9. Liz
Chapter nine
Liz
The annual Ocean Bay Harvest Festival is in full swing. The air hums with the familiar energy of community spirit. Colorful stalls line the park, filled with freshly baked pies, hand-carved trinkets, and local crafts.
The sweet scent of caramel apples and kettle corn lingers in the breeze. And children dart around with their faces painted like animals, their laughter infectious.
Seven years have passed since I last attended this event, and I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed it. Back then, it was smaller, a quaint gathering of familiar faces.
But now, with sponsorship from Nate, Bryan, and Liam, the festival has blossomed into something grander. It's almost unrecognizable but it still carries that nostalgic charm.
I’m standing with two older women I knew growing up, Mrs. Walker and Miss Ruby. Both have known me since I was a little girl running around with my brother. We’ve been chatting about old times, catching up on who’s gotten married, who’s moved away, and who’s stayed in Ocean Bay.
"My goodness, Liz, look at you!" Mrs. Walker exclaims, giving me a once-over with that same warmth I remember from my childhood. "All grown up. We still remember when you used to come to this festival with your brother. You were such a little thing, always getting into mischief."
Miss Ruby chuckles, shaking her head.
"Always sneaking extra cookies when she thought no one was looking."
I laugh; a bit embarrassed by their memories but warmed by the familiarity of it all.
"I don’t think I ever got away with anything around here, did I?"
"Not with us watching, you didn’t," Miss Ruby teases, winking. "But it’s so nice to see you back in town, dear. We always wondered when you’d come back after going off to college."
I nod, smiling at the memory.
"I didn’t think it would be this long before I came back, honestly. Life just... happened."
Mrs. Walker gives me a knowing look.
"It always does, sweetheart. But we’re glad you’re here now." She leans in conspiratorially.
"And we’ve heard you’re staying with Nate. That must be... interesting."
I try to keep my face neutral, but I can’t help the slight flush that rises in my cheeks.
"It’s been... different. Max is a handful, and then there’s Boomer, of course."
Miss Ruby waves a hand dismissively.
"Max is a darling, and Boomer is quite a lovable thing. But what about Nate?" She gives me a pointed look, her lips twitching in amusement.
"You know, folks around here have always been curious about him after... well, you know."
Before I can respond, a firm but gentle grip is on my hand, and I glance down to see Nate’s hand closing over mine. When I look up, he’s standing beside me, his expression serious but calm.
"Hey," he says softly. His voice is steady, but I immediately recognize an underlying tension.
I frown, confused by the sudden change in him. I glance around to see if something’s wrong. That’s when I spot her. Becky. She's standing a few feet away, glaring at us, her eyes full of venom and accusation.
Mrs. Walker and Miss Ruby had not yet noticed Becky, and one claps her hands together, beaming at the sight of Nate and me standing so close.
"Oh, you two are just the cutest couple! I always knew there was something more with you living together," she gushes, her eyes twinkling.
Miss Ruby nods in agreement, her smile widening.
"Finally found someone better than that dreadful ex-wife of his."
Before I can even respond to the awkwardness of their comments, Nate leans down and presses a kiss to the back of my hand. The warmth of his lips sends a jolt of electricity through me, and for a moment, I forget how to breathe.
His touch is light, but the gesture feels intimate. And I can’t help but notice how everyone around us is watching, waiting for our reaction.
"Thank you," Nate says, the charm in his voice making it sound like we’ve been doing this for years. "We’re lucky to have each other."
The women swoon, giggling like schoolgirls.
"We’re so happy for you both!" Mrs. Walker practically squeals.
"It’s about time you found someone special, Nate."
Miss Ruby adds, "And Liz is perfect for you. Better than that other woman ever was. You’ve really upgraded."
I force a smile, feeling out of place in this role I’ve somehow fallen into, but I nod along, playing the part as best as I can. Nate’s grip on my hand remains firm, grounding me, but I can feel the tension rolling off him. His hand is still linked with mine, even though Becky isn’t watching us anymore. My heart races, and I can’t help but wonder if Nate is as affected by this charade as I am.
