Page 8 of Fault Lines
“You’re a lifesaver,” he said, his smile a little shy. “I’m Nate.”
“Livi,” I replied, stupidly. Why did I say that? Only Cam and my best friend ever called me Livi, but now it was out there.
He seemed charmed. “Popcorn on me, then. It’s the least I can do.”
Why not? “That sounds great.”
We waited in line for snacks, and I let myself enjoy the easy banter. To anyone watching, we probably seemed like a real date—the spares, the mismatched, the ones left over when all the regular pairs had found each other.
“These chairs have gotten way too comfortable, I hope I don’t fall asleep,” Nate joked as we found our seats in the back row.
“If you start snoring, I’ll give you a nudge,” I promised, truly smiling for the first time all night.
He grinned. “Deal.”
The lights dimmed and I actually found myself pulled in. The movie was better than I expected; loud and ridiculous and exactly the kind of thing Cam would have loved. I helped myself to the popcorn, grateful I’d skipped dessert at the restaurant.
There was something weirdly soothing about sitting next to Nate. Like we both belonged here, two strangers hiding out from lives that didn’t make much sense.
When it ended, we stepped outside, and the night air was perfectly cool.
“I can’t believe I liked that,” I admitted. “Action films aren’t usually my thing.”
He shrugged, leaning against the wall. “I like most anything, but honestly, I’ve seen so many movies lately, this was the last one left on my list.”
I smiled, and the tension in me loosened a little. “Nice meeting you, Nate.”
“You too, Livi. Maybe we’ll run into each other again someday.”
“Maybe,” I said, and meant it.
“I’ll walk you to your car.”
He did, staying a careful step behind, and when we reached my spot he just watched me open the door, keys jangling a little in my hand.
“Have a good night, Livi,” he said.
“You too, Nate.”
I drove home feeling lighter, though I didn’t want to think about why. I was less than surprised to find the house empty, no sign of Cam. I headed straight for the shower, determined to wash away the sweat and sadness of the night, then shaved every inch of myself, wanting to be ready in case he kept his promise.
Once I’d brushed my teeth and chosen something new and lacy, I settled on my side of the bed with a book, waiting for the sound of Cam’s key in the door.
Sometime after midnight, I must have dozed off. When I finally heard the front door open, I checked my phone; it was after one. Cam stomped into the bedroom, threw his briefcase down, and went straight to the shower, not even glancing at me.
I waited, nerves humming, then finally crept to the bathroom, thinking I’d surprise him. I undressed and stepped into the shower behind him, hoping he’d be happy to see me.
Instead he jumped, shoulders tensed, eyes wild. “What the hell, Livi? You scared the life out of me.”
“I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I just thought you might want company.”
He didn’t turn. “I’m really tired, Livi. I just want to get cleaned up and go to sleep.”
I felt slapped. “But you said you’d make it up to me tonight.”
He ripped a hand through his hair, suds splattering the walls. “I’ve been at work basically all day long, Livi and I even made time to take you to dinner. Now you want sex. I’m not a superhero, you know! I’d just really like to sleep before I have to go right back to the office tomorrow morning.”
“I’m sorry, Cam. I just thought—”
