1st Chance Read Online Free

him.”
     
    “That’s sad, but actually I think that’s probably the most helpful thing to do. He’s finding it hard to move on and I don’t think constant reminders will help. Make sure you come and say bye to me after the show.” He gave me a sorrowful smile. “It’s nice to see you. I’m sorry it’ll be the last time.”
     
    Marissa rubbed my arm comfortingly. I saw Nate arrive from the back of the room, his long legs cloaked with his trademark leather trousers. His dark hair had been styled into a messy, disheveled mop which suited him. Stubble coated his jaw, I wasn’t sure whether it was designer or lack of care. He did not speak as he wrapped his arms around me. I let him hold me for as long as he needed, trying to ignore the whispers from others in the room as he hit the three minute mark.
     
    “I’m glad you came,” he whispered into my hair as he finally let go. Before any more words could be exchanged, Rob shouted into the throng of people.
     
    “The support’s about to go on. Thirty minutes guys.”
     
    “I gotta go and get ready.” Nate gave me the first genuine smile I’d seen from him. “I really am glad you’re here. I’ll meet you after, okay? Enjoy the show.” He winked at me before heading down the corridor and I could not help but feel relief at seeing that the old Nate was still in there, somewhere.
     
    The show was phenomenal. If Nate was suffering inside, he did not show any cracks while he performed his heart out. I stood with Marissa and the kids at the side of the stage and we whooped and sang along with the boys. The ice in my heart thawed slightly in that hour and a half, I got a taste of happiness for a short time. It made my lie to Becky almost worthwhile.
     
    It seemed as though Nate had experienced some happiness too, he was covered in a sheen of sweat as he bounded off stage, but there was a light in his eyes. It was a light I remembered well. He went to pick me up straight after, but I batted him off.
     
    “Ugh, you’re all wet. Nate, seriously, you were amazing, you all sounded amazing.”
     
    “Ah, stoppit.” His turn to bat me away, but there was a curve on his lips. “I’m gonna take a quick shower, then what do you say me and you go for a drink?”
     
    I hesitated, but I wasn’t ready to go home and watch Becky and Mr. Boring get cozy, I wanted to carry on enjoying myself. Plus, this would be the last time I’d ever see Nate, so it would be nice to have a decent send off.
     
    I hung out with the other guys while I waited. Mikey slapped me on the butt and told me I was looking hot. Jon left and I said an emotional goodbye to him and his family. One by one, people started to thin out of the room.
     
    “Jesus, you take as long in the shower as a girl,” I teased Nate when he eventually emerged. I was pleased to see that he still looked happy and he gave me a cheeky grin.
     
    “Can’t go embarrassing my companion for the evening by looking like a mess, can I?”
     
    “You know this isn’t a date, right?” I needed to check that we were on the same page. “These are farewell drinks, Nate.”
     
    Nate shook his head. “I know it’s not a date, Anna. I was just kidding.” He spoke quietly, hurt.
     
    “Sorry. Forget I said anything. Come on, you’ve made me wait long enough, buy me wine.”
     
    We went to Nate’s hotel room and ordered a bottle of red on room service. Going out anywhere with him could be a nightmare—his chiseled features and piercing eyes were too recognizable and we’d have been hounded by fans all night. I also couldn’t take the risk of being snapped with him after what I’d promised Becky. There were a couple of plush armchairs in Nate’s room that we sank into after chinking glasses together.
     
    “Everyone’s worried about you. Your drinking. Your behavior. They think you’re on the brink of a meltdown.” I bought up the elephant in the room right away.
     
    “I was worried about me. I haven’t been