When I arrive at my parents', Owen throws a fit and asks to stay, and my mother doesn’t help either. Considering I don’t feel like arguing, I cave, kiss him good night, and make my way home. As soon as I’m inside, I make a grilled cheese, then grab a giant bag of chips and some bean dip. Since Owen’s not home, I’m not cooking a full-blown meal.
I sit on the couch, pick up my phone, and text Noah between bites.
Katie: Owen’s staying at my parents'.
Noah: Is that an invitation?
I chuckle.
Katie: Doctor's orders were for you not to have any physical activity for two weeks.
He sends over an eye roll emoji.
Noah: So what you’re saying is instead of calling and telling me about what happened today, you’re gonna come over?
Katie: I’d be lying if I said the thought hadn’t crossed my mind.
Noah: Perfect. I’ll be waiting for you then. Text me when you leave and make it sooner rather than later.
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.