Page 48 of Falling

I’m about to respond, but Wren awkwardly unlinks her arms with Katie’s and slips her fingers into mine instead. This is much better.

“Thanks for the offer, but we’re busy tonight. We’re like newlyweds. Just can’t be apart from each other,” Wren says, her voice an octave higher than usual as she snuggles into my side. “I’ll see you in class.”

Wren practically runs down the corridor, pulling me along with her, turning the sharp corner until we’re away from her and panting.

“What the hell was all that about?” I ask when Katie is out of sight.

“I don’t want to go,” Wren replies, her big green eyes boring into me.

“We don’t have to, but you didn’t have to run away.”

She huffs, running her hand across her forehead. “I swear I’ve never spoken to Katie before today. The thing is, she’s really nice, but I don’t want to build our friendship around the basis that I’m sort of popular now because of you. I’m sure she’s great, but I just?—”

I cut her off, placing my arms on her shoulders as she clutches the books to her chest. “Then you don’t have to be friends with her, Wrenny. Just relax, okay? You’re letting yourself get worked up over nothing.”

“I know, I just?—”

“Breathe,” I say slowly, and she stops. She takes in a deep breath, breathing out of her nose. “Good. Now give me your books.”

Her eyebrows crease. “What?”

“Let me hold your books for you, princess,” I say, plucking them from her. “Oh, and your bag too.” I sling her tote bag over my shoulder, feeling ridiculous and proud all at the same time. She shakes her head at me, laughing.

She hooks her arm through mine again, walking us down the corridor toward her class. “These are the kind of fake boyfriend perks I need.”

“I can give you all the perks if you want.”

“I’m good,” she replies, scrunching her nose. Her phone rings, and she reaches into her back pocket and pulls it out. “I’ve got to take this. It’s my dad. I’ll let him know that you’re coming with me. My class is just there. I’ll see you later.”

She collects her books and her bag from my shoulder. She starts to walk, leaving me behind, but I call after her. “I think you’re forgetting something.”

“What? I have all my books.”

“My kiss.” I grin.

“Right. How could I possibly forget?” Her shoulders slump, and she walks back up to me and presses the softest kiss to my cheek.

This is going to be perfect.

I get to watch her study. I carry her books. I walk her to class and then I get a kiss on the cheek. Fake dating Wren Hackerly might be the best thing to ever happen to me.

16

WREN

STORMY WEATHER

The more timeI spend with the skating team, the more I wonder why I’m even at this college at all. After the disaster that was regionals last year, going solo has been the best decision I’ve ever made. I used to love competing in group skates when I was younger, but there’s less control when I’m working with a group. Partnering with Augustus helped that, and I actually enjoyed the routines Darcy would help us choreograph, but after I realized how easily one mistake could set my career back, I decided to put myself back in control.

Today’s practice session wasn’t too bad. I had a chance to run through my program with Darcy and talk to the other solo skaters on the squad, Eva and Madelyn, about what they’re planning to do for the winter showcase. My mom sometimes sits in on the practices, but she wasn’t here today, and the energy in the locker room after we all return shows that.

Madelyn flops onto a bench, pulling off her skates with a dramatic sigh. “I swear, if I have to do that double axel one more time, my legs are going to fall off.”

Eva laughs, sitting down beside her. “At least you landed it. I’m still tripping over my own feet on the footwork sequence.”

I join them, feeling a rare sense of camaraderie. “You both looked great out there. Darcy seemed pleased. Luckily, my mom wasn’t here to start barking orders.”

India sighs, shaking her head. “No offense, Wren, but she always takes over our practices. I don’t know what makes her think she’s our coach. Darcy shouldn’t let her walk all over her.”

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