She points a finger at me with a gasp. “So thereissex happening! I knew it.”
I stand. “No. Been going solo for a long time. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going on my lunch break.”
“Well, whatever it’s worth, I’ve never seen you happier.” She smirks as I playfully shove her out of my office.
“Go do your job before I fire you.”
She cackles because she knows I can’t, but either way, I wouldn’t. She’s a great teller and has excellent people skills.
I didn’t have the chance to prepare any food ahead of time, so I walk to the deli to grab something for Noah and me.
When I enter, Belinda immediately greets me. She knows the situation, but we don’t talk about it outside of our circle, so the conversation stays light.
“I can ring her up while you finish,” Brittany says as she comes toward me from the kitchen.
“Two soup and sandwich combos,” Belinda tells her.
“Two, huh? Must be hungry today,” she says in a sugary-sweet tone that’s so fake. I want toroll my eyes but refrain.
“I’m getting one for a coworker,” I answer, reaching into my wallet for my card.
Brittany smiles as she swipes it, then hands it back.
“How’s Owen doin’?” she asks while Belinda bags my items.
“He’s fine, thank you.”
“My Anthony has been beggin’ me to set up a playdate. I know you’re super busy with work and your house, but maybe I could take Owen off your hands on a Saturday? I’m sure the boys would love to play baseball and video games.”
Belinda finally hands me my food and grins. “There you go, darlin’. Hope y’all enjoy.”
“Thanks, you know we will.” I turn toward Brittany. “I’m sure Owen would love that, but I’ll have to find a good date and get back to you. His grandparents take turns seeing him on the weekends.”
“Sure, no problem. Just have Owen tell Anthony when and we’ll set something up.”
“Will do. Bye now.” I go to my car parked behind the bank and try to ignore the weird vibe Brittany gives me. Not to mention, I’m still bothered by the way she was all over Noah at the retirement party. She barely knows him. Hell, she doesn’t know me either.
The last thing I’d do is allow Owen to go anywhere with that woman. Perhaps I’m being petty, but my gut instincts tell me otherwise.
As I drive to the house, the excitement I feel when I see Noah returns.
“Hey,” he immediately greets. By the dust on his jeans, I can tell he was messing with something around the house. “Let me take that. It smells delicious.”
His hands brush mine as he takes the bag from my grip, and I smile up at him. “Belinda’s cookin’.”
“Ahh, perfect.” He unpacks it as I grab silverware and paper plates.
“I talked to Tyler this morning,” he says as we sit at the table.
“Any news?”
“No, but I spoke to Sheriff Todd afterward, and the investigation is still active. Thankfully, there hasn’t been any other suspicious activity.”
“That’s good. Guess the plan to move your truck and disappear worked.”
“Yeah, it’s hard to target someone who’s not around.” He shrugs.
I reach over and cover his hand with mine. “They’re gonna find out who’s behind this.”