But he doesn’t respond. He just keeps his eyes on the road.
“Are you not on good terms with him?”
He makes a scoffing sound. “Why would we be in bad terms?”
“I don’t know,” I retort. “Because you acted like a total jerk to him at the parking lot?”
“I was just messing with him.”
Hah. Who is he kidding? I didn’t imagine the tension between them that afternoon. Something is definitely going on.
Did they actually fight or something? Maybe that’s the reason why Noah is acting strange lately.
“He hasn’t asked me out yet,” I blurt.
“Who?”
“Lincoln.” We’re just talking about him.
“He’s just probably shy.” I wait for him to elaborate on that, but that’s all he has to say.
“Well, aren’t you going to help him speed things up?”
A short pause. Then, “Nah, he can handle it all on his own.”
“You are a terrible wingman.”
“Thank you.”
Seriously? “It wasn’t a compliment.”
He doesn’t respond anymore.
I look out the window, choosing to watch everything flash by instead of reaching over and strangling Noah.
It’s beginning to be clear that he has completely lost interest in our little project. He was so invested at the start and now...nothing. It’s like he didn’t even make that proposition at all.
Maybe it’s up to me now to move things up with Lincoln. But, to be honest, I don’t have it in me to do it. I’m not one of those girls who are confident enough to make the first move, and I’m still wary that he’ll reject me if I try to do it.
I know he’s been nice to me lately—walking me to class, offering and giving me a ride home—but that’s it. I really thought he was going to ask me out.
Noah kept interrupting him, remember? What’s up with that, anyway?
I shake my head. Even so, if Lincoln really wants something from me, he can easily get my number and say what he wants to say through texts or calls. Heck, even on social media.
But nothing.
Either he’s taking his sweet time or he’s not that interested in me. Whatever’s the case, I’d rather just wait.
Noah pulls into the school’s parking lot soon enough and I unbuckle my seatbelt. But when I glance up, he’s not moving. “Are you going to stay here the whole day?”
“Julian is having a birthday party next week. His actual birthday is actually this Friday. But we have an away game that night so he’s going to move the celebration next weekend.”
“Oh-kay? Why are you telling me this?”
“Because it’s going to be a weekend getaway at his parents’ cabin.”
“Again, why are you telling me?”
“You should come.”
“Why should I?”
“Because Julian wants you to come. He specifically told me to invite you. Your presence will mean a lot to him.”
I laugh. “I don’t think that’s true.”
Julian and I aren’t exactly friends. Why would he want me there?
He pouts a little. “Come on. It’s his eighteenth birthday. It’s a pretty big deal.”
“Even if I do want to go, I don’t know if Mom will let me come. It’s an overnight event. Is there even going to be adult supervision?”
“Well, Julian is already an adult by then.”
I roll my eyes. “You know what I mean.”
“Adult supervision is not really necessary. It’s not going to be a big party, anyway. We can’t fit a lot of people there. Probably only less than twenty. So it’s just going to be like some close friends hanging out and having fun. Nothing wild.”
“So, Laura and her friends will be there,” I say dryly.
He shrugs. “Maybe.”
All the more reason why I shouldn’t come. “I’m sorry, I can’t go. Let’s be honest, I’m not close to your friends. I don’t even talk to them. I’ll just probably feel out of place there.”
What will I do then? Stick by Noah’s side the whole time? Neither of us wants that. I don’t think Lincoln will be there either. Doesn’t he hate parties? Although it’s his friend’s birthday…
“You can bring your friends.” He snaps his fingers, looking all excited about the idea. “Yes, that’s it. Julian would love to have Sabrina there. It would make his week—hell, his entire year—if Sabrina decided to come along. There, you won’t feel out of place now.”
“You really want me there, huh?” I tease him, smiling.
He shrugs his shoulders, his eyes darting off to the side. “Well, it will be cool if you’re there. You know, for Lincoln. You said he hasn’t asked you out on a date yet. Maybe he’ll finally do that at the cabin.”
“Oh. Right.” My smile fades. Why did I think there was another reason?
“So?” he prods.
“Fine. I’ll tell Bree and Morgan about it.”
******
“Well, I could use a break from rehearsals and memorizing lines.” Bree looks up from her phone, her face brightening. “Yeah, I think a weekend getaway would be nice.”
I let out a sigh of relief. For a moment there, I thought she’d say no. Morgan already agreed to come. That girl is always down for a good time. Bree was the one I was worried about—what with her play rehearsals and all.
But she just said yes so I can finally breathe easy.
Well, not really. I still have to tell Mom about it. I know she’s a “cool Mom” now, but I’m not entirely sure she’ll permit me to go. After all, this is different. I’m going to be spending the night at someone’s house other than Bree’s and Morgan’s.
At the moment, she’s out with Mr. Grayson for an afternoon date—yeah, they’re totally dating now—so I’m looking after the shop. And since she has no rehearsals today, Bree decided to drive me here to provide company.
“Julian better make his party good.”
“For you, I’m sure he will,” I smirk.
She smiles a little but changes the subject. “So...do you think Lincoln will finally make the move there?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. Maybe.”
