My cheeks heat as I finish eating. I hadn’t planned on seeing him in person tonight, but it’s a nice surprise. After I take a shower, I change into some comfortable clothes. Before I leave, my phone rings.
When I see it’s Loretta, I’m tempted to reject the call, but considering I’ve been in a mood all day, I answer.
“Katie. My God, I can’t believe you answered,” she says with an edge to her tone. “We need to talk. The way you’ve been ignoring me is upsetting, and I miss my grandson. I don’t thi–”
“Loretta. I’m not letting Owen see you until you explain what the hell is going on. I’m not stupid and wasn’t born yesterday. Right now, I’ve lost my trust in you, and I don’t want him around you. Something strange is going on, and I need the truth.”
I hear her suck in a deep breath. “The truth about what exactly?”
“The twenty thousand you withdrew from the bank,” I snap, hoping she’ll tell start talking.
She hesitates. “What does that have to do with anything?”
“Because I want to hear it from your mouth, not anyone else's,” I admit, my adrenaline spiking and heart racing. I’ve never been this tough on Loretta and have mostly done whatever she’s asked because she’s been such a big help to me. But I can’t allow this suspicious activity to continue, especially if she’s responsible for Noah’s accident.
“Katie, I don’t think this is any of your business or concern, but if you’re going to keep my grandson from me over it, then you’re forcing me to explain,” she says.
I swallow hard. “Alright.”
“This is extremely personal, so I expect you to keep it to yourself, but Elliot has been gambling again. The tenth anniversary of Gabe’s death has hit him hard, and he’s out of control. If I didn’t withdraw the money, he would’ve spent it, and we don’t have a lot left in our savings. So I moved it and am keeping it hidden. He can’t find out about it. I didn’t want to involve you because I know you don’t like to lie and keep secrets,” she says.
My anger with her slightly melts away because I remember how bad Elliot’s addiction used to be. Even though he got help, I understand that certain events can trigger the need to feel those endorphins. After Gabe passed away, it was bad before it got better. I feel like a giant asshole for forcing her to tell me, but I’m also cynical. She knows I won’t be able to confirm her story without going to Elliot, and I would never do that.
Would she admit that she paid Brittany to set up Noah? No.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” I offer.
“I miss seeing Owen every week. I miss his laughter and eating cheeseburgers together on the weekends. Can you please reconsider?” she nearly begs, but I have to protect him at all costs.
“I’ll think about it,” I finally say.
“Thank you,” she mutters. “Just let me know.”
“I will, thanks.” I end the call and stare at the ceiling, trying to calm down.
If I were pettier, I would’ve mentioned Noah and the accident and brought up Brittany to gauge her reaction. It’s something I’d need to do face-to-face, though, because she’s not great at lying. Eventually, she’ll learn that Noah and I are together, and while I’d like to tell her first, I’m not ready yet. When she knows, she’ll have to accept my decision. I can’t continue trying to make everyone else in my life happy without considering my feelings. I grab my keys and head out the door without giving her words a second thought.
When I finally arrive at Noah’s, he opens the door wearing a sexy smirk.
“There’s my sweetheart,” he tells me. Pulling me close, he drags his soft lips across mine.
“Hey, Katie!” Jerry says from the living room when I enter.
“Hi!” I say, and he smiles big. “Belinda made some chocolate cake if you want some dessert.”
“Thanks for the offer, but I just had dinner. Though it’s tempting, I don’t think I can eat another bite of anything.”
We stand awkwardly in the living room and talk about nothing before Noah leads me upstairs to his room.
“So tell me everything,” he says after we sit on his bed. His arm brushes against mine, and I can feel the warmth of his body.
I explain what happened at the deli and what Brittany said.
He laughs. “I can’t believe you’re so feisty. Kinda turning me on a bit,” he admits with a sly smile.
“I was pissed! The fact that she thinks I’m a jealous girlfriend or something…”
“You are,” he jokes. I narrow my eyes at him, and he laughs. “I’m kidding.”
“Good.” I pretend to pout, then grin.
“Seems like Brittany’s asking people who are close to us questions like she’s trying to gather as much information as she can. I need to get with Belinda and see if she’s heard anything else. I’m convinced there’s a bigger plan in the works, and I’m waiting for them to strike, but I’m hoping this time I’m smarter. Now what did Loretta say?” he asks.