Chapter Thirty-One
NOAH
It’s the day the entire family’s been waiting for—the gym’s grand opening.
I arrive early with Dad to help set up the tables with the treats Belinda made for the hundreds of people expected to stop by. Eric joins us too, but he stays out of sight. I’ve almost stopped noticing him because he’s stealthy as hell.
The past nine days have been quiet, but Eric’s convinced this is the calm before the storm.
He’s still keeping watch on Loretta, though she’s not as suspect as she was before.
There’s been no sign of Brittany or Anthony, and I’m hoping that means she’s given up and dropped her vendetta.
Katie doesn’t believe that’s the case, and neither does Eric, so we’ve been extra careful.
Within the hour, most of Lawton Ridge and some of Mobile will arrive to congratulate Tyler and Gemma.
Opening a new business around here is a big deal because it doesn’t happen too often.
Gemma went all out and hired a DJ, a hot dog truck, and set up arts and crafts booths for the kids.
She’s also giving away a ton of prizes, from yearly memberships to big-screen TVs.
It’s been the talk of the town all week.
Before the excitement fully commences, Katie arrives looking as gorgeous as ever with her hair pulled to the side.
Her lips are ruby red, and she’s dressed in some tight jeans and a top that shows me the softness of her neck.
When she comes closer, I pull her into my arms. Owen smiles, and though I’m hesitant to let her go, I create some space between us.
“Sorry,” I whisper, leaning in just so she can hear. “Can’t help myself. You’re so goddamn beautiful.”
When I push away, she laughs and grins. Today’s a big deal for more than one reason.
This is the first time we’ve been seen together in a public setting, and I interlock my fingers with hers so everyone knows she’s my girl.
Many haven’t forgotten what happened with Gabe, and I’m sure we’ll be fueling the rumor mill until something else gets their attention, but neither of us cares.
We no longer want to keep our relationship a secret, so we thought this was a good time.
That way, there’s no doubt she’s mine, and I’m hers.
As more people arrive, the band plays country music.
Soon, most of Lawton Ridge is here and in full celebration mode.
Some stare while others whisper when I wrap my arm around Katie’s shoulder or hold her hand, but it doesn’t bother us.
We’re not ashamed to be together. Anyone who doesn’t agree can fuck off because I don’t care about their opinions.
For once in my life, I’m happy and so is Katie. I finally have what I’ve always wanted—her. And I want the whole damn world to know.
“Mom, can I get my face painted?” Owen asks as we pass the booth that has a line of eager kids waiting.
“Sure,” she says, and we get in line.
“Do you know what you’re gonna get?” I ask Owen.
There are at least fifty designs to choose from, way too many for indecisive kids.
“Captain America!” he confirms with a fist pump.
I nod. “That’s a great one!”
Soon, he’s plopping down in the seat, and Katie and I watch as his entire face is covered in red, white, and blue paint. After it’s finished, I give him a high five, and Katie pulls out her phone.
“You two get together. Let’s take a picture.”
Before she can snap it, someone walks by and offers to take one of the three of us. Katie happily stands next to me, and we smile wide.
“It turned out great,” the woman says, handing Katie her phone back.
With a smile, Katie turns the screen around and shows us.
“Our first family photo,” I say, and I think I see her emotions take over for a brief second.
“It’s perfect,” she says.
We stop and grab a hot dog, slathering on the mustard like there’s no more left on the planet, and eat at the picnic tables set up in the parking lot. The sun beats down on us, but honestly, the weather is perfect. A few lingering clouds and a constant breeze help so we don’t bake.
Tyler and Gemma walk around as calm as can be, and they greet everyone who passes them. When they come closer to us, I ask if they need anything, and Tyler shakes his head.
“You’re off the clock today,” he says with a grin, then glances at Katie. “Y’all enjoy yourselves.”
“Yes, sir,” I reply just as Katie’s parents walk over. Owen runs toward them and gives Katie’s mom a big hug. Face paint smears on the side of her shirt, but her smile never fades. It’s obvious how much she loves Owen.
“Hey, kids,” Mrs. Walker says to us.
“Mom, can I hang out with Memaw and Papa?” Owen asks without hesitation.
Katie scrunches her face and looks at her mom for approval.
“Yeah, I’d love to take him around. All the arts and crafts like sand art and necklace making, and I think I saw a dunking booth too,” she says.
“A dunking booth? I must’ve missed that one. Gemma really did go all out,” Katie replies, and I agree.
“Sometimes, she can be a little extra,” I say with a laugh.
“Call me when you’re exhausted,” Katie tells her mother and gives her dad a hug. Soon, Owen’s leading them through the crowd back toward the kids’ activities.
After the mayor gives a speech about new businesses and the Lawton Ridge community, Tyler’s handed the giant pair of golden scissors and cuts the ribbon in front of the door.
The crowd cheers with excitement, and he thanks them all for coming.
Soon, Gemma gives people a tour of the inside of the gym.
“This is amazing,” Katie leans into me and says. She’s seen the progression of what we’ve done, but now, all the finishing touches have been added.
“I’m actually impressed by how well it turned out, though I had no doubt it would be anything other than great,” I admit. One of Gemma’s new employees is whipping up samples from the juice bar and passing them out to people. Katie and I stop and try a few flavors.
“Well, hello to you,” I hear a woman say from behind.
Katie’s face splits in half. “Ruby! Stephanie! Y’all came!”
