Page 108 of Let Me Show You

Katie

So, what are your plans tonight?

Noah

Was hoping to devour you.

I enter the diner and order a combo to go. As I wait for it to cook, I step outside and soak up in the warm sunshine.

Katie

That sounds like a solid plan. Owen was asking when he’d get to see you again, so I was wondering if you’d like to join us for dinner?

Noah

Honestly, I’d love that.

Katie

Good! He’ll be really excited about this.

The thought warms my heart. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss seeing him. Though they visited a lot while I was taking it easy, I’ve already grown attached to him. There’s an internal desire to protect him and Katie from the world because I’ve seen how ugly it can be.

Noah

Great! I’ll pick up a cake for dessert. And ice cream. Maybe we can watch a movie after dinner? I did promise to watch the first Avengers with him.

Katie

As long as he’s in bed by 9pm at the latest.

Noah

Deal. It’s a date!

After I’m given my food and pay, I walk back to the gym. I quickly eat, then spend the rest of the afternoon bolting things together. By the time my shift ends, my muscles are sore, but it feels good. Dad picks me up on time, and I ask him to take me by the bakery and the grocery store on the way home. I run in and grab a half-gallon of vanilla Blue Bell ice cream, then we go to the bakery.

It’s almost closing time, but Jackie still greets me with a smile.

“What’s the special occasion?” Dad asks when I return with a big ass chocolate cake.

“Owen invited me over for dinner,” I proudly tell him as we make our way home.

“You can use the truck tonight. Belinda’s gonna come over when her shift ends, so I don’t need it.”

I thank him, and soon, we’re pulling into the driveway. I put the ice cream in the freezer, then jump in the shower to wash off the day. Once Katie texts me that she’s picked up Owen, I get dressed and make my way over.

“Noah!” Owen’s face lights up the moment he sees me.

“Hey! How’s it goin’?” I ask, and he fills me in on his schoolwork, basketball, and how he wants a dog as Katie cooks.

“A dog?” I ask, and Katie shakes her head.

“We’re not getting a dog yet. Maybe when we move into the house.”

Owen pouts. “That’s never gonna happen.”

Katie nearly pins him to his chair with her glare. “It will happen.”