Page 52 of You Fall First

“The thing is, I have another favor to ask you,” she says. “Because Noah won’t.”

My breath stalls, and I can’t bring myself to say, “name it,” or “anything,” or “whatever you need,” because my ability to follow through will depend on what she requests.

“My big brother is a lot of things,” she says. “A protector, and a provider. On occasion, a serious pain in the butt.” At this, her lips go lopsided. “What he is not is realistic about his limitations. He’d never admit it, but he’s out of his depth trying to take care of Dutton and his job and himself. I realize you barely know him, but that man would rather drown in a pool he dug himself than let us down.”

I almost tell Paige that I see this. In fact, it’s probably the most seeable thing about Noah. But suggesting that I already know him that well could come off as presumptuous. Even worse, confessing that I keep track of his behavior, noting his strengths and weaknesses, is way too true.

And that makes me vulnerable.

So I say, “Go on.”

“I’m hoping you’ll keep helping out until I get there,” she says. “I know this is a huge thing to ask a virtual stranger, but Noah told me your new job doesn’t start until next month, and I’ll be cleared to fly before then.”

I exhale, relieved. This is an easy request, actually. “Of course I’ll help. I’ve offered multiple times.”

“I’m sure you have, but Noah’s a stubborn guy.” She takes a beat, squares her shoulders. “In fact, you may have to figure out a way to convince him to let you help.” Her eyes begin to shine. “I’d do anything to be there myself. Being stuck in this hospital bed is killing me, but if I know you’re there, looking out for him, I’ll be able to rest a little easier.”

So. The bottom line is, Paige needs to heal, and in order to do that, she needs peace of mind. To know Dutton’s okay.

It’s not like she’s got any other friends here yet to call on. Under the circumstances, my yes isn’t even a question.

“Dutton’s a great little guy,” I say. “Watching him won’t be a problem.”

“Thank you.” Paige’s gaze roams the screen like she’s trying to see beyond me. “And I appreciate that more than you know. But I’m actually asking you to watch my brother.”

“What?” I blink.

Paige offers me a soft smile. “Dutton already has his uncle,” she says. “Noah needs someone to have him.”

Chapter Fourteen

Noah

After our total failure at the claw machine, I’m gonna have to work a year longer to replenish my 401K.

Okay. Small exaggeration.

But seriously. Those things are a massive rip-off. Dutton walked away with a lesson in Pixar claws being much easier to work with than real ones, and I ended up forking over even more good money to buy Dutton a toy T-Rex sold in a coin-operated vending machine.

The green dinosaur was delivered to us in a clear plastic egg. Not exactly Mesozoic Era accurate, but Dutton plays happily with Rex and Bugs while Jo and I finish eating. And that’s something money can’t buy.

Afterward, we box up our leftovers, clear our table, and wander out to our respective cars. On the way, I can tell Jo’s got something on her mind.

I just don’t know what that something is yet.

“You all right?” I ask, dipping my gaze to catch hers.

“I’m just stuffed.” She nods, almost too quickly. “Too much pepperoni.”

I’m not sure I believe her.

“Well, thanks again,” I say, ducking my head. “For everything.”

“Thanks for dinner,” she murmurs.

“Literally the least I could do.” My voice is gruff and full of … I don’t know what, exactly. Regret that the day is over? Relief? Maybe a bit of both? A vision of what the next couple of weeks will look like stretches before me. It’s basically a circus where I’m both the ringmaster and the guy juggling chainsaws.

But what option do I have?