Chapter 3

Chloe froze and stared at me in disbelief. Then she threw her arms around me. “Em, you’re finally growing up! You actually want to meet a guy!”

She was squeezing the air out of me. “I’m just trying to give you that romance novel you wanted,” I managed.

“The team’s having a celebration dinner tonight. My boyfriend invited me. Come with me. Nathan should be there.”

In high school, I’d been terrible at saying no. Eventually, whenever there was some dirty or exhausting job to do, I was the first person everyone thought of. I was competitive, too. I wanted to be the best at everything.

All I’d done was run myself ragged for people who never appreciated it.

But then I remembered his face and nodded anyway.

That evening, Chloe and I arrived at the restaurant.

Everyone else was already there. Two other girls were sitting with the team, probably players’ girlfriends. They studied me curiously, wondering who the newcomer was.

Someone even whistled.

I sat down awkwardly and stole a glance at Nathan in the corner. He was talking to the person beside him, a glass dangling from his hand. He was smiling, his eyes catching the light.

He didn’t look at me once.

Chloe was on my left. Another girl sat on my right. She was cute, with flushed cheeks, and looked as though she’d been pressured into drinking too much.

Apparently, she was number six’s new girlfriend. Everyone had been egging the two of them on, getting them to drink.

For a moment, I saw the girl I used to be—the one who only knew how to please everyone but herself.

I quietly unscrewed the water bottle I always kept in my bag and handed it over. “Stop drinking. Have some water.”

She took it in surprise and gave me a grateful nod.

When I looked up, I finally met those familiar, clear eyes. Then Nathan spoke. “Quit making her drink. She doesn’t have to keep up with you guys.”

His voice was still mild, even amused, but there was an edge to it that left no room for argument.

After that, almost no one proposed another toast.

Chloe, unfortunately, was already wasted. I was trying to figure out how to get her back to our dorm.

Would knocking her out make this easier…?

Near the end of dinner, Nathan stepped outside to take a call. He was gone a long time.

The girl beside me seemed to notice how often I glanced toward the door. Tentatively, she asked, “Do you… like Nathan?”

I paused. Did this count as liking someone? I’d only known him for a little over a day.

“You’re so pretty. I’m sure you have a chance.”

She made me laugh. I patted her head. “You’re pretty, too.” Then I stood up to get some air.

I found Nathan smoking at the end of the hallway. Smoke blurred his handsome face. Standing there alone, stripped of his usual glow, he looked almost lonely.

I blamed the alcohol for my sudden bravery. Or maybe I just needed an excuse to approach him.

As I got closer, I caught the mixed scent of cigarettes and liquor. Beneath it was the faint, fresh scent of pine.

I took out my phone and said nervously, “Nathan, I need your help.”