Again | g.d

Part Eighteen

I ran so fast to Ethan's room, he couldn't keep up with me. I was so focused on getting Gray and making sure he was alright I didn't think once about how badly my feet would hurt from trying to sprint in my heels or the fact that anyone behind me could see my ass from the way my robe was catching the wind.

The moment I turned the corner I slammed into someone, sending me straight to the ground.

When I looked up, and locked eyes with Jack, my stomach dropped.

"Savannah," He breathed out, kneeling to the ground to help me up.

When he grabbed my hand, all I could do was stare at his hand in disbelief. His knuckles were swelling up as they turned a deep shade of red. I knew my mouth was hanging open in shock because all I could think about was how hard he must've hit Grayson.

He pulled me off of the ground, still holding onto me when we both stood up. I was so nervous I knew without a doubt I would fall right back down if he let me go.

"What are you–why did you–I mean, how–" I stumbled over my words, unable to piece a single sentence together.

"I came to talk to you," He said flatly.

"Oh." I pushed out, my eyes flickering past him and down the hallway. I could see the door to Ethan's room from right here. So close to Grayson, but so goddamn far away.

Jack licked his lips, his eyebrows furrowing as he looked down in thought. I could tell there was something he wanted to say–he just wouldn't say it.

"What is it?" I pried softly, looking up at him intently.

He let out a deep breath. "I don't know why I reacted the way I did that night," He said slowly. "I wasn't really surprised when you told me how you felt about that guy."

"You...you weren't?" I asked hesitantly.

"Ever since that engagement party, you started acting so differently–so I figured it had to do something with their marriage. And then you started pushing me away, and then we had dinner with them that one night. That's when I figured it out."

My heart was beating so fast in my chest. "You figured it out?"

"I noticed how you looked at him every chance you got. And you didn't notice how he would look at you every time you looked away." He said, quietly. "I pieced it all together, because... I don't know, you've just never looked at me like that."

I looked down in embarrassment. "I don't even know what to say. I can't put into words how sorry I am for dragging you through this."

Jack placed his finger on my chin, tilting my head up to look at him. "I know, Anna. It sucks losing someone so amazing, but I get it."

I shook my head. "No, what I did to you was horrible. There's no excuse–"

"But I get why you did it. You love him. He's the guy you were so hung up on when I first met you, right?"

I nodded numbly. "I tried to move on with you, Jack, I really did. I just couldn't–"

"Move on," he finished for me.

I placed my hands on his face, stoking his cheek with my thumb. "I care about you, so much. I really do love you, Jack, I'm just not... in love with you."

"I know you do." He placed his hand over mine, squeezing my fingers. "The fact that you guys still have feelings for after so long... it shows it's real. And you deserve it."

I could feel my eyes welling up. "And you deserve to find someone who can love you, and only you, unconditionally. You're such an amazing guy."

He smiled, before wrapping his arms around me, squeezing me tightly. He rubbed circles in my back as we rocked back and forth. "Worst. Break up. Ever." He mumbled, making me chuckle.

I pulled back to look at him. "Thank you for everything."

He nodded, using his thumb to wipe away the tears on my face. "Do me a favor and tell him I'm sorry for hitting him. It was in the moment."

I laughed again, hugging him one last time. "I will."

We broke away from each other, standing there for a moment.

"I'll see you, Savannah," He said sweetly, backing away.

I waved at him, holding back more tears. "See you, Jack."

He took a few more steps backwards, before winking at me and turning around to walk away.

I stood still until he turned the corner and disappeared. Then I turned around to go to Grayson.

For the first time ever, I believed that I really did deserve Grayson. And, this time, I wasn't going to let him slip away.