“I’ll meet you in the lobby?”
“Sure.”
She left and I stayed in my seat for a moment, watching the crowd filter toward the exits. Noah was still on stage, shaking hands with the moderator and the Kingswell team. Crawford looked like he wanted to disappear.
I stood and made my way down the aisle toward the lobby.
***
The crowd thinned as people headed outside. I caught sight of Noah emerging from backstage, riding his high. His tie was loosened, sleeves rolled up, expression of sheer exhilaration.
I clapped him on the shoulder. “You crushed it.”
Noah grinned. “He made it easy.”
“Bullshit. That was all you.” I kept my hand there for a second longer than usual. “Seriously, man. That was... I don’t know. Impressive doesn’t even cover it.”
Noah’s grin softened into something more real. “Yeah?”
“Yeah.” I swallowed. “I know I don’t say this stuff enough, but you’re really good at what you do. Like, scary good. And I’m glad you’re on our side.”
He blinked. Adjusted his satchel. “Dude. Are you okay?”
“I’m being genuine.”
“I know. That’s why I’m asking if you’re okay.”
I shoved him lightly. “Shut up. I’m trying to tell you that you did good.”
“You’re proud of me.” Noah’s eyes lit up with that knowing look. “Oh my god. Liam Moore is experiencing a feeling and expressing it with words.”
“I take it back.”
“No take-backs.” He was full-on smiling now. “This is growth. This is what we love to see.”
“You’re the worst.”
“And yet you just complimented me.” He bumped my shoulder with his. “Thanks, though. Really. Means a lot coming from you.”
I nodded. Didn’t trust myself to say anything else without it getting weird. But something in my chest felt lighter.
“Where’s Emily?”
“Bathroom.”
Noah nodded, his gaze scanning the lobby before landing on something over my shoulder.
His expression shifted.
“Hey. Liam?”
The voice came from behind us.
I turned.
Alex stood a few feet away, hands in his pockets. He looked like hell. Dark circles under his eyes. Hair disheveled. And a bruise blooming along his cheekbone—purple-yellow, the kind that came from someone’s fist. The exact thing I tried to defend him against.
A feeling rushed through my body. It wasn’t the usual excitement I felt seeing Alex. It was something else. Sadness. Pity. And something so much deeper.
