Page 8 of On Broken Wings

Nate started coughing as he began choking on his sandwich. “Geez Jen, give me a little credit here.”

“Sorry.” I shrugged. “I didn’t know girls like that liked guys like you.”

“They don’t. That’s why I need to work on this more. So,” he turned toward me, “will you come to the party after the game so I can work on this more?”

“We’ll be there.” Kenzie kicked me under the table as she smiled stupidly at Nate.

“Ow!” I yelped as I glared at her.

“I like you.” Nate held his hand out to fist pound her. “Justin’s talking about having a bonfire, so dress for that.” He pushed the last of his sandwich into his mouth before standing. “See you tonight, Jenni.” He turned and began walking away with that swagger that the girls seemed to fawn over, and all I could do was stare.

“He has a nice ass.” Kenzie sighed.

“And he knows it,” I mumbled as I shook my head. Apparently, I was going to the game tonight, and then to a party with Nate Carter. Lord help me. I’ve gone to the dark side.

oooooooo

“Please tell me that you’re not wearing that?” Kenzie leaned against the opening of my bedroom as I looked for my missing sneaker.

“What’s wrong with this?” I glanced down quickly before continuing my search. It was a cool night, and I’d opted for an oversized sweatshirt and leggings.

“We’re going out after. You wouldn’t wear that on a date.” She shook her head as she pushed off the door, and stepped around me. “I’m sure we have better options.” I stopped in my search when I heard her rustling clothes around in my closet. “You’ve got a killer body, Jenni. All that gymnastics training has given you something most girls would die for. You need to use that, not hide it under some baggy sweatshirt.”

“You do remember that I didn’t want to go to this in the first place, right?” I flopped down on my bed.

“It’s Nate Carter. Don’t you wonder what all the fuss is about?” Kenzie turned to me, popping her hand on her hip. “He obviously likes you. You’re single now. Best way to get over Darrin is to find someone else to stay warm with.” She laughed as she pulled a pair of skinny jeans from my closet. “Wear this, with this.” She flung a long-sleeved red V-neck shirt that I’d forgotten I had onto the bed.

“I forgot about this.” I held it up. It was snug and made my boobs look great. “Darrin didn’t like it. He said it made guys stare at my chest.”

“All the more reason to wear it.” Kenzie pursed her lips. “Who cares what the old D-Bag thinks. This is the new you. The you Nate Carter likes.”

“You’re right. I need to let go and see what happens. I mean, how bad could he be?” I stripped out of the leggings, and slipped into the jeans. After tugging the top on, I ran a brush through my hair, and slipped a hair tie onto my wrist in case I wanted it later. “Let’s roll.”

“That’s what I’m talking about.” Kenzie held her hand up for a high five. She’s the only person I know who still does that, but whatever.

oooooooo

Kenzie and I spent most of the game talking to friends. I never really watched football, and after Nate scored for the second time and put us up by twenty-one points, I kinda lost interest. I knew enough of what happened to say I watched the game.

When we reached Justin’s house, a fire was going in the backyard fire pit. A small group of guys was sitting nearby drinking what I assumed was beer. Justin was notorious for these parties. Several girls were sitting by the fire roasting marshmallows, and laughing. Music came through some outdoor speakers.

“You made it!” Nate appeared from around the corner. “Want something to drink?” He flung his arm around my shoulder and pulled me into his side.

“I’m good, thanks.” I tried to pull away, but he only tightened his embrace.

“I’m not trying to be a dick right now. I’m trying to stake my claim. They won’t bother you if they think you’re with me,” he lowered his voice right next to my ear.

“Oh.” It was all I could say. I didn’t know if I should take it as him being sweet, or if he was full of crap and this was another game.

“You look really hot, by the way.” He smirked before releasing me, and jogging up the deck steps where the coolers were located. A few of the other football players were up there, and when he reached them, they started joshing each other.

“What’s that about?” I wondered aloud before Kenzie linked arms with me, and led us to the fire pit.

“Who knows.” She shrugged. “They’re guys, they’ve got beer, and they just won the game. I’m sure it’s some celebratory thing they do.”

“Hey, Jen. I was sorry to hear about you and Darrin.” Michelle Benson smiled up at me as we stopped by a couple of chairs. I stood there stunned at first, but then forced the words out.

“Thanks.” I glanced in her direction before turning to sit. She was so fake that I was surprised she had the sense to even say something. She’s been after Darrin for years, and the only thing in her way was me. Now that I’m not there, I don’t know what’s stopping her.

---