Promise Me This(54)

“Uh, this is my mom and dad,” Nate said turning awkwardly in his seat toward them. They nodded out of politeness, his mother’s gesture warmer than his father’s. “And this is my brother’s girlfriend, Anna.”

His brother’s girlfriend. Now that made more sense. It was so ridiculous for me to feel relief, but I did. She pushed her beautiful hair over her shoulder and said, “Hi.”

The stands erupted over a touchdown and we settled in to watch more of the game.

Over the course of the second quarter, what I noticed about Nate’s family was that they were awkward and stiff. His father spoke to Anna but never to Nate. Nate only really addressed his mother.

I felt a text buzz in my pocket and I pulled out my phone. It was from Nate who was sitting almost directly in front of me.

Well this is awkward.

Me: Kinda sorta. Doesn’t have to be.

Him: Thanks for acting . . . normal.

My mother leaned over and nudged me. “Who’s texting you?”

“Nate,” I whispered.

She smiled and shook her head.

Him: Where’s you giant foam finger? Can’t believe you showed up without it.

Me: Where’s you colossal monster? Bet he’d have a cheering section all to himself.

He stole a quick look over his shoulder and grinned at me.

We texted silly shit throughout the first half, which made the game way less boring.

During halftime his father got up and announced he needed to leave to catch his flight to St. Louis. He gave his wife a chaste kiss on the lips that left her looking disconcerted, he barely acknowledged Nate, and then said a warm good-bye to Anna.

Once he departed, the air seemed to transform and lighten. Nate turned in his seat to chat with me, Anna walked down to greet to some friends, and my mom got into a friendly conversation with Mrs. Connors about several different topics including work and charity groups.

Nate’s knees kept brushing mine and I felt a shiver race down my spine just as my phone buzzed with another text.

I looked down at my screen and then quickly up at Nate, because he had sneakily sent me another text.

So . . . is the offer still open to come with me to my first counseling appointment?

I quickly texted back.

Of course. Just tell me when and I’ll do my best to make it work.

I watched him blow out a breath as he read his text. And then he steadily typed his reply.

It’s Tuesday at 10 am. Maybe you can meet me in the student center right before?

I stared into his eyes for a long moment before giving my reply.

Sounds good.

The second half began and Nate swung back around to talk to his mom. My pulse was pounding at our exchange. He considered me a friend and I was glad for it, because I liked hanging out with him. A lot. But I couldn’t help wanting more. So much more.

My text buzzed in my pocket again and I pulled out my phone to read Nate’s message.

You look really pretty today. You always look pretty, Blue.

I shut my eyes and inhaled deeply like some schoolgirl with a crush. When I reopened them, Nate was staring over his shoulder, the one side of his mouth quirked into a sexy grin.

You’re pretty handsome yourself, stud.

Our texts quieted after that and the game turned into a nail-biter with the score being tied in the last two minutes. But the Panthers pulled through. Cameron and Ryan hadn’t sat down the entire fourth quarter as they jumped around and yelled.

“Want to wait around to meet my brother, Luke, and some of the other players?” Nate asked.

Cameron and Ryan were geeked about that idea, so we stood outside the locker room after the game. Nate’s mom smiled at him and her eyes grew warm. When he leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek my heart practically leapt out of my chest at the sweet gesture.

Luke emerged freshly showered and was polite enough to us, even entertaining questions from my brother and his friend. All the while, though, he seemed most interested in getting Anna home. He was way bulkier than Nate but not as good-looking, and I hoped to God he didn’t throw his weight around like his father did. I stopped short of asking Nate that question last weekend, maybe because I was afraid of the answer.

After Luke and Anna made their exit, Cameron and Ryan announced that they were starving.

“Me, too,” my mother said and then turned to Mrs. Connors. “Would you like to join us for some burgers at Five Guys?”

She looked uncomfortable at first, maybe not sure what she should say to this, but then Nate said, “That would be great. I’m hungry too, Mom.”

She smiled at him and I was suddenly glad that our families had connected, especially since our mothers seemed to find common ground.

We met at the diner, where we stuffed our faces, and Nate and I shared fries.

By the time we left our legs were practically intertwined beneath the table. Nate had gradually slid his feet over, successfully sheathing mine with his own.