Holding You Close (Ex-Con Duet 4)

Worried sick? Give me a damn break. “Why’d you lie about your SUV?”

A laugh escapes her. “Lied about what, exactly? I was having issues with my SUV and rented a car that didn’t have a spare. A repair shop in Mobile came and picked it up the next day so they could fix it.”

“On a Saturday?” I question, not believing a single word that comes out of her mouth. Most repair shops close early on Saturday, if they are open at all.

“What is this really about, Katie? Are you concerned I’m gonna steal Noah away from you or something?”

I swallow down the knot that quickly forms in my throat. “Give me a break. You know what this is about, and so do I. You’re more involved in this than you’re admitting. I’m sure you have a reason there’s a can of red spray paint in the back seat of your SUV too. The same color that vandalized Noah’s truck.”

Her entire demeanor changes, and she grows more defensive in her stance. “Are you accusing me of that?”

I let out a heavy breath. “It’s a weird coincidence, don’t you think?”

“Not that it’s any of your damn business, but that paint was for a project Anthony was doing. In fact, I have more colors in there too if you need a complete inventory of everything I have in my SUV,” she says. “You should really learn to mind your own business, Katie.”

“Were you at the hospital on Saturday before your shift?” Our eyes lock, and for a moment, I see something behind her glare. Is it anger? It feels more dangerous, almost deadly, as if I said something she hadn’t thought of. If she spoke so freely about Noah in his hospital room, I’m sure she assumed no one would ever find out. Too much time passes as she awkwardly stares me down, and I wonder if she’s about to crack and spill the truth, but I couldn’t be so lucky. “When’s the last time you spoke to Loretta?” I ask with venom in my tone.

“You’re actually insane,” she finally says, shaking her head. “Get help, or that jealousy is gonna eat you alive.” Brittany gives me a pointed look before going back inside the deli, shaking her head and muttering something under her breath. I think I hear her call me a crazy bitch, but it could be my imagination.

A few seconds pass while I try to regain my composure. Either she’s guilty and has perfected gaslighting her victims or maybe I really am losing it. While I’m hungry and probably should’ve ordered something to go, I return to work with no food. Thankfully, I keep snacks at my desk that should hold me over until dinner.

As soon as I enter my office, Missy waltzes in. “Who pissed in your soup at lunch?”

I narrow my eyes at her. “I’m not in the mood.”

She chuckles. “Tonight, I give you permission to have all the D in all the right places. You need something to loosen those muscles so you chill the hell out. Seriously though, you look like someone just told you Christmas is canceled this year.”

The thought of getting to spend the holidays with Noah makes me smile.

“Okay, well maybe you aren’t dead inside.” Missy gives me a wink before leaving me to my Cheetos and beef jerky.

By the time my shift is over, I’m emotionally exhausted. I texted Noah and gave him a short summary of my day. Of course, he was concerned, and I promised him I’d explain everything later tonight. I’ve replayed what happened at the deli at least a thousand times and can’t seem to shake how Brittany acted. It’s easy to blame jealousy, but I think it’s because I struck a deep nerve. If I had to guess, I’d say the money has motivated her, and Loretta has a lot of it.

When I arrive at my parents', Owen throws a fit and asks to stay, and my mother doesn’t help either. Considering I don’t feel like arguing, I cave, kiss him good night, and make my way home. As soon as I’m inside, I make a grilled cheese, then grab a giant bag of chips and some bean dip. Since Owen’s not home, I’m not cooking a full-blown meal.

I sit on the couch, pick up my phone, and text Noah between bites.

Katie: Owen’s staying at my parents'.

Noah: Is that an invitation?

I chuckle.

Katie: Doctor's orders were for you not to have any physical activity for two weeks.

He sends over an eye roll emoji.

Noah: So what you’re saying is instead of calling and telling me about what happened today, you’re gonna come over?

Katie: I’d be lying if I said the thought hadn’t crossed my mind.

Noah: Perfect. I’ll be waiting for you then. Text me when you leave and make it sooner rather than later.