Page 92 of The Golden Goalie

It’s silent again, but it’s not awkward. The nice thing about Aiden is that he can handle it being quiet. “What do you make of this mess with Adam?” He asks after a while.

I lean against the post. “I think he’s an arrogant piece of work that has her wrapped up in guilt. Somehow, he’s convinced her to let him back into her life. My guess is he’s guilting her into it because he’s her baby’s dad. But he doesn’t even pay attention to her. He ignored her practically all night.” Aiden leans against the house and stares out at the driveway. He doesn’t say anything, just listens.

The door opens, and Bri steps out. Aiden straightens and opens his arms. She turns into him, and I turn away to give them a moment. “How’s brother dearest?” Aiden asks in a low voice. I smirk at the name.

Bri laughs. “Same old same old. Off saving the world, one hostage at a time.” She sighs wearily. “I’m tired.” That’s all it takes to get Aiden moving. He nods at me as they walk past, but Bri pauses. “Rico,” she shakes her head. “I’m sorry about all this mess. I love my sister; I really do. But sometimes, I want to throttle her. Like how can she even look at Adam when you’re standing right here? Adam slept with another woman while they were together, probably repeatedly; and he wrote her and the baby off. He said he wanted nothing to do with either of them. And now, he what? Changed his mind? I don’t buy it; not for one second.” Aiden wraps his arm around her shoulder and pulls her closer.

“I think there’s more to the story,” I admit.

She eyes me. “I hope you’re right; for your sake.”

Me too.

They both say goodnight and head to the car. I wait a few minutes in the silence. I need to go home but find it hard to leave. The door opens, and I turn around, hoping it’s Amber. It's not. Noah steps out silently and closes the door behind him. Ieye him a moment. “Is this where you kill me silently?” I’m only half joking.

Without skipping a beat, he asks, “Do I need to?”

“Wrong guy,” I mutter and turn back to face the driveway. I keep an eye on him out of the corner of my eye. Self-preservation and all that.

“Do you love her?”

His question takes me by complete surprise, but I don’t have to even think about it. “Yes.”

“You’ll be good to her and the baby?”

“Yes.”

“You’ll take the baby on as yours?”

“Yes.”

He doesn’t say anything else, and I wonder if I passed the interrogation. I’m pretty sure it’s pass or fail; there’s no in-between. When I’m sure Amber’s not going to come out, I face Noah. “Nice to meet you.” I stick out my hand.

He eyes my hand, and I think for a moment that he’s not going to take it. But he surprises me. “Take care of her.” That’s all he says before releasing my hand and stepping back inside as silently as he came out.

I blow out a breath of air.That guy is intense.I make my way to my car and drive home in complete silence. I get all the way home before I realize I never told him that Amber isn’t with me; she’s with Adam. I head inside wearily; I’m ready for bed. It's been a long day. I crash in my bed not too long after getting home, but it takes me a long time to wind down. I'm finally about to drift off to sleep when my phone beeps. I think about ignoring it but think better of it in case it’s my mom and she needs something. When I pick it up and see the name, I swipe quickly.

Amber-thanks for not giving up on me

I stare at the text as my heart begins to pound.

Me- iwon’t ever give up on you

She doesn’t text for a little bit, and I wonder if I’ve scared her off. But then she texts again.

Amber-why?

I smile, even though she can’t see me.

Me-because you’re it for me

Amber-just like that, huh?

My smile widens.

Me-just like that

Amber-okay

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