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Could I be happy picking up Noah’s dirty socks? Is he that kind of guy? Is this that kind of relationship?
I think it could be. We’ll have to figure out the River and Arielle complications eventually, but I do think it’s worth trying.
I don’t overthink it, don’t analyze it to death. That’s not who or what I am. I check my gut once more, focusing on anything that gives me pause, but I only find fear of getting hurt, and I won’t let that stop me. I never have before and won’t start now. Fear is what makes great people into so-so people.
So, I pull my phone out while everyone else is talking about Simon’s new role and Becky’s pregnancy. I open up BlindDate and click into my messages.
R: Okay. I’m in to see where this goes.
In seconds, he responds.
M . . . or Noah: Where are you? Can I come over now?
I smile at his eagerness, letting it soothe over any residual worries.
R: Not tonight. I’m out with friends. But tomorrow around seven?
N: I might die before then, but I guess I can wait the 21 hours, 9 minutes, and 45 seconds.
R: Did you really count that up?
N: 21-9-7 now.
R: See you soon.
“Everything okay?” Loretta asks me, and I realize that I’ve been smiling at my phone for a few minutes now. I look up, afraid Arielle is going to ask me who I’m messaging with, but she’s oblivious to my phone distraction. She and Eli seem to be caught up in a private conversation that’s not using words. Instead, they’re glaring at each other, lifting their brows, and huffily turning away from one another.
What is it with those two?
“All good,” I tell Loretta, and then a thought occurs to me. “Hey, you should try out this app.”
I tell her about River and Noah’s BlindDate app and how you can put in your preferences, including height, and it’ll match you up. She says she’ll think about it, but she doesn’t look convinced. I’m sure she’s thinking that if it were all that awesome, I’d be telling her about the amazing man I met.
I did. I just can’t tell her. Or anyone else, for that matter. Not yet. Not until I see how things go with Noah.
But the conversation has finally gotten Arielle’s attention and she jumps in. “Riley had a ninety-six percent match! You never did say earlier . . . how’s that going?”
“Uh . . .” I stammer, no idea how to answer that. “I mean . . . it’s good?” My heart is racing. I can feel the nervous sweat starting in my pits, and I’m fidgeting like a toddler who needs to pee.
“Good?” Arielle repeats, not looking convinced.
I can’t say more, though my tongue is a moment away from saying, “He’s awesome and he’s your brother and I don’t know what to do about it!” To prevent that from happening, I shove a nacho in my mouth, nearly choking on the sharp chip and messy cheese and beef combo topped with hot jalapeños.
My eyes water, tears leaking down my cheeks, and I cough harshly, but I try to nod in answer. It only chokes me up more, and I have to give up in favor of sucking down some water. It’s still not enough, and Loretta pops me on the back, which makes me cough again because her taps are more like body slams. But it gives me something to think about other than telling Arielle about Noah . . . and that kiss . . . and how he said please.
God, I can picture that text, hear him saying it when he came over. He’s not a man who says that, which he confirmed if there were ever any doubt.
I’ve managed to get the nacho down and drink some water to soothe my throat, but I’ve been quiet too long, and Arielle, the bestest best friend ever, saves me by drawing the attention away with a joke. “You’ll find the right guy, Riley. Some people just can’t set aside the clouds to see the sunshine.” She holds her hands out wide, gesturing to me and waving jazz hands in an imitation of my Sunshine Salute.
Everyone laughs because I’m the epitome of sunshine, but not everyone is ready for that, especially on a daily basis and in big doses. I’ve learned that the hard way, and I hope Noah is ready for me.
Funny thing, I don’t feel particularly sunny right now. I’m excited about Noah, but I can see a thunderstorm gathering in the distance as Arielle throws me a wink for saving me. “You okay?” she mouths, and I give her a subtle thumbs-up.
“Thanks,” I whisper.
What have I gotten myself into?
Chapter 10
Noah
Last night, when I saw that I had a message from Riley, my heart had jumped into my throat. For a split second, I was already preparing for the worst, expecting it. But also, hoping I was wrong.
