Текст книги "Don't Let Go"

Автор книги: Michelle Lynn

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Текущая страница: 6 (всего у книги 17 страниц)

Chapter 10

We stayed up at the hill for a couple hours, wrapped in a blanket, talking about things we love. Brady told me how he ended up in The Invisibles with the guys and how he has always had a love of music. He said that when they asked him to sing, he decided he wanted a change of pace. What he didn’t tell me was what he needed a change of pace from. The way he spoke was as though he was someone else before then. I didn’t pry; I too have secrets I am not about to reveal yet.

He walked me home, kissing me goodnight at the door. Even though I desperately wanted to ask him to stay, I couldn’t. I wasn’t ready for this to end between us and I fear if I sleep with him, that is exactly what will happen.

He picked me up this morning, taking me to a Farmer’s Market in town, where he buys us fresh vegetables and fruit. It surprises me that he knows almost all the vendors, introducing me to them by first name. When they ask him how he is holding up, he shrugs them off, saying he’s great and interrupts any follow-up questions, telling them we have to go. I have never seen him this wound-up before. As the day continues and the questions from the vendors pry more, he barely smiles and eventually starts rushing us through the booths.

By the time we get to the last vendor, Brady is holding my hand, steadily moving us toward the street. The way he’s pulling my arm, I feel as though there is some dangerous murderer following us.

“Brady Carsen? Is that you?” A sweet older lady with grey hair and a small frame calls out to him. Brady continues to walk, but I pull him back.

“Brady. That lady is calling your name.” I tug my hand away from his. He turns around and his expression isn’t casual and easy-going like usual. He appears cold and angry. I can tell he is mad that I stopped him. He looks at me and then at the elderly lady. Taking a deep breath and releasing it while his shoulders slump, he takes my hand again and leads me over to the table full of cookies, cakes and breads.

“I thought that was you. How are you, Brady?” Her voice is so soft and caring, and she reminds me of a grandmother.

“Hi, Mrs. Fletcher. I’m good. Thank you for asking,” he replies, the same answer he gave to every other person who knows him here.

“I was sorry to hear about…” she starts but Brady quickly interrupts her.

“Thank you, Mrs. Fletcher. This is Sadie Miller. She’s new to Western.” He puts his hand on the small of my back and I offer my hand for her to shake.

“Nice to meet you, Sadie.” She smiles, shaking my hand in return. “Very beautiful, Brady.”

“I agree,” Brady responds and grins back to her. The first real smile from his lips in the last hour.

“How did he get you, darling? I hope it isn’t the bad boy band thing because my Brady isn’t some rock star that loves ‘em and leaves ‘em.” She peers directly in my eyes as though she can tell if I lie to her.

“You’re ruining my image, Mrs. Fletcher,” Brady laughs. God, I love that sound.

“He’s a perfect gentleman.” I look over at Brady; his lips turn up as he glances down at me.

“Glad to hear it. Now, pick something out. It’s on me. You’re too skinny,” she adds, pinching my arm.

“Um…” I grab my arm, holding where she pinched. Obviously, I’m not too skinny since she got some skin. I pick up a package of Rice Krispie treats and dig in my purse for the money.

“Oh, Brady’s favorites. I used to make these for him when he was little. Just a little brown mop-haired boy running around the streets.”

Brady turns a nice shade of pink from embarrassment. “I promise to share,” I tell her and hand her five dollars.

“No darling, it’s fine. Any friend of Brady’s is a friend of mine.” She pushes my hand back.

“Are you sure?” She nods. “Well then…thank you, Mrs. Fletcher.” I place them in our bag.

“Come give me some sugar, Brady. I never see you anymore.” She holds her hands out for him to hug her. His large frame envelopes her small stature. I hear her whispering in his ear. Brady nods his head in agreement and then releases her, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

“You too, darling.” She waits for me to walk to her. I gently wrap my arms around her, trying not to break her fragile body.

“Don’t break his heart, Sadie. He can be stubborn and bull-headed, but your reward will be tenfold if you love him. He will try to keep you out but push your way in, okay?” she whispers in my ear, making sure Brady can’t hear.

I return back to Brady’s side and he takes my hand in his, as though it’s natural.

“See you later, kids.” She winks at both of us as we walk away.

“She’s sweet,” I say over to Brady as we walk over to his car.

“Yeah, she’s like my grandmother,” he responds.

“Did she used to babysit you or something?” I ask.

