Page 21 of Before I Tell You

“Oh, I already know what places to go to around here,” he says with a smirk. “Besides, next month, I won’t have to worry about that.”

“That’s right. Your birthday is on Halloween.”

“Yeah.” He looks out over the park like he is trying to think of something. “And yours is only a few days after mine on … November 5, right?” he asks, turning back to me.

“Very good,” I say, impressed by his memory.

“So, how about it?” He’s holding the bottle of wine in his hands while displaying a playful grin.

“Maybe just a little bit.” I haven’t had a drink in a while, but being around Nathan like this … I don’t know how to explain it. There’s just something about him that has always made me feel comfortable whenever I’m with him. I don’t have to keep my guard up, and it’s a really nice feeling.

I grab the bottle of wine and the corkscrew out of his hands. Then, after struggling with the corkscrew, I pour a decent amount into one of the red solo cups he hands me and take a long sip. The sweet, refreshing taste slides smoothly down my throat, and I savor every drop.

“I guess one drink won’t hurt,” I say, making him chuckle.

“So, I wasn’t sure what you were in the mood for, but I brought us some food too.” He starts pulling out everything he packed in the cooler and tells me my options. “There is cheese and crackers, grapes, a vegetable platter, and of course, some popcorn and candy because how can you watch a movie without popcorn and candy?”

“Oh no, Nathan, I didn’t even think to bring anything,” I respond, embarrassed.

“Don’t worry. I wanted to do this.” He places everything neatly in front of us and then looks at me. “Besides, what kind of date would this be if we didn’t have food?”

So this is a date.

“A date, huh? I thought you said this was just for the extra credit?” A little giggle escapes me as I reach for the grapes.

“I might have only said that so you would say yes to going out with me. Looks like it worked, right?” He winks at me.

“Oh, you think you’re so smooth, don’t you?” I throw a grape at him, which he catches with his hand and then pops into his mouth.

And then we both laugh. The genuine, not-holding-anything-back kind of laughter. Laughter that shows how comfortable you are with someone.

“So, I was thinking this might be a good chance for us to get to know each other,” Nathan says before putting another grape in his mouth.

“How so?” The sound of a giggle catches my attention, causing me to turn my head and get a visual of our neighbors rolling around on their blanket. I wonder if this is what Nathan has in mind for us tonight.

“Don’t worry, Natalie.” A smile flickers across his face when he notices me staring at the couple. I turn away instantly, embarrassed that he caught me. “I mean, get to know each other by asking some questions.”

I’m relieved when I hear this. “What do you want to know?”

“Well, I feel like we spent a lot of time around each other over the years, but, to be honest, I want to know more about what hides underneath that beautiful surface.” His dark, consuming eyes are fixated right on me. “I mean, I know you like ice caramel lattes, don’t do well on roller coasters, and could kick anyone’s ass in tennis, but I’d like to know more.”

“S-so, ask away.” I hope he doesn’t know what his eyes are doing to the speed of my heartbeat.

“Ok, hmm.” He brings his hand to his chiseled chin like he is thinking hard about something. “What do you want to do after college?”

“Umm, well … I would really like to write professionally.” I tuck my hair behind my ear. “I’ve always loved reading. I use books as an escape, and I would love to be able to provide that same experience for people.” I don’t mention that reading provides me with a much-needed calmness I can’t find anywhere else. It silences all worries in my head when I’m too overwhelmed to think straight.

“That’s pretty awesome. Have you written anything?”

“I thought it was my turn?” I tease.

“Yes, yes, sorry, your turn,” he says, laughing as he puts his hands in the air in defense.

“Ok, let’s see.” I look around and spot a group of guys playing basketball in the distance when it hits me. “I know. Who do you want to be like when you grow up?”

He takes a second to think about this one. “That would be my mom.” He takes a can of beer out of the cooler and takes a sip before continuing. “She’s one of the strongest and bravest women I know. I wouldn’t be here today without her. I would do anything for her.”

I was expecting to hear an athlete’s name, but instead, I’m caught off guard by his answer. “Wow, she sounds pretty lucky to have you as a son.”

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