Page 39 of Diverge

Reminds me of all the good times we had trekking through the mountain, swimming in the lakes, and just being carefree teenagers.

Nate’s Jeep is all packed and ready to go. I decided to head up to the cabin with Nate because it just makes sense to go in one car, and given his car is a lot newer and more comfortable than mine, he had no choice but to be the driver.

I don’t think he minds, though, and I think he needs a break, too. He’s been working long hours at the gym between time caring for Noah. I think he deserves a break.

The drive up to the cabin is filled with laughter as I share my playlist with Nate. I feel like he began to judge me slightly when I played “Bring Me the Horizon.” Say what you will about that band. They are diverse, and the lead singer’s voice has come such a long way.

Once we pull into the long, bumpy driveway of the cabin, Nate’s eyes go wide, and to be fair, if it was me seeing the Mackenzie cabin for the first time, I would probably have that exact same look on my face.

“Are theythatloaded?” His brows furrow as he takes in the huge one-story home, sitting on acres of land, surrounded by mountainous landscape, large trees, and lights illuminating the front porch.

I laugh as he gawks at the property. “You can say that, I guess.”

“The house looks like something out of a magazine. I never even knew you could buy land in this part of the mountains.”

“Well, they are the Mackenzies.” I shrug as he parks the Jeep.

I begin to walk up the stairs of the front porch when Nate grabs my elbow and twirls his fingers between mine. His smirk has me wishing I could do dirty things to him right now.

Holding hands, we walk around the porch that wraps around the entire home and out towards the back where I hear music playing. Instantly, everyone’s eyes fall on us as we approach the circle they have formed with outdoor lounge seats.

Grace’s squeal fills my ear as she stops talking with Jess and rushes over to me.

“Oh my god! You made it, and you’re holding hands!” she exclaims. “Does this mean it’s official?!” I smile at her, and in an instant, that smile is wiped away when I see Finn staring at us from across the space, in front of the old hammock.

Blinking abnormally fast, as if to pull myself out of a trance, I immediately look to Nate when I speak to Grace.

“Yes... yes, I guess it is.”

Grace squeals once again and hugs us both.

“Come, take a seat. The boys have gone to get some meat from the local butcher before they close for the long weekend.” I take a seat, and Nate offers to get me a drink.

“Anything with gin will do.” I flash a smile, and he winks at me as he turns and heads towards the gin station. I see Riley talking with a few of Finn’s colleagues, and I think I recognise one. Yes, his name is Greyson. He works within Finn’s marketing team. I think I met him on a call recently and believe I have another meeting with him this week about the new collateral we are designing. He looks like your average bloke, average build, average height, short hair with glasses. Riley notices me looking in their direction, and I see him walking over to me. I smile as he gets closer.

“Are we talking again?” I joke.

“Don’t be stupid.” He snickers as he takes a seat next to me.

“How can I not talk with my sister?” His shoulder nudges mine softly which puts me at ease.

“So, what’s your problem with Nate? You’ve never had an issue with anyone else I’ve dated.”

“It’s not my story to tell, B.” He shakes his head. “You’ll have to ask Nate.”

What? That catches me off guard because I totally thought he would say something along the lines of “he’s too old for you” or “he’s a fighter and doesn’t have a real job.” I purse my lips unsure of how to reply to that when Nate hands me a drink.

“Riley.” He nods, almost cold and unattached.

“Nate.” Riley nods back and walks back over to the others.

“What the hell was that?” I look up at Nate as he watches Riley. “If a stranger had seen that interaction, they would’ve thought you were enemies or something.”

His expression changes from unattached to what I can only describe as sad. Taking a seat next to me, he raises the cup to his lips. “Nate, is there something I should know?” My voice takes on a more serious tone. He swallows, his throat bobbing up and down.

“There is, but now is not the time or place to have that discussion.” He places his hand on mine. “I promise I will tell you. Let’s just enjoy this weekend first.” Unease creeps inside me, wondering about all the things it could be. I give his hand a little squeeze and smile.

As the night sky grows darker, the bonfire is lit, and we’re all surrounding the fire seated in our chairs, toasting marshmallows on sticks, a classic favourite amongst our little group.

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