Contents
Thirty-Two | Nathan
Overview
Nathan recounts the party fight: Aaron swings at him, splitting his cheek, and Nathan restrains and bans Aaron from returning, careful not to give Skinner cause to punish him. After playful tension, Nathan reassures Anastasia and they share intense intimacy. They openly discuss commitment, affirm their relationship, and decide to bring Henry in to reveal what Aaron has been saying about Anastasia.
Summary
Nathan wakes to the aftermath of the party fight, frustrated he’s in more trouble than Henry. He recalls arriving to find Henry beating Aaron as JJ and Bobby pull others away. When Nathan lifts Aaron to get him out, Aaron swings and splits Nathan’s cheek. Nathan pins Aaron, threatens him, and bans him from the house, resisting the urge to escalate because Skinner is looking for a reason to punish him.
Back in his room, Anastasia initially ignores Nathan while searching for her hairbrush. Their playful standoff breaks the tension, and Nathan reassures Anastasia he will defend her despite the cost. He promises to tell her everything in the morning about what’s been said behind her back.
The next morning, they share an intimate shower that turns into sex, further cementing their closeness. Afterward, in bed, they talk honestly about labels and commitment. Nathan admits he’s never had a girlfriend but is sure about her; Anastasia says she’s sure about him too.
Ready to confront the truth, Anastasia asks to hear what Aaron has been saying. Nathan agrees to fetch Henry so they can finally address Aaron’s betrayals together.
Who Appears
- Nathan HawkinsPOV narrator; restrains and bans Aaron after being punched; reassures Anastasia; affirms commitment and plans to involve Henry.
- Anastasia AllenInitially upset; warmed by Nathan’s support; shares intimacy; agrees they’re committed and asks to hear Aaron’s comments.
- AaronArrives drunk, fights Henry, swings at Nathan and splits his cheek; is threatened and banned from the house.
- HenryBeats Aaron during the brawl; will help disclose what Aaron has been saying about Anastasia.
- JJHelps pull fighters apart during the party brawl.
- BobbyAssists JJ in breaking up the fight.
- SkinnerAuthority figure Nathan is careful to avoid provoking with the fight’s fallout.
- SabrinaBriefly referenced; part of the friend group’s domestic dynamic.