Page 93 of The Fall

I squeeze Savannah’s hand and hear her tiny exhale. “We’re very much together.”

“Is that why Max exited the partnership?”

“We won’t be discussing Max,” I answer quickly. “He had his reasons for making that tough decision, and we’re respecting that.”

A woman next to us gestures for us to wrap up the interview.

“Thank you for your time today, and congratulations on second place.”

“Thank you.”

As soon as we’re out of earshot, Savannah whispers, “What was that about?”

“Which part?”

“Um, all of it? The love of your life? The marriage comment?”

I shrug. “It’s all true.”

“You—you want to marry me?”

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that she’s shocked. We haven’t talked about next steps or marriage at all because I didn’t want to scare her off. But just because we haven’t talked about it, it doesn’t mean I haven’t thought about it. A lot.

“I know we haven’t been together long, Savannah, but I don’t need time to know that you’re it for me. I know I will never love another person the way I love you. I want to marry you as soon as you let me.”

“What if I never let you?”

I shrug, knowing that these are the kinds of questions she asks when she’s trying to test me. “You will. I think you’ll find that I’m very convincing.”

She laughs. “Yeah, I know.”

“So, one day you think you might want to become Mrs. Sokolov?”

“One day.”

I’ll take that answer. I grab her hand and move us to the next interview, then the next. Once we’re done talking to everyone, I grab her face and plant a huge kiss on her, simply reiterating the fact that we’re together. I hear several camera clicks, so I know this picture will be circulating soon. Tati might be upset that I didn’t talk to her first about the big reveal, but I’m tired of hiding it. If anything, it’ll just get us more publicity and get our names in the mouths of the Team USA representatives. Hopefully, after this performance, we’re already on their radar.

We walk back to the changing rooms to get ready because we’re having dinner with our families after this.

She hands me her bag because she knows I’m going to take it anyway, and we walk toward the exit, where we know everyone is waiting for us.

Savannah’s phone lights up, and I can see that it’s a single text from Max saying “Congratulations.”

“Are you going to respond?” I ask even though it’s none of my business.

She opens the text thread and shows me that she hasn’t responded to any of his texts since his abrupt resignation. He’s apologized and tried to explain himself again. He’s even tried to make her laugh by sending funny memes with no explanation, but she’s left him on read every single time.

I feel for the guy. While I don’t agree with the way he handled things, his heart was broken, so I guess I kind of understand.

Savannah sighs. “I don’t know. I mean, he was my best friend for years, and now he’s just gone. He left me.”

I nod. “Yeah.”

“But I do miss him. I’d like to be his friend again. One day maybe. I just don’t think I’m ready for that yet.”

“That’s understandable.” I’d support her decision no matter what, but I’m certainly relieved that she’s leaning toward forgiveness. Holding grudges is not for the weak.

Her thumb hovers above the keypad for a moment before she types a quick “thank you.” She hesitates before she presses send, but she eventually does it.