Page 149 of Before We Were

Finally, he clears his throat. "You holding up all right after… everything?" His words carry more weight than just last night. Nick has seen my scars, the ones left by battles I never chose. He understands—he's been there.

"Yeah," I reply hollowly.

"Nate," he says, voice calm but firm. "It's not my place to ask questions, especially about family. But what I will say is this: pain moves through families until someone's ready to feel it and stop it. When you're born in a burning house, you think the whole worlds on fire. But it's not."

His words cut through the fog in my head. I nod, swallowing hard.

"You're right," I mutter, unsure if he knows how much that means. Having someone in your corner without strings feels undeserved, especially after how I spoke to Mom. But I'd hit my breaking point. Seeing Scott again had unleashed every bit of suppressed anger.

My phone buzzes.

"Ol, what's up?" I answer.

"Oh look, he does know how to answer the phone."

"Now you know why I don't answer your calls, wise ass."

"I'm pretending you didn't say that to hurt my feelings. Where have you been?"

"Riding a llama in Neverland. Where do you think?"

He chokes on his drink, and I smile. Ollie's humor has always matched mine.

"Everyone's at Camilla's. Figured you could join me," he says, too casual. "And before you say no, I'm outside."

Nick smirks, nodding toward the window where Ollie waves, grinning.

"You're good here. Go hang out with your friends." Nick says, clasping a hand on my shoulder.

Outside, Ollie leans from the car like an eager puppy. "You look like hell. Lucky for you, I'm the best friend you'll ever have. Packed a bag for you."

I slide in. "You packed a bag for me?"

"Yes, Nathaniel, I did. Just don't get used to it. It's like a one time thing," he smirks.

He pulls onto the road, watching me. "So… how are things? You and your dad still at odds after yesterday?" His tone is casual, but I catch the concern. Ollie reads people better than he lets on.

"What gave it away?" I laugh sharply. Having an abusive prick for a father who acts like God's gift is a cosmic joke.

"Were we at the same party?"

I shrug, turning to the window. It's easier to lie than tell the truth.

"He's got impossible standards, and I don't meet any. I've accepted it." Part of me wants to tell everything, but where to start? It's a short drive with too much to unpack.

Instead, I reach for a safer memory.

"You know, your dad taught me to throw my first ball. Spent hours with me while you guys were at the beach."

Ollie's expression softens. "Yeah, sounds like him. He taught us all something, didn't he?"

"I'm sorry I wasn't there," I say quietly. "I should've been."

He shakes his head. "Hey, that's old news. You were forgiven ages ago."

"Maybe by you, but… I don't know about your sister."

Ollie grins. "Nora? Please. She'd never stay mad at you. She's been in love with you forever."

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