“Kind of.” He shrugs, not divulging anything else.

Brady drives me to his house and informs me he is going to make me lunch. We pull up to an older green house with a porch in front. There are ivory shutters with red paint outlining the windows. The grass is neatly cut and trimmed along the sidewalk. Shrubs cover the front and sides of the house. It appears to be three stories, resembling a family home rather a college student’s house. He parks in front of the detached garage and walks us through the back door.

I’m struck by how nice the house smells. After practically living in frat houses since I entered college, I have never smelled anything this nice in a place where a bunch of guys live. We enter through the kitchen where there is a small, round oak table with chairs around it. All the appliances are a little older and the cabinets are worn, but it’s nice and presentable. There are no dishes in the sink or beer bottles strewn about.

“Take a seat, Sadie.” He pulls a chair out for me, placing the bags from the Farmer’s Market on the table.

“No, I’ll help you,” I insist.

“I got this. You want something to drink?” he asks.

“Sure. Water?”

He opens the fridge door filled with beer and I see my first sign that this is indeed a bachelor pad. Grabbing a bottle of water, he opens it before he hands it over to me.

When he puts it on the table, he leans over and kisses me. “I have been waiting to do that all day.” He pulls away but I grab his shirt, bringing him back to me. I lick his lips and he opens with his tongue eager to meet mine. As he places his hand on the back of my neck, I loop my fingers through his hair and he groans into my mouth. He wants more so I slowly bring my tongue back into my mouth to end the kiss. The last thing I want to do is lead him on.

“Wow. Should have started that earlier,” Brady jokes and walks back over to the fridge.

I take a sip of my water, the coolness calming me down a bit. I have never been with a man that kisses like Brady. He never rushes it or tries to stop, as though he has all the time in the world to kiss me.

“I hope you like egg salad.” He takes a Tupperware container out of the fridge.

“I do. Did you make it?”

“This morning, before I came to get you.”

“Brady Carsen, you are full of hidden talents.” I bring my knees up and watch him move around the kitchen. It is sexy as hell seeing him go from the fridge to the counter, grabbing a knife and cutting the homemade bread we bought. His movements are smooth and decisive.

“Sadie?” He snaps me out of my trance.

“Sorry, yeah?” I shake my head back and forth.

“Something has been on my mind since that time at the Student Center.” His back is still turned from me while he washes the lettuce in the sink.

“What?” I ask, curious.

“The deal breaker. What are yours?” he asks.

“Um…I don’t know. I guess I just know them when I see them,” I admit.

“Oh, come on. Tell me just one,” he pleads.

“Alright…” I hesitate. I don’t know him nearly enough for this. Theo and I would go back and forth all day with our deal breakers, but I knew he never judged me and I never judged him. “I don’t like dirty shoes. The ones that are so worn and dirty, but I also don’t like brand new blinding white ones either. I know it’s stupid but…”

Brady interrupts me, “It’s fine. Glad I don’t have to worry about that.” He makes me feel better.

“So, what are yours?”

“Well, I hate to admit this and it’s probably some guys’ opposite of deal breaker. I hate it when a girl bends over and you can see her thong,” he confesses and turns around to face me. He casually crosses his ankles and leans against the counter.

“So if I bent over right now and you could see my thong, you would politely drive me back to the dorm and never see me again?” I raise an eyebrow at him.

“Like I told you that day, I don’t think there are any deal breakers when it comes to you. Privately, feel free to bend over and show me your thong anytime but please don’t do it in front of other people. I don’t like guys seeing what’s mine.” He pushes himself off the counter to retrieve the two plates.

“I’m yours?” I question.

“Yep,” he says, matter of fact. “I’m sorry, did you not want to be mine?” He smirks over at me, knowing my answer.

“I didn’t say that.” I bite my lip and stare down at the egg salad sandwich in front of me with a side of fresh fruit. I think I just agreed that Brady is my boyfriend. Too bad it will be short-lived.

After lunch Brady gives me a tour of the house. Like I assumed, there are three floors. The main floor is the kitchen, family room and dining room. The second floor has the bedrooms, each guy having their own room and they all share two bathrooms. Outside of Brady’s room is a staircase up to the third floor, but he tells me it is all storage stuff so he doesn’t take me up there.

I’m happy when he doesn’t walk into his room but just shows it to me through the doorway. I definitely can’t handle sitting on a bed with him. He does have a nice queen-size bed that looks appealing though.

