6. Nate
Chapter six
Nate
The past week has felt like the longest of my life. Liam finally caught the person who helped my secretary steal from the company. It was her damn boyfriend. It was a mess, but I'm thankful that they hadn’t caused any permanent damage. The money is being recovered, and with Bryan’s help, the board never caught wind of it. It should be a relief, but somehow, I still cannot shake the tension I’ve been carrying for days.
From the kitchen window, I watch Liz and Max out in the backyard, laughing as they play some game I can’t quite figure out. Max is running in circles, Liz chasing him with Boomer weaving between them. They’ve been at it for almost an hour, and I swear I can watch them all day.
Liz moves with such ease, her long hair tied up in a loose ponytail that bounces every time she runs. She’s wearing one of those casual, summery dresses that flutters around her legs as she sprints across the yard. Max squeals as Liz pretends to be a monster or something, her fingers wiggling in the air like claws.
I can’t help the small smile that tugs at my lips. Max is usually a happy kid, but with Liz, it’s different. There’s a lightness in him I haven’t seen in a long time. He laughs more. He smiles more. Heck, he even talks more. And Liz? Well, she’s been the kind of presence I didn’t know we needed. Steady. Warm. Effortlessly fitting into our lives.
My eyes linger on her longer than they should. She’s beautiful no denying that, but it’s more than that. There’s something about the way she looks at Max, the way she laughs, the way she’s so completely unguarded that makes me feel... well, makes me feel things I’m not ready to feel. Not again.
I want to join them. I can picture it, me running around with them, laughing, forgetting about all the crap I’ve been dealing with. But I know if I do, I am risking more than breaking a sweat. I am risking breaking down the walls that I have carefully built around myself for years. And if I let Liz in, even just a little, I’m not sure I’ll be able to close myself off again.
I jump as I hear the soft creak of the kitchen door. Sue walks in, wiping her hands on a dish towel. She gives me a knowing smile, following my gaze out the window.
"Why don’t you join them?" she asks, her voice gentle but pointed.
I shrug, turning away from the window. "I’m busy," I mutter, avoiding her eyes. It’s a lie, of course. I’m not busy. I’ve been standing here, watching.
Sue chuckles.
"You’re not fooling me, Nate." She leans against the counter, her eyes twinkling with that motherly look she’s always had for me. "I always knew Liz would grow into a wonderful woman."
Her words catch me off guard, and before I can stop myself, I say, "It’s... unbelievable how much she’s grown." My voice is softer than I intend, and I mentally kick myself for how easily the words slip out.
Sue looks at me for a moment, her smile deepening as if she knows exactly what’s going on in my head.
"She has grown," she agrees, nodding. "And she’s done quite well for herself."
I don’t respond. Instead, I turn back to the window, watching Liz chase Max around the yard. The way she moves, the sound of her laughter it’s all been... distracting. In the best and worst ways. Working with her this past week has been a challenge.
Not because she’s terrible at her job—far from it. She’s been incredible. She's jumped in wherever needed, helping with Max, and being the kind of support I never knew I craved. But it’s the way she looks. The way she smiles. The way she’s always there, right in front of me, making it damn near impossible to concentrate.
Sue’s voice breaks through my thoughts. "Is that why you can’t take your eyes off her?"
I whip my head around, frowning. "What are you talking about?"
Sue lets out a soft laugh, shaking her head like she’s talking to a clueless child.
"Oh, Nate. You can pretend all you want, but I’ve seen the way you look at her. Like a man looks at a woman."
"I don’t—" I start, but she cuts me off.
"You do," she says firmly. "You’ve been staring at her like that for days. Don’t think I haven’t noticed."
My jaw tightens, and I force a scoff.
"She’s like a little sister."
Sue raises an eyebrow, her knowing smile still in place. "Is that what you’ve been telling yourself?"
I cross my arms over my chest, shaking my head. "She’s off-limits, Sue. Whatever idea you think you’re seeing doesn’t exist."
Sue doesn’t argue. She simply smiles that infuriatingly calm smile and says, "When it comes to love, rules tend to break."
I blink, startled by the word. Love? No. I’m not cut out for that anymore. I’ve been there. I’ve done that. And it broke me.
"You know that’s not happening," I mutter. "I’m not cut out for love anymore."
