Chapter 2 Past
What are the odds? It was Nick Newsome—Paul’s older brother.
The Newsome boys were both handsome and lived up to their family’s reputation for being genuinely nice guys.
Nick, with a crooked side grin, helped me regain my balance and immediately began to apologize.
“Are you okay? I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were…”
“No worries,” I replied quickly. “I didn’t see you opening the door, or I wouldn’t have pushed so hard, and I’m sorry that I….”
I was beginning to ramble, but caught myself.
Nick grinned and clearly tried to hold back a laugh because he could tell I was flustered.
“Have a good day. Sorry again.”
As the door shut behind him, I felt a sudden flush rise in my cheeks. That was my first real interaction with one of the Newsome boys—and part of me hoped it wouldn’t be the last.
Thinking back, we didn’t really have any classes together, even though we were the same age.
I leaned more toward writing and journalism, while he focused on athletics.
Rumor had it he planned to enlist in the Navy the moment he could.
I couldn’t understand why he’d want to leave Shay—he had it made here.
He worked at the local marina, spent most of his time on the lake, and was popular without making a fuss about it.
A local sports legend, quiet and unbothered.
I don’t remember him having a steady girlfriend, which was surprising, given how easy on the eyes he was.
He reminded me of one of those Greek statues you see in museums—tall, around 6’4”, with blond hair like his brother’s, though not as curly.
And those eyes—ocean-colored from a distance, but up close, the deepest shade of blue I’d ever seen.
Unlike Paul’s, though, Nick’s eyes weren’t inviting. If anything, they looked a little sad. And I couldn’t help but wonder: what did he have to be sad about?
I wanted to dwell on it longer, but my stomach growled—and suddenly, I couldn’t wait to get to Molly’s and tell her what had just happened.