Stepbrother Untouchable(62)

“Well, I'm glad that you're happy with it. If you're happy I'm happy. Man, this is the first good news we've gotten in a while, huh?” I touch my lips with my fingertips, wondering when the last time I smiled was.

“Have you seen him yet?” my mom asks quietly. She doesn't need to specify that she's referring to Nate.

“Not yet,” I reply. “Though I've convinced myself that every brown-haired guy I've seen from the back is him.”

“That's normal,” my mom assures me. “You'll see him everywhere for a while. But it will pass soon, my darling. I promise.”





CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE





Realizing I now have the evening off, I take a deep breath and call Allison. I'm still in a daze, but I want to share my good fortune with her and Miriam. Allison and I haven't talked since our argument over the summer, so I'm relieved when she accepts my invitation on behalf of both of them. I pick a rather fancy restaurant, and assure her that it's my treat.

Half an hour later, I'm walking out of my room in a light summer dress—the weather here in Virginia is still sweltering, even though it's September. I walk slowly across the quad to the off-campus restaurant, trying not to work up a sweat. I watch a group of freshmen girls giggling as they head out for a group dinner. New hall mates, no doubt. I remember how nervous I was my first year here, worrying that I wouldn't make any more friends than I did in high school.

My insides contract as I pass the spot where I first saw Nate crossing the grass, just a couple weeks into my freshman year. I shake my head at myself. I have to forget him.

When I reach the restaurant, an upscale Mexican place known for its flavored margaritas, I'm relieved to feel the AC hit me. The hostess smiles at me just as I see Allison sitting in a booth by herself. She stands with a nervous smile and I walk over.

“I hope you don’t mind,” she murmurs as we hug awkwardly. “I sort of lied to Miriam and told her you pushed back dinner by fifteen minutes so we'd have a chance to talk.”

A short bark of laughter escapes my mouth. “I don't know if I've ever heard you lie before.” To my surprise, she blushes as we sit down across from each other.

“Well, I've been thinking about what you said…about my being judgmental…and maybe I am a bit of, you know, a goody two-shoes. Maybe I need to loosen up a little. What I'm trying to say is, I'm sorry for what I said.”

I reach over and place my hand over hers. “Thanks. It means a lot to hear you say that. I've hated not talking to you.”

“Me too,” she replies. I see her glance over my shoulder.

“And here I thought I was early!” I hear Miriam say. I stand up to give her a hug. “I see you two have synced your watches, being in the same city together all summer! Ugh, I was so jealous!” She sits down with a dramatic sigh in the booth next to Allison, her bright red hair falling onto her shoulder. “So. Catch me up on everything that's been happening.”

To my horror, I begin to tear up. “Oh, god, sorry,” I murmur, reaching for a napkin.

“What's wrong?” Allison gasps. The waiter walks over and is about to ask for our drink orders but they wave him away.

“It's…it's…” I grab a napkin to hide my face and try to take deep breaths.

“Is it a boy?” Miriam guesses.

I nod. “Nate.”

“Wait, wait…not your stepbrother?” she asks incredulously. Allison glances at me and I nod at her. She turns to Miriam.

“They started, you know, seeing each other over the summer…but I guess something happened,” she fills Miriam in.

“Long story short,” I say, catching my breath. “Pierce is a jerk, our parents got divorced, and we broke up.”

“Wow,” Miriam breathes, her eyes wide. “You had quite the summer.”

“Tell me about it,” I say with a wry smile. “I could really use a drink.” Allison flags down the waiter, and by the time our first round has arrived, my tears have stopped.

“So, can I tell you guys my own secret?” Miriam asks, leaning over the table conspiratorially. Allison and I nod. “I had sex!”

“Oh, god, now I'm the only virgin,” Allison moans. “How was it?”

“Honestly…not that great the first time. But the third time, I think I had an orgasm,” Miriam whispers.

“You think?” Allison asks, cocking her head in confusion.

“Yeah, I think. What about you, Brynn?”

“What?”

“Did you and Nate…” she trails off suggestively.

“Um, yes.”

“And?” Allison leans forward.

My heartbeat quickens at the memory of his touch before sadness washes over me. I shake my head. “I'd rather not think about it.”