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)
“Just promise me you’ll at least look for my body…” I groan.
To be on the safe side, we walk through the backyards to Katie’s. It’s just down the block, so it’s not far. The asshole harassing me might be watching my dad’s place, so it’s best if they don’t see where I go.
“If you need anything, just call, okay? I don’t want you out of work for long, so I promise you we’ll find whoever it is,” Tyler reassures me.
“Yes, and let me know if you need me to bring you anything to eat. Katie’s a good cook and all, but she doesn’t have a fridge yet, so I think your choices will be limited,” Gemma tells me.
“I’m sure I’ll manage.”
Gemma walks with me, and soon, we’re at Katie’s back door. I knock and nervously wait.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
KATIE
Noah’s the last person I want to be around, but I’d do anything to keep him safe regardless of how mad I am or how awkward it will be. He desperately needs somewhere to disappear to, and I agree that my house is the perfect haven, even if it’s inconvenient for me.
My focus will still be on finishing the house so Owen and I can move in. I haven’t gotten used to Noah being back in town, and it’s been harder than I ever imagined. Working on the house has been my escape for the past year. I’ve lost myself within those walls on more than one occasion, and now Noah will be in my safe space.
I’m not sure how to feel.
He’ll undoubtedly use this opportunity to talk to me about everything, and honestly, I have nothing more to say, nor do I want to hear his excuses. After I put on my remodeling clothes, I cook Owen and me some eggs and bacon. After we eat, I pack the car, and we head out.
My fingers tap against the steering wheel, and I’m a nervous wreck to face him again. Owen doesn’t notice, which I’m thankful for, but I still need to talk to him about Noah living there temporarily. After I park, I turn around and grab his attention in the back seat.
“I’ve gotta tell you something before we go inside,” I say.
Owen furrows his brow. “Okay, what?”
I swallow hard. “Well, there’s gonna be a man staying here for a little while.”
“Who?”
“It’s Gemma’s brother, but it’s really important you don’t tell anybody that he’s here,” I explain.
“Why?”
“Because bad people are trying to hurt him, so I want to keep him safe, which is why it needs to stay a secret.”
Owen’s eyes widen as he tries to understand. “Why do they want to hurt him?”
It’s a question that’s way too complicated to answer. I haven’t explained to him exactly what happened to his dad other than he had an accident and passed away. I’ve never said who was responsible or gave any details to what happened that night. I’ve been waiting for him to get older so maybe he’d comprehend it better. I haven’t lied to Owen, but I haven’t given him every detail. He’s still too young to know the full story.
“Well, that’s hard to explain. I don’t know why anyone would want to hurt him. Gemma asked if her brother could stay until things were safe for everyone, and I said yes. But it’s very, very, very important that you don’t tell anyone. Not Mimi, Pepaw, Memaw, or Pawpaw. Nobody. It would put him in danger if anyone knew. Do you understand?” I tell him directly and clearly, then wait patiently for his response.
He nods. “I won’t tell anyone.”
“Not even your teachers or friends at school,” I add.
“I promise.” Owen holds out his pinky finger, and I hook it with mine. He pinky promises and swears to keep it to himself.
“Is he here now?” he asks.
“Not yet. He’ll be arriving soon, though.”
We get out of the car and go inside.
I turn on one of the space heaters to warm up the place. As I walk through and make mental notes of what I want to do today, I can tell Owen is already getting bored.
“Memaw will be here to pick you up for basketball practice in thirty minutes,” I remind him. “Not too much longer, promise.”
Owen forces a smile, but I can see right through him. Once this place is finished, he’s going to love it, but right now, all he sees it as is work. He’d rather play with friends than help me, so I don’t force him if he isn’t interested. He sits on a stool in the middle of the living room and kicks his legs out as he plays on his tablet.
I hear a knock on the back door, and my heart races in anticipation.
“Hello,” I greet Noah and Gemma. She smiles wide, and I glare in return. “C’mon in.”