I think about what Scarlett said about finding my footing. She was the only one who didn’t make things out to be more than they needed to be.
And I let myself feel uncomfortable.
“I know,” I say. “It’s just been a while since we had to deal with it. People got quiet when Rob was around.”
“We’re too old to worry about what people think about us.” He says it like it’s simple. “We’re both happy as we are, right?”
The answer should roll right off my tongue.Yes. Of course I am.
But that’s not true, is it?
I’mnothappy.
It’s not because Nate isn’t good to me. It’s not because he doesn’t care. But there’s something missing. Something I want more than anything else.
Nate waits patiently for my answer, but my silence makes him narrow his eyes.
“Hello?” he asks. “You there?”
“Oh, um. Yes. Sorry.”
“You must be tired. You’re slower than usual.”
“I thought I was always slow because I had short legs.”
Nate smiles. “You said it, not me.”
“You thought it.”
“Is it a crime to have thoughts?”
“It is if it’s about me.”
“Put me in jail, berry. I think about you a lot.”
My gaze cuts to his. There’s no way he knows how that sounds. I open my mouth to continue our usual banter, but find ... nothing.
“I’m ... feeling a little off, actually.” All I can say is the truth.
He raises an eyebrow and my entire body tenses. I should talk to him, but I’m way too scared to.
“We did a lot today for me. And I’m feeling bad that you didn’t get to see the beach.”
“I have the pool.”
“Which you haven’t been to today.”
“And you’re feeling off. I’m not going swimming and leaving you alone.”
I’m a total idiot, because a suggestion escapes me that I shouldnotbe offering.
“I guess I could go to the pool deck.”
He pauses. “What? Are you serious?”
“I won’t swim,” I clarify. “Obviously. But I know someone who’ll be there. And I could watch you in your element.”
A slow smile spreads on Nate’s face. “You’re being very nice. Are you hiding something from me?”
