Page 35 of Waiting Forever
“Why do you keep saying that? I’m not a player anymore.”
“Because you’re devoted to your girlfriend?” she asks, her tone accusing.
I don’t respond.
“It’s okay, Nathan. I’m not judging. You are young. You have time to settle down later if you find the one, and I hope you do. But Kensi can never be a contender. Sometimes we can’t see things as clearly as others can.”
“Meaning?” My face heats again.
“How would it look to her parents if you ended your first relationship ever, with a girl you didn’t care enough about to introduce to your family, to hook up with Kensi? Her parents haven’t seen you in three years. You haven’t seen Kensi in three years. And now you want to what? Date her? How will that translate to her family?”
“I didn’t say I want to date her.” I repeat the lie out of habit. “But I see your point.”
“Good. I have to get back to work, but I was thinking of visiting soon. Maybe take Kensi shopping. I’m sure she misses her mother and could use some girl time.”
Kensi’s earlier words return. “She does miss her mom. She’s upset today.”
Mom sighs again, the sound sad. “Be her friend, Nathan. Be a friend to yourself, too.”
I nod, even though she can’t see me.
“I have another call I have to take. Love you, son.” The line goes dead before I can say,Love you, too.
I stare blankly out the front windshield.Be her friend. I want to be Kensi’s friend. I want to be more, too.
What if Mom is right, and I’m confusing lust with something more? Using Kensi would be wrong, especially after what happened to her. “Fuck!” I punch the dashboard. I didn’t find out what happened.
Why is it so hard to get information about this? Dad always said Mom, with her sharp wit and caring tone, would have made a killer interrogator for the military. Although I don’t think she was manipulating the conversation. She was getting her point across—no Kensi.
Instead of chasing down Kensi like I want to, I send her a text.
Heading back to the office. Call if you need me. I’ll come immediately.
The three minutes it takes for her to reply feels like a lifetime.
Okay. Thank you for understanding.She adds a smiley face.
A little of my tension eases.
16
Nathan
TONIGHT HAS TO be perfect. Kensington didn’t cancel on me. I haven’t seen her yet today, only spoke with her on the phone earlier. She’s been hiding in her room.
I thought for sure she’d reschedule grilling with me. But to my shock and fucking elation, she didn’t.
I carry the tray filled with food, condiments, and eating supplies to the wrought-iron table outside. The evening is cool, with a light breeze. Perfect for grilling and chilling in the Jacuzzi.
Using the app on my phone, I turn on the backyard lights, but not the twinkling ones on the covered dock. I don’t want Kensi to get distracted by them. I want to keep her by the pool, talking, and see if I can get her to tell me what happened to her in Dallas.
Edison bulbs strung across the pool and patio cast a yellow glow over the space. I grab the tongs from the outdoor kitchen and start up the gas grill.
“Need some help?” Kensington suddenly stands beside me.
I gasp. “Shit. You’re like a phantom, sneaking up on me so quietly.”
She laughs and then makes a dramatic frown. “Aw. Did I scare the big bad Nathan in his own house?”
