Page 5 of Let Me Show You

I swallow down the lump that forms in my throat at the mention of her brother. She always treads lightly when it comes to Noah, but I can tell she’s eager about his homecoming. I, on the other hand, am dreading it.

“Shit, sorry,” she quickly says once she sees my expression.

“No, no, it’s fine. Better get used to it, right?” I half-laugh.

Soon, he’ll be back and impossible to avoid. Though Gemma and Everleigh are my best girl friends, Noah and I were inseparable for as long as I can remember. Not only was he funny and always down for an adventure, but his smile would light up an entire room and cause butterflies every time he looked at me.

When I was younger, I didn’t understand what it meant, but I realized I had feelings for him as I got older. Gemma and Everleigh were the only two who knew and kept telling me to ask him out. I was too nervous he’d reject me—or worse, laugh—so I held onto the hope he’d admit he felt the same. When he never did, I assumed he only saw me as a friend. Anytime the opportunity arose, he never made a move, so when his cousin moved to town and asked me out, I accepted.

Noah never said a word about it and seemed to approve, so I dated Gabe during my last two years of high school. When Gabe proposed the year after I graduated, I said yes because I thought I loved him. Not the way I had secretly loved Noah, but that was different and unexplainable. It was a love so deep it felt unnatural.

But those feelings shifted after he was sentenced to prison, and he wouldn’t let me visit him. He couldn’t even return a damn letter. Years have passed, and I still don’t know why he pushed me away. Gemma pleaded with him to respond or let me see him, but he’d give her the runaround.

After ignoring me, my hurt turned to anger. If I were to see him today, I don’t know what I’d do. Maybe I’d just ignore him for the next decade like he ignored me.

The man I once loved has let me down. Not only did I lose a husband but I also lost my best friend at the same time.

I didn’t even get a say in the matter.

“I hope you two can talk it out,” Gemma says as I walk around, needing to keep myself busy. “He’s gonna need as many people on his side as possible. This town hasn’t forgotten what happened, and I’m worried for him.”

“Well, I’ve been trying to talk to him for years, Gemma,” I remind her.

“Trust me, I wish I could’ve talked some sense into him, but he’s a stubborn asshole sometimes. Perhaps this will be a new beginning for both of you.”

“Not counting on it,” I say dryly, wanting to change the subject.

“Katie…”

“I don’t wanna see him. I know I’ll eventually have to, but I refuse to go out of my way. I’ve done enough of that.”

“I understand, but please just remember Tyler and I had our second chance after he got out of prison. I really believe that can happen for you two.”

I snort, nearly choking. “I wouldn’t be placing bets on that, babe.”

He knew what I was going through, yet he couldn’t spare five minutes to write back. I never blamed him for Gabe’s death, never got angry with him for getting into our business, and never wanted him to go to prison for what happened.

I knew Gabe was cheating, and the fact his mistress was there that night made the whole situation worse. But to be ghosted by my best friend when I just wanted to support him and make sure he was okay? I was devastated. In fact, if he shows up on my front porch, I won’t think twice about shoving him right on his ass.

“Never say never.” She smirks.

“I’m too hurt to give him a chance,” I admit. “I have too much pent-up anger toward him, and the more I think about it, the madder I get.”

“Okay, sorry. I won’t bring it up again.”

“I know he’s your brother, so it’s gonna come up, but now you know how I feel about it all.”

“So I better warn him to wear a bulletproof vest if he’s around you.” She laughs, and I glare. “Okay, sorry. I’m done now.”

I finish walking Gemma through the house, explaining what I want to do and what colors I want to paint the walls. Owen’s an only child, so he’ll have his own space upstairs. We barely fit in the place we’re renting right now, so I can’t wait to give him the home he deserves.

“Just so you know…um, you-know-who will be working with Tyler at the gym. But I hope you’ll come and see it once things are ready for the grand opening.”

I shake my head at how she tries to avoid using his name. “It’s fine, Gemma. Just let me know when he’s not there, and I’ll come visit. I’m sure Owen would love to see it too.” I give her a hug when we reach the front door. “We’re very proud of y’all.”

“Thank you, I am too. I can’t believe it’s really happening. With my dad retiring, it feels like the perfect timing.”

“Once this house is finally done, I’ll actually have time to work out again. Looking forward to that even though I’ll probably just hang out at the juice bar.”