I’m not gonna lie; I think I look hot as hell. Hopefully, Nate doesn’t get too distracted watching me in this suit.
I call an Uber, and after a thirty-minute ride, we’re finally here. It looks like something straight out of a Hollywood movie.There’s a red carpet, and cameras flashing everywhere; I feel like I need a couple of shots of vodka just to deal with the paparazzi.
Flashing lights. Reporters and photographers all swarm the entrance. Becky slides out right after me and links her arm through mine, playing the role of picture-perfect plus-one like she was born for it.
“You owe me so much wine,” she mutters under her breath, flashing a dazzling smile toward the cameras.
I smirk and whisper back, “Only if you keep pretending you’re madly in love with me.”
We slowly make our way down the red carpet, pausing every so often as someone yells my name. It’s chaotic, surreal, and overwhelming, but all I can think about is one thing: well, oneperson.
Then I spot him. Nate.
He’s standing just past the main press area, talking to Mel. He’s in a navy blazer with the sleeves casually pushed up, and his white shirt is open just enough at the collar to make it criminal. His hair’s a little messy, like he ran his fingers through it on the way in, and somehow, that just makes him look better.
He’s smiling at something Mel said, but the second he sees me, the smile changes. It softens. His eyes linger.
I feel Becky squeeze my arm. “Is that him?”
“Yeah,” I say, barely able to get the word out.
“You’re staring,” she says with a smirk. “And he isdefinitelystaring back.”
We keep walking, but everything feels like it's happening in slow motion. He’s watching me. And I’m watching him. And for a second, the whole event fades into background noise. Just me in a suit, him looking way too good in his, and all the unspoken things buzzing between us.
I reach the end of the carpet and break eye contact just long enough to hand over our tickets. When I glance back, Nate’s stillwatching me, but this time with a crooked little grin like he’s thinking about something naughty.
I walk into the event with Becky on my arm, keeping her close as we head straight for the bar. We each grab a glass of sparkling white wine and start to scope out the room. Pretty quickly, we run into Josh Miller and his date, Lisa, whom I’ve met once before. The four of us start shooting the shit, mostly talking about how grateful we are that we don’t have to play the final two preseason games.
After about twenty minutes of casual chatting, I lean over to Becky and say, “Come on, I want to introduce you to Marcus.”
Technically, they should already know each other since they went to the same college, but it’s been years, and I figure a re-introduction couldn’t hurt. As we approach, Marcus flashes a wide grin.
“So,” he says, “are we celebrating that we both made the 53-man roster this season or what?”
I grin back. “Hell, yes. Go get yourself a drink; I'm already ahead of you.”
He laughs. “Can you believe it? We’re actually going to play together again. This is surreal, but let’s be honest, it's not unexpected. We’re both amazing.”
I roll my eyes but can’t help laughing. “Facts.”
After a few more minutes of catching up, I step back and let Becky and Marcus do some reminiscing about college while I wander over toward the stage. That’s when I see Nate.
He’s up there looking a little anxious, his eyes scanning the crowd. I make my way over and lean in just enough for him to hear me.
“You’re going to kill it,” I say quietly. “Half the people here are already buzzed, and this charity is amazing. mental health means a lot to me, and I’m honestly proud of you for getting up there and doing this.”
Nate turns to me with that crooked little smile. “Oh, stop; you’re going to make me blush.” He glances down at the guitar in his hands. “I’m not gonna lie; I am a little nervous. But Mel? She’s fearless. I think some of her confidence is starting to rub off on me.”
I catch myself lingering too long, probably looking like I’m outright flirting. So, before anyone can say anything, I casually back away and head back toward Becky and Marcus.
The event doesn’t really have seating, just high-top tables and servers walking around with trays of fancy appetizers. It’s definitely more of a mingle-and-chat vibe than a sit-down dinner.
About twenty minutes later, the lights shift slightly, and everyone’s attention turns toward the stage. Nate and Mel step up and start playing a stripped-down acoustic version of a Goo Goo Dolls song. I think it’sIris, and they’re both hitting some seriously high notes.
It’s legit incredible. The song perfectly captures the vibe of this party.
I sip my wine and try not to stare too hard, but it’s no use. Watching Nate sing like that? Yeah, I'm starting to get the feels.
