Endgame | A Bronwyn + Nate fanfic

Part 4

Bronwyn's POV

7:59 PM

Did Nate just...

No. Impossible. Why would he like me?

But-

"Bronwyn!" Addy bounces up to me from behind and puts a hand on each shoulder. "Hi," I say simply. I don't feel like Addy energy. I feel like... I don't know. All I know is that I need to talk to Nate.

Addy pauses. "You okay? I have Keely with me. You look like a deer in the headlights. What's wrong?" She moves to stand in front of me, but I look away. "I'm just tired. I... I don't know," I sigh. 

Keely smiles a little. "It's okay. We can go to the lounge if you prefer?" She offers, awkwardly putting a hand on my arm. I almost cringe away, but I know she is just trying to help.  "No, it's okay. Knox, Phoebe, Maeve and Luis are there. And probably other people."

Addy nods. "Okay," she agrees, searching my gaze. She can tell I need a break. "Yeah. Do you want to go home?" She whispers, but I shake my head. I need to find Nate, ask what he meant and...

Well, what if he meant what he said?

I shake my head and walk away, heading for the tray of punch. Hopefully, it doesn't have much alcohol. I can't afford to be drunk if I talk to him.

There! I spot Nate, talking to Addy's mum, by the dessert table. I lean against a wall, trying to look casual, until he dips his head and looks like he's about to walk away. I slowly walk up to him and beam, but Nate looks frozen.

"Hey again," He says stiffly, but I dive straight in. "What did you mean?" I blurt, and Nate runs his hand through his hair. That's hot, I think absently. "Look, Bronwyn-"

"No, Nate, tell me! What did you mean?" I press, grabbing his arm with my free hand. His eyes trail down to my fingers, which are gripping his arm so tightly my knuckles are turning white. "I meant what I said." He mumbles.

"You did?" I can't stop the little spark of hope threaded through my voice, and for a moment, Nate meets my eyes with a flicker of excitement. "Um... yeah. I guess I did." He rubs the back of his neck.

"Do you want to come to the movies with me sometime?" He spits out. He looks so relieved. "I- sorry?" I cry, my face lighting up. "Nate Macauley, is that even a question?" I beam, pulling him into a hug and spilling a bit of punch on his jacket.

Nate breathes a short laugh. "Wasn't expecting that. You can let go now." He wheezes. "Sorry. Just excited!" I grin shyly. He just smiles at me. "It's okay. You're even more beautiful when you're excited."