The soft rustle of fabric catches my attention. I glance up to see Becky storming toward us, her face twisted in fury. My body tenses instinctively, and I brace myself for whatever’s about to come.
"Nate," she snaps, her voice dripping with irritation.
"I need to talk to you. Alone."
Nate’s hand tightens around mine for a moment, as if silently reassuring me before he speaks.
"Whatever you have to say, you can say it in front of Liz."
Becky’s eyes narrow as she finally acknowledges my presence, her gaze sweeping over me with disdain.
"This isn’t about her. It’s about Max."
I feel my pulse quicken at the mention of Max. It’s not lost on me that Max isn’t here today, staying back with Sue because he wasn’t feeling well this morning. I wonder if Becky’s aware of that, or if she is just using his name as a way to get to Nate.
Nate’s jaw clenches, and I can see the anger simmering just beneath the surface.
"We can talk about Max somewhere else. This isn’t the place."
Becky’s eyes flash with annoyance.
"Have you been dating Liz while we were still married?" she accuses, her voice low but sharp.
Nate’s eyes darken, and his grip on my hand tightens.
"I respected our marriage, Becky. You didn’t! I never cheated on you. Remember, that was you?"
Becky scoffs, her gaze still fixed on me.
"Well, isn’t that convenient for you? Now you’ve got your little... consolation prize." Her words are laced with venom, and I can feel the sting of her insult, even though I know it is only meant to provoke Nate.
Before I can react, Nate steps forward, placing himself between me and Becky. His voice drops to a dangerous, quiet tone.
"Don’t ever talk about Liz like that. Ever."
The intensity in his voice surprises me. I feel a strange mix of emotions—gratitude, surprise, and something else I can’t quite place.
Becky’s lips curl into a sneer.
"This isn’t over," she hisses, her eyes blazing with anger. Sweeping her arm toward me, "She won’t come between our family."
Nate’s expression hardens, his voice cold.
"We stopped being family a long time ago, Becky. I have moved on. You should too."
Becky’s face twists with rage, but she doesn’t respond. Instead, she turns on her heel and storms off, her departure leaving a heavy silence between us.
I exhale, trying to process everything that just happened. Nate’s hand finally loosens its grip on mine, but he doesn’t let go completely.
"You okay?" he asks, his voice softer now, the anger from moments ago fading.
I nod, though I’m not sure I’m okay. My mind is racing, trying to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions that has swept through me.
"Yeah. I’m fine," I manage to say, though my heart is still pounding.
Nate’s hand is still warm in mine, and I can’t help but wonder what this all really means—for both of us.
***
It’s Monday and we’ve finished work. I’m more than ready to head home and relax when Nate’s voice stops me at the door.
"Liz," he calls, his tone casual, but there is something else there—something that makes me turn around.
"I was thinking..." He clears his throat, glancing at the floor before meeting my eyes again.
"I want to take you out to dinner tonight."
I blink, surprised.
"Dinner? Why?"
He shrugs, though he has a small smile on his lips.
"To thank you, for going along with this whole fake relationship thing. Becky’s been off my back lately, and it’s because of you. The gossip’s spread all over town, and it’s working."
I stare at him, caught off guard.
"You don’t have to take me out, Nate. It’s no big deal."
"It is to me," he insists, his gaze holding mine.
"Let me do this. It’s just dinner. Sue is all set to stay with Max until we get home."
I hesitate, feeling a strange mix of emotions swirl inside me. Dinner with Nate? It’s supposed to be simply a friendly gesture, but the idea makes my heart race in a way it shouldn’t. Still, I can’t exactly say no.
"Alright," I finally say, offering him a smile.
"But don’t expect me to be all dressed up. I didn’t exactly come to work prepared for a fancy night out."
Nate chuckles. "Liz, you could wear anything, and you’d still be the most beautiful woman in the room."
