Page 72 of Catch Me If You Can

“Sorry,” I grimace.

“He’s lucky he got a chance with you,” Theo says, pointing at me. He’s standing close—reallyclose—and I laugh, grabbing his arm instinctively. Ever since I came out, I’ve realized ‘straight’ Theo is surprisingly touchy.

I glance back at the stage and breathe in. Caleb’s gaze is locked on us. He grips the mic, and I instinctively shift away from Theo, sliding his hand off my shoulder.

“What?” Theo asks, following my stare. “Oh.” He grins, standing taller. “I think I’m making your boyfriend a little jealous,” he teases in my ear.

“Jesus, Theo. Stop,” I mutter, turning away, looking for anything else to focus on.

“I’m gonna find us some drinks. Don’t get yourself into too much trouble,” he says, patting me on the back.

I nod and walk over to a nearby ledge, staring out at the city skyline. Caleb’s voice wraps around me, and I close my eyes, letting the lyrics wash over me.

Now you’re in my life and I can’t get you off my mind...

I can’t help but open my eyes and look back at him. Did he pick this song for me? I’d hate to assume—but the lyrics hit a littletooclose.

The song ends, and the crowd roars. I smile. They see what I see. He’s fucking amazing.

“He’s great, isn’t he?” a familiar voice says beside me.

I turn and find Sarah, smiling brilliantly.

“There’s my girl,” I say, pulling her into a hug. She nestles into my neck, and I kiss the top of her head. I nearly lift her off the ground with our height difference.

“Don’t you forget it,” she grins as I set her down. “I’m so happy you came tonight.”

“Yeah,” I say, glancing back at the stage. Caleb looks anxious, sipping his drink and talking to Tony. His eyes never leave me. “I thought you said he wasn’t coming.”

Sarah follows my gaze. “Yeah, about that... I kind of lied.” She cringes. “Please don’t be mad.”

I blink at her. “Why would you lie about that?” I’m not angry. More confused.

She shrugs. “You’ve both been miserable since Toronto. I just wanted to see you happy. Both of you.”

“He’s been upset?” My chest tightens, but also, so does relief. Maybe it wasn’t all in my head. Maybe what we had experienced wasn’t all in my head.

“He thinks he hurt you,” she says quietly.

I huff. “Well, he kind of did. He just left—no answers. I felt like an idiot.”

“Maybe, just once, you two could, I don’t know...talkabout it?” she teases, poking my side.

“Ouch!” I laugh, rubbing the spot. “Why? What doyouget out of this?”

She hesitates, then looks down. “I need to know you two will be okay.” She sucks in a big breath of air, preparing herself to say something important. “Nathan... I’m going to Australia for a few months. I need to figure things out. I can’t keep doing... whatever this is,” she says, laughing sadly.

“Sarah...” My stomach twists. She’s been my anchor for the past four years. And now she’s leaving?

“Just say you’re happy for me. And that you’ll be okay when I go.”

I exhale, eyes drifting back to Caleb. Maybe Iwillbe okay. “I’m proud of you,” I say, smiling. “Promise you’ll FaceTime me?”

“Every week. We’ll make a night of it,” she says, grabbing my hand and pulling me close. We lean our foreheads together, laughing softly.

“Am I interrupting something?” Theo coughs behind us, holding two beers.

“No, you’re good,” I say. “This is Sarah. Sarah Lockwood.” I glance at her, but she’s staring at Theo like he’s a real-life Avenger. I look at him—he’s doing the same.

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