Page 25 of Let’s Be Real

Chuckling, he led me to the bar on the far side of the patio, then ordered for me, like the gentleman he was. As soon as my drink was placed in my hand, I sucked it down greedily, trying to take the edge off my anxiety. Nate was more calm, bringing his beer to his lips for small sips as he scanned the patio.

My sister was easy to spot in her white sundress, a small crowd around her. Her silky dark hair shone in the setting sunlight, and her cheeks were flushed from either the wine in her hand or the happiness of the occasion. Maybe both.

Our eyes caught for a moment, and she snapped hers away without acknowledging me.

That was fine.

Nate took my hand again, stroking the inside of my wrist and along my thumb. The knot in my belly began to unfurl inch by inch.

We found a high-top table to rest our drinks on. Nate leaned his shoulder against mine, his head swiveling as he studied the other guests.

“Do you know everyone here?”

I shook my head. “Half of them belong to Josh, I think. They could be Kelly’s college friends and coworkers too. I don’t really know.”

He nodded toward my sister on the other side of the patio. “That’s her?”

“Yeah. That’s her.”

“Hmmm.” He didn’t say anything else, but he didn’t have to. The sound was loaded enough.

I looked at him, knowing exactly what he was seeing. “We don’t look alike.”

His gaze slid over to me. “No, you don’t.”

“She looks like our mom. Decker does too.”

He nodded. “You don’t look very much like your dad either.”

I shot him a tight smile. “I know.”

I didn’t really want to get into the reason for that. Not here. Thankfully, I was saved by the cool utterance of my name and an icy cold touch on my shoulder.

I turned, coming face-to-face with my mother. “Hi, Mom.”

Marla Blackwell was undeniably beautiful, tiny as a speck. Her dark hair and vibrant blue eyes gleamed under the twinkle lights strung overhead. Her burgundy dress had been custom-tailored to follow the shape of her graceful curves, and in her heels, the top of her head reached my shoulder when I dipped to hug her.

“You look nice.” A high compliment from her. “Fuchsia complements your skin tone well.”

“Thank you.” I straightened and aligned myself with Nate, feeling more confident by his side. “Let me introduce you to my boyfriend. This is Nate Wells. Nate, this is my mom, Marla.”

He took her hand in his, shaking it gently. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Blackwell.”

“You too, Nate.” She pursed her scarlet lips, her eyes bouncing between us. “I had no idea you were a couple. I always assumed it would be Adrian.”

I had to stop myself from snorting. Everyone assumed that, even after all these years. It was getting old. “Adrian and I have only ever been friends. You know that.”

She lifted her delicate chin. “Well, it’s not often a man and woman can be so close without it becoming complicated.” She seemed to catch herself and what she was implying in front of my boyfriend. Taking a breath, she smiled at Nate. “I’m happy to be wrong. The two of you look lovely together.”

Nate wrapped his arm around my back, his fingers curling around my waist. “Samantha is the one doing all the heavy lifting in the loveliness department. I’m just here to frame her.”

“You clearly have no idea how incredible you look in a suit, Nate.” I smoothed his lapel and tapped a button on his shirt. “It’s not fair to the other men.”

My mother made a choking sound in the back of her throat. “Have you spoken to Kelly and Josh? You really shouldn’t hide over here in the corner all evening.”

“She seemed busy when we arrived. I’ll catch her when she’s free. I haven’t seen Josh yet.”

With a sigh, she curled her fingers tight around my wrist. “There’s no time like the present. Let’s get this over with so everyone can enjoy their evening.”