The Final Chance: Leaving Summersville, #1

By Cait Marie

Friends no matter what.

At least that's what Beth Ann and Dylan promised that cold night under the stars.

All her life, Beth Ann has dreamed of going off to live in a big city and studying fashion. She worked hard to get to New York, and she's not going to let anything stand in her way.

Or anyone.

Dylan is a people pleaser. He's notorious for making things happen. Except when it comes to getting the girl he loves to see how much she means to him. He broke her heart, thinking it'd be easier for both of them when she left.

But he was so very wrong.

Now, he has one final chance to prove his feelings are genuine.

Even if that means making drastic, life-altering decisions to do so.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cait Marie
• Release date: Jul 21, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201203252

Cait Marie

Young adult/new adult author Cait Marie has enjoyed reading and creating stories her entire life. Her debut novel, The Lost Legends, released in 2020, and since then, she’s been publishing and writing in a variety of genres. From adventurous fairy tales to fluffy romance to dystopian sci-fi, and everything in between, she enjoys it all. Cait is the creator and manager of the book blog Functionally Fictional, works for YA Books Central, and offers several author services, including editing, proofreading, formatting, graphic design, and personal assistance. She has a BA in forensic psychology and an MFA in creative writing, both from Southern New Hampshire University. Basically, her life revolves around books, but she also enjoys music, bullet journaling, and Disney movies.

Book preview

1

BETH ANN

With a frustrated huff, Beth Ann smacked at the vibrating wall beside her. Loud music pumped from the room next door, making it impossible to focus on the show she’d binged all day. Groaning, she shoved her laptop over and jumped out of bed. She stomped to her door, not bothering to even grab her slippers. Classes didn’t start again for a couple days, and the building still sat mostly empty save for the few who needed to return early. She stormed to the room a few feet away and knocked as hard as she could.

When no one answered, she smacked it with an open palm, yelling, Open up!

Still nothing. As she went to knock again, the door flew open, startling her. The sight before her took her by surprise even more. In nothing but a towel hanging low on his hips, stood a well-toned man. His confusion turned into an amused smirk as she stared.

She narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms, suddenly self-conscious in her ratty old t-shirt and polka dot pajama pants. Please turn the music down.

I didn’t think anyone else was on this floor yet. He reached up to grip the top of the doorframe.

There wasn’t anyone there yet; she was the only one. Even their RA was gone for the night, staying with a friend in another hall. She’d stopped by Beth Ann’s room before leaving to make sure she didn’t need anything. She hadn’t seen any of the other residents return. Ignoring the way the guy’s stance defined his muscles more, Beth Ann looked around him. Where are Alan and Sam?

Sam dropped out, he said, lowering back down with a shrug. Alan’s coming back tomorrow. I’m his new roommate, Vince.

Beth Ann, she said, not bothering to shake the hand he held out. Please keep the music down.

As she headed toward her room, he yelled, Wait.

She turned, barely suppressing a sigh. After the week she’d had, she was not in the mood.

It’s the last weekend before classes, he said, holding his towel with one hand as he approached. Why are you being all gloomy, wanting a quiet night alone in your room?

She raised a brow. How do you know I’m alone?

He glanced down at her clothes and back up to the messy bun on top of her head. Before he could say anything, she whirled around only to be stopped by her door. She turned the handle again but couldn’t get in. It must have locked behind her, and she’d run out so fast she hadn’t grabbed her keys or phone. Letting out a frustrated sigh, Beth Ann leaned forward to put her head against the cool wood. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

What was that you were saying about not being alone?

Beth Ann turned to glare at Vince. Shut up.

He tried to say more, but she ignored him, walking down the hall to the elevator. As the doors began to close, she saw him shake his head and go back into his room.

Good. She didn’t have the patience to deal with him. She’d had enough of cocky men in her life for a while. Hazel eyes flashed in her mind, and try as she might, they wouldn’t leave. Biting the inside of her lip, she waited for the doors to open once more.

When the elevator dinged, she stepped out into the cool hall that led to the lobby, cursing the fact that she hadn’t put on socks or shoes before leaving her room. A sharp winter draft seeped through the doors and windows of the old building. With people entering and exiting throughout the day, the ground floor was always much colder than the rooms upstairs.