Sue shakes her head and her eyes twinkling with something I can’t quite place.
"Never say never, Nate. It has been a long time since Becky left. Maybe it’s time to live again."
I open my mouth to argue, but the sound of the doorbell cuts me off. Sue glances toward the front of the house, her brow furrowing.
"Are you expecting someone?"
I shake my head. "No."
I move toward the door, grateful for the interruption. Anything to end this conversation. As I pull open the door, the words die in my throat.
Standing on my doorstep, with that same sharp, calculating smile I remember all too well, is the last person I expect to see — Becky.
My ex-wife. The woman who walked out of my life four years ago without a second glance, without even looking back at her son.
For a moment, I don’t even know what to say. She looks exactly the same. Same long, blonde hair styled perfectly, the same high-end clothes that scream privilege. Nothing has changed about her. Nothing at all.
"What are you doing here?" The words slip out before I can stop them, my voice harder than I intended. My mind is racing, trying to process what’s happening. Becky. Here. After all these years.
She gives me that same smile—sly and a little too practiced.
"Is that any way to greet an old friend?" she asks, her voice dripping with faux sweetness.
I grit my teeth, already feeling the tension rise.
"Last I recall, you swore you would never set foot in Ocean Bay again." My words are sharper now.
"So, what are you doing here?"
Becky waves a dismissive hand, her expression barely faltering.
"That was four years ago, Nate. People change. I’ve had time to reflect and now I’m back."
I narrow my eyes, alarm bells ringing in my head. I know her too well. There’s always a game, always something she’s playing at. I can feel it. The idea that she’s "back" isn’t sitting well with me.
"Can I come in?" she asks, stepping forward as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.
"No." My response is immediate, and I step into her path. "You can’t."
She frowns, clearly not expecting me to refuse her. "Why not?"
I cross my arms over my chest.
"Because the moment you signed those divorce papers, this stopped being your home. You don’t get to just walk back in here like nothing happened."
She lets out a laugh, brushing off my words like they’re nothing more than a minor inconvenience.
"Oh, Nate, I’m not trying to move back in. I just wanted to say hi... to you and my son."
The way she says "my son" grates on my nerves. She hadn’t been a mother to Max in years. I want to remind her that for four long years, she hasn’t once reached out. Not even a phone call. Not a single effort to check on Max, to see how he is doing, to be there for him.
I can feel the anger bubbling up, but I force myself to stay calm. Sue lays a supporting hand on my shoulders and quietly asks if I need her to stay. I shake my head, and she gently closes the door as she leaves, but not before a comforting smile to me.”
I return my attention to Becky. "You had every opportunity to stay in Max’s life. We agreed on me having full custody, yes, but I never once prevented you from contacting him. You could have called. You could have asked to see him. You could have been a part of his life anytime you wanted." I stop, feeling the weight of my own words.
"But you didn’t."
Becky has the nerve to look sad, though I know her too well to believe any of it is real.
"I got busy," she says, her voice softening as if that’s some kind of excuse. "You know how it is."
Busy. The word echoes in my head, and I almost laugh at how absurd it is.
"Busy?" I repeat, incredulous.
"You left with your lover and didn’t look back. Not even for your son who was only two years old at the time. Busy? Too busy for him?”
Her eyes flicker, and I can see her scrambling to come up with something, anything to make her look less selfish.
"Nate, I’m sorry. I really am. I realize now how wrong I was. That is why I’m here. I want to be a part of his life again."
I stare at her, my mind numb to her words. She is saying all the right things, but I don’t believe a word of it. I know there is something else going on here. Becky didn’t just waltz back into town because she suddenly feels maternal. There is something more, and I intend to find out what it is.
"Why now?" I ask, my voice steady. "Why after all this time?"
She hesitates for a fraction of a second, but it’s enough for me to see the cracks in her facade.
"I’ve changed," she says, her tone dripping with sincerity. "I’ve had time to think, and I want to make things right."
I shake my head slowly.
"You can’t come in and out of our lives as you please, Becky. It doesn’t work like that. Max... Max deserves better than that."
Her expression hardens slightly, but she covers it with another sad smile.
"I know, Nate. I know. But I want to try now. I want to be there for him."
I don’t buy it. Not for a second. But I also know that if I shut her down completely, Max might blame me for not giving her a chance. And I’m not about to let Becky mess with his head like that.
