Page 38 of Steeling Her
“Nick? What’s he like?” Seeing her blue eyes that I’ve stolen from her stare back at me, I smile while she does too.
“He has blond hair, green eyes, has a dimple on his left cheek when he smiles. He studies physical therapy and is in his last year. He’s really tall and built like the Hulk . . .” She laughs that sweet laugh that I’ve missed so much.
“How did you meet him?” She stares at the building in front of us and I notice we’re stopped outside, knowing that’s the building we’re entering.
“At a party . . . Well, he’s actually my roommate Haley’s older brother. She doesn’t know I like him. I don’t want her to know . . . or him. I’m not his type . . .” She takes my arms in her soft hands and rubs them so gently.
“Carter, sweetie, listen to me. You’re beautiful. He might like you back, you never know. But you should be careful, seeing as it is Haley’s brother. Do you value her friendship?” she asks and I nod affirmatively.
I do. I love her friendship; hers and Danielle’s. I’ve never had this before, so it feels good.
Looking at me, she continues, “Then, maybe you should let him make the first move. But don’t get hung up on him if he doesn’t, alright? There are plenty of guys out there for you, sweetheart. Now come on, let’s go inside before your brothers see us and wonder what’s going on. They’ve all missed you so much.” She leans in to kiss my forehead once again and I walk with her up the small steps into the building. There is a couple of people here already. I get a few stares from men who are way older than I am, as I am the youngest female in the room as it stands.
Creeps.
“There’s my beautiful baby girl!” I hear my dad’s voice boom over the crowd and I see him come into view. Once I see his frame, I let go of my mom’s arm and race toward my dad. I launch myself into his arms and receive his famous bear hug he saves only for me. I sigh, relishing in the missed feeling of protection from him.
“Hi, baby!” He kisses my crown and I look up at him, smiling from ear to ear.
“Hi, Dad!” I beam back at the salt-and-pepper haired man wearing a fresh black suit and tie. I almost feel bad for running into him like that. I probably have makeup all over him; not that he’d care.
“Well, don’t you look like your mother.” He kisses my forehead and I step back from him. I turn to look around for my brothers, but I can’t see Dumb and Dumber roaming around. Usually, you hear them before you see them. I’ll find them soon enough, I hope. If they aren’t chatting up the wives. “You need to help your mom tonight, alright? We have important people coming, so stay away from the alcohol. I’ve warned your brothers too. I know you’re underage, so don’t do it in public, alright?” He tips my nose with his index finger.
“Fine . . .” I roll my eyes in a teasing manner and he grabs me to his side.
“You’re coming with me to greet some of the football players coming tonight! Your mom will be busy, so I need my other favorite girl on my arm.” Tucking me under his arm, I walk side by side with him as we make our way to the table where the football play—oh no!
No! No! No! No!Shit! Why didn’t I link this together?Nick. He’ll see me and he’ll know.Oh shit, and by the looks of things, it’s too late to run away.
I see TJ walking up the steps but he doesn’t see me. Okay, turn around and look away. Then I hear his laugh.Oh no. He’s getting closer. Fuck! What do I do?
I’m flustering around, trying to think of a quick escape when I get tapped on the shoulder by someone. I slowly turn around and see that it was someone else and not him.
Oh thank God.
“Carter?” I freeze after hearing my name to my right. I slowly turn my head to face that familiar voice. I see Nick staring at me, confused as to why I’m standing here. “What are you doing here?” he asks me while his eyes slowly wander down my frame. Stepping closer to me, both him and TJ are just staring at me, like I’m not actually there, yet curious as to why.
“I knew you were a Steel fan, but jeez, Carter, taking the term to a whole new level?” TJ teases me. I blush but I can’t speak. I literally have no voice right now.
“I-I . . . um—”
“Carter, sweetie, will you go help your mom?” My dad leans over to kiss my head once more and I see both boys eyes widen at what just happened, their eyes darting between me and my dad, who is oblivious to what is going on.
“W-Wait . . . what?” Nick cannot form any coherent sentence right now. To be honest, neither can I. “Carter—”
“I’ve got to go.” I run off from them, embarrassed by what just happened and surprised I was even able speak. I turn back to steal a glance and I see Nick still staring at me. I spot my mom and run towards her. When I get closer, she sees the panic on my face. She puts down the napkins on the table and takes my shoulders.
“Carter? What’s wrong? Why do you look like you’ve seen a ghost?” At this point, I wish I had actually seen one. I’m so shocked at what happened back there. How could I forget about them.
“Nick . . .” I fumble out.
“Okay? What about him?” She quirks her perfectly waxed eyebrow at me.
“H-He’s here . . .” I see her eyes light up with interest as I see her head look around to find someone who fit my description earlier.
“Where?” She smirks. “Point him out to me. I want to see him!” I just walk away from her because she’s relishing in my embarrassment. I hate it when she does this. She’s such a mom sometimes. “Carter, I’m just kidding. Well, not really, but what’s the big deal?”
“I didn’t tell him who I am mom! That’s the big deal! Now he knows.” I walk into a darkened corner where nobody will spot us and turn to face her like a raging bull. “I didn’t want him to know! He’ll only like me for what I come with, not for who I am! Especially because he plays football.” She realizes how serious I am about this and steps into my bubble.
