Page 45 of Fate in Motion
Nate looks at me, sweaty, and says, “My God, it’s everywhere”.
I laugh, completely unbothered. “That was hot. Can I just lie here like this forever?”
“You’re disgusting,” he says, but he’s smiling. “Get your gross ass in the shower.”
We stumble toward the bathroom, laughing and bumping into walls like idiots. A quick rinse later, we dry off, kiss lightly, and finally put on sweatpants and tank tops. The living room still smells faintly of Chinese food, and honestly, I don’t hate it.
Over the past few weeks, Nate has slowly been bringing and leaving some clothes at my place, and he even has a toothbrush here. I love it. It’s still an open invitation for him just to stay here. I know it’s early in our relationship, but I don’t care.
I know he’s dealing with money stuff, and I don’t want to make it weird by offering too much. Nate has pride, and I respect that. I don’t want to turn love into charity. But if he ever needs me, I will be here.
It’s 8:30 p.m. and twenty minutes intoChamber of Secrets, and right around the part where Harry hears voices in the walls, which is when Nate’s phone buzzes on the couch.
He barely glances at it.
I nudge him. “You gonna get that?”
He groans, stretching a hand toward it with intense laziness. “Maybe it's Christina, wanting to know some idiotic fact about nothing relevant.” He says.
But the moment he reads the screen, he shoots upright.
“What?” I ask, suddenly alert. “Was it not Christina?”
He blinks at the screen and shows me his phone.
It’s a screenshot from Mel.
Subject:Gig Opportunity – October 13th, Saturday Night @ Boom Lounge
Hi Mel,
We heard your band play at the recent New York City Mental Health Awareness Charity and loved your group's sound. We had a last-minute cancellation for this Saturday and would love to offer you a 25-minute set at 8:30 p.m. Let us know ASAP if you’re available.
-Dylan, Boom Lounge Programming
I stare at it. “Holy shit. The Boom Lounge is such a nice venue. Not huge, but definitely fancy.”
“Right?” Nate breathes, grabbing the phone back.
“Mel already said yes, so my decision has been made,” Nate says with a smile.
He looks at me, eyes wide, nervous energy radiating off him. “It’s a quick set, so we probably only have to play a few songs. This is great exposure for us, though!”
Nate looks at me and starts to spiral a bit, “What if we embarrass ourselves? Is this even worth it? The pay probably isn’t even that good.”
“Babe, relax. You guys will kill it, and remember, you have nothing to lose!” I continue, “Plus, I will be there cheering you on.”
Nate softens at that, eyes searching mine. “You’d really come?”
“Are you kidding? Of course I will.” I say. “It makes sense why you would question it, though,” I follow with a guilty frown.
I am so excited for Nate. This is a great opportunity for him, playing around with lots of rich people who have lots of connections. There really is no downside to this.
Nate looks at me, while I am in a daze, and points at the TV, “Put onHarry Potter, there are only two hours left. We can do it!”
He leans into me and rests his head on my shoulder, and we both stare at the screen.
We’re halfway through the movie when I hear a second buzz. Not Nate’s phone this time, but mine.
