Chapter Twenty-Four
KATIE
I can't believe it's already been a week since Noah's accident. Over the past few days, we've texted and talked as much as we possibly can. Noah's been a lot more angsty and irritable than usual, and I'm worried he's going to overdo it because he’s growing bored.
Since he's still recovering, I've tried to keep his mind on other things that don’t involve the accident or work. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't sent him a few scandalous pictures when I got out of the shower last night. The thought has me smirking as I drink my second cup of coffee this morning.
Missy walks by with a lifted eyebrow, and before she can say anything, I shoo her away.
As she continues toward the break room, she chuckles.
There's never a dull moment when she's around, something I can be grateful for considering the bank is boring most of the time.
After I spend an hour on a call explaining interest rates in great detail to a customer, I finally pull my phone out of my desk drawer and see a text from Everleigh.
Everleigh
Brittany just left the boutique, and something is going on with her.
I check the time and saw she sent the message ten minutes ago. Considering it's a Friday and she launched new spring items today, I know she's probably busy. I text her back anyway.
Katie
What happened?
Fifteen minutes pass before she replies, and I swear I checked my phone every thirty seconds.
Everleigh
Sorry, Mrs. Beverly came in here talking my ears off about the weather. Anyway, Brittany was here acting strange. She was being overly nice, almost to the point where it seemed sarcastic. Her eyes were shifty, and she seemed nervous too.
I think back to the way Loretta acted at the bank, and it sounds eerily similar.
Katie
Did she say anything?
Everleigh
She asked if I’d heard from Noah.
Katie
Everleigh
There was something venomous about the way she looked at me, like her mask was melting off her face when I said he was fine and would fully recover.
Katie
It’s because she’s fake as fuck. And really wishes he was dead.
The more I think about it, the more annoyed I get.
Everleigh
Not to mention she tried on fifty different things and bought a key chain. A fucking key chain! It’s like she did that shit on purpose so I’d have to fold and rehang everything even though we’re busy as hell this morning.
Katie
Wow. I’m pissed for you right now.
Everleigh
She better never step foot in here again, or I might punch her in her face. Anyway, I gotta go. Super busy!
Katie
Don’t let her ruin your day! Sell all the things.
Everleigh
Thanks! Margaritas soon…please and thank you.
Katie
Deal!
Another hour passes, and I’ve had too much time to think about what Everleigh said. By the time my lunch break rolls around, I’m livid. I leave the bank with my phone in hand and find myself entering the deli on a mission.
Belinda’s carrying a tray of drinks and smiles when she sees me. “Hey sweetie, didn’t know you were stopping by today.”
“I’m not staying long,” I tell her as Brittany appears from the back.
Her eyes meet mine, but there’s nothing behind them. Her lips curl up into an evil grin, and I’m tempted to slap it right off her face as she walks toward me.
“Need a menu?” Her voice is sugary sweet, and it takes all of my willpower not to roll my eyes.
“Quit the shit,” I snap. I’m not a confrontational person, so I’m not sure what comes over me, but there’s no turning back now. “I wanna know why the hell you lied to Noah and everyone else.”
The room grows quiet, and Belinda waves for everyone to mind their own business.
It won’t take long before the news spreads across town about this, but I don’t care.
The only thing I have to lose right now is Noah, and I’ll be damned if I allow that to happen.
We’ve been through too much to get where we finally are.
Brittany acts stunned and places her hand over her heart, making sure those still being nosy see her award-winning act. “I’m not sure what you’re talkin’ about, Katie.”
A sarcastic laugh escapes me as I take a step closer and lower my voice. “I wanna know exactly what happened last Friday, and I’m giving you one chance to tell me your goddamn self.”
Her expression hardens first, then fades to concern as she leads me outside. I cross my arms over my chest and keep my stance wide.
“You wanna know what happened last Friday?” she asks.
I nod.
“I needed a ride back to Lawton Ridge, and the only person who could help me was Noah, but he didn’t show up. I ended up having to call a wrecker to give me a tow and didn’t find out about his accident until the next day at work. How’s he doing? Okay, I hope.”
Remembering what Noah recalled at the hospital, I narrow my eyes. If she was there, then she knows the answer to that question already. Plus, she already asked Everleigh earlier today. This act is pathetic. “He’s fine.”
“Oh great.” Her inflection rises. “I’ve been worried sick about him all week, and no one would really give me any information. I couldn’t help but blame myself about the whole thing because he was coming to my rescue.”
Worried sick? Give me a damn break. “Why’d you lie about your SUV?”
A laugh escapes her. “Lied about what, exactly? I was having issues with my SUV and rented a car that didn’t have a spare. A repair shop in Mobile came and picked it up the next day so they could fix it.”
“On a Saturday?” I question, not believing a single word that comes out of her mouth. Most repair shops close early on Saturday, if they are open at all.
“What is this really about, Katie? Are you concerned I’m gonna steal Noah away from you or something?”
I swallow down the knot that quickly forms in my throat.
“Give me a break. You know what this is about, and so do I. You’re more involved in this than you’re admitting.
I’m sure you have a reason there’s a can of red spray paint in the back seat of your SUV too.
The same color that vandalized Noah’s truck. ”
Her entire demeanor changes, and she grows more defensive in her stance. “Are you accusing me of that?”
I let out a heavy breath. “It’s a weird coincidence, don’t you think?”
“Not that it’s any of your damn business, but that paint was for a project Anthony was doing. In fact, I have more colors in there too if you need a complete inventory of everything I have in my SUV,” she says. “You should really learn to mind your own business, Katie.”
“Were you at the hospital on Saturday before your shift?” Our eyes lock, and for a moment, I see something behind her glare.
Is it anger? It feels more dangerous, almost deadly, as if I said something she hadn’t thought of.
If she spoke so freely about Noah in his hospital room, I’m sure she assumed no one would ever find out.
Too much time passes as she awkwardly stares me down, and I wonder if she’s about to crack and spill the truth, but I couldn’t be so lucky.
“When’s the last time you spoke to Loretta? ” I ask with venom in my tone.
“You’re actually insane,” she finally says, shaking her head.
“Get help, or that jealousy is gonna eat you alive.” Brittany gives me a pointed look before going back inside the deli, shaking her head and muttering something under her breath.
I think I hear her call me a crazy bitch, but it could be my imagination.
A few seconds pass while I try to regain my composure.
Either she’s guilty and has perfected gaslighting her victims or maybe I really am losing it.
While I’m hungry and probably should’ve ordered something to go, I return to work with no food.
Thankfully, I keep snacks at my desk that should hold me over until dinner.
As soon as I enter my office, Missy waltzes in. “Who pissed in your soup at lunch?”
I narrow my eyes. “I’m not in the mood.”
She chuckles. “Tonight, I give you permission to have all the D in all the right places. You need something to loosen those muscles so you chill the hell out. Seriously though, you look like someone just told you Christmas is canceled this year.”
The thought of getting to spend the holidays with Noah makes me smile.
“Okay, well maybe you aren’t dead inside.” Missy gives me a wink before leaving me to my Cheetos and beef jerky.
By the time my shift is over, I’m emotionally exhausted.
I texted Noah and gave him a short summary of my day.
Of course, he was concerned, and I promised him I’d explain everything later tonight.
I’ve replayed what happened at the deli at least a thousand times and can’t seem to shake how Brittany acted.
It’s easy to blame jealousy, but I think it’s because I struck a deep nerve.
If I had to guess, I’d say the money has motivated her, and Loretta has a lot of it.
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.
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.