“I’m back,” Noah says, wearing clean clothes and carrying his own glass of tea. He sets his glass on the table, then scoops me into his arms and sits, settling me on his lap. He kisses my cheek. “You okay?”
“I’m great, thanks for asking.”
“So, tell me about yourself, Claire,” he says, reaching for his glass.
“Oh, no,” Claire says, shaking her head. “You’re the one with my best friend in your lap, so let’s start with you telling me about yourself.”
Noah smiles at her. Claire’s not wrong. He’s ridiculously handsome.
And he’s all mine.
“I was born and raised in this house,” he says, gesturing at the building behind us.
“You’re kidding.”
“I’m not kidding,” he replies. “I bought the place from my parents a few years ago and added the wild bird sanctuary at the same time.”
He proudly points to Spread Your Wings.
“It’s a great place,” I add. “Noah rehabilitates injured birds of prey. Eagles, falcons, owls, osprey. You name it, he’s got it.”
“Wow,” Claire says, looking at the buildings. “That sounds…interesting.”
“It is,” I reply. “Remember when you and I were on the phone when I went for that hike and I found the eagle?”
“Oh, yes, the eagle!” She nods with excitement. “Is he there?”
“He is,” I confirm. “He had a broken wing, but he’s going to be able to go free soon after he’s healed up.”
“That’s awesome,” Claire replies. “I’m glad you found him. I still don’t know why you called me, but I’m glad he’s okay.”
“You called Claire first?” Noah asks.
“I didn’t know who to call,” I admit. “But I figured it out.”
“Yes, you did.” He pats my butt firmly, then turns to Claire. “What else would you like to know?”
“Do you have a brother?”
I roll my eyes, but Noah just laughs. “I do, and he’s engaged to be married. Our parents are still married after almost forty years. They spend most of the year in Arizona but are here now for the summer. Let’s see what else. I got 800s on my SATs, and earned a masters in zoology. I hate brussels sprouts. I’m not a serial killer, but I do own a firearm.”
“I’ll be sure to be on my best behavior then,” Claire says with a laugh.
“Okay, your turn.”
“Exactly the opposite of you,” she replies with a shrug. “I struggled in school but did get a BA in accounting. My parents are divorced. I grew up in Chicago. While I’m not a serial killer either, I also own a gun.”
“Really?” I ask in surprise.
“I live in Chicago,” she says again. “You bet your ass I have a gun and know how to shoot it.”
“Good for you,” I say. “I’ve never shot a gun.”
Noah frowns down at me. “We might have to teach you.”
“I don’t think I’m going to have to shoot anyone out here.”
“Not a person,” Noah says. “But we get animals that are dangerous, and you need to be prepared.”
“So it’s just as dangerous as Chicago, just in a different way,” Claire says.
“Probably not as dangerous as Chicago,” Noah replies. “But, yeah, we have bears, mountain lions, wolves.”
“Wolves?” I screech.
“Yeah, they’re a pain in the ass,” Noah says. “A pack took out a whole bunch of Josh’s cattle a few years back. They’re not endangered like they used to be, so it’s something we watch for.”
“Jesus, remind me not to go for any walks around here,” Claire mumbles, looking around nervously.
“You’ll be okay,” Noah replies with a wink. “Just carry bear spray.”
“Wait. Do I spray it on myself?”
“No,” Noah and I reply at the same time.
“Do that, and you’ll land yourself in the emergency room,” Noah says. “You just carry it, and if a bear or other animal attacks, you spray it at them.”
“I’m happy right here,” Claire says, shaking her head. “No need to get fancy and walk through the woods. I’ll leave that for this one.”
She points at me, and I laugh.
“Don’t worry, we won’t go into the woods while you’re here.”
“Good.” She smiles at me. “Besides, we don’t have time. There are birthday celebrations to be had, starting with you and me at the spa all day tomorrow. I’ve already booked it.”
“Really? That’s so awesome!” I clap my hands, excited to spend time getting buffed and polished. “I haven’t had a spa day in way too long.”
“You, my friend, are getting spoiled tomorrow.” Claire holds out her glass to clink to mine. “And that’s all there is to it.”
“Well, I won’t complain.” I sip my tea, relieved that Claire seems to have calmed down. This is how I remember things being with her. Easy and fun, not full of snark and bitchiness.
It’s going to be a fantastic birthday.
Chapter Fifteen
~Noah~
I’m nervous, and I don’t get nervous. At least, not often. But I’m anxious about tonight.
“Are you ready to go to dinner?” Fallon asks, looping her arm through mine and smiling sweetly up at me. “I’m hungry.”