Endgame | A Bronwyn + Nate fanfic

Part 2

Bronwyn's POV

September 21, 7:30 PM

Tonight's party is rather small compared to some I have been forced into recently.

Addy nudges my shoulder and gives me thumbs up as she walks past, giving Keely a quick tour of her new apartment. Tonight is just a farewell party to Ashton and Eli Kleinfelter, who were just married recently. Ashton didn't want anything big, but Addy insisted on at least a 'gathering' with the Bayview Crew, plus a few more people outside of their group. Addy never specified, but I know she meant Keely in particular.

"Hey! You look so lost. Come sit me with me and Knox. We're still waiting for Phoebe and Luis to arrive!" I hear a cheerful voice over my shoulder and I spin around, almost knocking down Ashton, who is bearing a full tray of drinks. "Sorry!" I cry, helping her steady the tray before hurrying after Maeve.

I walk through the small crowd, following my sister until we reach the lounge, with Knox spread out on one grey sofa. "Hey, Bronwyn!" He looks up from his phone and pockets it, smiling. 

"Hi, Knox," I smile, though I stay standing. I am wearing a short, long-sleeved dress that is clearly design for a fashionable outlook on these cold autumn months, and sturdy boots. I know my dress might ride dangerously high up my legs if I sit on a squishy couch, so instead, I lean on a wall.

"Is Nate coming?" Maeve asks with a knowing glance my way. Knox's gaze lights up in curiosity. "I'm sorry? Did I miss something?" He straightens, glancing between me and Maeve. 

My cheeks burn, and I look at the ground. "Nothing," I mumble, but Maeve has already turned to Knox. "I am positive they are meant to be together. Have you not seems them when the other is around? It is absolutely ridiculous that they aren't dating," She gushes.

"Well? Is he?" Knox turns back to me, beaming. "I don't know!" I snap. It comes out colder than I intended, and Knox looks down in embarrassment. "Sorry. I only meant-" He begins, but I interrupt. 

"It's fine. Just leave it, okay?" I walk away. This party was officially starting at 7:30, but everyone started getting drunk at around seven, so even though it has only technically been on for eight minutes, it has already gone straight downhill.

And then I see him.

Nate Macauley, in all his glory, standing flustered in the doorway, in his classic leather jacket, hair swept to the side. I can't control the smile that spreads across my face as his eyes meet mine, and his lips sweep up in a grin.

Cooper nudges him forward, and Nate starts towards me. Kris walks in behind Cooper, and Luis stumbles in last, closing the door. I can already imagine Maeve running up to him and kissing him. If only all love lives could be that simple.

"Um. Hey," Nate smiles at me, and my legs threated to give way. "Hey!" I squeak, covering my mouth with my hands when I hear the tone. His smile just broadens, and fight the urge to sigh dreamily, like every other girl in Bayview.

"Good to see you," I smile, scrounging up a shadow of composure. "And you, milady," He bows slightly, and offers one hand to me, palm up.

It takes a second for me to figure out what he's doing, but I get it eventually, even though every last thought just made a beeline for the exit. I place on dainty hand in his, and he bends down and brushes his lips to it.

I feel a shiver go down my spine. His lips are so soft. Would they feel like that when I kiss him? The thought barges through my mind before I can stop it, and I almost pull a face.

Not when I kiss him, if I kiss him. Which probably won't happen. Why would he like me? He has so many other pretty girls waiting to jump in his bed.

So instead I just giggle. An appropriate reaction, given the hyped-up circumstances. "Oh, how very genteel of you," I joke, and laughs. 

"My lady, could you expect any less?"

"From a drug-dealer in leather? Why, I would expect a waltz, obviously!" But it comes out wrong and I cringe. 

At least tonight can't get any worse, right?