Page 86 of The Fall

Savannah sighs next to me, and I realize that her parents must not have known this little fact about our history.

“Oh. Oh,” Mallory says.

“Thanks, Kels.” Savannah glares at her.

Kelsey shrugs, her cheeks slightly pink. I feel a little bad for her. Apparently, she didn’t realize Savannah didn’t want to share that information.

“Yeah, that was Logan,” Savannah explains. “But that’s something we’ve worked through and moved past… finally.”

“Well, ok,” Mallory says, hesitantly. I have no doubt that Savannah was probably cursing my name years ago when the accident happened. I can imagine the threats. “As long as you’ve worked it out…”

“We have,” I say quickly, hoping to get back in their good graces. “Savannah gave me hell, which I deserved. It certainly wasn’t my best moment, but I’m grateful that Savannah was willing to give me another chance.”

Her parents share a look, and her dad says, “Well, I’ve always thought that there’s a fine line between love and hate.”

I chuckle because I definitely think that’s true, especially with Savannah’s side of things. I know I’ve never hated her. Even when she hated me, I only wanted her more.

“Sorry. I thought it was a funny meet-cute,” Kelsey explains.

“Well, anyways. When’s your next competition?” Mallory asks, changing the subject.

“Two weeks. In Illinois.”

Her parents ask us about her training, and I mostly let her answer, only chiming in if she glances at me for input. The rest of the dinner moves relatively easy. I help with the dishes, and then Savannah announces we have to leave.

Her mom hugs me and tells me to come back soon, and her dad shakes my hand.

“You’re welcome here anytime, son.”

“Thank you, sir. If you promise me more of those delicious ribs, I’ll be by every week.”

“They were really good, Dad,” Savannah tells him as she gives him a hug.

“Thanks, honey.” I notice he holds her a little longer. I can tell they both miss seeing her. I hope she’ll start coming to see them more, with or without me.

Once we get back in the car, Kelsey says, “Well, that went well.”

“Yeah, no thanks to you,” Savannah snaps, making me laugh.

“It’s fine. I’m sure they would’ve found out eventually. It’s better to just get it out in the open,” I say, trying to ease the tension.

“Yeah, just would’ve been nice to tell them on my own terms.”

In the rearview mirror, I see Kelsey raise her hands in defense. “I said I was sorry!”

The two of them are quiet on the way home, but they do say good night to each other before I follow Savannah to her room.

Honestly, I think the night went well, even with that truth bomb at dinner. It ended with hugs and an invite back for me, and I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Their family dynamic, while a little strained, felt nice. I could feel the love in the house. And while my mother has done her best over the years to make our family feel full and complete, I never had a father figure. That was something that was always missing. My own father didn’t want to be a dad, so he bolted. And Mom didn’t date much when I was growing up. She always said she was too focused on me.

I think that’s why she’s so excited that I’m dating now, since I didn’t when I was skating. She doesn’t want me to end up alone like her. Maybe I should start suggesting she start dating, too.

As I pull Savannah close to me in bed, I can’t help but feel grateful for everything that’s happened in my life that led me to her.

Everything feels so perfect right now, which should have been my first indicator that something bad was bound to happen sooner or later.

THIRTY-ONE

SAVANNAH