Strung (Seaside 0.5)

“Everyone.” I shrugged. “Look, I thought you knew. Your mom’s like a genius, she’s written articles on grief, loss, depression, and addiction. I mean — I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s gotten offers to start her own rehab facility.”

“Oh.” Nat’s lower lip trembled as she slowly fell to a sitting position on the stairs and started crying. What did I say?

“Nat, don’t cry. I’m so sorry.” I pulled Nat into my arms “Let’s go to my house, okay? I’ll make you hot chocolate and even let you win.”

I rubbed her arms so she’d calm down,

“I just don’t get how I don’t even know my own family. I mean, am I that invisible?”

I tensed, my hands moving to her face. “Nat, look at me.”

Her lower lip quivered as she locked eyes with me.

“You are anything but invisible. You are a treasure. I know your mom knows that. She loves you. Sometimes parents just suck at connecting with their kids.”

“She sucks big time.”

I laughed and kissed her cheek. “Yes, she does, but communication works both ways. Have you ever even asked her about work?”

Nat shifted uncomfortably. “No, but…”

“Sorry to say, but that’s how relationships work. One of you has to take the first step.”

She sighed and nodded her head.

“Wait here.” I went in and explained to Mrs. Murray that Nat and I were going to hang out, after she came out to make sure Nat actually wanted to hang out with me without Demetri around, she let us leave.

The office door closed behind Mrs. Murray, Nat’s mouth dropped open in shock. “Did you just ask my mom if we could have a sleepover?”

“Of course not.” I laughed.

Her shoulders slumped in relief.

“I asked her if you could come play at my house and if you were really good, could you stay the night in my bed.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

I threw my head back and laughed. “Only slightly. I did tell her we were going to hang out and not to wait up for you.”

“Oh.” So, that made her blush? Interesting.

“But if you want to spend the night, I wouldn’t be opposed to it.”

Nat’s head jerked to attention as she stared me down as if enamored of the idea. Shit, make it better!

“You can have Demetri’s room. He’d love nothing more than to come home and have your scent all over his sheets.”

“Right.” Nat’s eyebrows furrowed as she bit her lip and looked down at the floor. “So, Go Fish?”

“Absolutely.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Alec

“NAT? DID YOU hear me?” I stepped in front of her bracing her shoulders with my hands. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Fine.” She offered a smile that I’m sure she thought would convince me that she was totally fine. She was anything but fine, but hey if she didn’t want to talk about it, I wasn’t going to force her. I was the last person who should judge something like wanting to keep your secrets and emotions to yourself.

“So, what were you saying about letting me win?” she asked once the cards were dealt.

I cursed. “I thought you’d forget.”

“You thought wrong.”

Grinning, I slammed down my first card. “Do you really want to win that way, Nat? Where I suck on purpose so you feel better about yourself?”

She tilted her head in thought. “Yes. Yes I do.”

“How did I know you were going to say that?” I grumbled and poured the fish onto the table. “Why don’t I just eat two handfuls and then we can play like normal human beings?”

“Only if you intend on allowing me to lick them and put them on your face. There are rules you know and a promise is a promise.”

Nat burst out laughing and my expression.

“Fifteen Fish.”

“Twenty.”

“Seventeen and not a fish more!”

She sighed. “Deal.” Why did I have the sudden feeling she would have settled for ten?

Begrudgingly I picked up one fish and lightly licked it.

“Oh, no, no, no, I don’t believe that’s how the game’s played.” Without hesitation Nat plopped down next to me, stuffed a fish into her mouth, and then very carefully placed it on my cheek, her fingers basically branding me in the process for as hot as it made my skin.

Breathing suddenly became a huge chore. Nat’s eyes locked with mine

The fish fell off of my cheek.

And just like that the spell was broken.

Instantly, I regretted that she’d moved to my side of the couch. Her presence was intoxicating. It made me think things. It made me want things I shouldn’t want — want things I had no right to want. We reached for the next Swedish fish at the same time. Great.

“Maybe a game isn’t the best idea?” I blurted.

Nat quickly nodded.

“TV?”

“Sure!” She tucked her knees underneath her and waited for me to find something to watch.

The minute I flipped channels it landed on Entertainment News. And of course, Demetri’s perfect face was plastered all over the place as the host gushed about his current work with underprivileged kids. He waved at photographers as he wandered into his hotel. Demetri looked happy — he looked free.

“He looks happy,” Nat said basically reading my mind.