Page 74 of Stay With Me
Am: I’m down for either.
Me: I’m down for The Bar. Some mozzarella sticks sound amazing, actually, and Sarah has some of the best.
Pam: Yesssss.
Abs: Yeah, she does.
Am: Agreed. Okay, so The Bar at what 6?
Pam: I’m good with that!
Abs: Same! Luna, I’ll swing by and pick you up around 5:30?
Me: Sounds perfect! I can’t wait!!
Back at the salon, I open the door and smile when I see Ann under the dryer.
“Hi, sweetie. Did you have a good walk to the post office?” she asks as I sit down.
I shrug. “No letter still, and that worries me, but I mailed my letter to her. I’m hoping that she got away and is still back at The Family’s land.”
Ann pats my leg. “She’s okay. I have a good feeling about it. You’ll see.”
I nod, and her beautician walks up to tell her it’s time to come back for her to finish styling her hair. When they walk away, I pull my phone back out to text Noah and let him know about the plans I finalized with the girls. He responds instantly.
Noah: You got it, baby. I’ll see you before you head out. I got off work on time, so I’m heading to the farm and will meet you there to bring you and Jess home.
Me: Perfect. Jess and Joe should be in the barn if they aren’t at the main house. See you soon.
Noah: See you soon, Lunabella
A smile breaks through even though I feel like the world is falling apart around me. He feels like the glue that holds me together in the storm.
With one last look in the mirror, I walk out of the bathroom to the room I used to sleep in before I started staying in the main bedroom with Noah so I can grab the cowboy boots I want to wear. My outfit’s simple, just a pair of shorts and a tank top. My hair is out of its usual braid and is in loose waves down to the middle of my back, and my makeup is simple, with just some mascara and lip gloss.
It’s not the fanciest of outfits, but I feel pretty, and that’s what matters the most. As I get to the door, Jess is walking toward me and smiles.
“Can I do my reading in my room instead of the living room today?” she asks.
“Of course. Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, I just want to sit on my bed and read.”
“Okay, no problem. I’ll tell Noah where you are since I think he was just finishing up mowing the lawn.”
“Yeah, he just finished. I saw him parking the mower in the garage.”
“Perfect. Have fun with the guys. Kick their butts in someMario Kartif you play, alright?” I tell her and pull her into a hug.
She hugs me back. “Of course I will, but I might let Sam win once to let him feel good.”
I can’t help but laugh. “That’s nice of you. Have Noah text me if you need anything, okay?”
“I’ll be fine. It will be a good night.” She breaks her hold and walks to her room.
I slip my feet into my boots and hear the front door close. Heading out to the living room, I want to make sure it isn’t Abby. I don’t see anyone in the kitchen and living room, so I walk to the fridge to grab a water bottle.
The door to the walk-in pantry is partially open, just enough that from my first look, I didn’t see it ajar. “Noah? Are you in there?”