We walk down to the basement. Brady seems giddy with excitement before opening the door. When he pushes it open, I’m speechless. He has a music studio. We are in the room with large oversized brown leather couches and chairs lining a wall. Switchboards face a glass window that overlooks a drum set, guitars, and microphones. It is incredible and I can see how happy Brady is just being down here.

“This is great, Brady,” I say excitedly, brushing my finger along one of the couches.

“I know. I think I have slept down here more than in my own bed.”

“So, this is where the magic happens with you guys?” I ask.

“I wouldn’t say that.” He wraps his arms around my waist, kissing my neck. “I could show you some magic if you prefer.” He brushes my hair to the side, moving his lips down my shoulder and back up to my neck.

I close my eyes. His warm breath feels incredible. I can’t let this lead to something more so I pull away, making my way over to the switchboard. “What does this do?” I fiddle with a button.

He comes up behind me and kisses my neck again. “Do you really want to know?” he whispers while his tongue flicks my earlobe. I close my eyes in pleasure again, willing my heart to calm down.

“Brady,” I sigh.

“Come here.” He grabs my hand and leads me to the couch. He positions me on his lap and rests his hands around my waist, bringing me closer to him. “I just want to kiss you, Sadie. I will never rush you,” he promises.

Instinctively, I wrap my arms around his neck, letting him bring his lips to mine. As our tongues start to mingle together, he sucks my bottom lip and goose bumps travel up my spine. Brady’s hands start moving up and down my ribcage. The anticipation of him touching my breasts is becoming unbearable. It’s like a double-edged sword, me wanting him to go there but not wanting to lead him on. As soon as I think he is going to cup my breast, his hands move to my thighs, stroking the outside of my right leg. My fingers wrap around his hair while we continue to devour each other’s mouths.

“God, Sadie. There is nothing better than kissing you,” he murmurs to me, breaking our kiss before his lips crash into mine again. I don’t think I have ever kissed a guy this long before. They are usually preoccupied with another part of my body.

I respond with a moan and wrap my leg over his waist, straddling him. He places his hands on my ass, drawing me into him and I can feel how hard he is. I don’t want to tease him but I can’t yank myself away. It feels so good, so right. His hands travel up my stomach and I know where their destination is and I’m unable to stop them. Just as both of Brady’s hands cup my breasts and his thumbs rub against my peaked nipples, the door busts open and I fly off his lap, crossing my legs as though nothing is going on. Brady starts laughing and straightens out his pants, looking over at me.

“What’s up guys?” Trey asks, making his way in the room, followed by Dex and Rob.

“Nothing now,” Brady deadpans and brings me back onto his lap, caressing my hip bone back and forth with his thumb.

“Sorry to ruin your time with…” Rob leers my way, “Chanel.”

“Rob, you need to shut the fuck up.” Brady gently moves me off his lap to stand face to face with him, the tension in his shoulders so tight they could snap.

“Alright, alright. I’ll be good.” Rob backs away and moves into the glassed-off area, picking up his guitar.

“You staying to watch us rehearse, Sadie?” Trey asks and I notice he has a stud ring under his lip. It’s oddly appealing on him.

I look at Brady and he raises his eyebrows, questioning if I want to stay.

“Sure,” I agree.

Brady sits me down in the chair in front of the switchboards while he follows the guys into the room. They start testing their instruments, joking about something I didn’t catch. Then Brady’s voice fills the room and chills travel my body in excitement.

“This is for you, Sadie Miller.” He strums his guitar a couple times before starting the song. The song is familiar, but I can’t place it at first. Brady’s soft brown irises are on me, patiently waiting for me to recognize it. Then the chorus comes and I figure out he is playing “Oh Sherrie” by Steve Perry, but he changes it to “Oh Sadie”. I return his smile and Brady sings it, mimicking Steve Perry in the eighties video. He clutches his fist close to his heart and bends his knees close to the ground. My whole body melts with a warmth I have never felt. There goes a little more of my heart.

Chapter 11

I hate Mondays, but I especially hate this Monday. After spending the weekend with Brady the last thing I want to do is Algebra. I’m still too embarrassed to ask Brady for help so I resort to my usual victim in tutoring and head to the sixth floor of the library, praying I find Grant.

Luck must be on my side because when the elevator doors slide open, he is unpacking his backpack at one of the tables. He glances over to me and a smile comes across his lips, revealing his perfect white teeth.

