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Chapter 12
Saffie
“Come on, Saffie. We’re going to be late,” Rae calls from the sitting area of my dorm.
“Is that Raegan? Tell her I love her and can’t wait to see her,” my mom says from the other end of the phone line.
“It is. She’s dragging me out with her and some of our friends.”
“That’s good. You need to enjoy your life, Saffron Sauce. You know that’s what he’d want,” she reminds me gently, using the nickname my father had given me practically at birth.
“I know, Mom. I’m trying,” I answer quietly.
“Me too, baby. Me too. Now go and have fun but be safe! I love you.”
“Love you too, Mom.” I disconnect the call and look down at the screen for the time. Landon was supposed to call over an hour ago. Sure I didn’t miss it, I check the call log just in case. Nope. Blowing out a resigned breath, I shout so that Rae can hear me. “Tell me again why we’re going?” I’ve tried every excuse I could think of to get out of this, and she’s not budging. I just want to lay around and be sad tonight.
Her voice is softer now as she stands in the doorway of my room, watching as I ruffle through my closet. “Saff, it’s your dad’s birthday. The other day was your first game without him. A lot of shitty firsts. You need to get out and have a good time.”
She’s right. I know she’s right. Her and my mom. “Yeah, but why Levi’s?”
“Hockey House is the safest place on campus if you plan on drinking.” She nudges me out of my bedroom, leading me to the front door.
“Do I plan on drinking?” I’m not sure I do.
“You totally plan on it. You have been wound so tight since you’ve been here. Between your heavy class load, softball, missing your dad, and waiting on your mom to arrive, leaving Landon. It’s been a lot. It’s time to just have fun. Forget everything.” I get my hand up just in time to catch the hoodie she throws my way. “Now come on, and let’s go. You probably won’t even see Levi.”
I snort-laugh at her. “It’s a party at his house, Raegan.”
“Ummm, yeah, but we’re late, and the party started a while ago, which means all the hockey hoochies have already descended on him. Seriously, though, by this time, if you do see him, you won’t be able to unsee him,” she says with an exaggerated shudder.
“Gross.” The thought of seeing him in a…compromising position with anyone makes me want to throw up.
“Gross is right. Especially because it will probably be Nora.” Raegan’s face pulls into a scowl.
“Whore-a? Why? I don’t get it. She seems awful.” The cold air hits us as we start walking the few blocks to his house.
“Oh, you know why.” She laughs.
“I guess I do. But still. What a bitch.”
“I’m pretty sure she’s reaaaalllyy nice to him,” Raegan says before making gagging noises.
“I don’t even want to think about that.” And I don’t. It makes me feel…I don’t know how it makes me feel. I don’t necessarily like Levi, but I don’t necessarily not like him either. After my game last week and him being understanding and actually not his typical cocky asshole self, I don’t hate him like I used to. But that could all change. In fact, I’m betting it will. Guys like Levi can’t help themselves. They’re too hot, too popular, too talented, too just…everything, and they know it. Before I can think about how annoying that is, my phone buzzes from my pocket. My breath makes little puffs in front of me as I pull it from my hoodie and let out a little squeal. “It’s Landon. I haven’t been able to talk to him all week. He probably knows what today is.” Without giving my cousin a chance to respond, I swipe across the phone and answer.
“Hey, you!” The smile on my face slips a little as I hear what sounds like a party on the other end of the line. My voice rises so that I can be heard over the music. “Hellllooo?” I wait a beat. “Hello?” I repeat.
“Hello? Saffron?” His voice sounds a million miles away instead of the thirteen hundred or so it actually is.
“Landon, I’m here!” I’ve stopped walking now, my cousin watching me, her brows disappearing underneath her hat in question.
“Hey! I didn’t even hear the phone ring.” I can barely make out what he’s saying.
“It didn’t. You called me.” The excitement I felt just moments ago quickly was replaced with disappointment. He didn’t mean to call me.
“Oh! I must have ass dialed you. My bad, angel.”
“It’s okay. I’m glad you di— “
