When it Happens

Chapter 25

I had agreed to meet Nate as soon as he landed back in Walden. That way, I'd know as soon as possible what round and pick he went in for the drafts, more importantly, what team. These three days had been nearly unbearable without him. Whenever Shannon and I would hang out, my mind would be on him. I finally realized what being in love feels like, and I feel like that only brought my friendship with Shannon closer.

Speaking of Shannon, she told me Mason had decided to go to UConn, much to her displeasure. And, of course, they were arguing about that. I couldn't say I totally agreed with her side. He was already sacrificing OSU to be closer to her. The bus ride was going to be nothing.

I saw Nate come out of the gate and as soon as he walked out, I'm run to him and leap into his arms. He dropped his carry-ons and wraps his muscular arms around my waist tightly, picking me up and spinning me around. 

"Well...?" 

He smiles at me. "I was drafted number six overall." I squeal, but before I can do anything else, he stops me. "By the San Francisco Giants."

My heart fell, and he could see the disappointment in my eyes. He hugged me again, and in his chest, I say, "Well, Nate, that's amazing. You're finally living out your dream! Lucky number six too."

He shrugged. "Yeah, but I won't have my dream girl with me."

I opened my mouth to speak, but a familiar stench of overpriced cologne came within my vicinity. Nate's dad walked up from behind him followed by the rest of his family, and she placed his hands on his shoulders. 

"Nate, we're going to head to baggage claim." His piercing green eyes came in contact with me. Well, at least I know where Nate gets his eyes from. "Ah, Veronica! What a pleasure to see you! I'm so happy you came to see my Nathaniel!"

I smile forcingly. "You too, Mr. Remington."

She leads her family down the terminal, Mrs. Remington, Sam and Carol giving me a quick "hello" and continue following the head of the household. I turn to Nate. "Veronica! Really?"

"I'm so sorry about that." I could tell he wanted to laugh, but my glaring stopped him from doing so.

"How was it with him?"

He sighed. "Well, when he was sober, he's almost bearable. When he drank, I just want to die."

"But I thought he was sober?"

Rolling his eyes, he responded, "had a couple celebratory drinks after we found out I was drafted so early on. Let's just say that night wasn't fun."

A part of my heart hurt when I heard that. I hated it when I heard the news that my father had been drinking at the time of his accident. It was like he killed himself. That's why, when I drink, I never even touch a steering wheel, not even if I only had a sip. It's almost become a superstition to me.

We go down to get his luggage and then after, head to my car. The drive from the airport to his house was about an hour away, so we had plenty of time to talk about his week.

"You don't understand, Viv. Yogi Berra even came up to me and said he was impressed with me!"

I laughed. "That's great! Who's Yogi Berra?"

He looked at me with a confused glance. "You've gotta be kidding me. And you call yourself a Sox fan!"

We shared a laugh before I asked the inevitable question. "So, when do you leave?"

He looked down, becoming quiet. "Nate..." I warned, and he looked up.

"I leave for their minor league affiliate in Iowa in a week."