Savannah’s Alpha

Romeo

After campus security left and the crowd dispersed, Savannah and Greg started their rehearsal in the campus music room. They had reserved the room earlier in the week so they would not be interrupted.

Gabby had told everyone she had been at the gym, went on an early morning run, and then stopped for coffee at The Daily Grind. She said she forgot her phone and didn’t have time to go back for it before her class at noon. She apologized to Savannah for worrying her, but Savannah wasn’t sure what to make of Gabby’s story. That girl never went anywhere without her phone, let alone for an entire day.

Even if Gabby’s story didn’t entirely add up, she was safe and that allowed Savannah to commit to the rehearsal. Things were going well between Savannah and Greg, and by the end of the night they had seven songs they felt confident in performing tomorrow night. Savannah also had two sets that she was performing solo, and Greg was a supportive audience.

He applauded her when she finished. “You are incredible. I can’t wait to see the crowd tomorrow night. I’ll be your bodyguard after the show. Do you want me to pick you up at 8 or should we get there a little earlier?”

Savannah hesitated. “I have to perform at the school benefit. I’m on at 6:30. I’ll have to change and will meet you Neon Moon as soon as I can”

“I can pick you up if you want” Greg offered.

“Thanks, but I think Gabby and the girls are bringing me. They want to see the show. And Gabby can’t disappear because she will be at the benefit with her parents.”

Greg shrugged “Ok, I’ll meet you there. What are you performing at the benefit?”

Savannah smiled. “I’ll show you”.

She went to the rear of the music room into the storage lockers. She punched her code and wheeled out the impressive wooden harp. Standing over 5 feet tall and heavy enough it needed to be wheeled around on a platform, it had been a family heirloom that her father agreed to have shipped to the college after her mother passed away last year. It had cost a pretty penny to ship to Maine, but her dad knew how much the instrument meant to her. Her mother had taught her to play as a child, and it had been the spark to her interest in music.

Greg gawked at the massive instrument that was bigger than Savannah herself “Holy s**t”

“Pretty wild, huh?” Savannah grinned, strumming the harp gently with her right hand. She motioned him over and they took the harp off the platform together. Savannah pulled up a chair next to her instrument and began to play.

Greg was mesmerized. He had been impressed with Savannah before, but this was next level. She looked like an angel and he felt as though he was standing at the gates of heaven listening to her play this giant harp.

When Savannah stopped playing, she looked up. Greg was slowly walking toward her as if in a trance. Savannah took a deep breath. This was it.

Greg stood an inch from her. Neither spoke a word. If she wanted to stop this, now was the time. He leaned in, cupping her face with one hand while pressing his lips to hers.

It was gentle, no pressure, and Savannah closed her eyes and allowed herself to be swept into the moment.

Savannah broke the kiss first. Greg was cute, kind, and talented, but it didn’t feel right. She needed to keep things light and let him down easy. Maybe something could develop between them, but she needed to take it slow and navigate her feelings.

“Ok Romeo, help me load this thing back up” she joked.

Greg nodded, his lips curling into a half smile. He was pretty sure he was in love with this girl.

…

After closing down the music room, Greg walked Savannah back to her dorm. He wanted to reach for her hand but chickened out. When they got to her building, Greg adjusted the guitar strapped to his back. He didn’t want their night to end but didn’t want to push her. “So, I’ll see you tomorrow night then”

Savannah smiled. Greg was such a gentleman. She nodded and leaned in to hug him. His body was warm against the chill of the fall night. His lips grazed the top of her head. She pulled away slightly and looked into his eyes. She could tell he wanted to kiss her again. “See you tomorrow, Romeo”

Savannah swore she heard what sounded like a growl before she took a step back toward her door.

…