“You know those girls?” Leo asks.
I shake my head. I don’t, and I never want to know them. They didn’t get any nicer, even when I led them to victory.
“Really?” Nate frowns. “You played with strangers.”
“It was no big deal.” Even if my nerves were at an all-time high.
He throws an arm over my shoulder. “Uh, yeah, itisa big deal. I never see you step out of your comfort zone like that. I’m proud of you.”
“Whatever.” I roll my eyes, but inside, I’m glowing. “Now feed me. I worked up an appetite.”
What Ishouldbe doing is thanking both him and Leo. They’re constantly encouraging me, making me believe I can do more than I think I can.
“Whatever you wish.” Nate kisses my cheek, then turns, crouching slightly. “Hop on.”
“What?” I giggle. “You are not piggybacking me into the cafeteria in front of everyone.”
He points up the hill, then looks down at my white sneakers. “It’s all muddy up there, from the rain earlier. Let me carry you. And let them stare. Who cares what anyone thinks but you and me?”
“Okay.” He’s right.Who cares?
I climb onto his back, and he carries me uphill like it’s nothing. Leo falls into step beside us, deep in conversation with Nate, though I barely register what they’re saying.
My head rests on Nate’s shoulder, watching the beauty of Lake Horizon pass us by.
The water sparkles, the trees sway lazily in the breeze.
Something in me is shifting.
Today was just one small step, but the confidence I’m gaining? I’ll carry it with me back to Georgia, where I’ll be alone for the first time when Mase leaves for college.
Nate always teases that I’m Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde—shy and timid around strangers but bold and brassy with people I trust. Always joking that it’s a shame the world doesn’t get to see the full extent of my snark.
Nate pats my behind. “We’re here, Mads.”
“Sorry, lost in a daydream.”
He smiles and reaches for my hand, lacing our fingers firmly, and it’s the first thing Mase clocks when we walk toward our usual table.
He doesn’t say a word, but his eyes zero in on our hands, jaw clenching, arms folded tightly across his chest.
“Knock it off, Mason.” I glare right back.
His attention snaps toward Nate, but I reach over the table and poke him hard in his bicep. “Say one word, and I’m telling Mama that you stole the liquor bottle over Christmas break.”
Leo chuckles, sliding onto the bench beside Mase, huddling close, pushing him a little with his shoulder, only egging him on more.
“Fuck off, all of you,” Mase mutters, standing abruptly, and walks out, marching right past to the buffet.
“You should talk to him,” I murmur to Nate, eyes pleading.
Mase might be a pain, but I know this anger is because of us. One of his best friends is dating his little sister. It was never going to sit easy.
Nate leans in, pressing a kiss to my dimple. “If that’s what you want.”
“It is. Thank you.” He stands, my hand still in his. “Wait. You’re going now?”
He runs his fingers through my hair. “No time like the present.”
