20. Noah - August
TWENTY
Noah - August
RUMOR - LEE brICE
I stalled for a moment before stepping into Outlaw’s Bar, where my first Friday teachers’ night out was already in full swing.
The atmosphere in the bar was full of laughter and the occasional clink of glasses. It had that familiar buzz of a small-town bar, where everyone knew everyone.
Earlier in the week, I’d run into Miss Lane while setting up my classroom again. We’d talked for a while about teaching and life in Woodstone Falls, and by the end of the conversation, she’d convinced me to come join her.
Now, standing at the entrance, I wasn’t entirely sure what I’d gotten myself into. But I’d promised her I’d make an effort. So, here I was.
As my eyes adjusted to the dim lighting, I scanned the room and quickly spotted a table with a group of people toward the back of the bar. They claimed a table beneath a buzzing neon sign that cast a blue hue over their heads. Their laughter stood out in the otherwise subdued atmosphere, giving the place a coziness that contrasted with its rustic, cowboy-bar charm.
Miss Lane spotted me and waved enthusiastically. She gestured to an empty chair beside her, and I grabbed a water from the bar and made my way over.
“So glad you could join us,” she greeted, her tone friendly and welcoming.
“Wouldn’t miss it. Thanks for inviting me…” I said as I slid into the seat. The chair let out a faint creak beneath me, blending with the low hum of chatter.
“You can call me Lana, please,” she said with a smile.
I thought back to my old school in Seattle, where everyone clung to their titles—even outside the classroom. But this wasn’t Seattle. Woodstone had a much more relaxed pace, a reminder of just how different life was in this small town.
“Noah, this is Chad, Mr. Thompson. He teaches kinder,” Lana said, gesturing toward a tall man with glasses who looked like he hadn’t had a full night’s sleep in weeks.
“Great to meet you, Noah,” he said with a nod.
She quickly introduced me to the others at the table. Mrs. Rodriguez, the no-nonsense third-grade teacher with kind eyes, and Brooks, who taught second grade and had an enthusiastic energy that instantly made me feel welcome.
“I’m basically the unofficial tour guide of Woodstone Falls,” Brooks said. “Need to know where to get the best coffee, or where to hide during your free period? I’ve got you covered.”
Lana chuckled. “Don’t mind Brooks. They like to tease.”
She then gestured to a man with thinning sandy hair that was combed back neatly. His glasses caught the low light of the bar as he glanced up, offering a polite but reserved smile.
“And that’s Mr. Harris,” Lana added.
“It’s nice to meet you. We’re glad to have you on board,” he said.
Something about him made me uneasy, though I couldn’t quite put my finger on why.
After the brief introductions, Chad cleared his throat. “How have you been settling in?”
“Good, good,” I replied. “Everyone’s been really welcoming.”
“A change from city life, huh?” Mrs. Rodriguez said with a wink.
I nodded. “Yeah, definitely different, but I like it. Needed the slower pace.”
Mr. Harris leaned in slightly, his eyes lingering. “A fresh start can be good,” he said smoothly, something about him making the hairs on my neck stand up.
I hated how I would overthink the simplest of interactions lately. But that was my reality after John. He made me question everything: myself, other people, even the most basic conversations.
I forced a smile. “It’s definitely a nice change of pace for me,” I replied lightly, steering the conversation away from whatever he was hinting at.
Brooks smiled casually. “Woodstone definitely has its charm,” they added, brushing a strand of their short hair out of their face with a light laugh.
After a while, the others headed to the bar to order more drinks. I decided to stay behind with Lana, not trusting myself with alcohol around new colleagues.
I still felt like the new kid trying to find my place. I was trying to navigate my way through this new small-town life as a single, almost thirty-year-old woman recovering from not only a failed relationship, but the ultimate failed relationship.
Lana was easy to talk to though, making me glad I’d come tonight.
I turned slightly, and my breath caught when I saw him.
Dorian stood at the entrance of the bar, Colt beside him. His tall frame was unmistakable, even in the crowded space. His eyes locked onto mine immediately, like I was the only person in the room.
Lana continued talking about the small-town quirks of Woodstone, but despite my best efforts, my attention kept drifting.
I noticed her gaze move past me, following the spot where my eyes kept moving to, and she paused mid-sentence. A knowing smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
“Dotty is your friend, right?” she asked.
“Yeah, she’s my best friend. That’s why I moved here,” I said, hoping my voice stayed firm despite the rush of thoughts in my head.
Lana’s smile deepened as she raised an eyebrow. “So, you know her brother, Dorian?”
“Yeah, we’re…just friends,” I replied, keeping my tone casual.
“Friends?” she said, the word dripping with playful doubt. She glanced over her shoulder, then turned back to me with a knowing grin. “Because from where I’m sitting, it looks like he’s staring at you like he’s seeing something more than just a friend.”
I could feel the heat creeping up my cheeks, betraying me. “It’s not like that.”
Lana leaned back in her chair. “Noah, I might not know you well yet, but I know that look. Trust me, that’s not how a guy looks at just a friend. That look says he’s ready to jump your bones and then propose.”
I nearly choked on my sip of water, coughing as I wiped my mouth.
I couldn’t help but glance back at Dorian, who was now making his way through the bar.
“I’m not really in a good place right now to get into a relationship,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
“I mean, you could always do something… uncomplicated.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
She crossed her arms. “You know… friends with benefits. No strings. Casual. Just fun. Not exactly a new concept.”
The words made my mind spin. I stared at her for a moment, trying to process what she was suggesting.
But she had a point. I could… let go for once, without overthinking it.
Maybe Dorian didn’t have to be complicated.
Maybe he could be… fun.
I caught sight of him heading toward our table, his gaze fixed firmly on me.
“I don’t know… I don’t think it’s like that with us.” The lie slipped off my tongue. I forced a smile. “I think he’s just protective, that’s all.”
She gave me a knowing look, one that said she wasn’t buying it, but thankfully, she didn’t push any further. “If you say so,” she said.
Before I could respond, Dorian reached us.
“Noah,” he greeted, his gaze glancing briefly to Lana before moving back to me.
To my mouth.
Well, so much for trying to convince her otherwise.
“Dorian,” I replied, my voice more breathless than I’d intended. “Out for a drink with Colt?”
“Yeah. Trent is wedding planning with Dotty, but my dad texted me, wanting to spend time with Gracie, so I thought I’d swing by since it’s the weekend.”
“Makes sense,” I said, and his gaze lingered on me.
His tongue brushed over his lower lip as he studied me, and I almost combusted right there.
“Well, I just wanted to say hello.” He nodded toward the bar, where Colt was talking with the bartender. “I’ll let you two get back to it.”
“See ya,” I said as he turned away.
Once he was out of earshot, Lana shoved my shoulder. “Yeah… That was not”—she looked back to where Dorian now stood across the bar and made little air quotes—“just friends.”
“Oh, shut it.” I chuckled.