Nine
Except for a brief visit Saturday night, when he’d come over to thoroughly check over her house for security, Addy didn’t see Noel the rest of the weekend.
She needed time to think. After sending Deacon over Sunday morning to make sure she was still okay, Noel hadn’tbothered her except to tell her to let him know if she needed anything at all.
Solene settled into the spare bedroom with ease. She filled the lonely silence with chatter and jokes at Deacon’s expense that made dealing with the aftermath of the weekend bearable.
Life on Monday seemed too normal, by contrast. The children in her class acted squirrely, typical for a Monday. She hadchicken tacos for lunch, graded papers during their quiet reading time, and watched them all leave for home with a smile and wave. Then she drove to Solene’s daycare and waited in the office, grading more papers, while her friend wrapped up to leave for the day.
“Okay, Marge has close-out,” Solene announced as she popped her head in the doorway. “She and Annie are good. We can go.”
They grabbed their coats and drove back to Addy’s house. Once inside, she started a fire while Solene turned on the television and relaxed. Then Addy texted Noel that she’d returned from school.
He’d asked that she text him a few times a day so he knew she was all right. And since he’d been staying away, presumably to make her feel safer, away from memories of Seattle, she had no problemletting him know her status.
But the time apart also bothered her, because she missed him.
“I’m going to pop over to Noel’s for a minute.”
Solene raised her head and stared. “Oh?”
“Yes, I want to talk to him.”
“So call him.”
Addy knew Solene was trying to protect her. The way Noel was trying to protect her. “You know, I’m an adult. I can walk next dooron my own, making my own choices in life.”
Solene flushed. “Sorry. I worry about you. You’re not jaded enough for twenty-six.”
Addy chuckled. “And you’re too jaded for thirty-four.”
“Try thirty, bitch.” Solene snorted. “Thirty-four, my ass.”
Addy shook her head, grinning, and texted Noel about coming over. He replied with a yes right away. So that was a good sign, right?
Just give me ten minutes,he texted a moment later.
Just as she readied to leave, someone knocked at the door. Solene tensed, but Addy knew someone meaning to kill her wouldn’t politely knock or ask to come in. He’d wait in the shadows and strangle her. At the thought, she rubbed her neck and hesitantly peered out the side window.
Seeing Deacon, she relaxed and opened the door.
He strolled through, carrying the baby in one arm, a neon green and orange striped diaper bag in the other.
“That’s a very manly bag, Deacon,” she said, trying not to laugh.
He made a face. “I know. But it was either this or pink monkeys.” He shuddered. “I mean, I can be manly and fatherly at the same time. Why aren’t there plaid or non-pastel striped bags out there for guys,right, Noel Jr.?”
The baby glanced around with wide eyes and grunted.
“That means yes.” He winked at her. “Noel is waiting for you. I’m going to hang with my favorite blonde while you guys talk. You can cut through the side fence. He installed a gate yesterday just for you.” His wide smile showed his amusement. “Noel is warming up, Addy. Nice work.”
“Huh?”
“Nothing.”He walked inside and gave Solene a big, insincere grin. “Solene Hansen, as I live and breathe. You get prettier each time I see you.”
“Condescending ass,” Solene muttered loudly enough to be heard. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“Solene, the baby.” Deacon shook his head. “Go on, Addy. I’ll keep the bobble-head company.”
