“And now I need to go and see Mom and then find Lani before I finish setting up for tonight. I’m kicking your ass this year.”
“Unlikely,” Faith scoffed. “I always get more bids and money than you.”
“Only because Old Man Hopkins has the hots for you and outbids every other man so he can take you out for dinner.”
“He’s sweet. I don’t mind if he wins again.”
“Okay, so we’re all clear on this now?”
“I promise not to meddle anymore, and I’m sorry, and I’ll say that when I see Lani.”
“Why don’t I believe that you’ll actually follow through with the first part of that.”
Her laughter followed him as he retraced his steps out the back door.
Lani wasn’t there when he arrived at the Howlery, and Mrs. C said she was running errands.
“You look hot today.” Noah admired her fluorescent green dress and geometric patterned waistcoat that had more colors on it than the rainbow.
“It’s new.” She preened. “Hank said I looked wonderful.”
Hank had to be color blind, Noah thought as he left and headed to the Hoot, where he found Buster behind the counter.
“Well, well, if it isn’t Daddy. How are Willow and Emily, bud?”
Willow’s birth had been long and tiring, but the end result was a sweet little baby girl who already had her parents right where she wanted them. Noah had seen her yesterday and taken her the biggest teddy he could find.
“Hey man, coffee? I was just making some.” Buster finished his sentence with a yawn.
“Sure, if you’re making. Long night?”
“And then some. Emily was fussing, and Willow told me to sleep but I just couldn’t.”
“And now you’re regretting that.”
“It has to be said that I am, but Jake tells me you go through this shit. In fact, he says you’re in a kind of holding pattern of exhaustion until they sleep through the night.”
“Nice. Sounds like something to avoid,” Noah said, taking out a caramel muffin.
“It’s not, though. When I look at Emily, it’s like she’s always been part of me and Willow.”
“Is this how it’s going to go now, because I kinda liked my hard-ass, awkward friend. You’re all roses and meaningful words nowadays.”
Buster growled.
“Much better.”
“So you just missed Lani. She was in before. I like that girl, Noah. Like her a lot. She’s kind, you know, and doesn’t fake it.”
“Uh-huh.” Noah took a large bite of his muffin. Damn it, he’d just missed her.
“You need to get that locked in, bud. Don’t want her getting away. She’s good for you.”
“It’s complicated.” Noah went for honesty.
“She’s a woman, tell me one who isn’t, but here’s the thing, bud, is she worth it?”
He didn’t hesitate. “Yes, but there’s plenty of mountains to climb before we get there. Whatever this shit is with her, it’s bad, and somehow I need to get her to tell me what it is.”
