I catch Adam out of the corner of my eye. I know Adam gets along with the guys well but Kristen is more trouble than she’s worth.
It may be the jealousy of seeing her throw herself at Noah numerous times, or the fact she often comes off over-eager that rubs me the wrong way but a lot of people don’t mesh well with her.
“Oh. Audrey is here!” Kristen squeals as she crosses the room. “Hi, babes! So nice to see you again. Isn’t Noah’s house just the cutest thing?” She hugs me before I can process anything, her perfume overpowering the space.
“Hi, Kristen. Nice of you to come help.” I offer her a fake smile.
“That’s what friends are for! Noah and I have spentsooomuch time together since the start of spring training. I’m so lucky to know him! I was thrilled when he showed me this place.”
Her words catch me off guard.
They’ve hung out?
He showed her the house before me?
Why hasn’t he said anything to me? Why hasn’t Connor said anything to me either?
I try not to panic, reminding myself that he isn’t Paul, and I can trust him.
“Adam, thanks for coming, man!” Connor’s voice draws my attention to the front door, where Noah and the other guys are all greeting him.
“And he brought the party with him!” Kristen giggles from beside me, moving towards the guys with a sway in her hips that not even I could master.
My jaw tightens as she hugs the guys. She lingers on Noah, her hands drifting down his back.
Play nice, Audrey. She’s just here to help.
I turn my back on them, focusing on placing more plates and bowls into the cupboards behind me.
Laughter fills the space as I try to calm my breathing.
Don’t freak out. He’s not Paul. This is different.
“Anyone want a beer?” Connor asks before a few mumbles of agreement echo around the group.
“Do you have Smirnoff Ice, Noah? That’s my favorite!” Kristen exclaims.
“Nope,” Noah says with a tone that is borderline annoyed.
Or maybe I’m just reading into things right now.
“You’ll have to stock the fridge! I feel like we’ll have all sorts of pool parties here this summer. I’m so excited!” Kristen laughs.
“Yeah man, when are we having a housewarming party?” Sam asks.
“Let the guy move in first, jeez guys!” Connor quips as he reaches into the fridge. He meets my eyes with a teasingsmirk and whispers, “Need a cooler, Auds? Something sugary?”
“Not since I was nineteen, Connor,” I reply quietly but we both let out a laugh, remembering how he “iced” me at least fifteen times in one weekend when he came to visit me in college. The sugar hangover I felt was unbearable after that. Wine, beer or liquor are my drink choices now. But at least I got back at him the following Christmas.
My eyes flick towards Kristen, who has her hand on Noah’s arm again, until he removes it and takes a step back from her.
Connor shifts closer to me. “He didn’t know she was coming … and fair warning, I wouldn’t trust her for a second.”
“She told me her and Noah are good friends,” I tell him, pouting slightly.
Connor sighs, reading into my insecurity after what Paul did. I trust Noah, but I don’t trust Kristen, and I worry she could try and get between us. “Don’t worry. Cupid Connor is here to clear the air,” he gives me a salute.
“Cupid Connor?” I whisper, letting out a snort.
