“Noah…” Brad looks at me. “Tomorrow,” he says again. Firmly this time.
I breathe out my nose and accept the plan. As much as I’m worried she’ll blame me for the coming fallout, what’s the alternative, really? Living this lie for a few more months? Having to watch them together whileit’s killing me inside? Or, even worse — waiting until she hurts him? Because she will.
No.
In and out.That’s all we need to do.
And I trust him. He’ll break it off with her when he knows it’s right. The sooner the better.
Easy.
Only, nothing is as easy as it seems.
17
Noah
“Yay!” A loud pitched squeal echoes all the way down the drive. I see mom standing there on our front porch, waving her hands in the air and jumping up and down excitedly.
Oh, God.
“You okay?” Brad asks me, as he waves to her through the truck window. “Remember, we’re in and out.”
“What are you going to say? She’ll wonder why you’re not staying the night,” I say, unclicking my seat belt.
“That’s no problem. Saying I have work stuff to deal with will seal the deal,” he says, doing the same.
“Cool.” I answer, taking a big breath in.
I look over at Brad who looks at me with soft eyes. His mouth parts and I suck in a breath, awaiting what he’s about to say.
Before he can, his truck door swings open, dragging us both into reality.
“What are you two sillies still doing in here? Get out and hug me!” She giggles, grabbing at Brad’s arm.
A twisted knot festers in my gut as I watch her yank him from his seat.
“Woah there,” he laughs awkwardly, hugging her as she wraps her arms around his neck.
I unbuckle my seat belt and slide out of the truck.
“Mmmm, I missed you so much. Next time, I’m coming with you boys,” Mom coos, nestling her face in his neck. My teeth threaten to crack as I bite down, watching the exchange. Mom meets my gaze, serene as ever, and mouths a quiet,“Thank you.”The contrast makes my stomach twist even more.
I nod my head curtly, before turning to walk into the house. I don’t need to see any more of that.
“Was he good? I know he’s…” I hear her mutter to him.
“He was…Noah,”Brad answers.
I want to be angry hearing his answer but it’s exactly to plan. He’s doing this for me.For us.
I head inside, slamming the screen door behind me.
It’s clear by the state of the house, that mom has been home for awhile. Blankets and half-eaten snacks fill the living room and the house feels warm,lived in,which is weird since she was supposed to be gone too.
“Did you end up staying home this weekend?” I ask, hearing them stepping inside after me.
“Was feeling sort of off once you guys left. Decided to stay in. No biggy.” Mom sings, rushing past me and into the kitchen.
