As most moms in existence, Beth wanted to ply them with even more food, bless her, before they reassured her that they had it all covered, bringing out iced tea and sodas for them instead. Maddy had yet to meet Nate’s brother, but very specific sound effects coming from a room close to the living room, led her to believe someone was gaming aggressively. She didn’t even know what kind of gaming was even possible at this time. Probably on some good ol’ PlayStation 1. Whatever it was, he seemed too preoccupied to come out and say hello.
Nate took care of putting all their junk food in bowls, which gave Maddy the chance to look around the living room.
It had a very homey feel. All furniture was facing the TV, namely a brown, worn-looking sofa, that looked extremely comfortable, and a couple of armchairs, all of them piled with throw pillows. Soft light came from the two lamps on either side of the room, and the heating seemed to be full on, judging from the toasty atmosphere. Everything gave Maddy the feeling of a well-lived house, where no one tip-toed around anything, but instead took full advantage of every nook and cranny.
Her eyes were drawn to the family photos perched on a mantel. There were several of Nate and his younger brother in several different settings, and others of their mother alone or with them, younger than she was now, her smile soft, as Maddy had seen it earlier.
Maddy picked up one where Nate appeared to be a toddler trying to hold a basketball and failing. He was pouting in a way she was sure she’d probably never see him do now that he was all grown-up. She still chuckled at the image. A quick glance through all the pictures revealed the conspicuous absence of a father and she felt a small pinch in her chest.
“Snooping already?” Nate’s smooth voice startled her, sounding so much closer than she’d thought he would be.
Turning around, she glanced up meeting his eyes. “I wouldn’t call it snooping since you left me to roam freely. If anything, it’s your fault.”
“As if you’d need any sort of push.”
“I do not acknowledge that accusation.”
“That sounds like guilty to me.” Nate’s eyes were twinkling in the warm light of the living room.
“I was just curious if this was when your sports affliction started,” she said showing the photo of him with the basketball.
“Is it an affliction to you?” Nate said dryly.
“Most definitely,” she replied equally dry.
“Have you even tried anything sports-related?” he asked raising an eyebrow skeptically.
“I don’t know if I should feel slightly insulted by your tone, but as a matter of fact I have. The results were tragic.” She sighed deeply. “I can’t even run to save my life.”
Nate’s dark brown eyes bored into hers. She didn’t like the sudden glint of determination in them.
“Put it on the list.”
Maddy gaped at him. “What list?” Maybe stalling and evading was the best tactic here.
“You know perfectly well what list. The list of things to redo. I will show you how to do it properly, there’s a wrong and right way to do everything.”
“You’re preaching to the wrong crowd, Nate.”
Nate chuckled, his warm breath brushing her face.
“Don’t worry, I’m a good teacher,” he smirked. “You might actually pick up a thing or two.”
“I have my books for that. And they would never endanger me with flying balls to the face.”
Nate blinked at her.
“Have you been endangered by a lot of balls to the face?”
She had the distinct inkling that he was making fun of her.
“More times than I can count,” Maddy nodded seriously.
Nate’s face twitched with barely concealed mirth. “You must lead a very interesting life, Mads.” And with that he slowly took a step back and turned towards the sofa, taking his soapy scent with him.
Right, they had a movie to watch.
And if she was secretly pleased he’d shortened her name, that was her secret to keep.
