Only Him (Only One 1)

I furrow my brows, trying to think of a reasonable explanation as to why Noah would push his best friend away. Gemma swears Noah’s been in love with Katie for years, even before Gabe asked her out.

“He’s probably embarrassed and distraught over what happened and can’t face you.”

“I thought that too, but it’s been years now! I haven’t seen or talked to him since the day of the accident. I never got to say goodbye.”

“Prison’s an ugly place, and I’m sure he doesn’t want you to see him like that.”

“Why can’t he just lift a damn pen and write me back?”

“Because he’s a coward?” I guess. “I wish I had a better answer for you.”

Defeated, she shrugs and leans against the booth. “I only want answers from him, but it seems like it won’t ever happen. I was heartbroken over losing Gabe even though he was cheating, but not having Noah in my life broke me in other ways.”

“I hope for your sake he comes back and fixes his mistakes. I’ll tell you, though, life after prison isn’t easy. Especially with how long he’ll be in there.” Noah got twelve years, but Gemma told me it’s looking more like ten with his good behavior.

“I’m not welcoming him back with open arms, if that’s your suggestion.”

I chuckle at the way she scoffs. “Nope. Not at all. He’s got a lot of explaining to do and not only to you either.”

Katie smiles and finally releases a soft laugh. “Thanks, Tyler. I really appreciate you talking to me.”

“What are awkward first dates for?” I beam, and we finish off the rest of the fries.

“Good mornin’,” I greet Gemma Monday morning with a wide grin when I walk inside the lobby.

She looks up at me from the computer. “Morning. My dad’s looking for you.”

“Uh-oh. Am I in trouble?” I pretend to pout, then walk over to fill a cup with coffee.

“Doubtful. He adores you.”

Stepping toward her, I lean one arm against the counter. “And you?”

“What? No!” Her forehead creases. “I mean, wait…do I what?”

Before I can respond, Jerry enters the lobby in a chipper mood. “Tyler! Good to see ya, son.” He cheerfully pats my shoulder, then gets himself a cup of coffee, too. “Hope you’ve recovered from your hot date because we have a jam-packed day.”

“Yes, sir.” I chuckle, then flash Gemma a wink who then narrows her eyes. “A little sore, but nothing I can’t handle.”

I don’t mention it’s from working out all weekend and bruising my knuckles on the punching bag, but neither of them needs to know that. It’s clear Gemma has no idea that Katie and I decided to just be friends, or her nostrils wouldn’t be flaring with jealousy.

“Good, good.” Jerry walks past me with his coffee in hand. “If you and Katie get real hot and heavy, y’all might even beat Gemma and Robert to the altar with how long they’ve been waiting.”

I nearly choke on the hot liquid as Gemma’s cheeks burn red.

Jerry chuckles as he opens the shop door. “See ya out there.”

“Since we had a double date, maybe we should have a double wedding too? Whatcha think?” I rest an elbow on the counter.

“Why are you enjoying this so much?”

“Enjoying life? Could be the fact that I’m no longer behind bars. What’s not to enjoy, Gemma?”

She rolls her eyes with a huff. “I don’t have time for your childish games, so go do your job so I can do mine.”

I stand tall and salute her. “Yes, ma’am.”

Smirking at her displeased groan, I enter the shop and start my first assignment.