Page 58 of Let Me Show You

“I hope you’re right.” I try to shake off the nerves of the anticipation.

Dad’s phone rings, and when he pulls it out of his pocket, Belinda’s name appears on the screen. He answers it, softens his tone, and walks through the living room. I hesitantly follow him onto the front porch and look around outside. I’ve been inside for two weeks, but I’m still nervous that someone's after me.

When he’s off the phone, he smiles. Seeing him this happy after all this time gives me hope for my own future. “She wants me to have lunch with her today.”

“You gonna propose soon?” I ask, giving him a nudge.

Dad laughs as we walk to his truck. “You can meet us at the deli at noon if you’re hungry.”

“Appreciate it, but I wanna do some finishing touches before tonight.”

“Alrighty. See you soon, right?” He pops a brow.

“Yep. Probably late tonight.” I wave goodbye as he cranks his truck, then reverses out of the driveway.

When I go inside the house, I clean up around the place. I sweep up the sawdust and get rid of the scrap wood. At some point, I take a break to eat and call Gemma.

“Hey!” she says in a high-pitched voice after the first ring.

“You can’t be that excited to talk to me,” I tease.

“Of course I am. You’re my favorite brother.”

“I’m your only brother,” I remind her.

“Oh yeah, almost forgot,” she says with a laugh. “What’s goin’ on? Hold on.” Gemma pulls the phone away from her ear and yells Tyler’s name. “It’s Noah!”

There’s shuffling in the background.

“Am I on speakerphone?”

“Yes,” Tyler says loud and clear.

I roll my eyes. “Well, since you’re both here, just thought I’d let you know I’d like to come back to work on Monday. I mean, if you still want me around,” I offer, giving Tyler a pass, especially after the window incident.

“Of course we do. You can come in today if you’re free,” Tyler tells me.

It makes me laugh. “Thanks, man. I’m busy today but looking forward to returning. You two should see what I built for Katie.”

“Uhh,” Gemma hesitates nervously.

“Don’t worry. We discussed it, and she was okay with me helping. Now, I did kinda take it upon myself to build her a pantry, but she showed me pictures of what she wanted,” I explain. “And I nailed it based on her Pinterest board.”

“And if you didn’t…say goodbye to your balls,” Gemma warns.

Tyler laughs. “Yeah, I wouldn't wanna cross her, especially since she’s learned how to use power tools and hammers. I bet she has a helluva swing.”

I snort. “I’ll send you a picture, and you two can be the judge of it.”

“Has she seen it yet?” Gemma asks.

“Not yet. I’m showing her today after she gets off work.” I run my fingers through my hair, hoping she doesn’t kill me.

“I’m sure she’ll like it,” Tyler encourages. “Send over that pic.”

“I will. And if I disappear after today, you know Katie did it,” I joke. “Dad said things have been quiet, so I’ll probably be home later tonight. I’m excited to work again and help y’all finish the gym.”

“Hell yeah,” Tyler says.