“I suppose I asked for that.”
Noah loved Ashley like a mother. She had been there for him during the worst and best times in his life. It touched him that she was worried and he really needed to convince her that Carmine was a decent addition to his life.
“I moved to Brockton to be myself,” Noah said. “This is the first time I’ve felt like this about anyone. Can’t you be happy for me?”
She took hold of his hand and squeezed it. “Of course I can. I worry, that’s all.”
“And I love you for it.”
They walked in silence until the inevitable happened. Two young girls came running over to them.
“Are you Noah Farman?”
He smiled and nodded.
“We think you’re amazing. Can we get a selfie?”
Noah dutifully complied. When things like that had first happened to him, he’d been embarrassed. Now it had become second nature.
“Thank you,” he said as they sped off, giggling.
Ashley had been watching him the whole time.
“You’re growing into a fine man,” she said. “I’m very proud of you.”
“Thanks.”
“I’ll have to trust your judgement I suppose but for the record I think this is a problem.”
Noah drew her into a hug. “Noted. I guess I should declare that I’m going to ignore you. Sorry but I am.”
“Hmmm. This guy is very lucky. You tell him that from me,” she replied. “Come on, let’s get inside. It’s bloody freezing. Plus I’m making a roast dinner.”
“A roast dinner on a Tuesday?”
She linked his arm and cuddled him. “I’ve never shied away from living dangerously. You know that.”
“Why not?” Noah replied with a chuckle. “No carbs for me, please.”
Ashley sighed.
“Less of it,” Noah said. “I want to be my absolute best this season. I’ve a lot to prove. Besides, Malcolm’s relying on me.”
They retraced their steps toward Ashley’s house.
“How is he? I’ve not been to see him in ages,” Ashley said. “I messaged him the other week to see if he wanted to come dinner. He said he’d get back to me.”
Noah shuddered. Malcolm was picking up lingo from the office. Were they creating a monster?
“He’s great,” Noah replied. “We’re trying to arrange him coming to visit me. I can’t wait to show him the land I’ve bought. I’m calling in to watch him play tonight. Fancy coming with me?”
Some more people were staring over in their direction. Whilst Noah never had a problem with fans coming over, he was enjoying his time alone with Ashley. Instinctively they picked up the pace. Things weren’t always friendly. Especially since his move to Brockton.
“Oh I’d love it,” Ashley said. “I’ll get Gordon to pick me up on his way home from work. Saves you driving me.”
Noah could have lived without Gordon’s opinion on everything. Hopefully it would be kept to a minimum on this visit.
“I’ve nearly hit the target, you know,” Noah said.