“Hey, Sadie. It’s been awhile.” He takes a seat on the table, waiting for me to walk up to him.

“I know, I’ve been kind of busy,” I admit. It suddenly dawns on me that this could be awkward since I’m about to ask him to help me in math even though I turned him down when he had asked me out.

“With Brady I assume?” The dislike in his tone is unmistakable.

“Um…”

“That’s alright, it’s none of my business.” He gets off the table and moves to sit down in a chair.

“So, Grant. I need a favor?” I bite my lower lip and use my best puppy dog eyes.

“When is it?” He gives a look similar to a disapproving father.

“In two hours.” I lift my shoulders and smile coyly.

“Sit down.” He motions to the seat across from him.

An hour and a half later I think I finally have a grasp of the material so I stand up to say goodbye. “Thank you, Grant, you’re a lifesaver.” I start packing up my bag.

“No problem. I’ll walk you to class.” He stands up and flings his backpack over his shoulder. I can’t help but notice how much Grant resembles Theo and every other guy I have ever known. The crisp polo and dark jeans with brown loafers. I could probably take any frat boy’s face and insert it on Grant’s body.

We make our way down and out of the library. Grant doesn’t touch me or stand close. He doesn’t ask me about Brady or tell me to watch out with him like he did prior. I’m starting to think a friendship between us could be possible.

Halfway to the Math building, we pass Vodka Vince and I have never seen him awake before. He still looks disheveled and unkempt but alert nonetheless. Brady’s words of caution ring through my head. Grant grabs my elbow and leads me to the other side of the walkway so we don’t pass directly by him. I glance over and give Grant a dirty look but follow his lead.

“Heya, Grant,” Vodka Vince speaks low to him. I look over, confused.

“Hi,” Grant responds, giving him a small wave of his hand and continues walking.

“You know him?” I ask.

“Doesn’t everyone?” he questions in return.

“But he knew your name, Grant.”

“Sometimes I leave him things.” He shrugs his shoulders.

“That’s nice,” I admit. What a different perspective than Brady.

“I guess.” He doesn’t show a reaction, obviously assuming everyone else does it. “Here you go.” Grant stops at the bottom steps, suddenly ready to get rid of me.

“Thanks again. I owe you one,” I graciously thank him.

“Maybe next time, dinner?” he asks.

“Yeah, that’s not going to happen.” The chills hit my body before he places his hand on the small of my back and leans in to kiss me on the cheek. “Hey, baby.” Brady tugs me closer to him.

“Hi, Brady.” I allow him to be a little possessive of me before stepping away.

“So, you two are…” Grant says, annoyed.

“Together? Yes,” Brady confirms, finishing his sentence. His smile is smug and big as he puts his hand on my hip, bringing me to him. This domineering behavior Brady portrays makes me upset and pleased at the same time.

Grant appears uncomfortable with the whole situation. He isn’t taking a defensive stance back at Brady, instead he keeps his distance. It’s odd behavior, almost sadness in Grant’s eyes as he quickly glances between the two of us.

“Well, good luck, Sadie. See you around,” Grant says quietly and puts his head down, walking down the path before I can thank him.

“I will have to keep a better eye on you. First Vodka Vince and then that douchebag.” Brady puts his arm around me and walks me into the building.

“Brady, what was all that about?” I question, clearly irritated.

“He’s a fucking frat boy. I don’t trust him.” He stops outside my door and I wonder how he knew I had a class, let alone the exact classroom.

“I think he’s nice and I consider him a friend. Do you think you could be nice?” He has me leaned against the wall, enveloping me with his arms above my head.

“Sadie, let’s get something straight. I’m not one of those domineering guys.” I smirk, looking up at him and he grins down to me. “Well…not until I met you. I know what guys like him want and what he imagines in his head and I don’t like it.” His mouth is so close to mine, I can feel the warmth of his breath against my lips.

“He’s just a friend,” I argue.

“Maybe to you, but to him you are a conquest and believe me, he won’t stop until he gets you.” He lightly kisses the side of my mouth.

“Brady, this is way too much drama before an exam.” I stay firmly against the wall and place my fingers under the waistband of his jeans, pulling him into me.

