I don’t know, but whatever it is, Noah is breathing light back into me and it’s a feeling I’m not sure I want to be without.
The movie is just about over when Tully cuts through the room, being an absolute pain as she stops right in front of the TV, not even realizing that she’s doing it. I guess that’s just typical Tully. “Why the hell are you wearing his clothes?” Tully grunts, scrunching her face up at me. “You could have taken mine. I have heaps of sweatpants that’ll fit you properly.”
I suck in a breath as I look to Noah to find him cringing after being caught out lying… again. Tully has no issue lending out her sweatpants. I should have known better. The jerk just wanted to be the one to provide for me, and honestly, it’s so damn sweet that I don’t even call him out on it. Instead, I just snuggle straight back into his side and throw a cushion at Tully until she gets the hint to move.
At eight o’clock, I walk through the door of my home and the sound of Noah’s car speeding up the road has a goofy, idiotic smile plastered on my face, making me wonder all about this date he’s going to take me on, you know, assuming he fixes the Kindle, of course.
“Oh, hell no,” my dad’s alarmed voice comes from the couch.
My eyes flick across to find to find him shooting up off the couch. “What?” I question in a panic, desperately looking around for the threat.
His face turns beet red. “What are you wearing?”
I look down and realize what this must look like. “Oh, chill out, dad,” I laugh. “I’m not sleeping with the guy. You’re going to give yourself a heart attack.”
“No, Squish,” he says. “You’re going to give me a heart attack. Now, get down to your room and put on something girly that doesn’t remind me that you’re grown up and spending all your time with boys.”
I roll my eyes and waltz down the hallway grinning like a fool, excited that I get to do it all again tomorrow.
Chapter 12
I sit in my history class, tapping my pen against the old wooden desk, very impatiently waiting for the bell to ring so I can get some food in my stomach. I get a vision of the Britney Spears video clip for ‘Hit Me Baby One More Time,’ and have to giggle. I could totally pull that look off right now. Though, from memory, in the video, the bell was just about to ring. In my case, I’ve only been sitting here for about three minutes and still have a whole history lesson to suffer through.
Gosh, I hate history. In one ear and out the other. It simply doesn’t hold my attention, not the way that science does. Ok, you got me. I’m a secret nerd, but no one needs to know. It’s not like anyone from Haven Falls ends up in college anyway.
Well, dad likes to think that I will, but the truth of the matter is we couldn’t afford it if I was to get in anyway. I’m just going to have to make something of myself after high school with what I already know.
Dad left again this morning and I really wanted to be upset about it, but I couldn’t as it means I can spend more time with Tully and Noah. I usually hate when dad leaves. Well, mostly anyway. It’s never nice watching a parent walk out the door. I should know, I watched mom go and never come back. The thought that something could happen to dad out on those roads terrifies me, but he’s a great truck driver. He’s been doing this for years and knows exactly what his truck is capable of… but freak accidents happen. That’s why they’re called ‘freak accidents.’
He’ll be fine. He always is. It’s just our routine now. He goes and I worry while trying not to. I guess that’s just part of being a daughter who’s generally all alone. No thanks to Kaylah. She was supposed to be my support system whenever dad would leave, but then she left too.
Everyone leaves me.
It’s the curse of Henley Bronx. Forever alone.
Another minute ticks by and I stop tapping my pen against the table when Mr. Garrison’s irritated gaze flicks my way.
My phone buzzes in my pocket and I slide it out of my jeans, thankful for the distraction.
I peek down at it and a smile instantly spread across my face when I see his name. I open the text and the smile fades as confusion takes over.
Noah – Get that sexy ass of yours down to the old football field.
I stare at the message, reading it over and over again. What does he mean? It’s the middle of class. Did he maybe send that earlier and it’s only coming through now? Class hasn’t been in for long, so it’s possible. But then, it’s also possible he wants to get me out of class to spend time with me. After all, the guy did ask me out on a date. Either way, I’m good to do a little investigating.