Safety Net by Deanna Grey

CELESTE

Social anxiety has been the shaky foundation on which I've built my life. Never be too loud, too big, or too bold. I've survived like this for twenty years. But at what cost?

When my parents stop helping with college expenses, I need to find a way to stand on my own two feet. And the songwriting mentorship of my dreams offers the perfect solution. There's just one issue: I have to put together a musical that will most definitely put me in the spotlight.

Learning how to be loud, big, and bold over the course of one summer is impossible. Teaming up with a guy who naturally knows how to be all that and more...less impossible.

LINCOLN

Focus and responsibility have never been my strong suits. I've survived (and arguably thrived) long enough to prove that they don't always matter. But, after a disappointing hockey season and a tough semester, I can't ignore reality anymore. I'm on the precipice of academic probation and scary close to being benched in my senior year.

It's long past time for me to figure out this whole future thing. When the girl of my dreams asks for help, I join her project in a heartbeat. Not just for the volunteer credit hours or the much-needed structure it offers. But because I fell for her almost a year ago. And I ruined my chances with her a few months ago.

Working together may be what I need to understand that she's never going to fall for someone like me.