Can't Seem To Hide It

Nathan's In Town

Chapter 35: 

The week had been a whirlwind of practice and team activities, and everyone was looking forward to a much-needed break. The team had just finished a grueling workout when Kk received an unexpected message.

"Guys, you're not going to believe this," Kk said, holding up her phone. "Azzi's friend from high school, Nathan, is coming to visit!"

The room buzzed with excitement and curiosity. Azzi's eyes widened, and she looked a mix of surprised and anxious. "Nathan? I didn't expect him to come by."

The team, intrigued by the prospect of meeting one of Azzi's old friends, quickly jumped into action to prepare for his visit. The common areas were tidied up, and snacks were laid out, setting the stage for a casual but welcoming environment.

Nathan arrived later that afternoon with a warm smile and a friendly demeanor. He was instantly embraced by the team, who were eager to get to know Azzi's friend.

"Hey, everyone!" Nathan greeted, his enthusiasm palpable. "It's so great to finally meet all of you!"

Azzi, while happy to see her friend, seemed a bit on edge. "Hey, Nathan. I'm glad you could make it."

Nathan's presence brought a wave of nostalgia for Azzi, and he was quickly surrounded by her teammates who were eager to hear stories about their high school days together. As Nathan began to share amusing anecdotes from their past, the atmosphere became lively and full of laughter.

Later in the day, the team decided to have a casual dinner together. Nathan and Azzi were the center of attention, as everyone was fascinated by the stories and memories Nathan shared. The evening was filled with laughter and camaraderie, as Nathan's charm and easy-going nature fit right in with the team.

As the night wore on, Nathan and Azzi found themselves in a quiet corner of the living room, reminiscing about old times. Paige, Azzi, and Kk were chatting nearby, and the group's conversation occasionally drifted to include Nathan's perspective.

"Remember that time we tried to cook a fancy dinner for our parents and nearly burned down the kitchen?" Nathan laughed, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Azzi chuckled, shaking her head. "How could I forget? We were such disasters, but it was so much fun."

Paige, observing the interaction between Azzi and Nathan, felt a pang of curiosity mixed with a hint of jealousy. She had always been close to Azzi, and seeing her reconnect with an old friend stirred up some unfamiliar emotions.

Nathan, noticing Paige's interest, turned his attention to her. "So, Paige, tell me about yourself. How long have you and Azzi been together?"

Paige, slightly taken aback but eager to engage, smiled. "We've been together for a while now. It's been great, and I'm really happy with how things are going."

Nathan's eyes softened with understanding. "That's wonderful to hear. Azzi has always spoken highly of you."

As the evening progressed, the team decided to take a break and enjoy some outdoor activities. A few of them gathered around a bonfire, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories. Nathan, who was lively and engaging, quickly became the life of the party.

Azzi and Nathan retreated to a quieter spot by the fire, catching up on their lives. Nathan, his tone playful, nudged Azzi. "So, how's everything really going with Paige? I've heard you two are quite the pair."

Azzi hesitated for a moment before responding. "We're doing well. It's just that—well, things have been a bit complicated lately."

Nathan raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Complicated? Do tell."

Before Azzi could elaborate, Paige approached with a tray of drinks, her smile bright but her eyes revealing a hint of concern. "Hey, I brought some refreshments. Thought you might need a break from all the reminiscing."

Nathan, ever perceptive, noticed the subtle tension. "Thanks, Paige. We were just catching up on old times."

Paige nodded, trying to stay relaxed. "No problem. It's nice to hear about your adventures."

As the night came to a close, Nathan prepared to leave, and the team said their goodbyes. The energy in the cabin was a blend of satisfaction and lingering questions.

As Nathan departed, Paige and Azzi found themselves alone in their room, the earlier tension giving way to a quiet moment of reflection.

"Nathan's great," Paige said, her tone gentle. "I'm glad he could come by."

Azzi nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Yeah, he really is. It's just—seeing him again made me realize how much I miss our old life sometimes."

Paige took Azzi's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "We'll work through it together. We've always been good at handling challenges."

Azzi smiled, her eyes reflecting gratitude and love. "I'm really lucky to have you by my side."