Page 2 of Triple Play
“What?”
“Which room did they give you?”
“End of the hall. Why?”
“That’s next to mine.” He says it like it’s a death sentence. “Great. Perfect. This is exactly what I needed.”
The silent guy finally speaks. His voice is rough, like he doesn’t use it much. “Can we not do this at eleven PM? Some of us have practice at six.”
“Wyatt’s right.” Jordie is still trying to fix this, bless him. “Why don’t we all just, um, sleep on it? Fresh start tomorrow?”
I look at Grant. He’s staring at the broken glass on the floor like it’s fascinating.
“Yeah.” I pick up my bag. “Fresh start.”
I make it three steps before Grant speaks again.
“You shouldn’t have come here.”
I don’t turn around. I won’t give him the satisfaction.
“Wasn’t aware I needed your permission.”
“You don’t.” His voice drops lower. Dangerous. “But you’re going to regret it.”
I force myself to keep walking. Down the hall, into my new room, closing the door with more control than I feel.
The room is small. Plain. Beige walls and a twin bed that’s seen better days. My entire life fits into two suitcases and a duffel bag, and somehow that feels fitting right now.
I sink onto the bed. My hands are shaking.
I came to Crestmont for the pre-med program. For the research grant I spent two years working toward. For the fresh start I’ve been promising myself since the night Grant Wilder kissed me at my brother’s Christmas party and then acted like it never happened.
Two years of radio silence. Two years of watching him date half the eastern seaboard through social media posts I told myself I didn’t care about.
And now he’s on the other side of this wall.
I can hear them out there. Muffled voices. Jordie’s higher, placating. Grant’s low and sharp. Wyatt’s occasional rumble.
Someone—Jordie, probably—is cleaning up the glass.
My phone buzzes. A text from Teddy, my older brother.
Teddy: You make it okay?
I stare at the message. Teddy has no idea Grant lives here. No idea his best friend and his little sister have this history. Because that kiss was supposed to be the beginning of something, and instead, it was just… nothing.
Me: Yeah. All good. Room’s fine.
The lie comes easy.
Teddy: Grant’s at Crestmont. You should look him up. He’d show you around.
I almost laugh. The sound would come out wrong, so I swallow it.
Me: Maybe. Tired. Talk tomorrow.
I set my phone down and stare at the ceiling.