His words hit me harder than they should, and a blush creeps up my neck. I laugh it off, waving a hand.
"Flattery won’t get you out of buying me dessert."
He smirks, nodding in agreement. "Noted."
We arrive at the most upscale restaurant in Ocean Bay, and as we step inside, I can’t help but feel out of place. The chandeliers cast a soft glow over the elegant tables, and the faint sound of a piano fills the room. Everyone here looks polished and put together, and I suddenly feel very aware of my simple work dress.
"Nate," I whisper as we’re led to our table.
"I don’t think I’m dressed for this place."
He looks at me, his expression softening.
"You’re perfect," he says, his voice low, almost intimate. "Trust me, you’re the most beautiful woman here, no matter what you’re wearing."
I glance at him, my heart stuttering at his words. There’s a sincerity in his tone that makes my stomach flip.
"You’re good at this," I joke, trying to deflect the tension growing between us.
He smiles, but there’s something else in his eyes—something deeper.
"I mean it."
We take our seats, and for a moment, I’m grateful for the distraction of the menu. I don’t know why but being here with Nate feels... different. It’s supposed to be casual, but the way he’s looking at me, the way his eyes linger just a little too long—it feels more like a date. And that thought terrifies me.
Once we’ve ordered, the conversation starts off light, both of us easing into familiar topics. But then, as our food arrives, Nate’s expression shifts, and I can see he’s about to open up in a way he rarely does.
"I haven’t talked about Becky much, have I?" he asks, his voice quieter now.
I shake my head. "No, not really. But you don’t have to if you don’t want to."
He sighs, running a hand through his hair.
"I owe you an explanation. You’ve been thrown into this mess, and you probably wonder why I’m so... guarded."
I say nothing, just wait for him to continue.
"We were married for almost three years," Nate begins, his eyes distant, as if he’s looking at something far away.
"I loved her. I mean, really loved her. I thought we had something real, but it turns out I was wrong."
I have a rush of concern for him. I can’t imagine how hard that must have been.
"What happened?"
He takes a deep breath.
"I started noticing things. Little things, you know? She’d get phone calls late at night and wouldn’t say who it was. She’d go out more often, and I’d always get these vague excuses. I had my suspicions, but I didn’t want to believe them. I was stupidly in love with her, and I ignored all the signs."
My heart aches for him, for the pain I can hear in his voice.
"And then?"
"And then I found out the truth," he says, his voice tight.
"She was seeing someone else. The entire time, she had been having an affair with a guy named Cole. When I confronted her, she didn’t even try to deny it. Packed her things and left. Didn’t even look back. Never even said good-bye to little Max." His voice chokes up telling me.
I’m speechless for a moment, trying to process everything he’s told me. I knew there was more to Becky’s story, but I hadn’t expected this.
"I’m so sorry, Nate."
He shrugs, but there’s a sadness in his eyes that he can’t hide.
"It’s fine. It was a long time ago. But... it changed me. I don’t trust easily anymore. Especially not when it comes to women."
I nod, understanding more than I’d like to admit.
"I get that. I mean, I haven’t been married or anything, but... I’ve had my own heartbreak."
Nate’s eyes meet mine, and for the first time, I see a vulnerability there.
"What happened?"
I swallow, feeling the weight of my own story settle on my chest.
"I dated someone for a while. His name was Matt. He was charming, and he seemed perfect at first. But it turns out he was using me. He wasn’t interested in me—just what I could do for him. When I found out, I broke it off, but... it left me pretty shaken."
Nate frowns, anger flashing in his eyes. "He sounds like an asshole."
I murmur a laugh.
"Yeah, he was. But it’s in the past now. That’s part of why I came back to Ocean Bay. I needed a fresh start, to clear my head. And home just seemed like the place to go."
Nate nods, a small smile playing on his lips.
"Looks like we agree on something, then."
I raise an eyebrow.
"What’s that?"
