“Which half?” I asked.
“The bottom half. She always eats the head first.”
“Like a praying mantis.”
Noah laughed. “Oh, man. You set me up for that joke, didn’t you?”
“I swear I didn’t. It was just what popped into my head.”
“Sure. Sure. And now it’s in my head. Thanks for that.”
“You’re welcome.” I rested my head back against the seat and sighed. Dang it, I liked hanging out with Noah. Despite everything, despite wanting to be mad at him, we always seemed to default back to the way we’d started. As friends. Which was a good enough sign as any that it was the way things were supposed to be. I still didn’t want a speech though.
“I should check on Sadie.” I was really hoping to get to Denver’s house before she did. I pulled my phone out and texted her, but there was no immediate response, so I tucked my phone away and tried to think of something else to talk about.
“Jen, there’s this thing I’ve been meaning—”
“Actually, there’s something I’ve been meaning to talk toyouabout. Do you mind if I go first?”
Noah nodded, although he couldn’t quite hide his frustration at being cut off. “Go ahead.”
“How is carpool going to work with me and Sadie at Denver’s? Are you and Dan okay with meeting up at Dan’s house and then driving to Denver’s? How would that work for the ride home?”
Noah thought for a minute. “I think we should end Sadie’s driving week, and Dan or I can drive until you two move into your new apartment. That way we can just drop you two off on our way back to Dan’s house.”
“Sounds good. We’ll just pay you two gas money.”
“Mm hmm.”
Whatever. I’d give the money to Dan to give to him if I had to.
Noah gripped the steering wheel. “Ready for my turn?”
No. Not even a little bit. But I was out of diversionary tactics unless I wanted to explain why I was using them. “Fine. Go ahead.”
“It’s just that…I…” He took in a deep breath, and his fingers danced nervously across the steering wheel. “I’m not sure how to say this.”
“Then don’t,” I blurted.
“You don’t even know what I’m trying to say.”
“Is it going to make things awkward between us?” I laughed nervously. “I mean, like more awkward than they already are?”
“Yeah,” he admitted.
“Then let’s not talk about it tonight. Especially while you’re moving all my stuff for me, and I have no way to repay you, except with cash I’ll have to hide on your body.”
Noah eyed me suspiciously. “I’d like to see you try.”
“See? If you won’t accept cash, what can I offer? Would you like my firstborn child?”
“Nunya?”
I laughed. “Actually, Nunya-Business would come first. Lil’ Nunya will be my second born.”
“Will they be rappers?”
“Maybe.”
