I groaned, running a hand through my wet hair. When did my life become a fucking soap opera?
I stepped out of the shower, grabbing a towel and drying off with quick, purposeful motions. My mind was made up. I needed clarity, and there was only one person I could turn to for that.
As I tugged on a clean T-shirt and sweats, my eyes landed on my phone where I’d left it this morning with my dirty clothes. I snatched it up, my thumb hovering over Noah’s contact. A tremor ran through my hand, and I took a deep breath.
The phone rang once, twice. I paced the small bathroom, my bare feet leaving damp prints on the tiles.
“West?” Noah’s voice crackled through the speaker, tinged with worry. “Dude, I just saw the news. Are you okay? The fire?—”
“Relax, man. I'm fine. The fire’s out. I was the only one in the building, and I’m fine.”
“Thank God,” Noah exhaled. “What do you need? Can we help with anything?”
I sighed. “I hope so. Just not exactly related to the Foundation.”
“Oh?” Noah’s tone shifted, a mix of curiosity and concern.
I leaned against the sink, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My hair was a mess, curls sticking up every which way. But it was the look in my eyes that made me pause with a mix of fear and determination I barely recognized.
“I…” I swallowed hard, forcing the words out. “I need your advice, Noah. It’s about Drew.”
There was a brief pause, and I could practically hear the gears turning in Noah’s head. “Drew? What about him?”
I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and dove in. “I’m going out of my mind. It’s becoming harder to be with Drew and not tell him how I feel.”
Noah’s sharp intake of breath crackled through the phone. “Holy shit, West. You’re ready to do something about it?”
“Yeah, I guess I am.”
“What brought this on?”
I ran my fingers through my damp hair, remembering the electricity of Drew’s touch. “We almost kissed,” I admitted quietly. “And I swear, Noah, the way he looked at me… I think he might feel the same way.”
“Of course he does!” Noah exclaimed, his enthusiasm infectious. “West, I’ve been trying to tell you this for ages. The guy lights up like a Christmas tree whenever you’re around.”
My heart skipped a beat. “Really?”
“Really,” Noah confirmed. “You’ve just been too busy playing the ‘foster brother’ card to notice.”
I groaned, leaning my forehead against the cool mirror. “God, I’m an idiot, aren’t I?”
“Hey, no self-deprecation allowed,” Noah scolded gently. “You’re not an idiot. You’re just…cautious. Given your history, it’s understandable.”
His words hit home, and I felt a lump form in my throat. “I just… I don’t want to mess this up, Noah. Drew means too much to me.”
“And that’s exactly why you won’t mess it up,” Noah said softly. “Trust me, West. The way you two care about each other? That’s something special.”
I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of anxiety and exhilaration course through me. “You’re right,” I said, my voice steadier than I felt. “I can’t keep running from this. It’s time I face these feelings head-on.”
“That’s my boy,” Noah cheered. “So, what’s the game plan?”
I chuckled, running a hand through my hair. “Game plan? I’m flying by the seat of my pants here, Noah. But I guess…I need to talk to him. Really talk to him.”
“Sounds like a solid start,” Noah agreed. “Just remember, West—honesty is key. And for God’s sake, use your words this time, not just those puppy-dog eyes of yours.”
“Hey!” I protested, laughing despite myself. “I do not have puppy-dog eyes.”
“Sure, keep telling yourself that, lover boy,” Noah teased. “Now go get your man.”
