Page 87 of Let Me Show You

I'm a nervous wreck on the way home because I know how dangerous it is to drive these roads at night. There’s no shoulder and deer often run out in front of vehicles.

Though my mind is running a million miles per hour, I keep my eyes on the road and focus.

When I finally pull into my driveway, I let out a relieved breath. When I visit Noah tomorrow, I'll take Owen to my mother's. He was supposed to go to Loretta's, but there’s no way in hell am I letting her close to my son until I know her involvement.

I slept like shit and woke up exhausted. After I showered last night and calmed down a bit, I called my mom and explained what happened. She was upset but also happy that Noah will recover.

After I get dressed, I cook us breakfast, then drop Owen off at my parents' house. Before I leave, Owen hugs me tight, and I make sure to tell him how much I love him. This accident has really shaken him up, but I've tried to put on a happy face even though it's hard as hell. Over scrambled eggs this morning, I made sure to keep our conversation upbeat while also answering his questions truthfully.

On the way to the hospital, I go over everything that’s happened, but none of it makes sense. Is Loretta capable of doing something so horrific and using Brittany as an accomplice? I’d like to think not, but I don't know.

I replay last night and the conversation Noah and I had. The truck that slammed into him was big, and thankfully, it missed his door and hit closer toward the front fender. I wonder if this was an accident or intentional. Too many questions run through my mind, and by the time I pull into the parking lot, I'm wound tighter than a ball of yarn.

I go straight to Noah's room and smile when I see Jerry and Gemma.

“I'm sorry, I didn't realize y'all were here,” I say.

Gemma grins. “Katie! I was just telling Dad I need to eat right now before I get hangry.”

Jerry laughs and looks at his watch. It’s barely past eleven. “She did, but I was hoping Noah would be awake,” Jerry says. “He’s been sleeping all morning.”

“Dad. Food. Now,” Gemma says, and they stand.

Jerry grins. “If he wakes up, will you let us know?”

“I sure will,” I reply with a laugh because Gemma grows more impatient with every passing second.

“Bye!” Gemma happily exclaims as she heads toward the door with Jerry behind her.

Once Noah and I are alone, I move the chair next to the bed and sit. I grab his hand and squeeze tight, then close my eyes.

“Katie?”

When I look at Noah, his eyes are open. A smile instantly hits my lips as I lean over and hug him.

“Noah,” I croak out. “You're awake. Oh my God. I'm so happy. How do you feel?”

“Like a giant pile of shit.” He tries to reposition himself and moans with a painful expression.

I feel bad for him, but I'm thrilled he's talking to me. “You bruised some ribs and had a concussion. The doctor said you’d be sore for a while.”

Noah stares at me, then looks around the room. “Was Brittany here?”

His question takes me by surprise. “No. I haven't seen her. Before I showed up, Gemma and your dad were here, though. They just went to grab some lunch.”

“You're sure Brittany wasn't here?”

“I can't be positive, but I think Gemma or your dad would’ve said something if they saw her. No one has heard from her since yesterday. I'm not sure if she ever found a ride or got a tow back to town either. Enough of that, though. When you're home and feeling better, we need to discuss some things regarding her. I just don't wanna talk about it right now.”

“Yeah.” He blows out. “I agree. I just…I could’ve sworn she was in my room.”

Curiosity fills me. Is it possible she stopped by before Gemma and Jerry arrived?

Considering he's awake and talking, the last thing I want to discuss right now is Brittany.

“I was worried about you, Noah. I thought…” My voice cracks, and I choke up. “I thought I was gonna lose you.”

With a tight squeeze of my hand, he tries to reassure me. “I'm not going anywhere, sweetheart.”