He leans back in his chair, his expression softening.
"We’re both not ready for commitment. Not after what we’ve been through."
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.
"Yeah. I guess you’re right."
The conversation shifts, and for the first time in a while, Nate seems to relax. He cracks a few jokes, and I find myself laughing, feeling the tension between us ease a bit. It feels... nice. Comfortable. But at the same time, I’m acutely aware of the growing attraction I feel toward him. And I know, deep down, that it’s dangerous.
As we finish our dinner, Nate leans forward, his expression serious again.
"I’ve been holding off on telling Max about Becky," he admits.
"I didn’t know what her motive was for coming back, and I didn’t want to confuse him."
"Do you know now?" I ask.
He nods.
"Yeah. I dug deeper and found out she’s run through all the money from the divorce settlement. That’s the only reason she’s back. She wants more money. It’s not about Max."
My heart aches for him again.
"That’s awful."
"It is," he says, lowering his voice.
"But I have to figure out how to break it to Max. He deserves to know, but I’m not sure how to do it without hurting him."
"You’ll figure it out," I say softly. "You’re a really good dad, Nate."
He smiles at me then, a genuine smile, and for a moment, the tension between us is palpable. I cannot deny it anymore—my feelings for Nate are real, and they’re growing stronger by the day. But I know better than to act on them. Nate sees me as a little sister, and getting involved with him would only end in heartbreak.
As we leave the restaurant, I can’t shake the feeling that something has shifted between us. The air is heavy with unspoken words, and as Nate walks beside me, his hand brushing mine, I know that whatever this is, it is only going to get more complicated.
And yet, a part of me does not want to stop it. Even though I know I should.
***
I step out of my room the next morning, the faint scent of coffee and sizzling bacon drifting down the hallway. The smile tugging at my lips feels annoyingly permanent as I replay last night’s dinner in my head. I shouldn’t be this happy over a simple meal—but here I am.
As I enter the kitchen, Sue is at the stove, humming softly to herself. The sight of her always makes me feel at home. Her easy, motherly presence has been my anchor in this house of brooding silence.
“Morning, sunshine,” Sue says over her shoulder, flipping a pancake with practiced ease. “You’re glowing today. Dinner must’ve gone well.”
I scoff, sliding onto one of the stools at the counter. “It was just dinner, Sue. Nothing special.”
Sue turns, her lips curling into a sly smile as she points her spatula at me. “Uh-huh. ‘Just dinner,’ she says. You’re practically floating this morning.”
I grab a mug and pour myself some coffee, rolling my eyes to mask the heat creeping up my neck. “You’re reading too much into it. It meant nothing. Really.”
Sue raises an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “Honey, I may be old, but I’m not blind. You like him.”
Her words hit like a slap, and I set my coffee down a little too hard. “No, I don’t. I mean, come on, Sue. He’s... Nate. He’s Bryan’s best friend. That’s all it is.”
Sue smirks, leaning against the counter. “Sure. Keep telling yourself that. But the way you two look at each other? Sweetheart, denial doesn’t suit you.”
Before I can respond, the door swings open, and Nate walks in, his presence filling the room effortlessly. His sharp features are calm, unreadable, but his eyes—dark, piercing—lock onto me. My breath hitches, and suddenly the kitchen feels smaller.
“Morning,” he mutters, his voice low and gravelly.
“Good morning,” Sue chirps, far too cheery as she flips another pancake.
I manage a nod, but Nate’s gaze lingers, making my heart race. Does he know what Sue and I were talking about? His expression gives nothing away, yet the air crackles with tension, heavy and suffocating.
Thankfully, salvation comes in the form of a sleepy Max, trudging into the kitchen with a grumpy pout. His hair sticks up in every direction, and he rubs his eyes with tiny fists.
“Mornin’, buddy,” Sue says, breaking the silence as she places a plate of pancakes on the table.
Max climbs onto the chair beside me, his mood already improving at the sight of food. “Good morning,” he mumbles, though it’s directed at no one in particular.
