“Uh, yeah.” Nathan shook his hand. “Nathan Roberts.”
I forced a smile, not because I was worried about the interaction but because I was still feeling a little green. “DC’s the facilities manager for the townhouses. And a friend.”
I held Nathan’s arm for support as I looked up at DC. “I thought y’all were playing next week.”
He looked me over, knowing very well I was sick. “We are, but I always help build the stage.”
“Will you be on bass? Who’s singing?” I tried to strike up a conversation about music, thinking Nathan might be interested and we’d have something to talk about, but it didn’t work.
“Bass and guitar … but we’ll all sing. You want to?” He grinned at me before turning to Nathan. “Man, have you heard her sing? You have to bribe her, but it’s worth it. Come next weekend and help us talk her into it.”
Nathan shifted uncomfortably. “Yeah. She sings at work. Constantly. It’s cute, but we might have plans.”
“Sure.” DC shot me a curious look before his expression softened. “You feel okay, Lu?”
“She’s fine,” Nathan interjected.
“She’s pale and shaky,” DC countered without looking away from me.
“Ferris wheel.” I hooked my thumb in its direction. “I’m fine.”
“Okay. Well let me know if you need anything. Good to meet you, Nate. Take care of her.”
“It’s Nathan,” he corrected. “Good to meet you too. I’ll keep an eye on her.”
“Guys … I’m right here,” I teased. “Bye, DC.”
I expected Nathan to question me, but he only asked how Daniel knew I felt sick. I told him the truth, which was we’d known each other longer, and he seemed satisfied with that.
He got me some clear soda and asked if I needed to sit down or get some crackers. There were no signs of pouting or the silent treatment back then.
Other than not wanting to see the guys play, there was no sign of jealousy. He said he wanted to keep me to himself a while longer since we were new. It seemed reasonable.
Therehadbeen flirty tension between DC and I months before, but New Year’s Eve was an obvious failure to launch. No matter how much we teased each other, it never amounted to anything.
I accepted DC for the lovable flirt he was and moved on.
I set my alarm for ten to figure out the car situation before my one o’clock class. Realistically, I’ll need a plan long before Nathan’s out of bed. I got paid. I can handle it now, not that I have much choice. I turn on some classical guitar sleep music and mentally remind myself not to forget that it’s Daniel’s birthday.
My thoughts become hazy as I drift off. Pie. He wanted a pie. I can do that.
I’m almost asleep when I hear my phone buzz, jolting me wide awake. I reach for it on the nightstand and see Nathan’s reply.
Nathan:K
Not “okay,” “OK,” or “K, busy night, love you, talk later.”
I’ll get through this. All I have to do is tone down my snark, be patient, and keep my feelings out of it.
I survived every one of my dad’s temper tantrums and mood swings.
This is different. It’s only temporary.
Chapter 6
Hanging by a Moment
I’m shocked out of a dead sleep by the sound of my phone blaring “Heat of the Moment.”
