Diamond in the Making

22. Stabilize

Stability is something that I've wanted for a long time but it's also something that I've lived without. Take it from me, it's better to have it.

I feel like Nate calms the crashing waters that are my life. For once, the wind has calmed and the tides have died down and I'm left with the slow movements of the water as the sun sparkles along each little splash. I feel relaxed.

Nate stayed with me at work for the rest of the day begging to take me home. He kept telling me I need to rest and catch up on sleep but I already feel refreshed, I'm not tired at all.

After a bit more fooling around, I went from the office to my workshop as Nate followed me like a lost puppy. I constantly watched his every move, I couldn't have him breaking anything. I also felt like I was babysitting or like it was 'bring your kid to work' day.

Since Nate was here, I found it only fitting to work on the thing that brought us together in the first place, the ring. I was sanding and cutting, making sure it was all perfect before I set the stone. Nate just watched in amusement, I wouldn't let him touch anything.

When work day came to an end and everything was left the way I liked it, I closed up the store and walked hand in hand with Nate to my car.

Parked in the same spot as this morning was the black Cadillac. I know that Nate has a lot of people who work for him, could this be one of them? If it was, I didn't really want someone following me and I would make that known.

"Nate," I said, grabbing his attention as he opened the car door for me. "Do you know who's in the Cadillac?" I asked as I tilted my head in the direction of it, trying to be discrete.

"No, why?" Nate asked, getting all protective and concerned.

"Just curious," I said brushing past it. I didn't want to worry him about anything. This is most likely just me being delusional.

"Is something wrong?" He asked as he held my hand tighter.

"No, everything is fine," I said with a somewhat forced smile. Only forced because of my concerns but it turned genuine when I looked at the blue eyes that have captured my heart.

"Do you want to have dinner with me?" Nate asked bending down to see me as I sat in the driver's seat of my car.

"What did you have in mind?" I asked as he looked visibly excited.

"You'll see," he said with a huge smirk as he went to the other side of the car.

We drove for a short amount of time as Nate directed me to our mystery destination. I ended up parking right outside of a fancy restaurant for New York's most elite. The valet opened my door for me. I don't know where I am but I feel out of place. I love the luxurious life but no one ever said I belong to it.

Nate guided me inside as every single worker greeted him and I gave him the side eye knowing something was up.

"Mr. Harris, good to see you. Your table has been set," the waiter in a fancy suit said.

Nate didn't need anyone to tell him where to go. He knew this place.

When we sat down at a private table, I had to ask "so do you own this place?"

He just nodded his head. It seemed like he's too rich for his liking which means he's somewhat humble and that's a good quality.

So far nightclubs and restaurants but what other legal things does he own?

After a bit of wine and some good food, we talked for hours just getting to know the basic things about each other that we may have missed. I liked this carefree way of things. We are nothing but two strangers trying to be familiar with each other.

We waited for them to bring my car around as the cool breeze pulled my hair in every direction. Nate hugged me and kissed me softly.

"Did you have a good time?" He asked against my lips.

"I always do when I'm with you," I said with a wink as I moved away from Nate's warm embrace to get to my car.

"You okay to drive?" He asked worried about me again.

I may have drank a glass of wine but I felt fine to drive and exhaustion hasn't hit me yet so I'd say I'm good. I told Nate I was fine and I drove him back to his house.

As much as I'd like to stay with him, I think we need some time apart. Not like a break or anything, just a second to catch our breath. We've been through a lot these past few days and I just need to process everything without anything or anyone clouding my judgement.

"We should race again," Nate randomly said in the midst of silence. "Got any car that'll beat me?" He asked cockily.

I already knew that annoying look was on his face and I refused to see it so I kept my eyes on the road.

"Are you scared?" He asked, almost mocking me from when I asked that question during our earlier events.

"Yeah," I said through a deep breath before continuing, "I'm scared for you. You just might not be able to handle it." I guess I can be a bit cocky too.

Nate's face dropped before he regained his composure. "We'll see about that," he said with a little hidden meaning.

I pulled into his driveway, noticing a lot of cars.

"You having a party or something?" I asked looking over at a now pissed Nate.

"Fucking Roman," he said through clenched teeth. After calming himself down, he asked "do you want to come in? I'm gonna stop whatever this is," he said motioning to the house that looked alive. Every light was turned on and the house shook with the vibration of music.

"No, I'm gonna go home. I'm pretty tired," I lied straight threw my teeth about the 'tired' part.

Nate reached over holding my cheek in his hand as his thumb gently moved back and forth. "Text me when you get home okay?"

I didn't respond, I just kissed him passionately as if we were leaving each other for the last time. Somehow every kiss we shared felt like our first and our last, we gave it our all every time. Emotion and admiration just seeps through.

When we pulled away, our noses rested against each other and I only wished to say three words that would get past my lips.

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Hi everyone! I hope your all doing well, I know this is a pretty difficult time.
My city has been locked down again and I just got laid off so if anyone is in a similar situation or is struggling to get through this pandemic just know you're not alone.
I'm always here if anyone wants to chat.
Stay safe!