Page 126 of Let Me Show You

“Yes, sir,” I reply just as Katie’s parents walk over. Owen runs toward them and gives Katie’s mom a big hug. Face paint smears on the side of her shirt, but her smile never fades. It’s obvious how much she loves Owen.

“Hey, kids,” Mrs. Walker says to us.

“Mom, can I hang out with Memaw and Papa?” Owen asks without hesitation.

Katie scrunches her face and looks at her mom for approval.

“Yeah, I’d love to take him around. All the arts and crafts like sand art and necklace making, and I think I saw a dunking booth too,” she says.

“A dunking booth? I must’ve missed that one. Gemma really did go all out,” Katie replies, and I agree.

“Sometimes, she can be a little extra,” I say with a laugh.

“Call me when you’re exhausted,” Katie tells her mother and gives her dad a hug. Soon, Owen’s leading them through the crowd back toward the kids’ activities.

After the mayor gives a speech about new businesses and the Lawton Ridge community, Tyler’s handed the giant pair of golden scissors and cuts the ribbon in front of the door. The crowd cheers with excitement, and he thanks them all for coming. Soon, Gemma gives people a tour of the inside of the gym.

“This is amazing,” Katie leans into me and says. She’s seen the progression of what we’ve done, but now, all the finishing touches have been added.

“I’m actually impressed by how well it turned out, though I had no doubt it would be anything other than great,” I admit. One of Gemma’s new employees is whipping up samples from the juice bar and passing them out to people. Katie and I stop and try a few flavors.

“Well, hello to you,” I hear a woman say from behind.

Katie’s face splits in half. “Ruby! Stephanie! Y’all came!”

“Wouldn’t miss it. Actually, I think Tyler would’ve divorced me as a friend if I didn’t show up,” Ruby admits and pulls Stephanie close.

“You’re damn right,” Tyler says from behind.

“Told ya,” Ruby says. “How’ve you been, Noah?”

“Great,” I admit, and she smiles wide when she notices my fingers are interlocked with Katie’s.

Moments later, Everleigh meets up with us, and Gemma comes over too. Soon, we’re all trying to talk over each other, laughing and cutting up. When I glance at Katie, she takes the opportunity to pull me to the side.

“I think the juice bar got to me. My stomach is kinda messed up and gurgling. I’m gonna run to the car and get some Pepto,” she says.

“Okay, I’ll come with you,” I tell her.

She shakes her head and looks at everyone. “No, no. It’s fine. I’m only parked a few blocks away by the deli, and plenty of people are around. I’ll be right back. Have fun. Enjoy yourself,” she says, then walks away before I can protest.

“The juice bar is fuckin’ fantastic,” Ruby says, grabbing my attention when she rubs her hand across the countertop.

“Right? Noah did all the cabinetry work.” Tyler eagerly gives me credit, showing her the other side with all the storage space.

“I enjoy building things, so I had a good time. The top is a live oak edge. Smith did that part,” I admit.

“The workmanship is incredible. You should start a business,” she suggests.

A small chuckle escapes me. “That’s what they all say.”

“I’d hire you,” Ruby admits.

“Yeah, and I would too,” Everleigh tells me. “I’ve been wanting to redo some cabinets in my kitchen for years. I’m imagining it now.”

“He’s expensive,” Tyler says. “And you’re too cheap.”

Our group of friends bursts into laughter.