Page 48 of Matched

“I’m sorry,” I murmured, brushing her hair out of her eyes. She shook her head.

“No. It’s silly. Like I said to Charlie, neither of us can help the way we feel. I just. I really liked him. I still really like him. I know it’ll fade, and I know we only went on one proper date, so I shouldn’t even be this upset, but right now, it really hurts.” Hervoice was small. “All day today, I kept thinking I was going to see him with another girl, and I know when that happens, it’ll hurt even more.”

Fucking hell. There was no way on Earth I couldevertell her what had happened between me and Charlie.

Pushing all thoughts of Charlie away, I focused on my sister. I’d invited her over for a reason—to see if she was okay, and she clearly wasn’t. It was time for me to do what I did best. Being the supportive big brother.

“I’m not gonna say all the cliche stuff about there being plenty more fish in the sea, but I will say that you’ve got two more years at LSU to fill with experiences, and I can guarantee that the good will far outweigh the bad. You’re amazing, Soph. You’ll find someone perfect for you one day. Just not too soon, yeah?”

Turning to face me, she rolled her eyes, and I exhaled, some of my tension draining away. “If you had it your way, I’d never date anyone.” Squeezing my hand, she added, “Thanks, though.”

“Am I that bad?”

“Not really. You’re not even that overprotective, and you don’t meddle in my life like some siblings do. I guess I just sometimes feel like I can’t properly relax when you’re there. It feels like you’re judging me.”

I stared at her. “Soph, I’d never judge you. Okay, maybe I do keep an eye on you when we’re in the same location, but it’s only because I want to make sure you’re alright. I wouldn’t interfere unless there was a situation that needed it.”

Leaning her head against my shoulder, she squeezed my hand. “I know you’re not judging me. It’s just my brain telling me that. I do appreciate you looking out for me, I promise. Anyway, it’ll probably do us both good to have a bit of breathing room next semester. You never know, you might find a girlfriendin Plymouth who lasts longer than a couple of months, and then you’ll be too busy looking out for her to worry about me.”

“I doubt it,” I muttered. “It might not be a girl, anyway.”

Her head shot up, her eyes wide. “Nate! Are you?—”

“Bi, I think. Yeah.”

“Since when?”

I shrugged. “Since always, probably. I don’t really know.” As I told her the same things I’d told Jonas and Charlie about being at school and suppressing that part of myself, she squeezed my hand tighter and tighter, curling into me.

“I wish I’d known. I’m sorry. Thank you for telling me, Nate. I’m happy for you, that you can fully be yourself now.”

“Thanks. Love you.”

“Love you, too.” Straightening up, she released my hand, reaching for the bag of popcorn. “Now we can celebrate as well as commiserate by watching a giant shark terrorise a small town.”

I laughed. “Yeah. Pass me the Doritos, will you?”

19

Friends. Just friends. No, I did not want to climb Nate like a tree…or have him climb me. If I reminded myself of the facts enough times, they’d sink in.

Crouching down to lock my bike up next to Nate’s, I wiped my palms on my shorts. My hands were suddenly clammy, thinking about what waited for me. It had been a few weeks since our conversation…sincethingshad happened in the changing rooms, and we’d both agreed that having a bit of space from each other was the best plan. Even if it wasn’t the plan I wanted.

I’d taken extra shifts in the library and student union to keep me busy, and I hadn’t been to the past couple of LSU matches. My housemates had asked where I’d been instead, but I was able to throw them off the scent by saying I needed the extra shifts at work.

It was true, anyway. Rocky was desperate to see Glevum play—or more accurately, to see his hero, Jordan Emery—and I wanted to put some extra money aside so Gem and I could get him tickets for his birthday or Christmas.

Nate had been busy, too, working on his final architecture project, so it had been easy enough for us to avoid each other. We’d stayed in touch, texting each other regularly, keeping to our usual banter, and it was enough for me.

Okay, that was a lie. I missed Nate. Speaking to him via texts was okay, but I wanted to see him in person. And that was why I’d finally snapped and texted him to see if he wanted to hang out. As friends. He’d agreed straight away.

Coming out of the alleyway onto the pavement outside The Game Room, I pulled my phone from my pocket to check the time.

It all happened so fast I didn’t even have a chance to react.

Someone cycled past me at speed, snatching my phone from my unresisting grip.

“Hey!” I shouted, launching myself forwards and knowing at the same time it was hopeless. I couldn’t keep up with a bike, especially not if it was an electric one.

---