Page 27 of Nate

“I’m sorry. What should I do?”

“I don’t think there’s anything you can do. You apologized, he accepted. Move on.”

“But—”

“But what, Markie? You treated him like dirt since you first set eyes on him. It’s best to stay away from each other.”

“I can’t get that sex out of my head.”

“Well, you’re going to have to. I’ve known Nate for years and he never holds a grudge, but he won’t kiss your ass to get back in with you. Trust me, he’s done. He was attracted to you, and you shoved it back in his face.”

“Why don’t you say what you really think, Syd?”

“No, that would be way too harsh.”

Markie sighed. “I’m an idiot. Maybe if I apologize again.”

“You do what you want, but I’m telling you, as far as Nate’s concerned, there will never be anything more between you. He’s confident about his sexuality, but he’s not stupid. He probably thinks you’d just change your mind about him again.”

“I am not a fickle woman,” Markie snapped.

“Are you sure about that? You don’t like him; you do like him. Make up your mind.”

“It doesn’t matter anymore, does it?”

“Honestly, I don’t know, but I do know him. He’s not the type of man to stay where he’s not wanted.”

“I’m usually not so quick to judge, but he has an air about him that just made me think of Jarrett. He acts just like that.”

“No, he doesn’t. Jarrett is a pompous pig, and a narcissist. For no reason, from what you’ve told me. Nate is none of those. I wish I knew what to tell you, Markie, but I think it’s best to just let it go. Forget about it and hope you and Nate never cross paths again.”

Markie toyed with her napkin. “That’s just it. I do want to cross paths again. I like him, Sydney.”

“You liked the sex.”

“That’s a start, isn’t it? He’s all I’ve thought of since. I wanted to give myself a chance to know him. Yeah, we butt heads, but that’s not always bad.”

“No, it’s not. Sometimes, the best part of that is the making up.”

“Right.”

“Look, I’m not going to tell you what to do. It’s your decision no matter what I think.”

“But you know Nate.”

“I do.”

“Will he let it go? That I treated him like that?”

“He accepted your apology.”

“But made it clear that he only thinks of me as Dr. Russell.”

Sydney shrugged and Markie knew there wasn’t much more to say about it. She messed up and felt horrible about it.

When their dinners arrived, Markie had no appetite. No matter how good that burger smelled, she just couldn’t eat. After a few minutes, she waved Connie over.

“Could you put this in a to-go box, please, Connie?”

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