Because It's You - English Version

¤ 40 - Hardest Words

Nate, can you thank Julian for me for the book he brought over? Sean's really taken to it and wants me to read it to him every night.

Nate's expression turned puzzled as she read Annie's message. What book was she talking about? Julian had never mentioned getting a book for Sean. Nate re-read the message, and then her eyes narrowed. He brought over—that implied Julian had delivered the book in person, didn't it? Nate quickly rang her sister, seeking clarification.

"Julian came to Brighton last week—didn't you know that?" Annie asked, her voice curious over the phone.

Nate's voice was laced with surprise. "He did have a work trip last week, but I had no idea he was coming back to the UK, or that he'd gone to Mum's."

"Well, Dad said Julian just popped in before heading back to Stockholm, like he usually does. I didn't see Julian myself, but apparently Mum had a go at him about you. She also told him off for not bringing you back with him, saying you'd been a handful for him while you were away."

Nate pressed her fingers to her temples. Mum was being her usual self. The irony was that it was Mum's doing that Nate hadn't been able to return home.

"Mum's been getting anxious too because Julian said he's the one who asked you to stay," Annie added. "But didn't you tell Mum that Julian had a girlfriend back in Stockholm? So, what's going on—why's he still got a hold on you?"

"That was just a misunderstanding. Julian told me all about it—she''s not his girlfriend," Nate said, wandering over to the window. Her eyes widened as she caught sight of Keith walking by across the street and disappearing into a cafe. "Uh... Annie, I need to tell you something. Can you promise me you'll keep it under wraps—especially from Mum?"

"Course I won't! I've never gone around sharing your secrets, have I?"

Nate's teeth sank into her lower lip. "Listen, do you remember Keith?"

"Your handsome coworker, the one you hooked up with?"

"Can we just gloss over the handsome' bit? Although, I have to admit, he's looking even better now than he did last time I saw him." Nate was being honest with herself. Keith was undeniably attractive.

"Sorry! What's the deal with Keith?"

Nate retreated from the window, worried that Keith might catch a glimpse of her. "He got divorced ages ago, and now he's here in Stockholm. He's trying to get me back."

A moment of silence passed, then Annie's suppressed squeal came through. "Wait, I'm with Sean. I'll just pop into the kitchen."

They talked for quite a while. It wasn't the perfect moment to share this kind of thing, but Annie would be tied up with her husband at night. Nate shared every detail of her time with Keith, from start to finish.

"Alright, my two cents, based on knowing you and Julian," Annie said. "Keep working on things with Julian. You've come a long way, and your relationship is in a much better place. Just give it time for him to heal, and you'll be happy again. He's where your happiness comes from. I couldn't handle the thought of you two splitting up again."

"I know. I was never going to choose between Julian and Keith," Nate whispered, since she could hear Marco's voice coming from outside.

"But," Annie said, pausing for emphasis. "Looking at it objectively, I think I'd advise you to choose Keith. He's clearly invested in you. He loves you, and he's been upfront about wanting to be with you. It's just more straightforward, you know? Rather than waiting around for something that may or may not happen."