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

I climb up and down the ladder with my brush and listen to music to clear my head. Eventually, we break for lunch, then afterward, I pick up where I left off. It takes me nearly all day to apply the first coat on the long wall from the front doors to the back. Once I’m done, I stand on the other side and review my work.

Tyler walks up. “Wow. You did a good job.”

I nod with a proud smile. “Thank you. Means a lot.”

“Yeah, man. Keep it up,” he says, patting my shoulder before taking off.

After I wash up, I tell Tyler I’m heading out and will see him in the morning. He thanks me again, and I walk out beaming—a much different feeling than I had when I arrived this morning.

I get in my truck and exhale all the tension I’d been holding in my shoulders. For the first time in a decade, someone appreciates me, and I’m making a difference.

On my way home, I slow down as I pass Katie's house. I imagine her tearing down drywall or remodeling a bathroom alone. The thought makes me smile because she’s not a contractor, but she’s always had a strong spirit. Katie could do anything she put her mind to, and that hasn’t changed. I continue home, remembering Gemma said to give her time. After ignoring her the way I did, I have a lot of explaining to do.

I’m willing to do that, and hopefully, she doesn’t make me wait a decade because she’s the only person I want to see.

Chapter Seven

KATIE

I'm a nervous wreck and have been since I woke up this morning. An uneasy energy swarms through me, and I've already changed my clothes three times. Today’s Jerry's retirement party, and Gemma’s confirmed Noah will be there. Now I have no choice but to be in his presence.

Belinda planned a big party at the event center downtown so people can stop by to eat and congratulate him for finally retiring after forty years. From the sounds of it, everyone in Lawton Ridge will be there at some point.

I put on my earrings and check to see if Owen’s dressed. When I walk into his room, he’s lying on his bed playing with his tablet.

“Ready to go?” I ask, leaning against the doorframe as I scan his floor of dirty clothes.

“Yep,” he tells me, then slips on his shoes and walks past me. Raising a boy means he doesn’t give a shit what he looks like, which is both a blessing and a curse.

When we're in the car, I turn on the radio and try to keep my mind focused on the music. Other people will be around, so I won't be able to tell Noah to go straight to hell if he tries to speak to me. I’ll have to play nice for the sake of not creating a scene, but I won’t make it easy for him, just as he didn’t make it easy for me.

After we park and walk inside, I'm shocked by how much food is laid out. But I shouldn’t be, considering Belinda loves to cook. Balloons fill the ceiling, reminding me of the iconic high school dance scene in a movie. As I'm scanning the room, I see Gemma and Tyler standing by the punch bowl. I place my hand behind Owen and guide him over toward them.

“Hey, Owen,” Tyler says, holding up his hand and giving Owen a high five.

“Hey!” Owen slaps his palm. He’s always liked Tyler.

Moments later, Everleigh walks up with an extra bounce in her step. She gives me a hug, squeezing me tight. “Katie! Oh my God, I've missed you so much.”

I laugh at her antics because we hung out last week.

“What am I? Chopped liver?” Gemma scowls.

“Oh, be quiet,” Everleigh tells her with a playful eye roll. “I see you like four times a week.”

She grabs a plate, then starts stacking it full of food.

“Mom, can I get some?” Owen asks.

“Sure, but only take what you’re going to eat. Don’t be wasteful,” I remind him. He slides in beside Everleigh and follows her lead. Owen grows excited as he places different colored squares of cheeses and mini sandwiches on his plate.

Ruby walks up with her fiancée, Stephanie.

“Well, there you are,” Gemma says, pulling her into a hug.

“You know I wouldn't miss this party for the world. Free food.” Ruby smirks.

Belinda comes over and wraps her arms around Ruby and greets Stephanie.

“I didn't know you were coming,” Belinda admits. “You never RSVP’d.”

“Sorry, my bad. I wouldn’t miss Jerry retiring for anything!” Ruby says. “Where is the man of the hour anyway?”

“Let’s go find him,” Belinda says, pulling Ruby and Stephanie away.

We go to one of the round tables where Owen sits and gobbles up his food. Tyler chats with him about basketball and when they can play together again. As I look around the room, I see a few ladies who work with me at the bank and a couple of cashiers from the grocery store. Even the city mayor is here, but thankfully, I don’t see Noah yet.