Page 100 of Rookie Season
“Of course you did.” Noah rolls his eyes, then looks over at Fisher, who’s now in the kitchen with us, standing at the sink as he scrubs at the stain on his pants. “And it wasn’t justme who took the trash out—I hear you finished the job after I got hauled off to Coach’s office?”
“Nah, I just made sure he wasn’t coming back again.”
“You never did tell us what you said to him.” I turn to look at Fisher, too.
After Fisher informed me yesterday that Tyler was likely on a plane back to Georgia as we spoke, I asked him why he thought that, but he wouldn’t say a word.
“Yeah, I’m actually interested,” Noah says, hand still on my shoulder, fingertips drawing circles on my skin. “I was a little shocked when no charges were pressed.”
“A gentleman never tells,” Fisher says, still wiping his crotch.
Penn snorts and gives him a pointed look. “Quite the gentleman.”
“Please tell us,” I wheedle.
“Don’t think I will.”
“What if we give you a one-time exemption from a swear sticker?” Noah dangles the bait. Fisher casts an eye at the fridge, then takes it.
“Okay, fine,” he says with a shake of his head. He leans back against the kitchen counter and throws the cloth in the sink as he says, “I told him that he was going to go straight to the airport and get on the first plane to Atlanta without speaking to any media, and that he wouldn’t be pressing charges against Noah.” Fisher’s green eyes harden. “And then I said if he ever came here again, or tried to contact Ally again, that what Downsby did to him was only the beginning…because if any of us ever saw him near Ally again, we would break every bone in his body.”
“That was it?” Penn asks, cracking his knuckles approvingly. “Why were you being so weird about telling us that?”
Fisher smiles. “I might have also told him that a certainlittle Fisher Library at USG was donated by my father who’s still on the board there—and one of the university’s largest financial supporters. With a snap of daddy’s fingers I could gain access to the school’s database, the entire student body would receive an email notifying them of the micropenis Tyler’s been hiding…and he could kiss hisbig man on campusreputation goodbye forever.”
I sputter. “Excuse me?”
Penn wheezes out a strangled laugh, while Noah looks almost impressed. “Would your dad actually help you pull that off?”
“We’ll likely never find out, because Tyler looked about ready to piss his pants by the end of my speech.”
“You evil genius,” Penn says.
“Sly motherpucker,” Noah adds.
“All in a day’s work, my friends.” Fisher laughs before striding back towards the living room. “Now hurry up and sit your asses down; we have someMatchmaker Mansionwe need to catch up on.”
I smile as I thread my hand through Noah’s, and we walk over to the couch together and sit in our usual spots, my head resting against his chest as he curls his arms protectively around me. Harry climbs off Penn’s lap and moves to snuggle up beside me and Noah, and Fisher presses play on the TV. Everything about this moment makes me feel like the luckiest person in the world.
I have the best roommates any girl could ever ask for. An amazing family who has my back. And the best boyfriend I could have ever dreamed up—who I love beyond words. And I might not know what the future holds, or if I’ll get a part inExpressionsor not, or if I’ll keep on teaching, but what I do know is that I’m content in my own skin again.
That I can love myself and let myself be loved.
And that’s all I need.
CHAPTER 43
NOAH
I’m walkinghand in hand with Ally towards the front door of Mitch and Andie’s row house, and I’m feeling oddly nervous. Ally looks gorgeous in a black sweater dress and boots, and part of me wishes it was just her and me spending a quiet afternoon in her room, taking a pregame nap together—a ritual for us the last few weeks.
But this afternoon feels like something bigger than just lunch at my sister’s place. It’s something new. A fresh start, a new life. Last time Ally and I were here, I was irritated she was in my space and tried my best to ignore her.
Now, I want her with me everywhere I go. I want her inside my head, under my skin…surrounding me.
The rental car her parents booked when they extended their stay is already parked in the narrow driveway, and I know this is my do-over. Sure, we had a nice lunch together a couple of days ago—but this time, both of our families will be meeting. Which I’m sure means all eyes will be on me and Ally.
Penn and Fisher follow closely behind us as I ease the front door open and usher everyone inside. My youngestniece is there waiting, shrieking and running to hug my legs. I let go of Ally’s hand so I can pick Harlow up, and my niece leans in and kisses my cheek.
