Chapter 9

Nathan was still seated by the man-made lake when I arrived. He wasn't drinking anymore, though.

"Nathan!" I called.

He turned in my direction, his gaze drunken and unfocused. "Is that you, Giselle?"

"Why have you had so much to drink?" I sat beside him and moved some unfinished beer bottles aside. "That's enough."

He nodded, then shook his head without taking his eyes off me. He looked slightly slow-witted compared to his usual self and dragged his words as he said, "I'll feel bad if I don't drink."

I asked, "Why?"

He looked down and lifted my hand, pressing it to his chest. "It'll hurt here. You won't want me anymore."

My nose prickled; I felt like needles had pricked my heart. "Whoever said anything about me not wanting you anymore?"

Nathan had more to say now that he was drunk. "Because you like Evan. I fell for you when we were freshmen, but you've only ever had eyes for him. You've never noticed me. This is an opportunity I stole, so you'll hate me now that you've regaine