If We Fall Again

Chapter 14

As the bar quieted down and the last few patrons trickled out, Elise sat at the counter, nursing a small drink alongside Taylor. They had agreed to unwind a little before heading home, chatting about random things that had nothing to do with the tension lingering in the back of Elise's mind.

Taylor took a sip of her beer, glancing at Elise's bandaged hand. "How's the hand? That drunk guy was out of line tonight."

Elise looked down at her hand, flexing her fingers. "It's okay. Barely hurts anymore," she said, her voice soft. "Nate patched me up earlier."

Taylor raised an eyebrow. "He did, huh?" There was a teasing note in her voice. "Seems like he's been keeping an eye on you all night."

Elise let out a small sigh, still unsure how to process Nate's behavior since the night had unfolded. Before she could respond, the door to the bar swung open, and Nate walked in, scanning the room. His gaze immediately locked onto Elise and Taylor.

"You two still here?" Nate asked, his voice neutral but his expression serious.

Taylor smiled lightly, gesturing to the drinks. "Just finishing up before we head out. You heading home?"

Nate hesitated for a moment, his eyes flicking from Taylor to Elise. "Yeah, just... hold on a second." He abruptly turned and walked back toward the office.

Elise exchanged a confused glance with Taylor, who simply shrugged, sipping her drink. "What's that about?" Taylor muttered, barely loud enough for Elise to hear.

A few minutes later, Nate returned and sat down beside Elise. The air between them felt thick, a mix of unresolved tension and unsaid words. Taylor noticed it immediately and gave them a quick smile, pushing her chair back. "I'll, uh, leave you two to talk. I've got some closing stuff to check on."

Elise watched Taylor retreat, her heart racing as the silence between her and Nate stretched on. She could feel the heat from his presence beside her, but neither of them spoke at first. Finally, Nate broke the silence.

"How's your hand?" he asked, his voice quieter than usual, though still firm.

Elise looked down at her bandaged hand again. "It's fine. Thanks... for helping earlier."

Nate nodded, his gaze still hard to read. They sat in silence for another moment, the awkwardness thick between them. Elise's fingers nervously toyed with the rim of her glass, unsure of what to say next. Before she could, Nate spoke again, his voice slightly softer.

"Are you free tomorrow?" He cleared his throat, glancing at her from the corner of his eye. "I was wondering if you'd want to come by for dinner again. Noah misses you."

Elise blinked, taken aback by the unexpected invitation. "I... yeah, I'm free. I can come."

Nate nodded. "Good." His eyes dropped to the counter, and for a split second, their hands brushed as Elise reached for her glass. Both of them recoiled slightly, as if the touch had been electrifying.

Nate stood up, the seriousness still etched across his face. "Do you have your car?" he asked.

"Yeah, I do," Elise replied, watching him carefully, still unsure of where his head was at.

He nodded again, then turned to leave. Just as he reached the door, he looked over his shoulder. "Goodbye, Elise. I'll see you tomorrow."

She nodded, her throat tight as she managed a quiet, "Goodbye, Nate."

As the door closed behind him, Elise sat there for a moment, staring after him, her thoughts racing.

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