Page 70 of Strong Side
When Noelle toldme they had a field trip today to watch the baseball team play, I almost bought a ticket, just to be there for support. Not that I worry about her feelings for Trey or anything. I just know that’s one of the last places she would want to spend her day.
So, I’m getting concerned that I haven’t heard from her when I know the game is over. I’ve texted a few times with no response, which is unlike her to completely ignore me.
I’m sitting on the couch, scrolling through channels, eyeing my phone next to me. I considered going over to her place to wait for her, but she is supposed to come here when she’s done.
Bo walks into the room and sits in the chair next to the couch.
“Sup, man?” He nods at me.
“Hey, what’s up?” I answer dryly.
“You okay?” He leans forward and braces his elbows on his knees.
“Yeah, I’m good. I’m just waiting for Noelle to text or call, and it’s just taking longer than I thought it would. I’m getting worried, is all.” I look from the television to Bo.
“Is she coming over?” he asks.
“She’s supposed to come over after a field trip with her class today,” I explain.
“Where did they go? Maybe the bus got delayed or something.” He sits back in the chair.
“They went to a Walker baseball game.” I look at him pointedly.
“Oh shit.” Bo puts his hands behind his head, leaning back.
“Yeah. I’m sure she’s fine, but I’ll feel better when I hear back.”
He leans up and nods to the window. “Looks like she’s pulling up now.”
I jump up and leap over the couch. I’m pulling the door open and making it halfway down the walkway before she even gets out of the car. When she looks up, I can tell she’s been crying. Fuck.
“Hey! I was getting worried about you.” I wrap her in my arms when I reach her.
“Sorry I didn’t text. I just … needed some time to think.” Her arms are wrapped loosely around my waist.
I kiss the top of her head. “It’s okay. What’s going on?”
She laughs humorlessly. “I’m honestly not sure if you’ll believe it. I think I’m still trying to wrap my head around what I saw today.”
I pull back to look at her face, but I don’t let go of her. “What do you mean? What did you see?”
“Let’s go inside. Is anyone home?” She reaches for my hand.
“Bo is here, but Charlie is at the sorority house, and Silas is … I have no idea, honestly.”
Beck has already left for Chicago, and it’s been weird, not having him in the house.
“Okay, let’s go into your room, and I’ll tell you.” She starts walking, and I follow.
When we get into the house, Bo stands from the chair. “Hey, Noelle. How’s it going?”
“Hi, Bo.” That’s all she says.
“I’m gonna go out for a bit. Do you guys need anything?” he asks, already walking toward the door.
I shake my head. “Nah, I’m good. Thanks.”
When he leaves, we walk into the kitchen, and she lets go of my hand and reaches into the fridge to grab a bottle of water.