"You can meet with Max," I finally say, my voice measured. "But not yet. I need to talk with him first. Get him used to the idea that you’re back."
She lights up at that, smiling brightly as if she has just won some kind of prize.
"Of course! That’s more than fair. Thank you, Nate."
She steps forward as if to hug me, but I take a step back and put my hand up, keeping the distance between us. Her smile falters for a moment before she covers it up with her usual charm.
"I’m staying in an apartment, just fifteen minutes from here," she adds, clearly pleased with herself. "Let me know when you’re ready for me to see him."
I don’t respond, but my mind is already spinning. Fifteen minutes away? The thought of her being that close doesn’t sit well with me. I don’t trust her. Not with Max, and definitely not with whatever game she’s playing.
"I’ll let you know," I say, my tone flat. "But don’t expect this to be easy."
Becky smiles, as if she is already planning her next move. "Thanks, Nate. Really."
I don’t bother responding. Instead, I tell her goodbye, shutting the door firmly in front of her. As I turn away, I feel a strange mixture of relief and dread. Relief that the conversation is over, and dread because I know this isn’t the last of it.
For years, I’d worshipped the ground Becky walked on. I’d been a fool. She had been my everything, and when she left, it felt like a part of me died with her. But now? Now, I don’t feel the pain I once did. There’s no longing, no hurt. I’m numb to her. And that, at least, is a small victory.
But even so, I can’t shake the feeling that her return to Ocean Bay has nothing to do with Max. Whatever brought her back... I have a bad feeling it’s something else entirely.
And I’m going to find out what.
***
Sitting at the dinner table, I watch as Liz moves around the kitchen. Her usual sassy energy is in full swing as she dishes out dinner.
Her voice drifts over to me, soft and cheerful, as she hums a tune I can’t quite place. She’s practically dancing as she sets the table. Max is following her lead, trying to sing along despite not knowing the words.
They’re standing near the dining table as she finishes setting it for the pasta with roasted vegetables she whipped up, still humming that silly tune. Max claps his hands, trying to keep up with her exaggerated moves.
“Come on, Max! You’ve got to keep up!” Liz teases, her voice light and playful, that infectious energy pulling Max in as always.
He bursts out laughing. “I’m trying, Liz!” His little feet stumble as he bounces around, trying to match her rhythm.
Normally, I’d be laughing too. I’d let myself enjoy this watching the two of them, feeling the warmth in the room, the ease between us. But tonight, my mind is somewhere else caught in the mess Becky’s return has stirred up.
Liz twirls around, her laugh filling the kitchen. She’s completely immersed in the moment. Her cheeks flush as she makes Max laugh, their connection so natural it’s almost unsettling. A pang of jealousy twists in my gut, a feeling I can’t quite shake. She makes it look so easy getting Max to light up like that.
Max glances at me, his face full of excitement.
“Dad! You should sing with us!”
Normally, I’d try. I’d at least give him a smile and wave it off, but tonight, I can’t muster anything.
“Not tonight, buddy. You and Liz are doing great without me.”
Liz glances at me then, her brow furrowing slightly.
“Come on, Nate, live a little. Max and I can’t carry this performance alone,” she teases, waving her hands in the air like she’s trying to coax me into joining them.
I force a half-hearted smile, but it doesn’t reach my eyes.
“I’m good. You two keep it up.”
Liz’s smile falters a bit.
“Alright,” she says softly, turning back to Max. “I bet your dad’s a little tired tonight.”
Max, oblivious to the tension, grins up at her.
“That was fun! Let’s do it again tomorrow!”
Liz ruffles his hair, still smiling, but I notice her energy from earlier has dimmed.
“We’ll see, champ,” she says, glancing at me once more.
Becky’s return has been gnawing at me ever since she showed up on my doorstep. I can’t shake the image of her standing there, acting like she belongs here again ... like she hadn’t disappeared for four years without a backward glance. Worse, I can’t stop worrying about what this means for Max.
Liz sets the plates on the table, offering me a smile, but I barely respond. She raises an eyebrow, clearly catching on that something’s bothering me. I'm thankful that she doesn’t push.
As I glance down at the dinner she’s made, I can’t help but feel the weight of it all. This scene—Liz here, cooking dinner for Max and me—feels too natural. Too easy. Like a family. And it scares me.
