Worth the Chance (Watertown University #2)

41. Garrett

Chapter 41

Garrett

T oday’s a bittersweet day. It’s my graduation day. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Watertown University, specifically this last year but there’s so much to look forward to upon graduating. I’ll be starting training with the Boston Gladiators soon. Since I’ll be training basically daily I’ll be moving to Boston in a few weeks.

The training facility is only forty minutes from Watertown but Eliza and I decided it was best for us to try to be like a normal couple, experiencing a relationship when we don’t live together. Of course we plan on living together again one day but we know that this time will only strengthen our bond.

As my name gets called I cross the stage to collect my diploma. I can hear the shouts from my friends and family but most importantly my El who cheers the loudest. We have to sit through the rest of the ceremony but as soon as it ends I’m out of my seat and making my way over to El.

“I’m so proud of you!” I scoop her into my arms and kiss her, hard. “What was that for?”

“Just cause I love you.”

“I love you too.” Her eyes grow heavy as she looks between my eyes and lips. “C’mon let’s get home.” We’re throwing a little party at the Watertown house for our friends and family. When we get there Dean is manning the grill and Eliza’s mom, Anne, and my mom are putting out all the other foods they’ve made.

“Congrats Gar.” Bryan claps me on the back.

“You too, Bry.”

“I need to scope out my new room.” Mia grabs El’s hand and drags her inside. Mia is going to be moving in with El this summer and throughout their senior year. I’m happy that she’s going to be able to experience living with one of her best friends because as soon as she graduates I’m getting her back in my bedroom, permanently.

Liam and Emi come to join us as we all take seats in the adirondack chairs we have outside. There used to be a mish mash of chairs but Eliza recently went and found a bunch of different colored adirondacks to put around the fire pit out here. Somehow the multiple colors work. If she didn’t want to open a bakery I could honestly see her having a future in interior design.

My eyes shift to the sliding door as soon as El’s near. It’s like I have a radar for her. My spine stiffens as I see her talking with a bleach blonde. Ivy.

“Can’t stand that girl.” Liam mutters beside me.

“Yeah, I’m not a fan either.” We both watch their conversation. It seems like it goes well as at the end El pulls her old friend into a brief hug before coming to join us. She stands by me but I pull her into my lap.

“What was that about?” My eyes flicker over to where Ivy disappeared.

“Oh, she was just saying I was right about Sam and that she’s sorry. She understands we’ll never be good friends again but we might grab coffee sometime.”

“I love your heart. ”

“And I love you.”

“I love you most.” I press a kiss to her cheek. I watch the party around us and feel eternally grateful for the way my life has ended up. Less than a year ago I was determined to never experience or open myself up to love. However something shifted the very moment I met Eliza and continued to shift the more I got to know her. She brought light to my darkness. She is the greatest chance I’ll ever take.

The End