Chapter Three

Tatum

I made a mistake when I moved to Braysen. I forgot to pack up the shower stuff I left at home.

This is your home now, Tate.

I'm still getting used to having roommates, especially living in a town where I don't know many people. I hate bothering my roommates and asking them to tote me around.

After inventorying the things I need, I jot down a short list in my phone's notes app—essentials like a new toothbrush, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, razors. You know, all the typical stuff.

There's a drugstore not too far from our place, so I decide to walk there and get some exercise along the way.

I need some fresh air and a chance to clear my head. Plus, I missed a few podcast episodes over the past week that I wanted to catch up on, and they'll help pass the time.

The walk into Braysen was short. The drugstore is at the end of the main street that runs through town up to campus. I ended up buying more than I had planned and quickly realized I should have brought my backpack for the walk home. I'll remember that for next time.

Just before noon, I round the corner into the long driveway leading up to the house. The porch light is still on from last night, and the driveway is empty. Beckham and Hayes mentioned they had class this afternoon. I haven't quite figured out Colter's and Reed's schedules yet.

When I reach for the handle of the screen door, I realize my second mistake.

"Shit, I left my key in my room."

I wince, setting the bags down on the wooden porch and taking a seat on the steps. Exhaling a heavy sigh, I bury my face in my hands.

Normally, when I go for a run, I clip my key to my sports bra so I don't have to worry about carrying it with me. That was the plan today too, but it completely slipped my mind in the rush to make sure I didn't forget anything. I didn't want to have to make another trip this week, especially with classes starting soon. I already had enough on my mind.

I slip my phone out of my back pocket and scroll through my contacts. Hallyn and Ava mentioned they had dance practice this afternoon, though I'm not sure of the time.

I could call Beckham or Hayes; I'm sure they wouldn't mind leaving class a bit early to help me out. Or maybe I could just wait outside until they get home to let me in.

I think back to my conversation with Reed the night before when he told me if I needed anything, I could shoot him a text. Scrolling through my phone, I click on his name and debate whether I want to send him a message.

He offered, Tate. There's no harm in asking if he's around and could stop home to let you in.

Without giving myself time to second-guess or overthink it, I quickly type out a message and hit send.

Me: Hey! It's Tate. Sorry to bug you, but are you busy right now?

The message status switches to read, and the bubble appears, indicating he's typing a response. I let out a heavy sigh, anxiously waiting.

Reed: I'm in class for about another twenty minutes. What's up?

Reed: Did you change your number?

Me: Yeah, long story. Will you be coming home after class? I accidentally locked myself out.

Reed: I'll leave now and be home in ten.

Me: No, don't leave. I can wait. It's not a big deal.

Reed: See you in a few.

I re-read the message one last time before locking my phone and pocketing it. Leaning forward with my elbows on my knees, I watch people driving out of town toward Lancaster.

After a while, I zone out and don't even notice Reed pulling into the driveway until he parks the car and shuts off the engine.

"Tough day?" he asks, glancing from me to the plastic sacks sitting beside me on the porch.

I shrug. "It was fine until I got back and realized I'd left my key in my room. Rookie mistake."

"Did you walk into town to go to the store?"

I nod. "Yeah, I left a bunch of stuff back home—shower essentials, necessities, that sort of thing. I couldn't even shower or wash my hair until I got what I needed, so I decided to just walk to the store."

"You could've asked me if you needed a ride. I would've taken you," he offers.

He flips through his keys, stepping past me to open the screen door and unlock the front door.

"I know I could've, but I know you've got a lot going on with school and football. I didn't mind the walk."

Reed bends down and picks up the bags. Holding them up, he nods toward the door. "You taking these up to the bathroom, I take it?"

I nod slowly, a bit puzzled by his question.

"C'mon," he says, cutting through the entryway toward the stairs.

"Reed, you didn't have to—" I start, but he interrupts me by stepping into the bathroom and setting the sacks on the counter.

"You gonna keep telling me what I do and don't have to do? Or are you gonna quit being stubborn and accept that I'm offering?" he challenges.

I cross my arms over my chest, a smirk playing on my lips. "I mean, maybe?"

He rolls his eyes, fishing out his keys again and unlocking his bedroom door.

"You hungry?" he calls out over his shoulder.

I stare at my reflection in the mirror, my hair pulled up in a bun and no makeup on my face. It's still humid here in South Carolina, and I had planned to shower when I got home anyway. The last thing I wanted was to bother getting ready just to wash it all off soon after.

"A little. Why do you ask?"

"Because I'm starving. Why don't you put that stuff away and let's go grab lunch?" he suggests.

I begin to pull out the shampoo and conditioner bottles from one of the bags, placing them on the shelf in the bathtub. Reed seems to sense my hesitation. I don't want to tell him I just spent most of my cash at the store. I knew I could ask Talon for some money—at least until I get a job and my first paycheck—but I hated asking him for help almost as much as I hated imposing on my roommates.

Especially considering Talon had already done so much by helping me move here after I impulsively decided to transfer to Braysen.

"I don't think—"

"That wasn't actually a question, sweetheart. It was more of a polite suggestion, but now I'm telling you we're going. I'm hungry, and you look like you could use a drink. Or at least lunch. This will all be here waiting for you when we get back." He nods toward the front of the house. "C'mon, let's go."

I'm still holding the body wash, shaving cream, and razor I picked up from the store. I glance down at them just as he calls for me to come, though now he's already down the hall and heading for the stairs.

