Page 70 of The Fall

I smile and nod along, glad that Savannah has someone to look out for her. “Noted. I don’t plan on hurting her, Kelsey. She’s everything to me.”

“Yeah, I can tell. You get those lovey-dovey eyes every time you see her. I’m just getting my warning out of the way.”

“Did you give this same warning to Max?” I ask out of curiosity.

“No, because she doesn’t look at him like she looks at you. You have the potential to break my sister’s heart, and I don’t want that.”

Unsurprisingly, Savannah is not always open with her feelings. I know there’s something between us, but I’m always wondering if she’s keeping me at arm’s length. It’s comforting to know that someone close to her thinks she cares about me. Makes me feel like I’m not making this up in my head because I want her to care about me.

“Kelsey, I think you know better than anyone that if one of us ends up with a broken heart, it’s going to be me and not her. Your sister is tough as nails.”

“She wants people to believe that, but deep down, she’s really sensitive. So be careful with her heart,” she warns.

“Yes, ma’am. You have my word.”

“Good.”

Just then, Savannah comes out of her room, rolling a suitcase behind her. “Let me get that for you.”

I take her luggage and we say goodbye to her sister, who is now smiling like she didn’t just threaten me. We get settled in my car and head to the airport.

“Anything I need to know before we see Max today?” I’m not asking for details on their discussion; I respect that that is private between them, but he is my athlete, too, so if he’s pissed at me, I’d like a warning so I can prepare.

“I think he’s fine. He seemed to understand. He was a little upset that we hid it from him, but he took it better than I expected.”

“Good. That’s good, baby. I’m glad you told him.”

“He does want us to tell Tati sooner rather than later. He doesn’t want us to get in trouble for any reason that could lead to being disqualified.”

“It’s a good idea. Maybe we can talk to her after this competition. If you’re ready… I’m not trying to rush anything.”

She tries to hide her smile, but I see it anyway. Maybe I won’t have to be her little secret for much longer.

The drive to the airport is quick, and we meet Max at security. He seems to be his normal cheery self, but I still feel like I should say something. I’m just not sure what that something is.

Max must feel the same because once we’re through security and at our gate, he says, “Should we address the elephant in the room?”

“Um.” Good one, Sokolov. Way to be the authority figure.

“I know you two are together or whatever you’re calling it. I’m fine, so we don’t need to make this any more awkward than it already is.”

I feel the tension in my shoulders release. “Thanks, Max. I’m sorry⁠—”

He holds his hand up to stop me. “You don’t need to apologize. Savannah chose you. Sucks for me, but I’m happy for you two.”

“It’s not going to make anything weird with me being your coach?” I ask. Getting the two of them to the Olympics is the goal, but if this is going to affect his work in any way, I need to know so I can fix it. Or, in the absolute worst case, bow out from being their coach.

“Nah, man. We’ve got shit to do. No time to let heartbreak take over.” He tries to make it a joke, but I can see the way he’s looking at Savannah. He’s hurting. And I get it; Savannah is amazing. I’d feel just like he does, or maybe even worse, if the situation were reversed.

Savannah gives him a sad smile, to which he responds with a bigger, fake smile. “I’m good. I promise. I’m gonna grab a water before the flight. Anyone want anything?”

“I’m good.” Savannah shakes her head.

After he’s gone, I sit down next to her. “You ok?”

“Yeah. I just feel like I’ve made a mess of things.”

“I think life is supposed to be a little messy.” I can attest that I’ve been through some shit, but here I am. Living, breathing, falling in love. The hard parts pass to make way for the better parts.