Chapter Four
NOAH
After settling back at home, I spent Sunday making a list of everything I needed to get done before my first day of work at the gym on Tuesday.
I eat breakfast with my dad, then we head to my truck that I’ve named Violet after the character in the Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory movie.
When the remake came out, Katie and I watched it together for twenty-four hours straight.
I haven’t watched TV in a long time, but I can still remember the lines word for word.
As he drives me to the DMV to renew my license, I look over and see Everleigh’s boutique. It’s not open this early, or I might’ve been tempted to go in and say hi. Surely, she doesn’t hate me. Well, no more than Katie anyway.
But I need to focus on my to-do list: get a new license, buy some new clothes, get a cell phone, open a checking account, and meet with my parole officer.
It’s surreal that I have to do these things.
While I’m excited about my fresh start, I’m not looking forward to the inevitable stares and whispers.
Tyler warned me about how he was treated when he returned, but I have a feeling it’ll be much worse for me.
My dad walks home instead of waiting for me. It’s not far, plus I know he likes the fresh air, so I don’t argue. I don’t blame him for not wanting to sit in here.
As I glance around, I feel eyes boring into me. Strangers stare like they know my story and what I did. No one says a word directly to me, but they don’t have to. I know exactly what they’re thinking.
Aunt Loretta and Uncle Elliot made it clear they didn’t want me coming back here.
They have every right to hate me for what happened but being behind bars wouldn’t change anything.
Gabe’s death was an accident, and I did my time.
Now I just want to live a simple life and right the wrongs that I can.
“How can I help you, Mr. Reid?” the clerk asks before she even takes my application. Of course she knows who I am, perks of small-town gossip.
“Hello, ma’am. My license expired, and I need to get a new one.” I hand her my application and study her as she types.
“You’ll need a quick eye test, and once you pass the online exam, you can get your picture taken.”
It takes over an hour to finish everything, but it’s all worth it when she hands over my new license.
“Thank you, ma’am. Have a good day.” I smile as I shove my wallet into my back pocket.
“Mm-hmm.” The corner of her lips turns into a scowl, and it’s obvious she hated being cordial to me.
Next, I go to the store for some work clothes and boots. Nothing fancy—jeans and shirts that can get dirty while I paint or rip out carpet. But I grab some nicer ones too.
After I finish shopping, I get a new cell phone because my dad generously put me on his plan. After all this time, it feels strange to have a phone with a nice camera and so many features. Things have really changed in a decade.
There’s only one more stop to make, but I decide to grab something to eat first. Belinda owns the deli, and I know she’ll be welcoming, so I stop in for a sandwich. I nearly inhale it as soon as it’s placed in front of me.
“How’s your day goin’ so far?” she asks as she takes my empty plate.
“Alright, I guess.” I shrug, not wanting to tell her how cold or downright rude people have been. Even the worker at the clothing store kept her eye on me like I was shoplifting or going to cause a scene.
Belinda pats my hand and smiles. “It’ll get easier. I remember when Tyler returned, and though you have different circumstances, the town eventually accepted him.”
“Guess we’ll see. One can only hope,” I say as I pull out my wallet.
“It’s on the house.” She shoos me away.
“I don’t want any special treatment. The last thing I need is rumors spreading that I’m getting handouts or taking shortcuts.”
She frowns but doesn’t argue. I pay the bill and leave a tip. Once I say goodbye, I walk outside and stare at the bank across the street. I’ve been putting it off all day, but there’s nothing left for me to do other than open an account and deposit some of the money I had before I went to prison.
If it wasn’t for Gemma, I wouldn’t even know Katie works there.
Maybe I won’t see her. Not that I don’t want to, but I have a feeling she’d be pissed after the way she reacted the other day.
She got a job promotion last year and is a loan officer. Gemma says she has her own fancy office, so I might be able to avoid her.
Inhaling a deep breath, I walk across the street, then step inside the small lobby. Only two tellers are working, and one chair sits in the waiting area.
“How can I help you, sir?” the young woman asks. She might not actually know who I am. Her name tag says Missy.
“I’m looking to open a checking account.”
“Have you banked with us before?”
“No, well…yes. Years ago.”
“Okay, no problem. I’ll see if a banker is available to help set that up for you. You can take a seat while you wait.”
“I appreciate that, thank you.”
I turn around, greeted with a death glare.
Katie.
And she looks less than happy to see me.
“Hi—”
“What’re you doin’ here?” she hisses. “Comin’ to my house uninvited wasn’t enough?”
“He needs to open a checking account,” Missy interjects. “But Jasmine isn’t answering her phone.”
“I just sent her on break,” she grumbles. “You’ll have to come back in an hour when she returns.”
“There aren’t any appointments on your schedule, Katie,” Missy says, and I can hear the smile in her tone. “Perhaps you can help set him up.”
Katie grinds her teeth, an awful habit she’s had since middle school, and I hold back a smile at how frustrated she is. I need to give that teller a high five. She’s obviously on my side.
“I’d really appreciate it,” I speak up. “I’ve been running errands all day and would like to get this done as soon as possible.”
“Fine,” she snaps, narrowing her eyes. She walks down a hallway, and I quickly follow but flash the teller a wink before she’s out of sight.
“We have two types of checking accounts, Mr. Reid.” She slaps a brochure in front of me as I take a seat. “I assume the traditional, but—”
“What’re the perks of each one?” I smugly ask as she sits behind the desk.
