Chapter 22
Sam
My heart was pounding as I climbed the steps to the mansion. I clutched the present for Nate to my chest as if it were my lifeboat. Music came from inside. For a moment, I considered turning back around and leaving. Nate didn't want me here. He’d explained his reasons to me. It had been a stupid idea to show up here, anyway. But I wanted to know why I wasn’t welcome. The thought had stuck with me. I couldn't put my finger on why, but I somehow knew that Nate hadn't been completely honest with me. Was it really just because of his dad? I sighed. There was only one way to find out. I knocked on the door. Only seconds later, a young woman in uniform opened.
"Hi. I'm here for Nate's birthday."
The woman gestured for me to enter. My stomach was in a thousand knots as I walked
