Page 25 of Let Me Show You

“You deserve it. I'm so happy for you.”

“Thank you. Now, I’ll get to be a full-time grandpa.” He beams wide as more people walk up, so I tell him goodbye and go back to the table.

Gemma stands before I can take a seat. “I think we need some more juice for the punch bowl. Can you help me grab them from the fridge?”

“Sure.” I tell Owen I’ll be right back before following Gemma toward the kitchen.

“You doin’ okay?” she asks. “You look a little stressed.”

“I'm fine. It's just weird seeing Noah here. Especially when I didn’t even wanna see him the first time.” I glare because she knows what she did.

“Yeah, I know. That’s why I wanted to check on you. It's gonna take a little getting used to for everyone. But with that being said, maybe you should give him one more chance, Katie. He still cares about you.”

I let out a frustrated sigh. “I'm sure he does since he refused to see or talk to me. That sounds like something you do when you care about someone,” I say sarcastically.

She gives me a small smile and heads out of the kitchen instead of going to the fridge.

“Wait, don’t we need more punch?” I ask.

“Nah. Just wanted to get you alone for a moment to check on you without other ears around.” Gemma gives me a wink.

“Should’ve figured,” I say. “Thanks, I appreciate it.”

“Anytime. And if you ever wanna bust his balls, feel free to do it, okay? He kinda deserves it.”

I laugh. “I’m just glad you’re on my team.”

“I’m team Katie and Noah,” she corrects.

“Oh God. Don't even start with that again! We’re not fifteen anymore,” I scold but laugh at the memories.

Gemma glances over her shoulder, then leaves. I take a moment to myself before following. When I finally walk through the door, I nearly run into Noah. His hands grip my arms, holding me steady on my feet. We look at each other in shock, and it takes everything I have to push past him.

Before I get too far, he gently grabs my elbow and pulls me back.

“Katie, please talk to me,” he begs in a deep, rough voice.

Shaking my head, I pull away from him. “No thanks. I have nothing to say to you.”

“Please,” he pleads again, this time in a husky whisper.

“I’ve been begging to talk to you for ten fuckin’ years. So no, Noah, you don't get my time when it’s convenient for you. Should’ve thought about that when you refused to let me visit or write back to me. I waited around long enough, and I’m not wasting any more time on you.”

He looks as if I slapped him, the same reaction I imagine he had on my porch when I slammed the door in his face. It hurts to see him this way, but he left me no choice.

Without another word, I walk across the reception hall and tell Owen it's time to go.

After we say our goodbyes, I notice Noah’s staring at me, but I keep my eyes forward and walk out with as much dignity as I can.

CHAPTER EIGHT

NOAH

Though it’s been four days since Katie and I had a run-in, I can still feel her verbal slap. I know I don’t deserve her attention, but I’m not giving up. If she wants to cuss me out after I’ve explained my side of the story and apologized, then I’ll walk away peacefully. But until then, I’ll fight for just five minutes of her time. Our friendship was strong before, and I’ll show her it can be that way again if she’d give us a chance.

When I got home that night, I found a box of pictures and old yearbooks. After pouring myself a glass of whiskey, I went through them. Pictures of Katie and me goofing off, taking road trips and hikes, every homecoming and prom. We always exchanged yearbooks first, and in her freshman one, I almost confessed my feelings but chickened out. That’s the summer Gabe moved to town, and they started dating.

I find the first one of mine she ever signed and smile as I read her handwriting.