Her bare feet pattered along the cool linoleum, and she hugged herself tighter. She turned the corner and froze. The front desk was closed, the metal barrier pulled down. She looked around, but there was no one, not a single sound to indicate someone still sat behind the closed window. She knocked on it anyway and then on the hall director’s door to no avail.

Are you kidding me? She smacked the doorframe, the metal stinging her palm.

It’s after midnight and hardly anyone has returned yet, did you really think people would be around? Vince said behind her, making her jump.

Facing him, she was glad he’d at least dressed before following. Someone has to be on duty. One of the other RAs or something.

So, you’re just going to go to each floor knocking on doors till you find them? He nodded toward her feet. Barefoot? You’ve got to be freezing.

It was the only way to get in her room before the next day, but he was right. Besides, she didn’t want to deal with other people. It was bad enough trying to get away from this new neighbor who seemed intent on sticking around. With an idea forming, she walked past him and back to the elevator. She held the door open, knowing he’d follow, and he grinned as he joined her.

The silent ride up shocked her, but she didn’t complain. On the eighth floor, they both stepped out. She was grateful to be back on carpet.

As they reached his door, she said, Goodnight.

But she didn’t stop. She passed her door and headed to the far end of the hall where a small study lounge stood open. Leaving the light off, she moved to the window and pulled the blinds up. The city around her brightened the room just enough for see the table, chairs, and two couches. Outside, snow drifted through the air in the light, and she watched in wonder as it floated down to the street. Indiana had its own winters, but something about the bitter cold air in New York had a different feel to it. It was harsh and unrelenting.

The thought twisted her stomach. She missed Summersville and her friends. But she knew she’d made the right decision. Following her dreams was a good thing.

If only she could convince her heart of that.

She turned from the window and made her way to one of the couches closest to the radiator along the wall. At least it was warmer than the lobby. She curled up, pulling her knees to her chest. She’d wait there until the RA on duty did their rounds, then she’d have them unlock her door.

A soft blanket covered her, and her eyes snapped open.

You can’t stay in here, Vince said, standing over her. I don’t know where you’re from, but you can’t sleep in public places like this in New York. It’s not safe.

It’s a locked dorm, no one who doesn’t live here can get in, and there are only a few people back as you pointed out.

And how many of those people do you know? he asked, moving to the adjacent couch.

She realized he had a blanket too. What are you doing?

You’re not getting into your room for a while, so either you’re coming to sleep in my room or I’m sleeping here.

Sitting up, she said, You were just lecturing me about it not being safe because I don’t know people. I don’t know you at all. At least most of the others are RAs I’ve seen around the halls.

He let out a sigh and shoved a hand through his short brown hair. Beth Ann, if I wanted to hurt you, I wouldn’t have said anything. I wouldn’t have given you a blanket and taken a separate couch.

The sincerity in his tone and the concern in his eyes she’d seen earlier made her believe him. She knew deep down that he told the truth. Fine, but I’m not going to your room.

I figured.

A hand shot out to her, and she flinched. He chuckled. The outside light glinted off the phone in his hand.

Here, he said. Take this if it makes you feel safer.

She took it with caution. The back screen lit up as she lifted it, telling her it was nearly one in the morning. Without unlocking it, she could still make emergency calls, and the battery was full. She sat it beside her as she laid down. Thank you.

You’re welcome. The absent smug attitude left his voice soft, almost sweet. It did nothing for her nerves. She heard him shift on the cushions before he asked, So, what are you studying?

Beth Ann almost laughed. Of course he wouldn’t just go to sleep. Apparel design. You?

Graphic design. Are you from New York? I assume not with the accent.

I don’t have an accent. She rolled to her side to see him better.

Well, you don’t sound like you’re from the east coast. He faced her the same—his tall body scrunched into the small space of the couch.

Guilt wracked through her. Rolling her eyes, she stood, pulled the blanket around her shoulders, and snatched up the phone. He stared at her in confusion, slowly moving to sit.

Come on. That couch is way too short for you. I will wait for the RAs from your room. At the door, she turned back. Are you coming or not?

