Aimlessly I draw circles in the sand, trying to picture such a place. “Tell me more about it. It’s hard for me to imagine.”
He leans back on his elbows, stretching out his long legs. One brushes against mine, and it takes all my might not to suck in an audible breath.
Nate seems so at ease with physical touch that I don’t want to seem totally lame every time he even grazes a pinkie.
“My version of the Hamptons may be more long-winded than the rest. Leo can tell you the fun version.”
I lean over and playfully push my shoulder into his. “I enjoy learning. Tell me all the things.”
“I’ll try to break it down. But don’t tell me I didn’t warn you.” He nudges me back but doesn’t move, so now most of our side connects. “It’s known as the playground for the rich and famous, but before that, the land originally belonged to the Shinnecock Indian Nation. English settlers bought land from them and began establishing towns like Southampton and East Hampton. Some are still named after tribes, like Amagansett and Montauk.” He glances at me. “Have I bored you to death yet?”
“No.” I roll my eyes playfully. “Keep going, I’m intrigued.”
“Anyway, at some point in the late 1800s, the Long Island Rail Road, the train that connects Manhattan to Long Island, extended to the east end so the Hamptons would be accessible to wealthy New Yorkers. Families like the Vanderbilts began building summer estates there, and eventually, all the wealthy followed. Have you readThe Great Gatsby?”
I nod. “This year, in my AP English class.”
“AP, huh? Smarty pants.”
“Okay, Mr. Encyclopedia.” I extend my arm and twirl my wrist for him to go on.
He chuckles and nudges my shoulder again. I’m getting the sense that the continued touches are deliberate, and I’m not complaining one bit.
“Well, what you know of that book, the elaborate, luxurious parties in the mansions, started then and haven’t stopped. That’s only one side of it, though. There are still quaint towns like Sag Harbor, where my boat is docked. Fishing towns like Montauk, with spectacular beaches, where people love to surf. You can go whale watching and hiking, and in some towns, you can drive for miles, passing member clubs, mega-mansions with beautiful landscaped lawns, high hedges, and immaculate gardens, and then a potato farm, horses, a vineyard, and farm stands. Like I said, it has it all.”
When he chuckles, I know I haven’t contained my shock. “I know I live under a rock, but wow. I could only dream of going to a place like that.”
“Nah, Mads. You’re going to be a big-time architect. You won’t just visit. You’ll build a house out there.”
The sincerity in his voice has me swallowing back emotions I’m not sure how to handle.
Mason has always been the only one who believed in me. But hearing it from someone else—someone practically a stranger—fills me with a warmth I’ve never felt before.
I shift in the sand to face him. “Thank you, Nate. I hope you’re right. It’s my dream to succeed, to get out of my crappy little town. To be independent and make a name for myself.” I shrug, more embarrassed about revealing secrets than the tears threatening to drop. “And I should have thanked you earlier for the supplies. I know this is probably not a big deal for you, but I’d never be able to afford them. Having what I need to create an impressive portfolio this summer for my college applications? That means everything to me. With what you’ve bought me, I truly think it will make all the difference.”
He smiles, but it’s not the one I’ve grown accustomed to.
It’s softer, sadder even.
“You’re very welcome,” he says, reaching forward. I hold my breath as he gently tucks an errant piece of hair that’s gone wild in the wind behind my ear. His fingers linger just long enough for me to feel the warmth of his touch.
“So, tell me about the jewelry,” he says.
“Jewelry?” I nearly whimper when his hand drops away.
He chuckles, knowing exactly the effect he has on me. “Yeah. Mason had me pick up supplies. I had no idea what he meant, so I admit I had my sister help.”
“Oh. Right. Thanks for that too.” I’m a little embarrassed that Mase asked him to buy all that. “I had no idea my brother was asking you. He must be laying it on thick before leaving for college.”
“You two are close.” It’s not a question. It seems like he knows a lot about Mase and my relationship. “I’m the same with my siblings. Leo and I are the youngest, but it doesn’t matter, we’re all best friends.”
Mason’s words come to mind about his family, so I make a conscious effort not to mention anything, instead turning the conversation back to me.
“It’s nice that Mase and I are close in age, it was helpful growing up. My parents are…” I hesitate, searching for the right words. “They’re extremely strict, more so with me than Mase, and because of that, it’s hard to ever feel close with them. Over time, I imagine that could feel lonely, but having Mase was a lifeline. Not that I realized until recently.”
I’m not sure why I keep spilling my guts to him, but at this point, I push the embarrassment away and try to lighten the mood. “I mean, he’s still annoying, and we fight constantly, but I know he always has my back.”
Nate’s smile is pensive. He knows I’m shifting the conversation, and I’m grateful when he lets me.
