I should be glad that I am popular, that everyone was looking at me as Nate led me through the crowded gala hall and onto the balcony.
I didn't want the popularity though. Especially for such term, felt like drama girl.
Regardless, the music thumped behind us, the sound dulled as the glass doors clicked shut. Cold night air kissed my skin, raising goosebumps along my arms.
But I wasn’t glad.
I was tired. Tired of pretending.
Nate leaned against the railing, watching me quietly. His suit jacket was half undone, shirt slightly wrinkled like he’d stopped trying halfway through the night. He wasn’t dressed to impress. He never was.
"You okay?" he asked, eyes narrowing as I leaned next to him.
I gave a half shrug. "Define 'okay.'"
He didn’t laugh. Just waited.
I exhaled through my nose. "I'm avoiding Ryder. You knew that."
Nate tilted his head. "Want to tell me why?"
"I saw something," I murmured. "Something he lied about."
He didn’t interrupt. Didn’t push. Just waited.
I looked out at t
