Page 6 of On Broken Wings

“Ok.” I shrugged. “I need to buy a drink first.” I attempted to step around her, but she blocked my path.

“Use the machine in the hallway.” She refused to look at me.

“Kenz, what’s going on?” I put my hand on my hip.

“He’s in there, Jen, and he’s not alone.” She sighed. “I just didn’t want you to have to deal with it.”

“I’m fine.” I sighed as I waited for her to move. When she stepped out of my way, I pushed through the double doors, and was assaulted with the smell of food and Darrin’s laughter. He was holding court in the corner where we usually sat together only, he wasn’t alone. Several of our friends were with him along with a couple of girls. I recognized some of them, but there were others that I didn’t.

“Ignore them,” Kenzie whispered next to me as she guided me to the lunch line. “He’s trying to make you jealous.”

“Well, it’s working,” I growled as anger and hurt coursed through me.

“What’s working?” Nate appeared at my side and flung his arm around my shoulder.

I stiffened under his unexpected embrace before I stared at the offending limb. “What are you doing?”

“Helping, I think.” He winked as he pulled me closer and Kenzie’s mouth dropped open in surprise.

“I’m fine,” I hissed as I started to push him away.

“No, you’re not, and it’s working.” Nate smirked. “He’s staring at us like he wants to kill me. What are we doing here? Buying food?” He reached for a Jell-O cup and placed it on the tray I had in front of me.

“I’m not buying you food,” I scoffed as we moved along the line.

“You’re right, you’re not. I’m buying you food.” He grinned as Kenzie’s surprised face morphed into total confusion.

“Well, if that’s the case, I’m adding to this.” She grabbed a cheeseburger and placed it on the tray.

“Kenz,” I warned.

“What?” She shrugged. “I’m taking advantage of whatever this is.” She waved her arm at us.

When we reached the register, Nate removed his arm long enough to pull his wallet out of his pocket and pay for the food we’d collected. As soon as he’d stuffed it back in his pocket, his arm went right back to where it had been. “Lead the way.” He motioned in front of us. Kenzie turned and headed for the tables outside, and Nate steered me in her direction.

Once we were outside and away from Darrin, Nate moved his arm. I should have felt relief, but I felt loss instead. It was weird and confusing at the same time. “I’m sorry if I made things worse, but that dick needs to feel some of what he did to you.” Nate stayed standing while I sat at the table Kenzie had chosen.

“Thanks, I think.” I offered a smile, and it was really the first time that I felt halfway normal all day.

“No worries.” Nate laughed. “Let me know about Friday. Bring your friend.” He motioned to Kenzie as he started walking backwards. “Later.”

“Ok, Friday?” She nudged me with her foot under the table. “What about Friday, and what was that?”

“He invited me to Justin’s after the game Friday, and I don’t know what that was. I’m still trying to figure it out myself,” I murmured.

“Wait.” She held her hand up, and paused like she was trying to understand what I was saying. “He invited you to Justin Crawford’s party. You realize that not everyone gets to go to those, right?” Her eyes bugged out like she thought I was crazy for even considering not going.

“But it’s Nate Carter.” I sighed as I opened my lunch bag. “I don’t know why he’d ask me.”

“And he picked you. Who cares why.” She flung her arms in the air. “Stop worrying about it. We’ll go to the game together, and then to the party. You can stay at my place Friday night. I’ll drive.” She giggled and did a little happy dance in her seat.

“You got it all planned out, huh?” I shook my head as I glanced in the direction Nate had walked when he left our table.

“Un huh.” She nodded as she chewed a bite of food. “Nate Carter likes my best friend. That alone is going to get us into some of the coolest parties.”

“So that’s all I am? An invite.” I rolled my eyes as I sipped my juice that Nate bought.

“You know that’s not true. I like him, though. Look what he’s done in less than a day. You’re smiling.” She pointed at me. “Today could have been so much worse, but he made it better. Maybe he’s not the guy we’re constantly hearing about. Maybe he really is nice, and that reputation is full of bullshit.” She lifted a shoulder before taking another bite of her burger.

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