Lincoln hasn’t even approached me since the parking lot. And I’ve stopped sitting with him and Noah at lunch, so we haven’t really been able to talk.
Bree narrows her eyes at me. “You know, you don’t seem into it anymore. You were always so excited to talk about him—looking all dreamy. Now it’s like you don’t care at all. Don’t you like Lincoln anymore?”
I blink at her then open my mouth to respond. But a car pulling outside the shop steals my attention.
Mom steps out of the car followed by Mr. Grayson. They both walk to the door but don’t get inside. Instead, they make out right there for me and Bree to see.
Why? Why did I have to watch that?
“Wasn’t it weird when your Mom started dating?”
I turn to her. “Yeah, a little. But Dad has been gone for years. It’s about time for Mom to move on and be happy again. And Mr. Grayson seems to be making her happy so that’s all that matters.”
She puts a hand to her chest. “Aww. That’s sweet, Ri.”
I just smile.
Striding into the shop, Mom greets us with a happy smile. “Hello, girls.”
“Hi, Mrs. E. How did the date go?”
“Oh, it was perfect,” Mom gushes, a dreamy look crossing her face.
Yeah. Matchmaking her with Mr. Grayson was definitely one of the best ideas I’ve ever had.
“Why don’t you, girls, head out? I can take it from here. I’ve already intruded into your afternoon plans.”
Speaking of plans… “Actually, Mom, I’ve been meaning to tell you something.”
Mom sifts through one of the drawers behind the counter. “What’s that, honey?”
“There’s this getaway next weekend. It’s, um, a birthday celebration and I’m hoping—”
“Oh, that. Noah a
lready told me all about it.” She waves dismissively. “Of course you can go.”
Wait, what? Noah talked to her about Julian’s party? Bree and I exchange a look, our eyes wide.
“Noah told you? And you’re okay with it?” I ask slowly.
“Yes. He said that Sabrina and Morgan would be there. And that it was just going to be a small party so I had nothing to worry about.” Her brows furrow a little. “Is it true?”
“Totally,” I choke out.
I can’t believe Noah bothered to talk my Mom into letting me come. Like he’s making sure I’d be there. I guess he’s back to being my wingman again.
“But even if it’s going to be a big party, I trust you, honey. Just remember what I said before—be safe.” She pauses thoughtfully. “I think it’s time I set you up for an appointment.”
I give her a confused look. “Appointment for what?”
“To put you on the pill, of course. As much as I love Noah to be a part of our family, I’m not ready to be a grandmother yet. I know Kathy feels the same. We’re still young to be called “grandma,” don’t you think?” Mom laughs, oblivious to the look of mortification on my face.
As we step out of the shop a few moments later, a once again traumatized Bree tells me, “I didn’t know your Mom was Team Noah.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
I’m sitting at the bleachers watching Teen Wolf through the Netflix app on my phone while the football team do some drills out on the field—with Coach Andrews watching from the sidelines.
I’m waiting for my ride home to be done with practice. Yeah, Noah Pritchett has officially designated himself as my personal chauffeur. He just shows up at my front door every day to take me to school.
Hey, it’s free so no complaints here.
Although it doesn’t help my case in convincing Mom that we’re not together. Even worse, Kathy has already joined in.
Last night she was over at our house, and I caught her and Mom looking through a wedding catalog. At first, I thought my mom was already planning her wedding to Mr. Grayson.
But then I heard Kathy say, “Do you think Riley and Noah will go for a church wedding or a garden wedding?”
To which Mom responded with, “I think Riley prefers a beach wedding. She used to talk about it all the time when she was little.”
“Well, whatever they choose, I’m sure it’s going to be perfect.”
I swear I almost had a heart attack when I heard that conversation. Moms are crazy.
Pausing the screen, I glance out to the field and watch the guys play. I can’t see Noah’s face under his helmet, but I recognize his number.
He jogs toward Coach Andrews, removing his helmet as he does so. I look on as he runs his fingers through his messy hair. Even when his hair is slick with sweat and sticking to his forehead, he still looks good.
Really, really good.
An image of me running my fingers through that sweaty hair creeps into my mind, making me feel hot all of a sudden.
What the heck?
Where did that come from?
Shaking my head of those thoughts, I tear my gaze away. Only to catch Laura glaring at me from the tracks.
Of course. Her track and field team have to practice in the field at the same time.
Just my luck.
If there’s any consolation, I know she won’t come over here and confront me. Not in front of all these people. Not when Noah can catch her and interfere.
Still, I let out a sigh of relief when she finally runs off with her teammates.
Honestly, it’s been a puzzle why she hasn’t stopped Noah from hanging out with me. Especially now that he’s making a point to pick me up and drive me home. Or maybe she tried to but he didn’t listen? Great. Now she’s going to turn her full wrath on me. Probably any day now.
Why did I even get tangled in this mess? All I wanted was for Lincoln to notice me. Instead what I got was Laura’s attention.
It’s not fair.
“Riley.”
I whip my head to see Noah standing a few rows down. “What are you doing here? Are you done with practice?”
“Yeah. Listen, I’m going to take a shower first. Wait for me here?”
