Nate by Tijan

Author:Tijan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-02-09T00:00:00+00:00

31

Quincey

When I saw Nate’s friend on the football field, I knew he’d be huge. That made sense with his position. He was one of the big guys, but when he came out to the vehicle, and when Nate got out to greet him—I hadn’t been prepared. I didn’t think he’d even fit into the SUV.

Dierek started laughing, noting my reaction. “They’ve been friends for a long time. Prepare for little boy giggles.”

He wasn’t on the same wavelength as me, but now that he mentioned it, I was seeing a young Nate out there. He was all smiles, and he jumped into the football guy’s arms.

“Matteo, right?”

“Yes. He’s a big Hawaiian. That’s usually how he introduces himself to people.”

I nodded. Got it. Matteo. I didn’t want to mess up his name. Unlike Nate’s other friends, Nate said he hadn’t shared with Matteo what was going on. That meant there was a clean slate when he met me. He might like me at first.

He’d probably start not to like me after the initial meet because most people didn’t, but still. First meeting. First greeting. This one could be a positive one. That was my goal. I straightened in my seat, a polite but engaging smile on my face, and waited.

And watched.

And waited some more.

The football guy was juggling Nate a little like we’d do with Nova.

A giggle broke out. I couldn’t help myself.

“I told you,” Dierek drawled from the back. His tone was full of fondness and envy at the same time. He was watching them, his eyes overcast. One of his arms were crossed over his chest, the other resting on the doorframe. “If I join them, we’ll miss our reservation completely.”

“How long have you known everyone in Nate’s group?”

“I scooped Mason up right away, and everyone else came with him. It must be, what? Almost ten years by now? Nine, maybe?” He glanced at me but turned back to the window. “It seems like a lifetime. I know there’s a Channing near where they grew up, and I’ve not met him. I’ve met Heather, though. She came out for a visit one time to see Mason’s wife. Have you…?” He trailed, seeing me again.

I hadn’t met any of them.

I was trying not to have a reaction, but it was there. It must’ve been on my face.

I felt a slicing going down the middle of my body.

Nate’s words from the beginning came back, and now this time, they were haunting.

I have a whole group. You have no one.

I swallowed over a lump. He was right. I knew then, but I hadn’t been feeling it. I was feeling it now.

Nate and Matteo were starting to turn for the SUV, but Dierek asked, almost gently, “Nate mentioned that your brother is Graham Robertson?”

“He’s my half-brother.” Normally, I’d say nothing more. This time, it hurt to admit. “We’re not real close.”

“Oh.” His eyebrows dropped back down, and he straightened in his seat.

Nate was coming back to his side, and Matteo was rounding the vehicle, carrying a large bag in hand.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.