinging my arms around Sage before she can even finish her sentence, squeezing her in the tightest hug I’ve ever given. “Oh my God, you’re the best best friend in the history of best friends! I can’t believe it, how did you even get tickets?” I ramble, unable to contain my excitement.
“My mom’s childhood best friend works for a huge fashion magazine, and I reached out to her ages ago and finally heard back. I’d already gotten tickets to some of the events that are open to the public, but she got us into a few more so we can really enjoy it all.”
“Holy shit, Sage!” I finally pull back from the hug enough to look at her, the giant smile on her face confirming that she’s just as excited as I am. Even though fashion has never been her thing, she knows how special this will be for me, and that’s enough to make her this happy. I know because I’ve felt the same way about all the arboretums and botanical gardens we’ve visited over the last few years. Seeing how happy Sage is around the thing she’s most passionate about brings me so much joy, and knowing that Sage feels that way about me and my interests only makes this trip that much more special.
“Areyou ready for our Eiffel Tower Date?” Sage asks excitedly as she grabs my hand, swinging our arms as we continue down the gorgeous streets of Paris. The city feels almost alive with its elaborate architecture. The shops and bistros are so picturesque, I feel like I’m walking through a land of fairy tales and magic. I love being surrounded by so much art and beauty in every direction. I never want to leave.
Not to mention the fashion. With all the shows here this week, everyone is out in their best and most daring ensembles. I’ve never felt more inspired than I have attending events the last few days with Sage. I knew that I would love every second, but it has still completely surpassed my expectations. We’ve attended shows for the established houses, as well as showcases for independent labels, and we even got to meet some of the creative directors and designers. This week has felt like a dream.
And to add to the unbelievable, I-must-be-dreaming experience, Sage keeps referring to everything we have planned as “a date.” I know she doesn’t mean it like I want her to, but every time she says it, my heart skips a beat.
“We sure have gone on a lot of ‘dates’ this week,” I tease, needing to hear her confirm that she doesn’t mean an actual date.Even if I wish she did.
