Page 47 of Before We Were

"What's even their deal? Why hang on to whatever they have?"

Camilla shrugs, watching the flames. "I mean, you know him better than I do. But Nate's not the type to play by anyone's rules, especially not Farrah's."

True.

"Wait, have you guys ever...?" Her question hangs.

"What, Nate and me? No. No way."

"Just asking. I mean from what I saw last night..." She studies the fire thoughtfully. "It was like the moon watching the sun."

Her words leave me speechless. I hadn't realized anyone could see the currents between us amid the shit show that was happening.

The longer I linger, the more displaced I feel, fighting the urge to pull my shirt down or wrap my arms around myself. I scan the crowd for Jake before turning to Camilla. "Hey, I think I'm going to bail."

"Don't leave because of that witch. Seriously, fuck her," she says fiercely. After being abandoned by a supposed friend when things got tough, her loyalty moves me deeply.

"I appreciate it, but I'm not feeling it anymore. I'll see you around." I give her a grateful look. "Call me tomorrow and we'll grab brunch or something, yeah?"

"Sure. Thanks, though. Really."

"For what?" She shrugs it off.

"For having my back."

"It's you and me now. Plus Marcus, too."

Jake jogs up, slightly winded. "You're leaving? I'll come with you if you want."

I shake my head. "Stay, have fun. I'm just tired, and honestly, I'll be out like a light. Plus, someone needs to keep an eye on Ollie." I nod toward where he and Mia share a blanket, lost in conversation.

"He's got it bad, huh?" Jake chuckles.

"He's a goner. And it took him what? A whole two days?"

He looks torn but hands over the keys. "Just text me when you get home, okay?"

"I will," I promise, turning away as the sounds of celebration fade behind me.

The gravel crunches under my tires as I pull into the driveway, killing the engine. The dark, silent house stands in sharp contrast to the bonfire's energy. The empty driveway is strange—everyone's usually home by now. I'm desperate to shed the night's drama like an unwanted skin.

"Hello?" My voice echoes through the quiet house, met only with heavy silence that sends unease crawling up my spine.

The faint sound of music grows clearer as I move toward the backyard. Oasis'"I'm Outta Time"floats through the air, tugging at something deep inside me. Following the sound leads me to the pool.

And there's Nate, half-submerged and floating with his back to me, unaware of my presence. Moonlight traces the water streaming down his muscular shoulders, highlighting how much he's changed—more mature, more everything. My heart pounds as I struggle against a flood of emotions.

Goddammit. Why does he have to look so good?

I've spent years trying to convince myself my feelings for him were just a childhood crush meant to fade. But here he is, magnetic as ever, effortlessly pulling those old feelings to the surface.

He turns slightly, his eyes meeting mine. My breath catches, cheeks burning. His hair clings wet to his forehead, his expression softer than I've seen in ages. For a moment, everything else disappears—just us, the night air thick with memories, and music that feels like it's playing only for us.

I swallow hard, aiming for casual. "I didn't realize anyone was home."

His lopsided grin makes my heart stutter. “Everyone’s still out.”

"I didn't mean to interrupt."

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