Pushing You Away - Noah & Katie (Ex-Con Duet 3)

Although being a single parent has had its challenges over the years, there’s nothing more rewarding than being his mom and watching him grow into a kind, sweet young man.

As I’m folding clothes, my phone goes off with a text message, and I smile when I see it’s from Everleigh.

She, Gemma, and I grew up together and have been best friends for as long as I can remember. We’re each other’s ride or die, but as we’ve gotten older, we’ve gotten busy with our lives—having a baby, getting married, opening a business. We may have chosen different paths, but it’s brought us closer together.

Everleigh: Sooo you gonna spill the beans on what happened yesterday, or do I need to bribe you with margaritas and Mexican food?

I snort and curse at whoever told her. Not that I wouldn’t have eventually, but it only means the news about what happened yesterday is already getting around our small town.

Katie: There’s nothing to tell. But drinks and chips and salsa are always a good idea.

Everleigh: Nothing to tell, my flat ass. Let’s talk it out.

I chuckle at the reference to her backside. Everleigh has always been naturally thin, and she got teased for it a lot in school. She didn’t fully develop until the last couple of years of high school.

Katie: You’ll be able to beef up your ass as soon as the gym is open ;)

Everleigh: Don’t change the subject. I’m coming over.

Katie: I’m still at home with Owen. I’ll be at the new house around 3.

Everleigh: Perfect. Better be ready to spill the deets.

Katie: Nothing to spill, but okay. See you then!

I shake my head with a grin as I set down my phone and continue folding Owen’s shirts and jeans. Once my work clothes finish in the dryer, I’ll hang them, then it’ll be time to get ready to go.

My mom arrives at 2:45, just as we’re cleaning up Pay Day. We managed to play for two rounds, but I let Owen win the second time.

“How’s my favorite grandson?” she asks as she sets her bag down and wraps Owen in a hug.

“I’m your only grandchild,” he deadpans.

“That’s because when your mama had you, I just knew you were perfect. There was no need for another.” She flashes me a wink, and I smile.

Owen was six when he started asking about siblings. Several of his classmates talked about theirs, and he wondered why he didn’t have any. It broke my heart to realize he’d probably be an only child like I was. Gabe was too, but he had cousins and lots of friends since he attended a larger school district before he moved to Lawton Ridge. The schools are small here, and Owen has no cousins.

“That’s right,” I interject. “Made perfection the first time around.”

Owen’s less than amused because he knows we’re both taunting him. Considering I spent most of my pregnancy alone, was depressed about my failing marriage, and gave birth shortly after Gabe died, I’ve associated pregnancy with trauma. Aside from the horrific all-day sickness for nine straight months, the fear I felt while having him has also stayed with me.

However, the moment the nurse handed Owen to me, everything changed. I could still feel sad and lonely, but I had a newfound purpose.

“Alright, you two. Don’t have too much fun without me. I’ll be home before bedtime to tuck you in, okay?” I pull Owen into my arms and kiss the top of his head. “Be good for Memaw.”

“Helloooooo…” I hear Everleigh sing-song from the living room. “I come bearing drinks and food.”

“In the kitchen,” I call out.

Tools and notebook paper cover the counter. Every time I watch a YouTube video, I take rigorous notes so I can go back through and read them if I need to.

She comes prancing in with a cheesy grin on her face. “Margaritas for two, guac, chips, and shrimp tacos.”

I eye the two to-go cups. “How’d you manage that?” They never allow alcoholic beverages to be taken out of the restaurant.

“Antonio was working, and I laid on the charm.” She winks. “Works every time.”

“You mean, you flirted to get what you wanted?”

“Perhaps, but look…” She waves one of the Styrofoam cups in the air before handing it to me. “It worked.”

I snort. “I guess so. Thanks.”

Once the food is laid out, I sip my drink and eat.

“So now that you’re all boozed up, you gonna start telling me about Noah? What happened? How’d he look? What did he say?”

“I already told you, there’s nothing to tell. I opened the door, saw him, slammed it in his face, and walked away.”

Everleigh gives me sad eyes as she takes a large bite of her taco. “Are you ever going to talk to him again?”

“Not if I can help it,” I retort.

“Katie…”

“He had every opportunity to reach out, send a letter, or call me…and he didn’t. So he doesn’t get a free pass just because he’s out and now wants to talk to me. It doesn’t work that way.”