Page 33 of Prove Me Wrong
“What if Noah does something?” my raspy voice whispers out, and I wipe discharge from underneath my nose. “What if he’s not being honest?”
Gran kisses my forehead, and I'm grateful to have her in my life. I can’t imagine ever being like this with my mum. “He won’t do anything, dear. I’ve known him for years. He’s patient and kind. Noah wouldn’t lie to you; he’s nothing like Ryan.”
Nodding, I continue to sob as I repeat those words in my head until I finally feel like it could be somewhat true.
He’s nothing like Ryan.
He’s nothing like Ryan.
He’s nothing like Ryan.
Chapter Twelve
NOAH
My mind won’t stop thinking about Mia.
After she left my text on read, I've been wondering what she’s up to and who she is talking to. If she’s sitting at home playing piano or spending some time with June. Maybe she’s in town, still sipping on her coffee, or doing some other hobby I have no idea about.
She seemed happy when I left the iced latte for her this morning, but she never texted me back. I guess my message didn’t need a response, but I could have spent all afternoon talking with her, and honestly, that’s what I wanted. To know more about her.
But something about her silence bothers me.
There’s something darker inside of her that I see when she looks at me. It makes her hesitant, and I really don’t like that it has this hold on her. She definitely struggles with anxiety. I’ve seen it when she’s touching her raw elbows. I want to remind her that she’ll be all right, that it gets better. That the claws will one day lessen to the point that you can break free from its hold?—
“Sterling.”
I look at Nathan, who is sipping his drink opposite me. A dark brow arches as I clear my throat. “What?”
He sighs loudly. “Were you even listening to me?”
I shake my head. “No, sorry.”
“It’s fine,” Nathan says before taking another sip. “I was asking you about qualifying today. Did you watch it?”
Nodding, I set my drink down on the table as Jade curls up against my chest like a koala. Her tiny hands are fisted in my tee as she silently sleeps in my arms. It’s not too late, just after eight, and she’s exhausted since she refused to sleep this afternoon. Honestly, I don’t know how she’s sleeping now with all the noise and lights on in the pub.
I pull her tighter against me, soaking up her warm cuddles. I will miss her baby hugs when she’s older, knowing that at some point she won’t enjoy them as much as she does right now. I will squeeze in as many as I can while she still looks at me like I’m the best thing in this world.
Because she’s my favourite thing in this world.
Although recently I have been thinking more about Mia when I get the chance. I have never been a person to have my thoughts consumed by a girl, but I can’t seem to get her out of my mind.
The more I talk with her and get to know her, the more I crave to be with her.
Glancing up at my friend, waiting for my answer, I nod slowly. “Yeah, I watched it. It’s great for the team that Rogerson finished fourth, and Daniels in fifth. We are in a good position for tomorrow’s race.”
“Yeah. You just have to watch for Carmichael, Grimaldi and Stevens. Shouldn’t be too hard,” Nathan says with a smirk.
I huff a laugh. “Only the top three drivers. And Carmichael can’t win two championships in a row. Hopefully one of the others can beat him. Preferably Rogerson so that we get decent points.”
“Yeah. I hope Reign can outdo the others. It’s time for you to win again. It’s been what? Two years?”
Nodding, I subconsciously pull my daughter closer, the heat of her body spreading through mine, reminding me of the last time I won the championship.
It was the last season before Em told me she was pregnant.
“I think you have a shot this year. Both Rogerson and Daniels are great for Reign.”
