Not standing guard at the door.
Beside him.
I pulled out the chair next to his. Noah lowered himself carefully, keeping the pole against his leg. I sat close enough that our knees touched.
Diane watched the movement.
Her expression tightened.
“So you’re still living here.”
“This is my home.”
“With him.”
“With Reid.”
The distinction mattered.
Diane placed her bag on the table.
“I understand you don’t remember everything.”
“No.”
“Then perhaps this is an opportunity to put old disagreements behind us.”
I felt Noah go still beside me.
“What disagreements?”
She glanced at me again.
“He knows.”
“Noah asked you.”
My voice came colder than I intended.
Her eyes narrowed.
“This is between me and my son.”
“My partner is staying.”
Noah’s answer came quietly.
Diane looked at him.
“Partner.”
“Yes.”
“You always were quick to attach yourself.”
I moved before I could stop myself.
Noah’s hand closed around my forearm.
