For a moment, I just look at him, taking in the casual confidence, the way he's always been there when I needed him, whether I realized it at the time or not. Nick's not just a friend; he's become something more. A mentor, maybe, or the older brother I didn't know I needed. He's steady in a way I envy, a grounding force in a life that's felt like it's been spiraling for as long as I can remember.
"So, how're things with Nora?" he asks, the question casual but weighted with more meaning than his tone lets on.
I don't have to scan the crowd to find her. I never do. She's standing near the pool, laughing at something Camilla said, her hair catching the glow of the sun overhead. She's magnetic, effortlessly drawing people in. And me? I'm utterly and hopelessly caught.
"I think things are looking up," I say, my voice softer than I intended.
Nick glances at me, his smile subtle but knowing. He claps me on the shoulder again, the gesture saying more than words ever could. Approval. Encouragement. A quiet reminder that I've got someone in my corner. He doesn't linger, leaving me with my thoughts as he wanders off to join a group by the grill. I look back toward Nora, watching the way she lights up the space around her, and I want this feeling to last forever.
That's when Jake's voice cuts through the yard, clear and loud, like he's announcing some grand prize.
"I brought an addition to the party," he calls out, and the grin in his tone is unmistakable.
The words barely register before a familiar voice follows, stopping me dead in my tracks.
"Hi, everyone!"
Farrah.
My grip on my drink falters, and for a split second, I'm sure it's going to hit the ground. Fury bubbles up hot and immediate as I glance toward the patio. There she is in her designer shoes and perfectly curated casual look, standing like she fucking owns the place. Jake, either oblivious or deliberately reckless, stands next to her, looking far too pleased with himself.
The question burns in my mind: Is this his way of getting back at me?
The air in my lungs feels sharp, like broken glass as I scan the yard. My eyes land on Nora, who's sitting with Mia and Camilla at a table. She's mid-laugh until her gaze shifts, catching sight of Farrah. Her shoulders stiffen, the light in her expression dimming as she tugs at the hem of her dress—a nervous tic I know all too well. The sight is like a knife to the gut.
The boiling anger in me shifts, sharpening into something primal and protective. Every muscle in my body coils tight as I stride across the yard. By the time I reach Farrah, I'm barely holding it together.
She turns at the sound of my footsteps, lips curving into that saccharine smile I've grown to hate.
"Nate," she coos, and I recognize the fake sweetness in her tone.
"Inside. Now," I grit out, my voice low and controlled, barely.
Her brows lift in mock surprise. "Aren't you happy to see me?" She reaches out to stroke my hair like she used to, the gesture calculated to provoke.
I jerk away from her touch, my glare cutting like a blade. She tilts her head, amusement dancing in her eyes. She's enjoying this. She always did thrive on drama.
"Inside," I repeat, my voice like steel.
Rolling her eyes with exaggerated flair, she lets me steer her toward the house. As soon as the door shuts behind us, I round on her, my hands braced on the counter as I fight to keep my voice level.
"What the actual fuck is your problem, Farrah?"
She crosses her arms, the picture of indignation. "My problem? You're the one dragging me in here like some overbearing asshole."
"We're done, remember?" I snap. "Done. What part of that didn't you get?"
"Your brother invited me, asshole," she interrupts with a smirk that sets my teeth on edge.
Her words reignite the fury burning in my chest.
"And you just had to accept, didn't you?"
Her smile widens as she steps closer, pressing against boundaries she knows damn well exist.
"Come on, Nate." She starts tracing a hand down my chest. "You and I both know we're never really done."
I grab her wrist, holding it firm enough to stop her but not hurt her. "Don't touch me."