Page 79 of Here With Me

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Jase

Oh, come on. You gotta eat. Let me take you out, and we can chat like old times.

Old times?We broke up two years ago and have only hung out a few times as friends. He’s living in the same de-lulu world as Magnolia who acts like she doesn’t like Tripp.

But this time, I push harder.

Noah

I don’t think it’s a good idea. I’m stressed with getting everything organized, plus all my training. Once things slow down, we can make plans.

I’m not being totally truthful because I don’t intend to actually go to dinner with him. But at least it’ll get him off my back, even if it’s temporary. He never used to be this pushy, and I don’t like it.

Jase

Whatever. Heard you were dancing with some rando loser at the bar. Had time for him, huh?

What the fuck?

Noah

Are you spying on me?!

Jase

People talk in this town.

I roll my eyes at how judgy and possessive he sounds.

Noah

I can dance with whoever I want and do whatever I please. Just because I’m busy doesn’t mean you get to be an asshole.

Jase

Excuse me for thinking friends make time for each other. Now I know where I stand.

“Noah! Where’re ya goin’?”

I jump when Mallory hollers from the entrance.

“To get Donut. What’re ya doin’?” I ask, pocketing my phone. I’ll deal with Jase later.

“I wanna ride Taylor Alison Swift! Can you help me?”

She rushes to catch up with me, and I give her an apologetic smile. “Sorry, kiddo. I have a lot of catchin’ up to do. Rudy and Trey are ’round here. Can you ask them?”

“I’ll just wait for you. When will ya be back?”

I look at my phone and check the time, noticing I still haven’t heard from Fisher. I know he’s probably never done the whole “good morning” texts because of his lack of dating, but I was still hoping I’d hear from him today.

“Gimme about forty-five minutes, okay?”

“Okay! I’ll go to Serena’s until you’re done.”

She skips ahead, and I call out to her. “Don’t get in Mrs. Carson’s way!”

She’s nine months pregnant and could pop any day now. Though her due date isn’t for a couple of weeks, she could still go into labor early.

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