*Sam's POV*
The moment we arrived at the beach house, I couldn't help but take in a deep breath of the salty air. It was refreshing, like a much-needed reset button.
Austin pulled the car to a stop, and we all got out, stretching after the long drive. The house was gorgeous. It's modern and cozy, with large windows facing the ocean. The sound of waves crashing in the distance made me feel lighter than I had in weeks.
"Okay, room assignments!" Cass announced as she clapped her hands together.
"We already know yours," Millie teased, wiggling her eyebrows. "Sharing a room with your beloved Austin."
Cass blushed but didn't deny it. "Obviously."
Caleb groaned. "You two better not traumatize us. These walls don't look that thick."
Austin smirked. "No promises."
"Gross." Millie laughed, while Cass playfully swatted Austin's arm.
I chuckled, rolling my suitcase into my own room. At least I had a space to myself.
After unpacking, us girls decided to explore the area while Austin and Caleb volunteered to grab drinks for later. We wandered down the shoreline, letting the fine white sand warm our feet. The ocean stretched endlessly, its beautiful color glowing under the afternoon sun. The fresh breeze ruffled our hair, instantly relaxing us. It was so peaceful, almost surreal.
"Okay, but let's address the real topic here," Millie smirked as we walked along the shore. "How are you holding up, Sam?"
I blinked. "What do you mean?"
Cass nudged me playfully. "Nate's arriving later. You two are gonna be in the same house for five whole days. Any thoughts on that?"
I scoffed. "What? No, I mean... it's fine."
Millie raised a brow. "Fine?"
"Yes, fine!" I said, a little too quickly. "It's been a long time, we're adults. It's not a big deal."
Cass and Millie exchanged a look, then simultaneously said, "Mhm."
I groaned. "You two are insufferable."
They just laughed and let it go... for now.
We continued walking into a small market by the beach, picking out some snacks and little souvenirs. Cass, of course, found a matching shell necklace for her and Austin, which made Millie and me gag dramatically.
"You two are sickeningly cute," I muttered, making Cass giggle.
We eventually made our way back to the beach house to start preparing dinner. As we were chopping vegetables and setting the table, I heard a car pull up outside. I felt my heart skipped a beat.
Nate.
He stepped into the house, luggage in one hand, keys in the other. His eyes met mine immediately. He smiled, hesitant but hopeful. I forced a small, polite smile back before turning my attention back to the cutting board.
Cass gave me a knowing look but thankfully didn't say anything.
"Hey, Nate!" Millie called out cheerfully. "Perfect timing! We're about to eat."
"Smells good," Nate said, setting his bag down. "Need help?"
"We got it," Cass answered quickly, probably sensing my tension.
Dinner was surprisingly normal. Everyone talked, joked around, and shared stories. It felt comfortable, almost as if we're all old friends who go way back, except for the occasional awkward glance Nate and I exchanged.
Nate mostly talked to Caleb and Austin, but I could feel his presence at the other end of the table. Occasionally, our eyes would meet, and each time, I would quickly look away, pretending to focus on something else.
After dinner, we decided to keep the night going. The guys set up the grill while us girls gathered by the bonfire with a few beers in hand.
Millie took a sip of her beer before turning to me. "So, Sam."
I groaned. "Why do I feel like I'm about to be interrogated?"
Cass giggled. "Because you are."
I rolled my eyes. "What now?"
Cass nudged me. "Okay, real talk. When are you going to admit you have feelings for Nate?"
I nearly choked on my drink. "Excuse me?"
Millie laughed. "Don't play dumb, Sam. It's obvious."
I shook my head. "You guys are reading too much into things."
Cass smirked. "Denial. Classic first stage."
I groaned. "This is not happening."
"You don't see it yet," Millie mused, "but we do. You'll get there."
Cass leaned forward. "Come on, Sam. Be honest. You two were close before everything happened. And now, every time he's around, you get all weird."
"I do not."
Millie scoffed. "Yes, you do. You avoid looking at him, but when he's not looking, you glance his way. You say you've moved on, but I don't think you even know what you're moving on from."
I crossed my arms. "This conversation is ridiculous."
Cass sighed. "Sam, we're not trying to push you into anything. We just want you to admit to yourself that maybe, just maybe, you really care about him."
I stayed quiet, staring into the flames. Did I still care?
Of course, I did. I still do. I just have a hard time admitting it, because I'm afraid of getting hurt again.
Before I could argue, Austin and Caleb joined us, carrying plates of grilled seafood and extra drinks. Nate followed behind them, his eyes flickering toward me before sitting down across the bonfire.
We started talking about law school. Our long nights of studying, embarrassing moments in class, and professors who seemed to enjoy making our lives miserable.
"I remember this one time when Nate, Austin, and I stayed up in the library and somehow ended up watching conspiracy theory videos instead of studying" Caleb laughed.
"Oh my god," Austin groaned. "And then we had a quiz the next day and completely bombed it."
Caleb chuckled. "Except for Nate. He aced it."
Nate rubbed the back of his neck. "I may have... skimmed the readings beforehand."
"Of course you did," Cass muttered, making everyone laugh.
The night continued with playful banter and drinking games. It felt nice being here, surrounded by people who mattered to me. But every now and then, I caught Nate watching me, like he was waiting for something. I wasn't sure what, but a part of me wondered if I was waiting for it too.
As the night deepened, people started heading to their rooms one by one. Eventually, it was just me, sitting by the bonfire, staring at the waves in the distance.
I heard footsteps behind me. I didn't have to turn to know it was Nate.
For a moment, there was silence. Just the sound of the waves and the occasional crackle from the fire.
"I didn't think you'd come," I finally said, breaking the quietness.
He let out a small chuckle. "Austin's persistent. He wouldn't take no for an answer."
I smiled slightly, tucking my knees to my chest. "That sounds like him."
A pause. Then, "How have you been, Sam?"
I exhaled. "I've been okay. Just... enjoying the summer break. You?"
"Same," he said. "We really needed this after that dreadful semester."
I nodded, focusing on the flames. I could feel his eyes on me, and it made my heartbeat so loud and fast, yet, at the same time, there was something comforting about it. Like a warmth I hadn't felt in a long time.
"I heard you and Ashley broke up," I said, not entirely sure why.
Nate sighed. "Yeah. Several months ago, actually."
I hesitated. "I didn't know."
"Not many people did. We didn't really... make it public."
Silence stretched between us again.
Then, quietly, he added, "Hey, Sam."
I swallowed hard, my fingers digging into the fabric of my hoodie.
"I know I messed up," he continued, voice laced with regret. "And I've spent months thinking about it. I should've never let things get to where they did between us."
I clenched my jaw, fighting the sudden lump in my throat. "It's... been a long time, Nate. Things aren't the same anymore."
"I know," he murmured. "But that doesn't mean I don't wish they were."
I turned to look at him then, and there it is again, I saw it... the guilt, the longing, the sincerity in his eyes.
"I don't expect things to go back to the way they were overnight," he said. "Or at all. But I just want you to know that I regret everything. And if there's even the slightest chance... I'd really like to be your...."
He hesitated for a moment, as if deep in thought.
I remained quiet, waiting for his answer.
"....friend again, if you let me." he finished.
I wasn't sure if I was ready. But as I looked at him, the light from the bonfire reflecting in his eyes, I knew one thing for sure:
I wasn't as indifferent as I thought I was.
I let out a small breath and offered the tiniest, most hesitant smile. "Let's see how this trip goes."
And for the first time that night, Nate's shoulders relaxed, and a genuine smile touched his lips.
Maybe this wasn't a lost cause after all.
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