After setting everything on the counter, I take a quick look at my reflection in the mirror and tuck the loose strands of hair behind my ear. Going out for lunch with Reed looking like this wouldn't be my first choice—or even my last. But something tells me if I tried to object or even suggested changing first, he'd just tell me I'm being ridiculous and to hurry up.

Checking to make sure I have my phone, I turn off the bathroom light and head downstairs, making sure to lock the door behind me.

I didn't bother grabbing my key since I'd be with Reed anyway.

"Where are we going?" I ask as I step outside.

He's waiting by his black Mustang. Reed opens the passenger door and gestures for me to get in. "Don't worry about it. It's a surprise."

I groan. "You should know, I'm not really a fan of surprises."

"It's just lunch, sweetheart. I'm not gonna hurt you," he reassures me.

I don't mention how the surprises I've encountered lately ended in public humiliation, to the point I fled town without a backward glance.

Reed waits until I'm in the car before he shuts the door and joins me. "I want to introduce you to one of my favorite spots in town. I think you'll like it."

He slips the key in the ignition, studying me, and I nod, trying to keep an open mind.

It's a short drive to the café in town, Rosey's. The place has a charming retro vibe, with walls decked out with chrome accents and vintage-style posters of classic cars, rock ‘n' roll stars, and soda ads. An old jukebox stands in the corner of the diner.

"You want to play a song?" Reed asks, noticing my gaze fixed on the jukebox. I shake my head.

"I can see why this is one of your favorites. This place is incredible," I say, in awe.

The hostess approaches, asking if we have a seating preference. Reed points at one of the booth seats along the wall. After taking our drink orders, she leaves us with menus, promising to be right back for our food order.

"So, you never did say, what brought you all the way to Braysen?" Reed leans forward on his elbows, studying me.

I avoid his gaze, focusing intently on the menu, pretending to consider my options even though I've already decided.

"I just needed a change, you know?" I respond with a shrug.

"Seems like a pretty big change, if you ask me."

"Do you ever feel like no matter where you are, you never truly feel at home?" I blurt out, the words feeling more vulnerable in the open air than they did in my head.

It sounds absurd now that I hear myself say it. I grew up in Rixton, in the same house for the past ten years. Before that, we lived in a mobile home. My mom worked tirelessly to make it feel cozy and ours. When our great-grandma passed and left the house to my mom, we finally moved into something that felt more like a home. It was safe, and I had a place to lay my head at night, but I still couldn't shake the feeling I was searching for a place in this world where I belonged.

Maybe I'm getting caught up in my feelings and overthinking things again. I wouldn't doubt it. Most of my early years were spent tagging along with my brother and cousin, Owen. As they got older, I tried to fit in with their friends too.

Growing up as the only girl in my neighborhood wasn't fun. The only other girl nearby was seven years older, so of course, she wasn't interested in riding bikes or playing outside with me.

"I understand that feeling more than you could ever believe," Reed responds.

I manage a smile just as the server returns to take our order. Reed orders a burger and fries. I choose a burger, too, but with onion rings, and I decide to treat myself to a slice of lemon meringue pie.

"You got it." The server grins. "I'll have that right out for you."

"So you moved to Braysen and changed your number. That's a lot of big changes," Reed observes.

I nod, taking a sip of my water. "What better way to start fresh, ya know?"

"Is it a fresh start, or are you running from something?" he asks, a bit too perceptively.

I look around the diner, avoiding his gaze. I don't want to lie, but I'm also not ready to delve into how closely he's skirting around a sore subject.

"Is there a difference? It's all the same if you ask me."

Reed studies me for a moment, takes a sip of his soda, and leans back, resting his arm along the back of the booth seat. We let the silence linger between us.

"Well, I'm glad you broke the ice and reached out when you locked yourself out. We'll have to do this again sometime, huh?"

The restaurant isn't crowded, so our food arrives quickly. The server sets our plates down with a smile. "I'll bring your pie out when you're ready for it." She taps her finger on the table, and I thank her before she leaves us again.

"Where are you from, anyway? Did you grow up here in Braysen?" I ask, changing the subject away from me.

He chuckles and shakes his head. "I'm from the Midwest. Iowa, to be exact."

My eyebrows lift in surprise, and he nods.

"What brought you all the way here?" I ask, curious about his story now.

"Football," Reed replies. "I got a scholarship. It was my ticket out of there. You and I have a lot in common. I have no problem admitting I was running from my life back there. Apart from my gram and cousin, Darren, there wasn't much keeping me there. If I wanted a future, I knew I had to take the opportunity being handed to me."

Reed leans forward, wiping his fingers with a napkin. "Yeah, I think you're right. Sounds like we do have a lot in common."

"It's not so bad here, though. The people are nice, but the downside of living in a small town is that everyone knows everyone and likes to meddle in your business."

I chuckle. "I think I know a little something about that too."

"Yeah?" Reed asks, and I nod.

"I prefer the small-town living, though, or maybe it's just what I'm used to since it's all I've ever known." I dip an onion ring into the ketchup and take a bite. "This is pretty damn good, though." I nod. "I'd definitely take you up on doing this again sometime."

Reed smiles. I knew I had friends here—Everly, Hallyn, and Ava were friends and people I could count on. They were all in relationships, though, and as much as I'd love to hang out with them, I have to admit I don't like the idea of being the third, or I guess the seventh wheel.

I don't doubt Reed knows something about that too.

I've been giving myself all these reasons to keep him at arm's length, not wanting to get too close to him. Not just because he's a guy but because he's exactly the type of man I've told myself to stay away from.

But I could use a friend, and so far, he's been the most receptive and welcoming person I've met here.

"You can count me in, sweetheart."