Page 53 of Loving Josy
“Thank you,” I whisper, looking around at the smiling faces. My gaze lands on Noah again, and I can’t help but smile. Maybe Violet’s right. Maybe I just need to trust him. And myself.
At the table, we’re all gathered, enjoying pizza and pasta from my favorite restaurant in town. Violet really went all out. The smell of garlic, melted cheese, and marinara fills the room, mingling with the hum of conversation and bursts of laughter. I’m sitting between Adrian and Noah, and I haven’t been able to stop laughing all night.
Esteban has been relentless, teasing Noah at every opportunity. Every joke seems more ridiculous than the last, and just when Noah fires back with a sharp retort, Austin chimes in, stoking the flames between them. Their playful banter fills the room with energy, and I can’t help but grin as I watch them go back and forth.
Meanwhile, Adrian is trying to keep Max, his rambunctious tiny dog, from scavenging anything that might fall from the table. The schnauzer’s tail wags furiously, and his eyes are fixed on the floor, ready to pounce on any dropped crumbs.
“Why don’t you let him eat? He’s a dog; he’ll eat anything on the floor,” I say, amused by Adrian’s persistence.
Adrian sighs, his tone exasperated but patient. “Because if he eats something other than his food, he gets diarrhea. And I amnotin the mood to clean up that mess if he has an accident again.”
I burst out laughing. Poor Adrian. He’s taking this responsibility so seriously.
“I’m proud of you, little dude,” I say. “You’ve been so responsible with Max. Your mom hasn’t complained about the dog once. Honestly, she thought you’d flake out on taking care of him.”
Adrian straightens up, his chest puffing slightly with pride. “I know. But I love Max. You know that I really wanted a dog. So when Mom finally let me have him, I promised myself I’d do everything for him. Even if it meant cleaning vomit, poop, or any other mess.”
“That’s wonderful, honey,” I say, smiling at him. Adrian’s maturity constantly amazes me. “You know, I’ve been thinking about adopting a dog too. Every time I’m around Max, I feel this overwhelming need for a puppy.”
Adrian’s eyes light up like Christmas morning. “Really? Aunt Josy, that would be amazing! Max could have a buddy, and we could have playdates with your puppy. And if you’re ever busy, I can help you take care of them.”
“You’d do that?” I ask, genuinely touched.
“Of course! There’s nothing I love more than soccer and dogs. I’d be honored. Do you know what kind of dog you’d want?”
I tilt my head, considering. “I was thinking about those wiener dogs. They’re so adorable.”
Adrian grins. “Yes! They’re the cutest.”
“But,” I add with a laugh, “I want one that stays small enough to carry around like a baby.”
Adrian laughs with me then pretending to be serious. “Then you’ll need a double stroller. One for Everly and one for your future dog. I can already picture you walking through town with a stroller full of babies—human and canine.”
“Right? I’d look so cool,” I say, playing along. “Baby in one side, dog in the other. And when people come to peek at Everly, the dog will bark at them to keep them away. He’ll protect her at all costs.”
We erupt in laughter, but when I glance to my side, I notice Noah has gone quiet. His gaze is fixed on Adrian and me, an unreadable expression softening his features.
I lean toward him, lowering my voice. “Are you eavesdropping?”
Noah mirrors my movement, closing the gap between us. “Yes. I didn’t know you wanted a dog.”
I shrug, smiling. “I don’t want one right now. I don’t think I could handle a puppy and a newborn by myself.”
“You wouldn’t be alone, sweetheart,” he says, his voice low and warm. “I’d be with you.”
His words are like a balm, soothing an ache I didn’t realize I’d been carrying. Is he implying that he wants to live with me and Everly? We haven’t even talked about our relationship since that night we fell asleep together in my bed.
I smile softly, a mix of hope and uncertainty swirling in my chest. “Hmmm, I’ll think about it,” I say, keeping my tone light.
“Okay, let’s finish eating. I want to eat cake,” Adrian announces, his excitement bubbling over.
“Man, me too,” Austin chimes in, reaching for another slice of pizza.
I chuckle softly, but then my hand instinctively moves to my belly as I feel a flutter on my side. It’s faint but unmistakable, like a gentle ripple beneath my skin.
Noah notices immediately. His brows knit with concern as he leans closer. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”
I nod, smiling to reassure him. “Yes, I’m fine. It’s just that I’ve been feeling a flutter on my side all day.”