Katie shoots daggers at me while plastering on a professional smile. She gives me the spiel on each type, and after pretending to think about it for a moment, I decide on the traditional.
“Just as I expected,” she mutters to herself as she logs into her computer.
“I need to see your ID please.”
“Just got a new one, actually,” I say, hoping she’ll hold an actual conversation with me. “The DMV got a remodel since I last saw it.”
She grabs it without a word and starts typing in my information.
“I need your social security number too.”
“On one condition.”
“Excuse me?”
“Give me five minutes. That’s all I’m asking.”
“You’re wasting my time. I’m at work,” she barks.
“I know, and I tried to go to your house, but…”
“Well, you weren’t invited.”
“How’s Owen doing? Heard he’s athletic.”
Katie quickly stands. “You can leave and wait for Jasmine.”
“I’m not leavin’,” I argue. “Not without a new checking account.”
“Then tell me your damn social.”
The corner of my lips tilts up in amusement. Katie was always so easy to rile up as a teenager, and it doesn’t look like anything’s changed.
Deciding to comply, I give it to her and watch closely as she finishes on the computer.
“Here’s your account number,” she says, handing me a card.
“Thank you.” I slip it into my wallet.
She folds her hands over her desk and speaks in her professional tone. “Is there anything else I can do for you, Mr. Reid?”
“Well, actually, yes…”
“Any other banking needs,” she clarifies.
The edges of my lips tilt up into a knowing smirk. Should’ve figured she’d say that.
“Then no. Appreciate your help.”
Katie stands and walks out of her office. I follow her to the front doors as she waits for me to leave.
“I am sorry, Katie. Truly. Give me five minutes to explain,” I plead one more time.
“Have a lovely day,” she sing-songs before walking off.
Fuck.
Even though she’s being stubborn and won’t even grant me the time of day to tell her my side of the story, I’m not giving up. She doesn’t owe me anything, especially after the way I’ve hurt her, but I’d like to be able to apologize properly.
Once I meet with my parole officer, sign the paperwork, and schedule my upcoming appointments with him, I go home. After I’m inside, I put away all the clothes I bought and hang out with my dad until Gemma and Tyler come barreling over.
“Hey kids, what’re ya up to?” Dad asks.
“Just stoppin’ in to say hi and see Noah,” Gemma replies, leaning down and giving me a hug. “How was your first day in civilization?”
I snort. “Fine, I guess. Got all my shit sorted out.”
“Oh awesome.” She takes the seat next to me as Tyler heads into the kitchen.
“I smell Belinda’s cooking!” he shouts as he walks away.
“It’s been taunting me for an hour,” I groan as my stomach growls. I notice Gemma’s all dressed up and pinch my brows. “Weren’t you at the gym today? Lookin’ a bit fancy.”
“Oh, no. I work at Everleigh’s boutique part-time. She’s been nagging me for years to help her out, and once the garage closed, I had the time between gym stuff.”
“You didn’t tell me that. I would’ve stopped in.”
“It’s a newer position. It’ll probably only last through the summer.” She clears her throat, then turns toward me. “Speaking of which, Katie stopped in during her lunch break today.”
I lift a brow, knowing she’s about to tell me something I won’t like. “Oh yeah?”
“Yep, told us all about how you came into the bank and demanded she open you an account.”
“Demanded is a pretty strong word.” I cross my arms over my chest, getting heated at her accusation. “What else did she say?”
Gemma makes a zipping motion across her lips. “That’s girl code. Sorry, bro.”
I roll my eyes, frustrated. “I asked her to give me five minutes to talk, and she walked away.”
“It’s gonna take more than just askin’,” she tells me. “She nearly ripped me a new one for the little stunt you and Tyler pulled on Saturday. So I’m staying out of it.”
I bark out a laugh. “When have you ever stayed out of anything in your life?”
“Hey!” She smacks my arm. “I can mind my own. Nothing I say is gonna change her mind. Believe me, I’ve tried. But it’s what you get, Noah Reid. You wouldn’t budge either when I asked you to let her visit on her behalf.”
“And I had a good reason for that, which she won’t let me explain,” I counter.
“Doesn’t matter. She doesn’t want your excuses. You’re gonna have to win her back another way.”
“Yep,” Dad agrees. “Katie’s independent and strong-willed. She’s had to be for the last decade, so you’re gonna need to do a lot more than just sweet-talk her.”
God. Now my father is adding to this.
Belinda making an announcement that dinner is ready right now would be perfect but no such luck. Tyler comes strolling back in with a piece of bread in his mouth.
“You ready to work tomorrow?”
“Hell yeah. Can’t wait, honestly.”
“You’ll be working with Smith,” he tells me.
“Smith? I thought I was workin’ with you.”
“I’ll be there,” he confirms. “But Smith takes the lead on most projects since he’s experienced. It’s good for you too, so you can have a potential reference for a future job.”
“Okay, sounds good.”
Belinda picks that moment to let us know dinner’s on the table, and we all rush into the dining room. Dad grabs the plates, and Gemma sets the silverware. Tyler brings out the glasses, and I stare at the four of them.
“What can I do?”
“You can sit and enjoy,” Belinda muses.
“Hey, what did I say at the deli?”
“Hush. This isn’t the deli. This is home.”
I smile, then notice the way my dad looks at her, and it grows even wider. There’s so much adoration between them, it makes me damn happy.
“Alright, y’all. Dig in,” Belinda says after she says grace.
We chat about old memories and plans for the gym. It still doesn’t feel real to be eating at home with my family, but I am, and I’ll never take it for granted again.