“Wouldn’t miss it. Actually, I think Tyler would’ve divorced me as a friend if I didn’t show up,” Ruby admits and pulls Stephanie close.
“You’re damn right,” Tyler says from behind.
“Told ya,” Ruby says. “How’ve you been, Noah?”
“Great,” I admit, and she smiles wide when she notices my fingers are interlocked with Katie’s.
Moments later, Everleigh meets up with us, and Gemma comes over too. Soon, we’re all trying to talk over each other, laughing and cutting up. When I glance at Katie, she takes the opportunity to pull me to the side.
“I think the juice bar got to me. My stomach is kinda messed up and gurgling. I’m gonna run to the car and get some Pepto,” she says.
“Okay, I’ll come with you,” I tell her.
She shakes her head and looks at everyone. “No, no. It’s fine. I’m only parked a few blocks away by the deli, and plenty of people are around. I’ll be right back. Have fun. Enjoy yourself,” she says, then walks away before I can protest.
“The juice bar is fuckin’ fantastic,” Ruby says, grabbing my attention when she rubs her hand across the countertop.
“Right? Noah did all the cabinetry work.” Tyler eagerly gives me credit, showing her the other side with all the storage space.
“I enjoy building things, so I had a good time. The top is a live oak edge. Smith did that part,” I admit.
“The workmanship is incredible. You should start a business,” she suggests.
A small chuckle escapes me. “That’s what they all say.”
“I’d hire you,” Ruby admits.
“Yeah, and I would too,” Everleigh tells me. “I’ve been wanting to redo some cabinets in my kitchen for years. I’m imagining it now.”
“He’s expensive,” Tyler says. “And you’re too cheap.”
Our group of friends bursts into laughter.
“I am not cheap. I’m just smart with my money. Well, unless it comes to shoes, purses, and wine, then all bets are off.”
“Nice save,” Gemma tells her before she’s pulled away by someone asking about memberships.
Tyler excuses himself too, and I check the time on my phone. It’s been at least fifteen minutes since Katie left, and I grow more concerned. I tell everyone I’ll catch up with them later and walk outside to call her.
It rings and then goes straight to voicemail, so I try again. I walk through the crowd and search for her. When I pass Mrs. and Mr. Walker painting ceramic jars with Owen, I ask if they’ve seen Katie. They shake their heads, and I force a smile though I’m internally freaking out.
After her phone goes to voicemail another five times, I start to lose it, and Eric rushes toward me, noticing there’s an issue.
“What’s wrong?” he asks.
“I can’t find Katie. She’s not answering her phone. She was going to the car to grab some medicine, but it’s been twenty minutes now.”
Eric’s calm as we walk toward the deli where Katie parked. I continue calling her phone and can’t stop thinking the worst each time I hear her voicemail message.
Eric abruptly stops, and when I see her car, my blood boils. All four of her tires are slashed and she’s nowhere to be found.
“There are cameras,” Eric says, pointing up at them. “We might have some hard evidence if there’s foul play.”
“Fuck,” I whisper-hiss, calling Katie again.
“She might be back at the gym. We should look around one last time to make sure,” Eric suggests, and I agree but also don’t want to waste any time.
As soon as we return, I spot Gemma and Everleigh eating snow cones. I rush over to them. “Have you seen Katie?”
They both shake their heads. “Is everything okay?” Gemma asks, concern filling her tone. She makes eye contact with Eric, and though he doesn’t say anything, Gemma knows what it means. I watch as she drops her cup and bright red ice splashes across the concrete.
“I don’t know,” I tell her truthfully. “I—”
Before I can get any other words out, my phone rings, and rage fills me when I see Brittany’s name on the screen.
I walk away from all the noise with Eric hot on my trail and answer.
“Noah,” she purrs. “How’re you?”
“Cut the shit,” I snap.
“Ah. Okay. Playing hardball. Got it. Well, as you’ve probably figured out, I have your girlfriend.”
I put her on speakerphone so Eric can hear what she’s saying. My hand trembles with fury, but I try to keep control before I say something that could get Katie hurt.
“If you touch her—”
“We’re not playing macho man today, Noah. You’re not in control here. I am. Now you’re gonna listen to me very carefully and follow every fuckin’ one of my directions, or I’ll kill her. And trust me when I say it would satisfy me beyond belief to end this cunt’s life.”
My heart races.
“So if you want your precious girlfriend back, I need you to meet me alone at the storage units outside of town,” she says. “You know which ones.”
Eric starts walking and waves me to follow him.
“Why’re you doing this?” I ask, trying to stall her for just a little longer.
She’s so quiet I think the call dropped.
“Because I want you to suffer for murdering the love of my life. This is only fair, Noah. There are consequences to every action, and this is yours. You took away the only man I loved, so I’ll take away the only woman you’ve ever loved.
At first, I wondered how I’d be able to pull this off. Honestly, you made it too easy.”
It’s obvious she’s using Katie as bait. She’s not her main target. I am. I’ve always been. “So if I show up, you’ll let her live?”
“I’ll tell Nicolas to let her live,” she says.
“Who the fuck is that?” I ask.
She laughs. “Don’t worry about it.”
“How can I even trust you?” I seethe.
“Oh, I’d much rather see you bleed out than her. You have thirty minutes. If you arrive a minute late, she’ll have a bullet in her head. And I won’t stop until you do too.”
The call ends, and all of our conspiracies about Brittany make perfect sense.