Page 74 of Romancing the Grump
I smile wide and finish his sentence. “Obstruction of justice.”
“And I have every intention of nailing him for it,” Franklin says. “But first things first. I’ve already talked to the DA, and while I can’t make any guarantees, he seemed optimistic about dropping the charges against Blake altogether. Worst case scenario, they’ll put him on probation, require a little community service. But I don’t think even that will happen.”
Nathan sits stone-still for a long moment, his gaze trained on the floor. “When will we know for sure?” he asks, his voice quiet.
“Blake has a plea hearing on the twenty-seventh,” Franklin says. “I doubt the DA will do anything before then, though technically he could.”
“Why wouldn’t he?” Nathan asks.
“Because he’s likely playing several hands at once,” I answer. “And the new security footage will influence the case against the other boys. The DA is required to submit the new evidence to the opposing counsel, but if he can work the timing to his benefit, he will.”
“Exactly,” Franklin says.
Nathan nods, but he still looks tense, his muscles taut, his hands clasped in front of him. “What if Blake’s attorney decides something different? Or what if the DA?—”
I crouch down in front of him, and wrap my hands around his, cutting off his words. “Nathan,Franklinis Blake’sattorney now. And he’s the best there is. It’s going to be okay.”
He looks up, hope in his eyes. “I thought he was just asking questions.”
“That’s how it started,” Franklin says through the phone speaker. “But one conversation with your brother, and I knew I had to do more. He’s a good kid. He doesn’t deserve to be railroaded like this. I’m waiting on statements from his hockey coach and his principal speaking to his character. I’ll pass those along to the DA, and that should be enough to seal the deal and make this whole thing go away.”
Nathan breathes out a long sigh, then sniffs and wipes at his eyes. “Thanks, man,” he says. “I don't know what else to say. Please bill me for your time. Whatever you’ve done. Whatever you need, I’ll cover it.”
“Are you kidding? I should payyoufor the opportunity to take down the jerk attorney representing these other kids. He’s the kind of man who gives us all a bad name.”
“Just the same, your time, your efforts?—”
“Just take care of Summer, and we’ll call it even,” Franklin says.
Nathan’s eyes lift to mine, a sudden awareness sparking between us.
I could correct Franklin. Tell him we’ve only been faking our relationship for the press. But I don’t say a word, and neither does Nathan.
“Listen, I gotta jet,” Franklin says. “I’ve still got ten more phone calls to make before I quit for the night. If anything changes, I’ll call you. But in this case, no news is good news.”
“Wait, Franklin, can I come to the plea hearing?” Nathan asks. “If I can make it work, I’d like to be there.”
“Sure,” Franklin says. “Absolutely. I’m sure Blake wouldappreciate it, and it would be great to meet you in person. My wife has an Appies hoodie she’d love for you to sign.”
“Bye, Franklin,” I say, but I don’t take my eyes off Nathan.
As soon as the screen goes black, the call disconnected, Nathan stands and pulls me to my feet. Without saying a word, he wraps his arms around me, pulling me against his chest for what has to be the greatest hug of my entire life. He is warm and strong and solid, and somehow, he’s holding me both tightly and gently at the same time. He dips his head, burying his face in my hair and just…holds me.
I could stand like this all night, my hands slowly sliding up and down Nathan’s back. Even though the early March air is frigid. Even though we’re standing in front of an enormous glass door and all our friends could see us at any moment. Even though I don’t actually know if I’ll ever have arealrelationship with Nathan.
None of that matters right now.
Nothing matters but this moment, thisfeeling.
Nathan pulls back the slightest bit and drops his forehead to mine, his hand lifting to my jaw. He holds my face, his thumb brushing a slow line along my cheek, and my eyes flutter closed.
His lips are so close, his breath fanning across my skin. It would be so easy to just push up on my toes and kiss him.
But I’d have to tell him first. That was the rule I demanded.
Nathan knows the rules as well as I do, and he’s not offering up any declarations, so this hug is just…a thank you hug. He’s overwhelmed, he’s emotional, grateful for Franklin’s help, and I’m here and available for a hug. That’s all this is.
So what if Nathan loves fancy coffee and plays Settlers of Catan with unusual skill. So what if he loves teaching kidshow to play hockey and is endlessly patient with his fans. So what if deep in my bones, I feel some kind of kismet, a recognition that this thing happening between us is bigger than anything I’ve ever experienced before.
