Page 14 of Safe Place

But she’s not done. “A couple of my sorority sisters are cheerleaders. Want me to ask if they need a new mascot? I think you’d make the perfect Westcliffe Lion. That is the ultimate goal, right?”

Micah slams his laptop shut, the sound echoing like a slap.

“That’s enough,” he snaps. “It’s freezing in here, and it’s almost October. Look around. You’re the only one half-naked in this entire lecture hall.”

I touch his arm, gently. “Hey. It’s okay.”

His chest rises and falls, nostrils flaring, but when his eyes meet mine, some of the tension in his shoulders eases.

Ella lets out a dry laugh. “Aw, what’s the matter? Sensitive, much? If you want to see me fully naked, all you have to do is ask.”

Before he can snap again, I gently squeeze his forearm.

Grant leans back with a groan. “Ella, the fuck is wrong with you? Peterson not giving you enough? God, it was such a peaceful morning before you walked in.”

Before she can snap back, the professor enters and the room quiets. I glance once more at Micah beside me, uncertain of what any of this means.

But one thing is clear. He’s stepped in for me more than once now, and somehow, I feel safe with him. The feeling is unfamiliar—so unfamiliar, and I’m not sure if I should trust it.

MICAH

The lecture drags on, as usual. Professor Brightman runs through the week’s slides like even he wants to get out of here, then finally gives us the last thirty minutes to meet with our groups. Declan suggests we figure out a time to meet outside of class next week, so we can work on our presentation slides. As the group throws out days and times, I notice Sophie checking her calendar again and again—each time with a slight crease in her brow. Her schedule looks slammed, and that’s coming from me.

Sophie hesitates, then quietly says, “Would it be okay if I just emailed my part? I don’t think I can make it any of those times.” She doesn’t elaborate or give excuses.

“That works. Honestly, I can’t make those times either,” I lie. “Everyone can just email their sections to me. I’ll compile everything and run through the edits. I’m familiar with this topic, anyways.”

We decided on the Exxon Valdez oil spill for our crisis communication disaster for this presentation. I did a paper on it for my Business Ethics class last year, so I don’t mind taking on the load.

Ella immediately cuts in. “Seriously? We’re all busy, Sophie. You’re not the only one. And you’re just a sophomore, right? Don’t act like your time is more valuable than ours.”

The air sharpens. I meet her eyes, unflinching. She’s been watching Sophie and me all class—quiet, calculating, simmering. I’ve had enough.

“And what exactly are you so busy with, Ella? Sorority mixers? Shopping for another see-through costume? Working your way through the hockey team—or is it the football guys this week? Hard to keep up. Maybe it’s all those doctor’s appointments. I bet they’re starting to pile up.”

Her mouth drops open. “Excuse me?”

“I said what I said,” I reply, voice flat, unbothered.

Grant, clearly trying to diffuse the tension, says, “Alright, alright. Declan, we’re emailing Micah our parts by the end of next week, yeah?”

Declan nods quickly. “Sounds good. Thanks, Micah.”

I lean back in my chair, jaw tight, eyes still on Ella. She doesn’t say another word. Good call.

After class, Sophie starts quietly gathering her things.

“I can drive you home,” I offer casually, slinging my own bag over one shoulder. The words come out easier than I expect. I just don’t want her walking alone.

She glances up, a small smile tugging at her mouth. “It’s okay. I have to head over to the bookstore now, and I have a few classes later today.”

I open my mouth to offer again, maybe just walk her there instead, but then it hits me—shit. I have a call with my dad. I glance at the time.

I realize that I would have missed this weekly call without a second thought if Sophie had accepted my offer for a ride. What’s wrong with me?

I watch her for a second before I speak. “What time do you finish today?”

She frowns. “Why?”