Total pages in book: 138
Estimated words: 133688 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 668(@200wpm)___ 535(@250wpm)___ 446(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 133688 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 668(@200wpm)___ 535(@250wpm)___ 446(@300wpm)
So until the risk is gone, Noah will stay at my house, and I’ll continue bringing him lunch and dinner. The couple of times I couldn’t, Belinda or his dad made sure he ate. However, I enjoy doing it, and Owen loves having him around too.
Lately, Owen’s been a different kid, and there’s no denying Noah’s positive effect on him. They talk about school, sports, and fun summer activities they can do together, such as hiking, camping, and even taking a road trip to the coast to swim in the ocean. However, I don’t have the heart to tell Owen it might not happen.
When I visit on my lunch breaks, Noah and I end up reliving our high school days. As we talk about our past, all the memories and details I’d forgotten resurface. Our time together typically ends with us laughing our asses off at the shit we’d do. Since Lawton Ridge is so small, the teachers knew our parents and grandparents, which meant nothing could be hidden. When we got into trouble, they’d conveniently run into our parents somewhere in town and rat us out.
When Noah and I got caught sneaking out of study hall, Ms. Landry gave us detention. Instead of giving our parents the slips, we signed for each other and turned them in. We would’ve gotten away with it had she not mentioned it to my mom at a barbecue. I was grounded for an entire month.
However, leaving school and driving around with Noah was worth it. Though we often fought over the radio, he’d eventually give in and was forced to listen to me belt out the lyrics. The memories of driving around with the windows down, listening to music are unforgettable.
“You finally got laid,” Missy blurts out as she walks into my office uninvited.
“Excuse me?” I ask, ignoring her as I finish typing an email.
“You’ve been smiling nonstop for over a week and haven’t yelled at Yolanda in days. She screwed up so bad the other day we had to stay late, and not a peep came out of you, so I’ve come to the conclusion that you’re gettin’ laid. The question is, who’s the lucky guy with the magic penis?”
My fingers stop as I narrow my eyes at her.
“So because I’m in a good mood, I’m automatically having sex?”
“In my experience, yes. And by how you’ve been prancing around, I’d say it’s happening frequently. You’re gettin’ regular dick without a doubt. So whose is it?” She waggles her eyebrows at me.
I pick up my cold mug of coffee and take a sip, trying to pretend she’s not there. “Prancing around?” I muse. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m not getting anything…except annoyed.”
“Did you get a new vibrator? Because that could also explain your sudden mood change.”
I half choke, half swallow my drink before setting it down. “You Gen Zers are too comfortable discussing your sex lives.”
She points a finger at me with a gasp. “So there is sex 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 to roll 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.”