Off-Campus, #1
The Deal
by Elle Kennedy
Contents
Chapter 3
Overview
Hannah’s duet rehearsal exposes growing tension with Cassidy Donovan, whose ego threatens the performance she has invested in for the winter showcase. Back at her dorm, Hannah confronts how her past rape still affects her when Allie pushes her to attend a frat party, but she agrees as part of her effort to reclaim a more normal social life.
The chapter also sharpens two important interpersonal threads: Hannah’s quiet hope of finally talking to Justin Kohl at the party, and Garrett Graham’s refusal to give up on getting her to tutor him. Garrett’s persistent, flirtatious texts show that his pursuit will continue despite Hannah’s repeated refusals.
Summary
Hannah rehearses a duet for the winter performance with Cassidy Donovan while songwriter Mary Jane accompanies them. Cassidy keeps insisting that they change the final note so he can end the song his way, but Hannah recognizes that he is trying to spotlight himself and push her into the background. When Mary Jane reluctantly agrees to test Cassidy’s version, the result proves Hannah right: the new key makes her part sound wrong and weakens the performance. Cassidy is forced to accept the original arrangement, and Hannah leaves rehearsal even more irritated by his selfishness.
Before leaving, Hannah reassures a guilty Mary Jane that the conflict is not her fault and promises they will still do justice to the song. Walking back across Briar’s safe, well-guarded campus, Hannah reflects on how much comfort she takes from that security. At her dorm, she returns to the suite she shares with Allie, hoping only to shower and sleep after a draining day.
Allie immediately tells Hannah that she is coming to a party at Sigma house on Wednesday. Hannah resists because parties trigger memories of the rape she survived as a teenager, and she reflects on how therapy helped her reject self-blame even though the trauma still shapes her habits and fears. Allie gently reminds Hannah that she always stays sober and keeps Hannah close when they go out, and Hannah agrees to go because she wants to be more social and less ruled by fear. Hannah becomes more willing when Allie reveals that Hannah’s crush, Justin Kohl, will be there, and Allie insists that this time Hannah must actually speak to him.
After Allie leaves, Hannah gets a text from Garrett Graham, who says he wants to arrange tutoring. Hannah learns he got her number from the study group signup sheet and tries to shut him down, but Garrett keeps pushing with jokes and flirtation. Their exchange turns into a teasing argument, capped by Garrett sending a shirtless photo to “butter” her up. Hannah is amused and disgusted in equal measure, threatens to post the picture on MyBriar, and ends the conversation by telling him to lose her number before finally going to shower.
Who Appears
- Hannah WellsNavigates a hostile rehearsal, confronts party-related trauma, agrees to be more social, and rebuffs Garrett’s tutoring requests.
- AllieHannah’s loyal roommate; urges her to attend a Sigma party and promises to help her feel safe.
- Garrett GrahamPersistent hockey captain who texts Hannah to arrange tutoring and uses teasing flirtation when she refuses.
- Cassidy DonovanTalented but self-centered duet partner who tries to reshape the song to favor his own voice.
- Mary JaneShy songwriter caught between Hannah and Cassidy during rehearsal; worries about the duet’s tension.
- Justin KohlHannah’s quiet football-player crush; the prospect of seeing him helps persuade her to attend the party.