9. Savannah

Chapter 9

Savannah

Settling onto my couch for another long night of studying, I lean my head back, examining my ceiling. It's weird to think that in a few weeks, I'll be moving out of this place and going back home.

Chad and I haven't really talked about what's going to happen between us. He still has one more semester to go, but after that I have no clue what his plans are.

Chad isn't the type of guy who maps out his future. He's more of a day-to-day person. It drives me crazy, but you can't change people, not unless they want to change. Anyone who says you can is wrong. I have to accept him for who he is or find someone new.

The thought of Nixon filters through my head, making my face scrunch up. I can't think about him in that way anymore. He walked away from me, not the other way around. If he can go years without a word, what's going to keep him from leaving me all over again?

I don't want to fall in love just to have my heart ripped out because he decides he wants something different. I've been there, done that. Would not recommend. Nixon doesn't know he broke my heart. He didn't know about my long-time crush on him and at this point, I never plan on telling him.

Cracking open my notes and textbook, I tuck one leg under me, bringing the other up to rest my chin on. I scan my notes and quiz myself on one thing after another. I just need to make it through the next two days of classes and then I can have a break. I can do this.

My text tone goes off, making me jump. I'm not used to getting messages when I'm studying. Devon and Chad always know where I am. They do their best not to disrupt me when I have my nose buried in a book.

Nixon: Three days, Savvy.

I hate how one message from him brings a smile to my face. I don't want to be happy when I hear from him. Not after he hurt me.

Sav: Until what?

I'm not an idiot. I know he's saying three days until we see each other again, but I love messing with him.

Nixon: Until I get to see the beautiful woman you've turned into.

My cheeks heat, I'm not used to getting compliments. Not like this.

Sav: That's some smooth talking for someone who doesn't know me. I'd bet I could walk by you on a street and you wouldn't recognize me.

Nixon: I don't know you anymore, but that's only temporary. I plan to learn everything there is to know about you, just like I used to. I get one day, remember?

Anxiety fills me. I'm not sure how I'm going to get away from Chad and Devon for an entire day. I know they said it was fine, but I feel weird about it. Their sudden closeness is making me uncomfortable. I'm not sure if it's new or if I just never realized it before.

Sav: Only one.

Nixon: One to begin with, then we revisit.

Sav: Just because you keep repeating that doesn't make it any more true. I won't be home for long.

Nixon: What about after the semester is over?

I know I'm moving home after I'm done with college, but I'm not sure I want him to know that. Not yet at least.

I type out a response only to delete it. Twisting my lips from side to side I debate what I should tell him. But the ever-nice Savannah Catalino wins.

Sav: I'm coming home. That doesn't mean we'll be best friends again, Nixon.

Coming to college has taught me one thing, just because I'm nice, doesn't mean I need to be a pushover with everything. I can be nice and still say no. I don't need to do things others want me to do. I've learned I have a backbone… but I seem to forget all of that when it comes to Nixon.

Nixon: Can we revisit that after our day together too?

Rolling my eyes, I nibble on the inside of my cheek. Nixon's always been like a dog with a bone when he wants something. He doesn't know how to give up.

Nixon: Stop rolling your eyes.

My entire body stiffens, I glance all around my apartment, finding nothing out of the ordinary. Getting up, I check the door and all of the windows to make sure they're locked and yank the curtains closed tightly. The ping from my phone makes me jump in the air.

Nixon: You're checking for hidden cameras or an open door or window, aren't you?

What. The. Fuck.

Sav: Are you spying on me?

Nixon: No, sweetheart. I just know you that well. Three more days. Sweet dreams, Savvy.