Page 148 of Before We Were

I sigh, unsure how to put it into words.

"I don't know. We haven't seen or spoken to each other since, and now I'm kind of nervous to see him. For years, we've been stuck in this weird in-between place. Friends but maybe something more? I don't know how to move forward."

Camilla tilts her head, studying me with an expression that's all-knowing and smug. "Please, you two were made for each other."

I blink, caught off guard. "Why do you say that?"

"Because," she says with a shrug, "that boy looks at you like he's memorizing every freckle on your face."

The comment sends a flutter through my chest, and she's not done.

"You don't just look at each other with butterflies and sparkles. It's deeper. It's messy and complicated, kinda like a fairytale that hasn't been written yet, but one that's going to be worth the read."

Her observation hits me harder than I expected, and I let out a slow breath.

"It's just… different with Nate. Like I said, we've always had this… connection. But I don't know how to move forward."

Camilla grips my shoulders gently.

"Nora, you can't force chemistry where it doesn't exist, but you also can't deny it when it's there. Just talk to him. Lay it out. If he is what you want, then tell him that. Boys are dumb when it comes to what's blatantly obvious and standing right in front of them."

Her confidence gives me a tiny spark of courage. Maybe she's right. Maybe Nate and I have been waiting too long in this gray area.

She nudges me toward the bathroom. "Now go try that on and let me see how it looks."

When I step out in the bikini, Camilla whistles dramatically.

"Oh, my God! You look insane. Seriously, Nate's going to physically drop dead when he sees you. Not that his opinion matters or anything. But still, he will die."

I laugh, rolling my eyes. "You're ridiculous."

We head back downstairs, Camilla chattering about the party and who's bringing what. As we step outside, she spots Nate pulling up. She leans in, her voice low but firm, "Shoot your shot, girl. Don't wait."

Her words hang in the air, more truth than advice. She's right—waiting for life to hand you the perfect moment is a trap. Because life isn't meant to be lived halfway. You can't half love, half risk, or half believe in yourself. You have to go all in, even if it terrifies you. Especially if it terrifies you. I look down at the bracelet still on my wrist, the one Nate gave me.

Fearless.

I take a deep breath, straighten my shoulders, and step forward, ready to prove I was exactly that.

CHAPTER44

THE RENT IS FREE IN MY HEAD

NATE

I slip out before sunrise,avoiding Mom and Nora. Last night has left enough wreckage without facing either of them, not while I'm still angry at Mom and lost about Nora. Sonder will be opening soon, and Nick could use the help, so that's where I head. The place has become my escape, and Nick has somehow become someone I trust—a rare occurrence in my life.

He looks up as I enter, surprised but not shocked. "You're early."

"Thought you might need a hand." I nod toward the paint cans.

"Or maybe a distraction," he replies, knowing but casual.

I laugh roughly. Nick never pries, and that's rare in my world. He offers what he can and asks nothing in return.

"If distractions are on the menu, I'm in," I say, grabbing a roller.

He hands me a brush in silence, letting me work in peace.

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