“I might have heard something about that floating around earlier,” he says. Screw sinking into the concrete, I want to run far, far away. “I’m sorry.”

“You’re sorry?” I ask, meeting his gaze and finding it sincere.

“Yeah, I know all about screwing up. It changes the way people treat you. Doesn’t matter your culpability or even the reasons behind what you did—they only see how it affects them.”

“Thank you.” Something like shock or relief washes over me at his understanding.

One side of his mouth pulls into an awkward smile, and he shrugs like it’s no big deal, but it means everything to me. Absolution, even from a near stranger, brings a little more of my old confidence to the surface.

“I bet you get along with your roommates.” I check his face to see if I’m right and he nods.

“Off-campus?”

Another nod.

“Okay, tell me something real about you since I just unloaded all my baggage.”

His body visibly tenses, and I’m afraid I’ve ruined the mood for good this time. We’re in this bubble, partially alcohol-induced, but I haven’t felt like this in a long time.

Finally, he smirks and lifts the flask. He’s run to get us fresh drinks twice, but we’re down to just the ridiculously strong liquor again. “I’m gonna need more booze soon.”

“I’m serious.” I shove at his shoulder playfully, but the contact makes me intensely aware of the heat of his skin and the hum coursing through my veins.

“I’m really having a good time. Been the best part of my day.” He sits up and brings his flask to his lips, tips it all the way up and then frowns. “Empty.”

Both of us fall silent as we stare in the direction of the party. We’re just out of view, but the noise has died down so my guess is it’s dying off. I had my picture taken with the team and walked around by myself for half an hour dodging reporters so I don’t feel the least bit guilty about disappearing. Plus, it feels amazing to be having good conversation. I’ve got that light feeling in my chest, and it’s not all thanks to the drinks.

“Well, I guess it’s time to call it a night.”

Neither of us moves and I scramble for ways to keep us here. I don’t want to go back to being ignored after being seen again.

“We could go back to my place. I don’t have any Everclear, but I’ve got a couple of bottles of wine stashed under my bed.” I can barely believe I’ve offered, but I really don’t want the night to end. There’s something about Nathan I can’t quite put my finger on. He seems to get me, and I’m not even sure I get myself these days.