I glance behind him to see that the track and field team are already rounding the corner for their next lap. Yeah, that’s not gonna happen.
“You know what? I’ll just come with you.”
Noah’s brows shoot up. “You’re coming into the shower with me?”
That stupid image creeps in again at his words.
“No, perv.” I roll my eyes, keeping a neutral expression. “I mean I’ll wait for you outside the locker room.”
A faint blush appears on his cheeks. “Oh. Okay.”
Noah Pritchett is blushing. Um, did a similar thought occur to him?
Nah. Why would it?
******
“That chick is too hot to be a teacher,” Noah points out to the screen, popping a handful of popcorn into his mouth.
“That’s not even her true form,” I say dryly.
“Shush, don’t spoil it.” He doesn’t even take his eyes off the TV.
I don’t know how it happened. But somehow I ended up in Noah’s room, watching Teen Wolf with him.
Oh, right. Mom is out on a date with Mike—which he insisted I call him from now on—so Noah lured me into his house, saying he needed help writing an essay for his History class.
Since I’m done with mine, I agreed to come. Kathy literally clapped her hands when I showed up to their front door and started fussing over me, ignoring Noah’s groans of protest.
Good to know I’m not the only one whose mom loves to embarrass her kid in front of other people.
After we had dinner—where Kathy made a big deal of sitting Noah next to me—we went up to Noah’s room. Only instead of working on his essay, we ended up lying on our stomachs in his bed, watching Teen Wolf with a bowl of popcorn between us.
“Ah, now I see why you’re so hung up on this show,” he snickers when a shirtless Derek Hale appears on the screen.
“There’s more to the show than just shirtless guys, you know,” I say defensively, my cheeks heating up a little.
Because, not gonna lie, I do love those shirtless scenes.
“Really? And what is that exactly?”
I whip my head to him but I end up swallowing my words when I notice how close his face is to mine.
Wow. He really is gorgeous.
He only has to turn his head and move a few inches closer then we’ll be kissing…
My heart starts to race, and I inwardly groan.
What is happening to me? Why am I suddenly having inappropriate thoughts toward Noah?
“Well?” He turns his head and I lean away, panicking. He looks a little perplexed by that.
Just act like nothing happened, Riley. Don’t make things uncomfortable just because you’re having crazy thoughts.
Keeping my eyes locked on the screen, I say, “Well...it has, uh, compelling storyline every season. And you know, the characters, they’re all awesome.”
I feel him staring intently—causing my neck to grow hot—before responding. “Uh-huh. Let me guess, the shirtless guys are the best characters out of all of them.”
“I’ll have you know, my favorite is Stiles.”
He gives me a disbelieving look. “The nerd sidekick?”
“The cute nerd sidekick. And he’s not even one of those shirtless guys you’re mocking about. So, there,” I say smugly, silently grateful that the awkward moment has passed.
“Guess that’s why you like Linc,” he mutters under his breath.
“What did you say?”
“Nothing. Forget it.”
“You’re such a weirdo.”
He pinches my nose in response. “And you’re a dork.”
“Well, like Sydney White said, ‘we’re all dorks.’” I stick my tongue out at him.
His brows pinch together. “Who the hell is Sydney White
?”
“One of these days, Pritchett, I’m going to make you watch all my favorite romantic films in one sitting.”
He groans. “That sounds like torture.”
“You’re not just a weirdo. You’re a sissy, too.”
“Now, wait a minute—”
A knock on the door interrupts him mid-sentence, and we both turn our heads to see it being pushed open by Kathy who has a hand covering her eyes.
But why?
“Are you two decent?”
My gaze whips to Noah, both our eyes widening comically. Did his mom just assume we were fooling around in here?
“Mom, what the hell?” Noah’s face is now beet red. “We’re not doing anything.”
She peeks through her fingers. Seeing that her son is telling the truth, she lowers her hand and lets out an awkward laugh. “Sorry. I just thought I needed to give you a moment to, uh, cover things.”
“Mom! Please stop talking.”
My crazy thoughts didn’t succeed in making things uncomfortable between us, but this one definitely did.
Cheeks hot from utter embarrassment, I shoot up from the bed, no longer able to meet Noah’s eyes. “I think I better go.”
He also stands up, his gaze trained on the floor. “Yeah, I’ll just, uh, see you tomorrow.”
“Okay, sweetie. But feel free to join us for dinner again. And bring your mom next time,” Kathy tells me as I walk out the door.
Yeah, not happening any time soon.
“Why do you keep embarrassing me?” I hear Noah ask before I fly down the stairs like the devil is on my heels.
Welcome to the club.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Noah cuts the engine of his Jeep and climbs out, reaching for our duffel bags from the backseat.
I unbuckle my seat and follow him out just as Bree’s car pull up behind us.
My best friends round the front of the car a minute later, their own bags hoisted over their shoulders as they approach.
“Nice place,” Morgan comments, her eyes flickering around the area.
It turns out Julian’s parents’ cabin is a beautiful lakefront property two towns over and sits at the foot of a mountain, giving out a very Instagram-worthy vibe. There are a few other cabins too, but there’s enough distance between each that a loud party won’t disturb their occupants.
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