If We Fall Again

Chapter 21

Elise pulled into Nate’s driveway, spotting the number of cars parked along the street. Julie’s birthday party was clearly bigger than expected, and an uneasy knot formed in her stomach. She wasn’t exactly thrilled about the idea of mingling with a crowd, but she pushed through, grabbing the small gift bag and stepping out of the car.

As she walked inside, Noah spotted her and ran over, practically throwing himself into her arms. “Elise!”

She smiled, hugging him back. “Hey, bud!” His excitement helped settle her nerves, at least for the moment.

Nate followed right behind, sliding his arm around her waist and giving her a kiss on the cheek. “Glad you made it,” he murmured.

“Wouldn’t miss it,” she replied, though she couldn’t help noticing the eyes on them. Nate’s hand was firmly on her waist, Noah clung to her hand—it looked like they were a family, and whispers already started circulating around the room.

Julie, dressed in a bold red dress, approached them with a broad smile. “Happy birthday,” Elise greeted her, handing over the small gift.

“Thanks, Elise,” Julie said, pulling her into a brief hug. “Make sure you drink tonight. It’s a celebration!”

Nate’s grip on Elise’s waist tightened as he shook his head. “Yeah, not happening.”

Elise gave him a sideways glance and laughed softly. “He’s too protective.”

Julie rolled her eyes with a grin. “Oh, please, it’s my birthday. Lighten up.”

Noah had already dashed off to play, but Nate stayed right by her side, his presence more than noticeable. Elise could feel curious eyes on them, people she recognized but hadn’t spoken to in years, all watching as if they were trying to figure out what exactly was going on between them.

“I’ll get you a drink,” Nate said, leaning in for another quick kiss before heading toward the bar.

Elise nodded, watching him go, but her moment of peace didn’t last long. Andrew appeared in front of her, that familiar smirk plastered across his face.

“So, what’s this? Part of the family now?” His voice was dripping with sarcasm.

Elise sighed, trying to keep her composure. “Andrew, don’t start.”

He took a step closer, lowering his voice just enough to make it clear he wasn’t letting this go. “What? Can’t handle a little teasing?”

“I’m not in the mood for your games,” she shot back, her patience running thin. “Can you just stop for once?”

But Andrew wasn’t done. He followed her as she tried to walk away, his tone light but sharp. “You sure you’re not in the mood because it’s true? I mean, look at you. Playing house with Nate and his kid.”

By the time they reached a quieter part of the house, Elise couldn’t hold back anymore. She turned sharply, glaring at him. “What is your problem?”

“My problem?” he echoed, raising an eyebrow. “You’re in my brother’s life, pretending like nothing happened between us. Do you really think this is going to end well?”

“We dated for awhile and that was years ago. It wasn’t serious,” she shot back, her voice hardening. “Why are you even bringing this up now?”

Andrew’s smirk faded, replaced with something colder. “Because I need you, Elise.”

The words threw her off. She stared at him, trying to process what he’d just said. “What are you talking about?”

Andrew’s face shifted, the arrogance draining away. “I don’t have much time left. You know that. And I just… I need to see you. Be around you. Before I die, I just want a little happiness. And I thought… I thought maybe you could give me that. You were a piece of it once.”