“Most guys take what they can get while they can get it.”
He visibly cringes. “That’s kind of gross though, don’t you think? I was always taught that sex came after you’d fallen in love with someone.”
I stare at Noah in complete and total shock. “What century are you from?”
“I know it sounds old fashioned,” he says, “but it’s how I feel.” Forcing eye contact, he adds, “I’m guessing that’s how you were raised, too.”
“It was,” I agree. “But there’s always been a double standard between boys and girls.”
“Which doesn’t make it right.”
If I didn’t already know what a prize Noah is, I certainly do now. Morality isn’t something young people pay a lot of attention to, at least they don’t readily confess to it. “You’re a good guy, Noah,” I tell him. A wave of sadness hits me hard. “You’re going to make someone a great husband someday.”
“That’s my plan,” he declares with a smile on his face. “Now all I have to do is meet that lucky gal.” With a smirk, he asks, “Wouldn’t it be funny if I already knew her?”
I know he’s being flirty and sweet, but there is no way Noah will want to date me, let alone marry me once he finds out I can’t have children. For that reason, I tell him, “I’m guessing you don’t.” More’s the pity, too, because the more I find out about Noah Riley, the more I’m convinced my younger self sensed we were destined to be together.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
NOAH
I had a great time at dinner with Allie last night. Such a good time that I’m disappointed she only wants to be friends. I guess I ruined my chances when I didn’t show any interest in her when we were kids. But honestly, how could I have? When I was eighteen, she was only fifteen, and there’s no way that would have been right.
Of course, now probably isn’t the right time for us, either. I’m determined to go back to Chicago, and I don’t know what Allie wants. I don’t even know if she’s over her ex.
Somewhere around lunch time, I decide that being her friend is better than nothing. She’s sweet and kind-hearted—particularly regarding the kids at school. Her concern for Margie Flynn is admirable, especially being that she doesn’t even have Margie in class.
Speaking of the Flynn family, on my way out of the teacher’s lounge I run into Decan. “Hey, man, we missed you at practice yesterday,” I tell him. “You feeling better?”
“Hey, Coach,” he says distractedly. “I, um, wasn’t sick.”
“Is there anything going on that you want to talk about?” Iask him. I know from experience it’s hard to be a teenager and feel like you can open up to an adult about uncomfortable topics.
I’m convinced he’s going to say no, but then he surprises me. “Actually, I would like to talk.”
“Why don’t we go to my office?” I lead the way down the hall, through the gym and into my inner domain. Neither of us says a word until we get there.
Sitting down on a chair across from my desk, Decan announces, “My sister is pregnant.” He’s quick to clarify, “Margie, not Leah.”
“That’s rough,” I tell him. “How’s she doing?”
He snorts loudly. “Not great. She throws up a lot, and my parents are really mad at her.”
Even though I feel for Margie, I also see the other side of it. “It must be hard on your folks.”
“How do you figure?”
“Parents have dreams for their kids,” I tell him. “Those dreams don’t usually involve their children becoming parents before they’ve had a chance to grow up.”
With his elbows situated on the armrests of the chair, Decan teepees his hands in front of him. Resting his forehead on the peak of his fingers, he says, “I guess I can see that. But my mom and dad are being really mean. They want Margie to have an abortion.”
“What does Margie want?” I ask.
“She wants to keep the baby. My parents told her that if she does, she’ll have to leave home. They said they’re done raising kids and if Margie thinks she’s grown up enough to have one then she’s grown up enough to get a job and support it.”
While I understand the Flynns not wanting to raise another child, their reaction seems a bit harsh. “What about adoption?” I ask.
He looks up in surprise. “I don’t know. No one has talked about that. I’ll mention it to Margie when I get home.”
