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CHAPTER19
NOBLE
Autumn is practically shakingas we approach the restaurant. Mom wanted me to bring Autumn home, but I felt like neutral territory would be more comforting. Now I’m not so sure.
“She’s going to love you.” I reach over and squeeze her clasped hands.
“Easy for you to say. I’m not the type mothers like—or dads, for that matter.” She smiles as if it’s a joke, but we both know the truth.
“Some people aren’t cut out to be parents, but that doesn’t mean their kids aren’t great. I know you don’t think I’m an asshole because my dad is, right?”
She straightens up. “No. I would never say that.”
“Exactly.”
Autumn pinches my hand lightly. “You’re getting smug again.”
“Again?” I swing in front of the restaurant. The valet comes over to open Autumn’s door.
“It’s the look you get in your eyes after we’re done. Very satisfied with yourself.”
“I think it’s you satisfying me rather than me doing anything.” I toss the keys to the valet. “Thanks, man.”
“No problem.”
“I’m never going to get used to this,” Autumn says as I join her on the sidewalk.
“To restaurants, being with the best-looking guy on the planet, or valet parking?”
“I appreciate you slipping some self-love in the list,” she laughs, “but I was specifically referring to the parking. That’s some rich person stuff.” She smooths her hands over her jeans. “I think I should’ve worn a dress.”
“Nah. Totino’s is a family restaurant. Everyone here uses valet parking because the closest lot is a good fifteen minutes away.” I stop her at the door of the restaurant. “The valet parking, the nice things that are going to start hanging in your closet, the house we’re going to live in when you’re done with school, you deserve all of those things. You deserve every good thing in this world, and my purpose on this earth is to provide them for you.” I give her a quick but firm kiss on the forehead and then pull the door open.
She pastes a bright smile on her face and walks bravely into the noisy restaurant with its waiters dressed in red checked shirts and white aprons, carrying trays of pasta to happy families. My mom spots us immediately and stands up to wave enthusiastically in our direction.
“Does that look like a woman with a rod up her ass?”
“Um, no, but please don’t talk about your mother like that.” Autumn hurries forward. “Mrs. Patton. I’m—”
“Autumn, I know!” Mom grabs Autumn’s hand and pulls her in for a hug to be engulfed by a cloud of Chanel No. 5. “Noble told me all about you. This here is Noble’s grandfather, my dad, Noble Patton III, but we call him Paddy.”
Granddad nods his head and pats the seat next to him. “Let the girl sit down, Erin. She’s probably hungry.” He pushes the basket of bread toward her. “Women don’t eat enough these days.”
I pull out Autumn’s chair for her and wait for her to settle in before going over to assist my mom. Once we are all seated, Granddad raises his water glass. “To Autumn. Thank you for taking on Noble. We understand he’s a handful.”
“Hear, hear.” Mom raises her glass and clinks it against my granddad’s. “He’s never had a girlfriend before, so we were silently—” I cough loudly, remembering all the times I’d come home from college or even high school alone to the onslaught ofWhy are you singlequestions, “—or maybe not so silently,” she revises, “despairing no one would take a chance on him.”
“He’s very popular. I’m the lucky one,” Autumn says.
“You’re both lucky,” Mom announces. She taps Autumn’s glass. “I can see you two are a perfect fit. We’re very happy for you both. What do you have going on next weekend?” She directs the question to Autumn.
“I’m cleaning and studying.”
“Cleaning?”
“Yes, my work study program is cleaning the Sigma Theta house.”
“The whole house?” Mom gapes. “Impossible. You should get her out of that,” Mom orders.