I glance at Max, who’s shoveling food into his mouth with his usual enthusiasm. He suddenly looks up, his eyes wide with excitement.
“Dad, do you think Liz can stay with us forever?”
The fork in my hand stills. My throat tightens, and for a moment, I can’t find the words. Liz, mid-chew, looks at Max, then at me, her eyes wide with surprise.
Max’s innocent question feels like a gut punch. I force a laugh, trying to brush it off.
“Max,” I say, my voice steadier than I feel,
“Liz has her own life. She can’t stay forever.”
Max’s face falls, his brow furrowing as he pokes at his food.
“But... but I like having her here. She makes everything fun. And Boomer likes her too. Right, Boomer?”
Boomer, lying at Max’s feet, doesn’t even lift his head.
Liz offers Max a soft smile, but I catch something flicker in her eyes—something that tells me she wasn’t expecting that either.
I shrug off the heaviness in the air and try to focus on my food, but Max’s question lingers. It shouldn’t. But it does.
Forever? The word echoes in my mind, like an anchor weighing me down. Max is already so attached to her. It’s not surprising, she’s great with him but it’s dangerous. For him. And for me.
I clear my throat, trying to get back to the meal, but the tension in my chest won’t ease. Liz, sensing it, shifts the conversation, asking Max about his day at school. She knows. She knows I’m unraveling, and she’s giving me space to pull myself together.
But the truth is, I don’t know if I can.
The more time Liz spends with Max, the harder this is getting. And that terrifies me. I’ve been here before letting someone in, trusting them only to have it all fall apart. Becky did that to me, and I swore I’d never let anyone get that close again.
I glance at Liz as she laughs at something Max says, the sound light and easy. She has become such an integral part of our lives now. More than I thought she would. More than I expected. And that’s exactly why I need to pull back before this goes too far.
It’s not just about Becky being back. It’s about me. About what happens when I let myself care too much, let someone too close. Sue’s words from earlier replay in my head—her gentle push for me to see what’s right in front of me. But I can’t let that happen. I won’t.
Max finishes his food, pushing his plate away with a contented sigh. “That was so good, Liz!” he says, grinning.
Liz smiles, ruffling his hair again. “Glad you liked it, buddy.”
He turns to me, his face glowing with that kind of joy only kids can have. “Dad, wasn’t it the best?”
I nod, offering a tight smile.
“Yeah, buddy. It was great.” But my mind is far from here. I can’t stop thinking about what Max said. About Liz. And about how dangerously comfortable this all feels.
After dinner, Max runs off to play, leaving Liz and me alone in the kitchen. I can feel her eyes on me, waiting for me to say something. But I can’t. I don’t trust myself to speak.
“I’ll take care of the dishes,” Liz offers, standing up and moving toward the sink.
I shake my head. “No, I’ll handle it.”
She pauses, looking at me with those eyes that always seem to see right through me.
“You sure? I don’t mind—”
“I’ve got it, and thanks for dinner,” I say, my voice a little rougher than I intend.
“Okay, well… you’re welcome,” she murmurs, uncertainty in her tone.
Liz leans against the counter, crossing her arms as she looks at me. There’s a softness in her gaze, a quiet concern. “You okay?”
I nod automatically.
“Yeah... just a lot on my mind.”
“Anything you want to talk about?” she asks, her voice full of understanding.
I shake my head again.
“No... it’s just... stuff.”
She doesn’t push, but she doesn’t leave either. She lingers, watching me, and for a moment, I realize how perfectly she fits into our lives. And yet, tonight, everything feels like it’s hanging by a thread.
“I’ll go check on Max,” she finally says, breaking the silence as she walks out of the kitchen.
As soon as she’s gone, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. This needs to stop. I need to stop letting her get under my skin, stop letting my guard down. Max may be attached to her, but I can’t let this go any further.
For his sake. For mine.
I need to keep things in check. If I don’t, I’m risking everything. And I can’t afford to let that happen.
As I clean up the kitchen, I can’t shake the image of Liz’s face, her smile, the way she fits so effortlessly into our lives. It’s too easy. Too comfortable.
And that’s why it has to end. Before it’s too late.
Moreover, Becky’s back. And nothing good ever follows her.