“Aw… yeah. My bad.” I rubbed my hand across my face and took a few steps back so she could roll around me.
“Thank you for getting the chair.” Her voice was low, that blend of grace and guardedness I was learning was her default.She was used to doing it all herself; I could tell. She probably even prided herself on it, but it didn’t shake her softness.
“You’re welcome,” I said gently. “You need a push?”
“No, I got it.”
I followed her lead as she turned toward the new ramp. The sun must have been on my side because the moment she wheeled around, the wood lit up like a spotlight.
“Wait… Is it done?” She slowed and then glanced back at me.
“Finished this morning.”
“Damn. That was quick.”
I shrugged. “We have a time frame. I’m not going over.”
She rolled close, studying it like it was more than just a ramp. “It’s really nice, Quade. Makes the house look?—”
“More alive,” I finished her sentence.
“Yes, that.” She nodded, still staring. “I love it. Thank you, Quade.”
“Hey, Quade ain’t the only one who did this.” That was Rico’s extra ass.
“You want credit or lunch, bro? ’Cause you ain’t getting both.” I turned to shoot him a look, making Noa laugh.
“Thank you, Rico. Thank you, James,” Noa sang, just as Teagan’s phone buzzed in her back pocket. She pulled it out and read the screen. A loud groan fell from her lips.
“Shit. I forgot I have a stats test in twenty minutes.” She spun toward Noa. “You good to make it in the house?”
“Sis, go. I got it.” Noa waved her off. “I’ve made it in the house a dozen times before.”
“Don’t trip. I’ll make sure she gets in safely,” I offered, and Teagan glanced at me. I could tell she wasn’t used to having support as far as Noa was concerned.
“You sure?” she asked.
“She’s safe with me.”
“Mhm. Alright then.” Teagan smirked like she knew something I didn’t. “I’ll be back after my exam.”
“Good luck,” Noa called as her sister jogged to the car, calling out something about Bob the Builder, before she took off down the street. My attention immediately returned to Noa, who was already wheeling toward the house.
“You sure you don’t want a push?” I power walked behind Noa as she adjusted her grip on her wheels.
“I got it.”
“I know you do, just offering. Ready to try this baby out?”
She nodded, then hit the ramp slowly and steadily.
“Just don’t touch the railings. The paint’s still drying,” I said as I followed behind her. I was close enough to catch her if something happened, but I wasn’t hovering. She made it up like it was nothing. When we reached the door, she pulled out her keys, unlocked the deadbolt, and nudged the door open with her arm. She pushed inside, and I followed, letting it close behind us.
I stood there for a second, just watching the way she moved through her space. There was something peaceful and inspiring about it.
“Do you need anything before I head out?” I finally stopped staring long enough to ask.
“No,” she said, shaking her head. “I’m good. Just… thank you again.”
