I rush outside with Beth hot on my tail. The second Nate is out the car, we’re both on him, and he laughs, wrapping us under each arm. “My two favourite people,” he says. I’m relieved that it’s not awkward like I feared it would be. I relax against him and inhale his spicy scent, closing my eyes. It feels so damn good to be in his arms again. “Okay, okay, let me breathe,” he adds, and we both take a step back.
I smile shyly and take in the way his hair has grown out on top. He’s also added more ink to his skin, and I can’t wait to trail my fingers over the decorative art just like I did four months ago.
Bill and Sue stand on the steps of their house, watching with wide smiles. Telling them about us is my first priority, because I’ve hated keeping us a secret all this time, but I wanted to do it with Nate by my side, and I know they’ll be over the moon for us. It’s not like Bill and Sue don’t know about my crush on their son. I’ve been mad about him since I turned twelve years old.
It takes a second for me to process the passenger door opening, and we all turn at the same time as a woman appears. “Guys, I’d like you to meet Rebecca. She’s my girlfriend.” Nate’s words cut me like a knife. And as Rebecca smiles wide, showing her perfect white teeth and gorgeous blue eyes, I feel the knife twisting in my stomach.
I watch as Nate’s family embrace her, welcoming her into their home like this is all normal and I’m not standing here dying. I’m rooted to the spot on the driveway, staring in horror as the door bangs shut. He has a girlfriend . . . since when?
My dad looks up as I go into my house. He’s slouched at the table with a can of beer in his hand and at least twenty empties carelessly lying around. “What killed your mood?” he slurs.
“Are you hungry?” I ask, knowing he won’t be. He never is. “I could fix something?”
“Is he home?”
“Who?” I ask innocently.
“Fucking Nate,” he growls. Dad’s bitter, despite Beck’s accident being out of anyone’s control. Nobody could have predicted a suicide bomber in a town where the soldiers had managed to gain peace.
“Yes. I’ve left them to have some family time.”
“Family,” he grunts. “I remember when I had that.”
“You still have it,” I mutter, rolling my eyes. “I haven’t gone anywhere.”
The door opens and Beth bounces in. “What happened to you?”
I force a smile. “It’s a family moment, Beth,” I explain, grabbing a slice of bread to give my hands something to do.
“You are family. You’ve been excited to see Nate all day.”
“Yeah, but he’s brought his girlfriend home to meet you all. I’ll call over later.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Mum made you a cup of tea, and we thought you were right behind us.” Beth takes my hand and pulls me back towards her house.
CHAPTER TWO
Istare down at my fingernails. I’d been trying hard not to bite them. It’s such a bad habit and one I’ve had for far too long, but sitting here beside Nate while he gushes about his new girlfriend has me picking at them until spots of blood begin to appear.
“I can’t believe you met as pen pals,” says Sue. “It’s so romantic.”
I scowl. I’d been writing to Nate every week from when he joined the Army. But since Beckett’s death, I’ve not had a single reply. At least now I know why.
“We’ve been writing for almost a year,” says Rebecca.
I look up in surprise. “A year!” I repeat.
“We met six months ago in person, and I knew the minute I met him that he was the one,” she continues, oblivious to my heartache.
“So, you’ve been together for six months?” I ask, and she nods, squeezing Nate’s hand.
“That’s not all,” says Nate. “Mum, Dad, we’re getting married!”
Sue and Bill jump up, smothering the happy couple in kisses and congratulating them. Bill drags Nate away to his study, telling us he needs time with his son to celebrate the moment.
I blink hard, trying to contain my emotions. “I can’t believe my son is getting married,” gushes Sue.
“How many times have you met?” I ask, picking harder at my sore fingers.