HUNTED

Chapter 6

On Saturday morning, the house was full of guests and gifts. Pink papery banners were draped along the walls and doorways. ‘It’s a girl’ signs made from flimsy party store cardboard were taped to the banister. Friends and family chatted, nibbling on the snacks laid out on the coffee table. The atmosphere was light and happy for once. It was Holly’s baby shower.

            Liza sat off to the side, smiling at all of Holly’s friends and relatives as they drifted past her. Thatcher leaned against the wall behind her, staring off into some middle distance place, faux smiles puppeteering his lips.

            “Guys, please perk up a bit. You’re dampening the mood.” Nate said as he wiggled through the masses, Addison on his heels.

            “Hi.” Liza said, almost robotically at this point in the party. “What’s up?”

            “Nothing. Heard there was a party and wanted to show up.” Nate joked.

            Wrinkling her nose, Liza said: “Even if it’s a baby shower?”

            “Why but of course. And look, we come baring gifts!” Addison held up two baggies, one pink and one purple. “From me and Lennox,” she handed Liza the pink one. “And from Nate, Vicky, and Jessie.” She added, handing the other girl the purple baggie.

            “Oh, thanks. Let me put these away, I’ll be right back.” Liza stood from the couch she occupied and took the bags from Addison. With a smile she began weaving through the house guests. As she set the gifts down on the table amongst a sea of pinks and yellows and purples, someone grabbed her waist.

            Liza spun around, feeling the anxiety bubbling up inside of her—and was faced by Nate. His hand left her hip. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

            “It’s fine.” She flattened the dress she was wearing with her now sweaty palms.

            Cracking an apologetic smile, he kissed her on the forehead. The anxious bubbles popped immediately at his touch. His fingers skittered down the skin of her inner arm, forcing goosebumps to jump across her body, until their fingers met, lacing together.

            “I miss you.” He muttered, staring so intensly into Liza’s eyes that the hairs on her arms prickled and her stomach was filled with butterflies. There was an odd expression on his face that hadn’t been there moments before; his jaw was clenched tight, his features sharp with unkempt emotion.

            “You just saw me yesterday.”

            Nate reached up, detangling their fingers and traced her hairline, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.  “I know.”

            Sad, Liza realized. He looked sad. She nodded, more to herself than anyone and pecked him on the cheek.