Chapter 32 Dinner
NANCY'S POV
By evening, I had done much more than I bargained for, all thanks to Diana, who suddenly wanted to make sure dinner was perfect.
Not for anyone but Nathan.
She had dragged me to her room to help her pick an outfit. Because I wanted to be let off the hook quickly enough, I had put all my effort into picking out what I thought suited a casual dinner like tonight best.
Diana, however, didn't think my choice was right, and now, she walked into the living room with an entirely different outfit.
Mind you, this was her third time changing.
I stilled when she walked in, looking her over from head to toe.
"Do you think this is too much?" She asked with an anxious smile, bracing her hands on her hips. "I think it suits me best."
My face creased immediately.
I slapped a palm over my face and groaned into it.
"Oh, God. Diana, you're wearing a top and a pair of jeans...a cropped top...It's just dinner."
"It's not just dinner."
"It is," I shot back.
She took a step forward, looking like she wanted to let out even more retorts, but changed her mind at the last minute and grabbed onto the edge of her top instead.
"I don't know.... Do you think it's too much?"
I nearly rolled my eyes at her, "Of course it's too much."
Immediately, she spun on her heels, "I'll go get changed..."
"Diana," I called, sighing. "It's fine."
"It is?"
"Yes, your outfit is nice. I'm sure Nathan will like it."
"You think so?"
"Yes," I exhaled deeply again, already frustrated. "Now come help me set the table."
"Wait, I should still get changed..."
That did it for me.
"Diana, relax. You look fine," My voice rose a notch higher, and she went as quiet as a mouse.
She stared at me for a minute, then huffed, "Fine, I'll set the table."
Her attempt to put up an angry expression wasn't enough to override the visible excitement etched on her face, and for a second, I envied her.
For her, tonight was really simple.
She was having dinner with her dad, her best friend and a guy she had a crush on who also happened to be her best friend's sister.
But for me, it was much more complicated.
Tonight wasn't just a simple dinner; it was a moment where I had to face my guilt, tell more lies to cover up my initial lie, and a time to pretend I felt nothing.
Soon after Diana and I finished setting up the table, the doorbell rang.
Diana practically flew to get the door. I didn't even have to ask her.
I, on the other hand, stayed where I was for reasons unknown.
It could have been because of Nathan, or it could have been because of Mr. Landon, whom I knew had arrived with him, I couldn't say.
Maybe I just needed a second to myself.
The door opened, and Nathan walked in first.
"Oh my God, Nathan!" Diana's exaggerated exclamation filled the room.
I rolled my eyes so hard I could have found my brain in the back of my head.
Following that, I finally moved, heading towards the door where Nathan stood with Diana."
"Hi."
I didn't know what else to say, so I opted for such a simple greeting.
Before Nathan could respond to me, Diana flung herself into his arms.
Caught off guard, I blinked.
Well, she didn't waste any time.
Nathan was equally surprised, too, because his eyes widened but only for a brief moment before he hugged her back.
"It's been a long time, Nathan. It's so good to see you again," Diana rushed out breathlessly, pulling back to take a step away from him. She, however, remained close still.
I shot her a stink eye, which she ignored while Nathan's lips curled in amusement, "It's good to see you too, Diana."
For a second, I swear I thought Diana would swoon. Her lips splayed into the widest grin I had ever seen her wear.
Reaching over, I nudged her feet with mine, sending her cautioning glances.
Just like before, she ignored me to smile brightly at Nathan, who smiled back and then pointed at her, "You look exactly the same."
The smile on her face froze.
Nathan shook his head immediately, "No, don't get me wrong, I don't mean that in a bad way."
"I mean, you're still as pretty as you used to be," he added.
Her smile emerged again after his explanation, and she bobbed her head up and down, "You look hot..."
Hurriedly, she cleared her throat, "I mean...You look good, too."
I shook my head, embarrassed on her behalf, but my lips still curled.
"I'm glad you could make it," I muttered when Nathan glanced at me.
He stared at me without speaking for a minute and then, before I could react, he crossed the distance between us and pulled me into a bear hug, "I missed you, Nana."
I softened immediately, and everything else I had been about to say dissipated into nothing. I even forgot the awkward feeling I felt for a second and melted into his embrace.
"I missed you, too, Nathan," I mumbled into his shoulder.
Diana cleared her throat on purpose, and taking the hint, I pulled back from Nathan and shared a smile with him while she naturally stepped forward and linked her arms with his, "Come on in. Nancy and I went all out for you. I'm sure you have a lot of things to tell us, too."
I watched as she dragged him towards the dining table, already rambling.
A smile crossed my face, and I wrapped my arms around myself, standing still for a second.
I stilled when I felt a presence behind me.
The door was still open, so I knew who it was immediately.
Slowly, I turned around and made eye contact with Mr. Landon.
My hands, which were wrapped around myself, slowly dropped.