Page 45 of Here With Me
We’ll see, old man. I have an early meeting Saturday.
Even though he’s making fun of me and calling me old, I smile. This is the most we’ve ever texted.
Then I return to Noah’s message.
Fisher
I invited him to go to the bar on Friday, but he says he has to get up early the next day. Are you coming?
Noah
To watch my dumbass brothers get wasted and try to ride a mechanical bull for eight seconds? Oh, I plan to film it.
I chuckle.
Fisher
You gonna try it?
Noah
I’ve done it a few times already.
My curiosity piques.
Fisher
I shouldn’t even be surprised, you little AJ. You probably put your brothers to shame.
Noah
Pretend you never saw this...
After her message comes a video.
It’s a video of Noah in a pink cowboy hat, sparkly boots, and a pink skirt and tube top. She’s wearing a “Birthday Girl” sash over her shoulder and riding the mechanical bull.
You can hear her brothers hooting and hollering as she clings to the horn for dear life. Whoever’s recording is losing their damn mind laughing and shouting. I suspect Magnolia, but nonetheless, I can’t stop smiling at how carefree and happy she looks.
She hangs on until the timer goes off, and the crowd erupts in cheers.
Then when she goes to slide off, she slips and face-plants the mat.
The videographer shuffles over to Noah, and she’s laughing so hard she can hardly breathe. Her entire face is red as she struggles to get to her feet, and just when she does, Wilder storms over and knocks her over again.
That’s when the clip ends, but I’m nearly pissing my pants at how funny it was.
Fisher
That was the best thing I’ve ever seen.
Noah
Now you know why I don’t go out with my brothers. They’re ruthless and dared me to do it on my 21st birthday.
Fisher
I thought it was hilarious. Now I have to see it in person.