“Let me relax you,” he whispers and comes willingly. He keeps his arms above my head, moving his head down to my mouth. Usually any form of affection in front of a group of people embarrasses me. A year ago this incident would have had me ducking under Brady’s arm, running into the safety of my classroom. As he captures my upper lip between his, I find myself not caring who sees our display. He never lets his arms fall down, pinning me against the wall only with his lower body. I can barely keep my feet planted on the ground; they want to betray me and wrap around his taut stomach. I want him to grab my ass with both hands and carry me into some vacant room to have his way with me. But before my body deceives me, Brady pulls away.

“Good luck, baby!” He leans down one more time and gives me a kiss right next to my ear. “You look absolutely gorgeous today.” He turns me around and gently nudges me toward the door and then walks the opposite direction down the hall.

I fumble into my room which is filled with mostly freshman. I see the stares and whispers around me. Oh shit, I don’t think my body can hold off much longer. Thoughts of him in bed make me so aroused, I can feel the burn inside of me. I sit down at my desk and take a deep breath, willing myself to concentrate on Algebra but Brady continues to fill my imagination. His scent is so strong I would swear he is sitting next to me if I didn’t know better.

Walking back to the dorm, I feel confident with my exam. I definitely didn’t ace it, but I most likely achieved a B. Next time I see Grant, I will have to thank him. When I get to the hill, I stop in my tracks. Vodka Vince is sitting on a park bench with a middle-aged woman. She’s dressed in a nice black pants suit and heels. They are eating sandwiches and I notice the woman is doing most of the talking while he eats. I can’t explain why Vodka Vince piques my curiosity but I take a seat on a nearby bench and pull my phone out, pretending I’m checking my e-mails.

The woman is strikingly beautiful with short blonde hair styled so that every piece is in its specified place. Her long legs are crossed facing Vince, and I haven’t seen her stop talking the whole time. She talks with her hands, constantly touching his arms, hands, or legs. I can’t figure out if she is someone that is like that with everyone or if she has such a close relationship with him, it’s just second nature to her. Vince doesn’t acknowledge her except for a minute here or there. Otherwise, he stares over at her like he is trying to figure out why she is sitting with him.

After ten minutes, their sandwiches are finished. The blonde woman starts taking the sandwich wrappers, placing them in the bag. I see her dig in her purse and she hands Vince a couple of bills. He takes them from her and says thank you. With a small tap on his knee with her hand, she says goodbye and kisses his cheek. Vince stays sitting there staring out to the open field, appearing lost. It is getting colder outside and I hope he uses that money she gave him for a coat, but I realize it will most likely go to vodka.

I stand up to make my way to the dorm. My heart starts beating faster when I’m about to pass him. I could kill Brady for bringing these thoughts into my head. Willing myself to calm down and take a breath, I glance at a smiling Vince and nod my head.

“Heya,” Vince’s deep voice says as I walk by.

“Hi,” I respond, my voice a couple octaves higher than normal. I give him a small wave and continue walking.

“Are you Grant’s girl?” he asks, making me stop.

I turn around, shocked that I’m about to have a conversation with him. Brady would kill me right about now. “Oh…no, I have a boyfriend,” I admit.

“That’s good to hear.” The smile that forms across his lips is wide and genuine. I smile back, unsure what to say as he continues to stare out to the open field, satisfied with the end of our conversation so I turn around and make my way back to the dorm.

When I reach my door, I can hear the music on the other side. This is a common occurrence when Jessa has a guy in the room, or if she’s just happy. The last thing I want to see is Rob’s ass in the air, grinding into her on top of her loft. The visual alone makes me nauseous. I slowly put my hand on the doorknob like I was taught if there was a fire on the other side. I know I should just turn away but I turn it gradually so if Rob is in there, I can shut the door quickly and flee to the common area. I peek through the small opening and then continue opening it all the way when I discover Jessa dancing all around the room, waving a scarf like one of those ballerinas with the ribbons. She turns around and finds me staring at her, and I quickly try to shut my mouth.

“Guess what, Sadie?” she screams over the music and runs over to me, grasping my arms with both her hands.

“What?” I ask in return, still shaking the image of Jessa dancing around the room out of my head. In the months I have known her, she has never been this chipper.

“Rob asked me to go home with him for Thanksgiving.” I feel my mouth already turn down into a frown but swiftly attempt to lift it up. My hatred for Rob shouldn’t interfere with my happiness for Jessa.

“That’s nice,” I say, closing the door behind me. I walk over to the stereo to turn it down a little.

“I can’t believe it. I mean…I thought…well, you know what guys usually want. I thought for sure once I let him have the boom boom,” she says, pointing down to her private area just so I understand what she is talking about, as though I wouldn’t, “he would be on to the next girl.” She flops herself into her chair.

