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

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 a little 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?”