Sue announces, “I’ll be heading to the grocery store in a bit. Need to restock.”
“Oh, I can help with that,” I say quickly, eager for an excuse to get out of the house and away from Nate’s intense stare.
Sue waves me off. “You don’t need to, honey. I’ve got it.”
“I want to,” I insist. “It’ll be good to stretch my legs. Plus, I could use the fresh air.”
Max perks up, his sleepy demeanor vanishing. “Can I come, too?” he asks, his face lighting up for the first time this morning.
I smile at him. “Are you sure? Grocery shopping isn’t exactly thrilling.”
He nods enthusiastically. “I wanna go!”
“Well, then, I guess it’s settled,” I say, looking over at Nate. “Is that okay?”
Nate’s eyes flicker between Max and me before he gives a slight nod. “It’s fine.”
But then, to my utter surprise, he adds, “I’ll come, too.”
“What?” I blurt out, my voice higher than I’d like. “You don’t have to. Really.”
Sue cuts in, grinning like the cat that got the cream. “Oh, I think it’s a great idea. Family outing and all that. I’ll give you the list, Liz.”
“Sue,” I groan, but she’s already bustling out of the kitchen, leaving no room for argument.
Nate raises an eyebrow, his expression unreadable but almost amused. “Looks like I’m going.”
Great. Just great.
Breakfast is filled with light chatter and silence, though the tension between Nate and me doesn’t dissipate. Max chatters away about wanting to help pick out snacks, and I cling to his enthusiasm as a lifeline.
Once we finish eating, I head upstairs to get dressed, taking a moment to steady myself. I need to stop letting Nate get under my skin. He’s off-limits. He’s Bryan’s best friend.
He’s waiting downstairs when I return, looking far too good in a simple dark polo and jeans. Max is at his side, clutching a small reusable bag, and when he sees me, he beams and runs over to grab my hand.
“Ready?” Max asks, his excitement infectious.
I glance at Nate, who’s watching me with an intensity that makes my pulse quicken. “Ready,” I say, forcing a smile.
Max tugs me toward the door, and Nate follows close behind. As we step outside, the fresh morning air does little to cool the heat blooming in my chest.
This is going to be a long day.
***
The parking lot of the Ocean Bay Mall is alive. Kids dart between cars, a dog barks from an open truck bed, and someone’s arguing loudly about parking spots. It’s charming in a way only Ocean Bay can pull off—nostalgic and bustling all at once.
Max tugs on my hand as we cross to the entrance, his small fingers warm and full of energy. “Liz, do they have those sour gummy worms here?”
I laugh. “I’m sure we can find some if you behave.”
“Deal,” he says, beaming up at me. His enthusiasm is contagious, and I squeeze his hand as we step inside.
The familiar smell of fresh bread and polished floors greets us, along with the soft murmur of conversations. Nate follows a step behind, his presence steady but magnetic, as if the room notices him before he says a word.
We’ve barely reached the produce section when I hear a voice behind us, clear and unmistakable.
“Well, don’t you three make a picture-perfect family.”
I stop in my tracks, and so does Nate. Turning slowly, I come face-to-face with Mrs. Dolores Whitaker, Ocean Bay’s reigning queen of gossip. Her sharp eyes scan us with open curiosity, but her smile is wide and warm.
“Mrs. Whitaker,” I say, forcing a polite smile. “Good morning.”
“Oh, it’s a lovely morning now,” she says, clasping her hands together. Her gaze lingers on me, and her expression softens. “Lizzie Lawson. My goodness, I can’t believe how grown-up you are. The last time I saw you, you were barely taller than my hydrangeas.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Whitaker,” I reply, my cheeks heating.
“And look at you now. Such a beautiful young woman. And with Nate Kingston, of all people. I have to say, you’ve done well for yourself.”
Nate clears his throat, stepping closer. His hand brushes my lower back—a simple gesture, but it sends a jolt through me. “I'll rather say, I've done well for myself for having her by my side,” he says smoothly.
