Let Me In by Michelle Lynn

of my funk. Promising me he would watch a girl movie once I was happier, he popped in Super Troopers . I laughed so hard I cried that night. When I woke up the next morning, I found that Trey had put a blanket over my body after I fell asleep. The beer cans and chips were cleaned up and the television turned off. I really wish I could convince him he is worthy of a relationship.
     
    Grant rolls over. I get up to go to the bathroom, noticing the picture on his desk. It’s him at probably nine years of age with a woman who I assume is his mother. Sadie told me his mother died when he was young, but that’s all she would tell me.
    It’s obvious from the picture that Grant got his fairer features from his mom. She was beautiful, and had matching blonde hair and blue eyes. I can’t help but notice that there’s something in Grant’s face, a carefree look, that he never wears anymore. And it’s not just because he was young. Of course everyone is naïve to how harsh the world can become when they’re younger. It’s something more. Even when Grant laughs, he still appears as though he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Except for when he’s on stage. It’s like he’s a totally different person, and for me, it’s a glimpse of him before whatever disastrous events took place in his life.
    I’ve never been to a frat house where someone has their own bathroom, but it’s a nice convenience. Perusing Grant’s belongings, I can’t help but think how I wish I would’ve met him sooner. The way his toothbrush is neatly placed in the holder, like it was just taken out of the package. His toothpaste sits precisely next to it. Snooping in his drawers, I’m not surprised to find everything in its designated spot. I hope he’ll be able to handle my disorganization.
    After using the bathroom, I climb back into his bed. He rolls over and positions me under his arm, slowly moving his thumb up and down my arm. Placing a kiss on the side of my head, he pulls me closer, confirming that this is exactly where I should be.

Chapter 8
     
    Grant
    My alarm blares from my phone, waking me up from an amazing dream. I turn it off and roll over, feeling a warm body sharing my bed. She’s curled into a small ball with her back to me so I snuggle close, thankful it wasn’t a dream. Wrapping my arms around her, I pull her back and she nuzzles into me.
    “Good morning,” I whisper before kissing her temple.
    “Not a morning person,” she deadpans and I laugh.
    “Well, I am. I’ll be right back with some coffee,” I say and shuffle out of bed, grabbing my jeans.
    “Hurry,” she groggily calls out to me before I shut the bedroom door.
    Since it’s early, the house is quiet with everyone sleeping off their hangovers. I make my way across the street to the bakery. It’s also empty of college students, although a couple professors occupy the tables.
    I pay for my two coffees and some croissants, eager to get back to Jessa. Having no idea what she likes for breakfast, I decide to get a few more pastries so that she has a variety to choose from. The anticipation of finding out all the things she loves courses through me, but panic also arises inside with the thought that I’ll fuck this up. I’ve never experienced what happened last night, not even with Lizzy. The connection between Jessa and I scares the shit out of me. I can’t help but think that, as with everything good that has come into my life, heartache is inevitable.
    When we got back from the gym, I was thankful the nightly party didn’t end up at our house. Jessa and I locked ourselves in my bedroom, and I think I am now sore from how many times we had sex. Not that it’ll stop me from taking her again this morning, if she’s willing.
    I slowly open my door to see that the bed is empty and her clothes are gone. “Fuck,” I say to myself. Sitting down on the bed, I place the coffees on the end table with the bag of breakfast pastries. I rest my elbows on my