Worth the Chance (Watertown University #2)

7. Garrett

Chapter 7

Garrett

I t’s been just over a week since Eliza and I became roommates. It’s been a rather smooth transition, whenever I’m out late for practice I come home to a meal wrapped in the fridge for me to reheat. When she said it at the grocery store I didn’t expect her to actually leave me a whole meal for some reason, I just thought she was saying it to be nice. It’s been really nice though, to come back to a home cooked meal even if they aren’t anything fancy. I haven’t had someone take care of me in a long time. I’m not sure that’s what she’s doing exactly but it kind of feels like it. When I was young my mom took care of me, well in fact, but it’s been over ten years since someone put that kind of thought into me. Thought that I might be hungry after a long practice. I think Eliza would do this for anyone, it’s the kind of person she is. Her whole family is that way really, always looking out for others but it still feels really great that she’s doing this for me.

To try and make things feel more even-ish I make dinners on the nights I’m home. Which has been precisely once in the past week. I do make sure to take out the trash though as Eliza has made her distaste for that chore known .

I’m on campus heading to my second class when I spot a familiar brunette across the courtyard. My view of her is partially obstructed by the fountain in the middle but she’s standing in place talking to someone, a weak smile on her face and her arms hugging her middle like she’s insecure or uncomfortable. I move a little closer, shifting to the right so my view of her will be unobstructed. When I do, I see she’s talking to a guy. For some reason that I don’t care to examine, that causes my jaw to clench and my hands to ball into fists.

I stand still, observing them for a few moments. Maybe it’s just someone she’s friendly with from class, I try to be rational. That is until he reaches out, resting his hand on her arm and I can see her visibly stiffen. Without thinking I take five large strides until I’m at her side. I throw my arm around her neck, pulling her into me slightly.

“Hey, cupcake.” Well, that nickname slipped right on out. Eliza’s gaze snaps to mine a questioning look written on her face. I try to give her a reassuring smile that says ‘just go with it’ but I’m not sure how well that comes across.

“You’re Garrett Moore.” The guy in front of us pipes up. Now that I’m up close I’m able to get a good look at him and let me just say he’s nothing special. He even kind of has this villainous look about him.

“I am. And you are…”

“Sam.” He reaches out to shake my hand but I keep mine wrapped around Eliza and the other shoved in my pocket. “Sam Thompson.” He awkwardly drops his hand back to his side.

“And how do you know my El?” A second nickname effortlessly rolling off my tongue. She said I could call her that, I’ve heard her brothers and Emilia call her that as well but I haven’t dared.

“We used to date, in high school.” She dated this loser ?

“Interesting.” I ponder the thought of Eliza with a guy like him. He’s so far below her league it’s not even funny.

“Are you guys dating?” Sam looks between the two of us, seemingly unconvinced.

“Act-”

“Yes.” I cut off her statement. There’s fire in her eyes now but I need this guy to get the hint to leave her alone.

“Sam!” A girl with bleached hair and blue eyes approaches him, wiggling her way under his arm. “Oh.” Her eyes widen as she takes in the girl by my side. “Hey Eliza.”

“Ivy.” Her tone is cold. Far from her usual self. I wonder how she knows this girl who seems to be Sam's current girlfriend.

“Oh, hey you’re Garrett. It’s nice to meet you.” The blonde plasters a smile on her face and I swear she juts on her chest slightly.

“Mhmm. Well Eliza and I better be going, we have some plans we wouldn’t want to be late to. Right, cupcake?”

“Right. We wouldn’t want that.” Her tone is less cold but the fake cheeriness almost makes me bust out laughing. I remove my hand from Eliza’s shoulder and grab her hands in mine instead. The minute they connect, I’m hit with a bolt of electricity. Must be some static shock from her t-shirt, I assure myself.

We hold hands all the way to the parking lot where upon arrival and scanning of the area Eliza drops mine like it’s on fire. She’s silent as she walks the rest of the way to her car, I follow behind her even though I should be heading to my next class. When we get to the driver's side, she whirls around.

“What the hell was that Garrett?” There’s a sass to her tone I haven’t seen from her yet. Unfortunately for me, I like it.

“What do you mean what was that? I was saving you.”

“Oh, because I need to be saved? For your information I had that situation under control. ”

I take a deep breath. Maybe I shouldn’t have barged in but she looked so uncomfortable.

“I’m sorry. You’re right but I spotted you across the courtyard and you looked upset and uncomfortable.” She lets out a long sigh before answering.

“I was.” She lets out a deep breath, her shoulders slumping slightly. “Thank you for intervening.” The hint of sass is gone, now. I nod unsure what to say next. “It’s going to be hell when Sam finds out we’re not together though. I’m sure he’ll make fun of me relentlessly.”

“Who said he has to find out?”

“Garrett. I know you’re not blind. The girls on campus love you and it will break their hearts if they think you’re unavailable. And I’m sure Ivy will be spreading the gossip all over so to save your reputation I’ll have to admit we’re not together.”

“What’s with you two anyways?”

“Long story.” She lets out another shuddering breath.

“Fine. Well we’ll have time to discuss her and our fake relationship at home.” I reach around her and open her car door.

“Relationship?”

“Yes.” I urge her to climb into the car.

“Garrett, this is a bad idea.” She laughs, shaking her head.

“It could be mutually beneficial.” I shrug as the wheels in my head turn. This could actually work out really well for me.

“You’re going to fall in love with me.” She teases, sticking her tongue out at me.

“I don’t fall in love.”

“Right.”

“You have nothing to be worried about. See ya later, cupcake.” I close her door after she’s all buckled in. Watching as she pulls out of the parking lot and down the street. I don’t fall in love. I decided a long time ago that it wasn’t worth it for me. The chance that someone you love could turn on you is far too great.