Mrs. Whitaker’s eyes twinkle. “Oh, this is sweet. I heard all about the park but didn't believe it. You two are beautiful together. I can imagine how your children will be, adorable of course.”
I nearly choke, but Nate recovers seamlessly.
“That’s right I'm sure they will be,” he says.
Mrs. Whitaker looks at my hand, and my stomach flips. “Where’s the ring, dear? I don’t see it.”
Without missing a beat, I hold up my hand and smile. “Oh, it’s being resized. Nate picked something so lovely, but I wanted it a little simpler. You know, something more... me.”
Mrs. Whitaker nods approvingly. “That sounds just like you. Always so practical.” She leans in slightly, her tone dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “You’ve got yourself a good man here, Lizzie. Don’t let him slip away.”
Before I can respond, Max pipes up, tugging on my arm. “Can we go now? I’m hungry.”
Mrs. Whitaker laughs. “Ah, Max. Such a sweet boy. Just like his father.”
Max gives her a shy smile, then looks at me expectantly. “Can we get snacks, Liz?”
“Yes, Max,” I say, grateful for the distraction. I glance at Nate, who nods slightly, his lips twitching like he’s fighting a smile.
“Enjoy your shopping,” Mrs. Whitaker says, giving us one last look before walking off.
We finally move on, though I can still feel Nate’s hand on my back, his touch lingering like a phantom. Max skips beside me, already pointing out every bright package that catches his eye.
“Liz, look! They have watermelon!” he says, pulling me toward a display of neatly stacked fruit.
“Do you like watermelon?” I ask, crouching slightly to meet his eye.
He nods vigorously. “It’s my favorite!”
“Well, we definitely need to get one, then,” I say, selecting a ripe one and placing it in the cart.
“What about you, Nate?” I ask, glancing up at him. “What’s your favorite fruit?”
“Apples,” he says after a moment.
“Apples?” I wrinkle my nose. “That’s so boring.”
He raises an eyebrow. “And what’s your favorite, then?”
“Pineapple,” I say, grinning.
“Too sweet,” he counters.
“Too boring,” I shoot back, tossing a pineapple into the cart. Max laughs, and I feel a flicker of pride for making him smile.
We wander through the aisles, filling the cart with essentials and more than a few snacks. Max insists on choosing a box of cereal based solely on the cartoon mascot, and I let him, earning a playful scowl from Nate.
“You’re going to spoil him,” Nate says, but there’s no real bite in his tone.
“Maybe,” I admit, smirking. “But he deserves it.”
Max grins at me, his blue eyes sparkling. “You’re the best, Liz.”
My heart squeezes, and I ruffle his hair. “Don’t let your dad hear that.”
“I heard that,” Nate says, but his lips twitch into a small smile.
As we near the checkout, Max suddenly looks up at me, his expression serious. “Liz?”
“Yes, Max?”
“Are you gonna be my real mom?”
The question stops me cold. My mind blanks, and I stare at him, unable to form a coherent thought.
“What makes you ask that?” I manage to say, keeping my voice light.
He shrugs. “Because I like you. And Dad likes you too. Right, Dad?”
I glance at Nate, whose jaw tightens slightly. He doesn’t answer, and the silence stretches unbearably.
“Well,” I say finally, forcing a smile. “That’s very sweet, Max. But let’s focus on paying for all these snacks, okay?”
“Okay,” he says easily, turning back to the cart.
But I can’t shake the weight of his question—or the way it makes my chest ache.
At the checkout, Nate stands close, his arm brushing mine as we unload the cart. I can feel his presence like a gravitational pull, steady and unyielding.
As we leave the store, Max grabs my hand again, chattering excitedly about the gummy worms we bought. Nate walks on my other side, silent but watchful.
And I can’t help but wonder: What am I doing?
Because pretending to be Nate’s fiancée is starting to feel less like pretending.