“That must’ve been hard.” I glance at Mom. “How did you cope?”
She gives me a warm smile. “I just powered through it, and after a while, I got used to how things worked.” There’s a moment’s silence, then she asks, “Any guys caught your eye yet?”
I let out a sputter of laughter. Mom knows I’ve been in love with Noah for years because there’s nothing I hide from her. “Nah, it’s still only Noah.”
“And? How is it living in the same suite as him?” Her hands still as her eyes focus on me.
I shrug. “We’re actually trying to be friends. It’s a relief.”
“That’s good to hear,” Mom murmurs.
Then the corner of my mouth lifts and pausing with the work for a moment, I murmur, “We kissed.”
“Oh my God,” Mom shrieks, and then she’s yanking me into a hug and bouncing with me. “I’m so happy for you!” Mom pulls back and gives me a big smile. “And… how was it?”
I begin to laugh as my cheeks flush. “So much better than I thought it would be.” I let out a sigh. “He was… I was…” I sigh. “It was perfect.”
Mom cups my cheeks with her hand. “Aww… I’m glad.”
“He said he needs time to process everything.” I begin to slice the potatoes again. “So I’m giving him space. I’m just glad he’s willing to try.”
“Me too,” Mom murmurs. “I know how much you love him, and I just want you to be happy.”
A soft smile plays around my lips as I say, “I am. I really am.”
NOAH
When three days have passed, I’m surprised Carla hasn’t come to talk to me yet. Whenever I run into her, she just smiles as if nothing happened between us.
I’m beginning to realize there’s much more to Carla than meets the eye. She’s probably one of the most patient people I know. Any other girl would’ve told me to get lost by now.
Carla is probably going to San Francisco with Forest and Aria for Aria’s art exhibition. The thought of Carla not being here this weekend gets to me, though.
I’ll talk to her once she gets back. After this past week and realizing how well she understands me, I’m ready to take the next step.
Also, I want to see if the physical side of things will work between us.
After that kiss, do you seriously have any doubts?
Nope.
When I walk down the hallway, I hear Carla say, “Can you go to the drug store and get me some flu meds?”
She’s sick?
“Do you feel sick?” I hear Forest ask.
“Yeah. My body aches all over, and my throat feels like someone shoved thorns down it.”
I walk into the living room, and the instant I see her feverish face, I go to take her hand while telling Forest, “I’ll make sure she gets meds in her.”
“He’s going to drug and kill me,” Carla groans, but I can hear the playful tone in her voice.
“Don’t give me any ideas,” I tease her as I drag her back to her room. “Climb back in bed.”
Without any argument, she lies down and snuggles into her pillow, then she asks, “Are we going to play doctor-patient?”
I tilt my head at her. “No, you’re going to rest and get better.” My eyes scan over her face, and then I place the back of my hand against her forehead. Feeling the heat coming off her, I say, “I’ll get you flu medicine and chicken soup.”
“I will not eat chicken soup. Don’t you dare order it,” she grumbles at me.
“Chicken soup?” Aria asks as she comes into the room.
“Yeah, she’s sick,” I mutter. Slanting my eyes at Carla, I add, “And a terrible patient.”
“Aww… no. So you can’t come tonight?” Aria asks as she goes to feel Carla’s forehead. “Do you have meds? Should I go get you some?”
“I’ve got it covered,” I say. “Don’t worry about her.”
“Worry about me,” Carla groans. “I’m stuck with the tin man.”
When my gaze darts to her, she winks at me.
Aria lets out a chuckle as she says, “Damn, we’ll miss you.”
I feel a sudden burst of relief and happiness that Carla’s staying home, and do my best to not let it show on my face.
“You go kick ass,” Carla grins as she turns onto her side. “I’m just going to sleep it off.”
“I’ll call later to check on you,” Aria says.
“Enjoy the night, guys.”
When Forest and Aria leaves, I turn back to Carla. “Tin man?”
“Yeah, but you’re a hot tin man.” She begins to chuckle, but it turns into a cough.
I sit down next to her and rub a hand over her back. “I’m going to run to the store quickly. Try to get some sleep. Okay?”
Carla nods, then she murmurs, “Thank you.”
Leaning over her, I press a kiss to her feverish forehead, and then I rush out of the suite.