Off-Campus, #1
The Deal
by Elle Kennedy
Contents
Chapter 19
Overview
Hannah sees how much social attention Garrett brings her, but the chapter's real turning point comes when Garrett gets an A-minus on his midterm and their tutoring arrangement shifts into a deeper friendship charged with romantic tension. At Dean's birthday party, Garrett asks Hannah to trust him enough to drink, and Hannah accepts his protection, carefully but deliberately letting down her guard. Her joyful, tipsy karaoke performance and Garrett's immediate rescue when she grows uneasy show how strong that trust has become, while Garrett's jealousy and possessiveness make his feelings impossible for him to ignore.
Summary
On the way to philosophy class, Hannah realizes Garrett was right that being linked to him has made her more visible on campus, because many students now greet her by name. The attention makes Hannah uncomfortable rather than pleased. In class, Nell immediately asks about Hannah going out with Garrett, while Justin arrives and confirms their Sunday dinner plans, which leaves Hannah anxious because she still does not know what to expect from him.
Garrett texts Hannah that he is late because he is handling an "emergency," which turns out to be helping Logan replace a fake ID. When Garrett finally appears during the class break, Hannah learns he cannot stay long because he is rushing to meet Logan, but first he asks Professor Tolbert for his midterm. Garrett comes back with an A-minus, restoring his GPA, and he and Hannah celebrate with an exuberant hug that nearly turns intimate. Before leaving, Garrett asks whether Hannah trusts him and then urges her to consider having a drink at Dean's party, promising that he will protect her and never let anything bad happen.
Later, the point of view shifts to Garrett at Malone's, where Dean's crowded birthday party is underway. Hannah arrives after rehearsal, dressed up and stressed from conflict with Cass during practice. Garrett offers to get her a drink, and after a hesitant pause, Hannah accepts, signaling that she is placing real trust in him. Garrett orders her a piña colada and carefully watches the bartender prepare it, while Hannah does the same, making sure the drink is safe.
As the night continues, Garrett introduces Hannah to some of his teammates, but he also notices Logan's interest in her and feels newly territorial. Garrett admits to himself that he wants Hannah, yet he is conflicted because he also wants to stay focused on hockey, grades, and his future. After three piña coladas, Hannah becomes happily tipsy and takes the karaoke stage, winning over the entire bar with her singing. When Dean starts pressing her to stay onstage and Hannah looks uneasy, Garrett steps in immediately, and Hannah runs to him, laughing and trusting him completely. When she asks Garrett to guard the bathroom and promises him her vulnerability, Garrett answers with an absolute vow that he will never let anything bad happen to her.
Who Appears
- Hannah WellsFeels overwhelmed by new attention, worries about Justin, trusts Garrett at the bar, and loosens up enough to sing karaoke.
- Garrett GrahamPasses his midterm, reassures Hannah about drinking safely, watches over her at Dean's party, and wrestles with jealousy.
- Justin KohlConfirms his upcoming dinner date with Hannah, adding to her nervousness and uncertainty.
- LoganCauses Garrett's lateness by losing his fake ID and later draws Garrett's suspicion with his interest in Hannah.
- DeanBirthday host whose crowded bar party becomes the setting for Hannah's first relaxed night out with Garrett.
- NellClassmate who immediately questions Hannah about going out with Garrett.
- Professor TolbertPhilosophy professor whose class and graded midterm confirm Garrett's academic turnaround.
- CassHannah's difficult rehearsal partner, whose latest disagreement leaves her frustrated before the party.