With a grin, he jumped up and led her down the hall. He unlocked his door and held it open as he flipped on the light. The small room had the same layout as hers. The only difference was the lack of cozy decorations—her fuzzy pillows and rug, the lights she and her roommate hung up the previous semester.

Alan’s side of the room was easy to spot, even if she hadn’t known him. Everything sat in its organized space. Tidy to a fault. Meanwhile, Vince had boxes and bags sprawled out—half unpacked and clothes tossed all over. He quickly grabbed a bunch, shoving them into open drawers and luggage.

Wow, she said, sitting in Alan’s desk chair.

I know, I know. I was in the middle of unpacking when you showed up.

She nudged a tipped over bag with her toe. What time is Alan getting here?

Not until late tomorrow night, Vince said.

Good. She moved to look at the photos and books on his desk. Because he’d freak if he saw this. He likes things clean.

I noticed, Vince mumbled.

Turning back around she looked at Alan’s bed. The sheets were gone. She had no doubt they’d be clean, but she also knew he wouldn’t like anyone sleeping in them. She walked over to lean back against the mattress. Exhaustion hit her hard, and she knew if she laid down, she’d fall asleep almost instantly and not hear the RAs walk by.

I’ll help you tomorrow, she said before glancing up.

She met Vince’s deep brown gaze. He stared at her with a brow raised in confusion, but the heat in his eyes never faltered.

She swallowed. At barely a whisper, she asked, What?

You’re going to help me?

Beth Ann shrugged. As a thanks for letting me stay.

She hoped she hadn’t overstepped, but he had offered. When Vince nodded, she let out a breath. He opened his mouth but seemed to reconsider. The heat in his stare stirred the butterflies in her stomach.

Clearing her throat, she broke eye contact. She quickly climbed onto the bed. Goodnight.

With a soft laugh, he shook his head and moved to turn off the light before getting into his own bed. Goodnight, Beth Ann.

2

BETH ANN

N o, you can’t put them in there, Beth Ann said, grabbing the hoodie from where Vince tried shoving it into a drawer of t-shirts. Seriously? How do you not know where to put clothes?

As she draped it on a hanger, he said, Not all of us care about clothes that much.

She handed it back and pointed to the wardrobe in the corner. He mumbled something under his breath but did as she directed. Needing to see when her roommate, Manny, returned, they had propped open his door. Greetings and conversations drifted in from the hall, and hearing the buzz from the excited students brought a smile to her face. Despite missing home, she really did love Harleson.

I vote we take a break for pizza, Vince said, plopping down on the floor beside her.

She shook her head. Order the pizza, and we’ll take a break once it gets here.

Has anyone ever told you how bossy you are?

She met his grin with her own. No veggies on the pizza.

He laughed and reached for his phone, stretching backward over the edge of his bed they sat against. As his shirt raised to reveal the abs that would haunt her dreams, she looked back down and started folding another pair of pants.

By the time the pizza arrived and Vince retrieved it from the lobby, all of his clothes were folded or hanging in the wardrobe. He handed her the box before turning to grab a couple drinks from the mini fridge.

Coke or Sprite? He sat back down beside her.

She grabbed the Coke, needing the caffeine. They sat and ate, talking about their home lives. He grew up outside of the city and had two sisters. It was simple and average, but she could hear the love in the way he talked about his family. Beth Ann told him about Summersville and her best friend, Lila. She rambled on about Lila’s bucket list and how her archnemesis, Gavin, helped her check off every item before her surgery.

Vince laughed. Archnemesis?

Oh yeah. They grew up next door to each other and were best friends until their eleventh birthday party. Then, they fought for seven years non-stop.

Why?

Because boys are idiots. When he raised a brow, she added, No offense.

He just rolled his eyes. So, they checked everything off and became friends again?

Nope, she said, popping her P. They checked everything off, he confessed he’s loved her the whole time, and now they’re living happily ever after.

Aren’t they like eighteen? He closed the half-empty box of pizza—mostly eaten by him. She’d picked at her piece, slowly eating it, but talking about Lila’s tumor made her emotional.

Fine, they’re living happily for now. She twisted the napkin in her lap. He was a mess with the surgery.

That had to be hard, Vince