“I’m happy for you. Won’t your parents be upset that you aren’t going home?” I ask, knowing there is no way I could get away with something like that.

“They understand that I don’t want to go back there, plus it’s such a short break. I’ll see them at Christmas. Maybe Rob will want to come home with me.” She quietly contemplates that thought and I envy the smile on her face.

“You really like him, huh?” I hope the disgust is concealed in my voice.

“I do, Sadie. He has completely kicked my ass, in a good way,” she laughs. “When it’s just me and him, he is so sweet and considerate. I’ve never had that, Sadie. I’ve never had a guy who puts my needs before his. You probably don’t understand; the guys you usually date probably buy you diamonds and flowers.” I forgot that under that hard exterior, Jessa is just a typical girl.

“Not really,” I shrug. I don’t tell her that the guys I date open the door for me when other people are around and always bring me flowers so people can see them, but when we are alone they have only been worried about one thing. I’m not ready to share with her that when Brady left the show last week and put something of his on hold to spend time with me, that was a first in my life.

“So, what’s going on with you and Brady? I heard the guys walked in on you two getting hot and heavy in the studio.” She beams over at me.

“Things are…good…great, actually. I really like him,” I admit.

“So…have you hit it? Because an ass like that is made for grabbing.”

“Jessa!” I scream. “No, we haven’t. I’m not ready yet.” It surprises me how easy it is talking to her.

“Sadie, can I ask you a question without you getting offended?” her voice lowers and I hope this isn’t about my secret.

I nod over at her.

“Are you a virgin?” Her hazel eyes peer over at me through her eyelashes and I can’t help but laugh.

“No. Is that what you think? Oh god, Brady probably thinks that, too.” A heat wave hits me as guilt erupts in my stomach. That’s what Brady meant when he said he wouldn’t rush me. Oh Jesus, what am I supposed to do? How do I tell him I’m the furthest thing from that?

“Really? You can tell me, Sadie, I won’t tell anyone.” Jessa puts her hand on my knee.

“I promise you, Jessa, I’m not a virgin. Actually…” I want to tell her. I miss my girlfriends. The gossip sessions, girls’ nights out. I need a friend right now, someone’s advice on a boy who has me so wrapped around his finger, it makes it hard to breathe without him around. Pushing my worry aside, I finally tell her, “I have slept with a lot of guys, Jessa.”

“You have?” From her reaction, you would have thought I just told her my dad is the president.

“Yeah. I’m afraid to tell Brady. It’s killing me keeping him at arm’s length. We’ve only kissed.”

“He won’t care.” She waves it off.

“I’m afraid he will run, especially now that you asked if I’m a virgin. I think he probably assumes I never have as well, and here I’m going to tell him I slept with half the male population at Drayton.”

“Sadie, you do know that boy is crazy about you, right? Even Rob told me he has never seen Brady like this over anyone. Anyone, Sadie.” Oh, I’ve missed how girlfriends can make you feel so good.

“I’m sure Rob hates that.”

“Who gives a shit what Rob says. I’m not sure what his problem with you is, but I’m going to find out.”

“I worry he won’t wait that long, but it scares me that even if he accepts it, it will only be to sleep with me and then he will be gone. I don’t think I can handle that, Jessa. He came into my life so unexpectedly but honestly, I can’t imagine it without him now.”

“Oh, Sadie. Someone did a number on you, too,” she says. Her eyes are so empathetic it makes me want to cry for myself. “Trust him, Sadie. I know it’s hard to put yourself out there, but it might be just what you need to find happiness.” She remains quiet for a few minutes as I mull over what she is saying. “Just think about it. Brady is one of the good ones, Sadie.” She stands up. “Now let’s go gorge ourselves on the desserts.”

“Jessa?” I get up from the chair, waiting for her to turn around. “Thank you.”

“Sadie, I consider you my best friend. I know it’s unconventional and we appear to be complete opposites and we’ve only known each other for a couple months, but I can already see our similarities. Fate must have brought us both here to help each other heal.” She actually reaches out and hugs me. Surprise doesn’t even explain how stunned I am.

“Jessa, if I didn’t know better…”

“Did you think I was a selfish bitch or something?” She laughs and opens our dorm door. I follow her, happy to have her as a friend. Years ago I would have made fun of her, snickering behind her back. Jessa was probably never a selfish bitch like I was.