Brand New
chaptertwelve.
I gulped down the lump in my throat, and I think Nate could feel me tensing up as we walked across the lawn, because he squeezed my hand. He led me through the crowd, and I saw many people from our school dancing. Then, I saw Macon. Sammie was pressed up against him, and he was pushing her away gently. He looked irritated, but when he saw me his face softened. I raised a hand to wave, but Nate was already leading me through to the kitchen.
“It’s so loud.” I said, practically yelling.
“What?” I heard Nate yell,
“Nothing, it’s nothing.” I said, and he nodded.
I watched as he poured me some beer in a red, plastic cup, and then got some for himself. I took a sip to have something to do, and it tasted warm and flat. I was really nervous, so I gulped it all down. Nate grinned at me and poured me more, but I pushed it away,
“You have it.” I said, and he smiled.
As we walked through the party, I held Nate’s hand while he mingled with a few people I didn’t know. I looked around searching for Macon in all this craziness, and I saw him with Sammie again. She was obviously flirting, her face flushed and she kept winking. It was really weird. I told Nate I’d be right back, and I started towards Macon.
“Macon!” I yelled over the music and he finally turned to see me.
“What’s up?” He said, and I shrugged, leaning back against the wall.
“Having fun?” I said, low enough so only he could hear me. I nodded towards Sammie who looked annoyed. He rolled his eyes and smiled.
“She’s a blast. Get back out there.” He said, and gave me a little nudge. I squared my shoulders and started towards Nate.