Page 97 of Let Me Show You

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

NOAH

It’s been two weeks since the accident, and I’m feeling a million times better. I’m happy to return to work on Monday, even if my life feels out of sorts at the moment. Between trying to figure out what Brittany and Loretta are up to and recovering, things have been stressful and chaotic. I booked a mini vacation at a bed and breakfast for Katie and me, and I hope a weekend away will be good for us. It will be a much-needed reset and give us an opportunity to be alone.

Before I can surprise her, I meet with my parole officer. After my accident, we rescheduled my appointment for today. It will be the first time I’ve met with him, and so far, he’s been understanding. Since my truck was totaled and I haven’t had the chance to replace it, my dad let me borrow his.

“Noah, hey,” Dean gives me a warm welcome, and I shake his hand. “How’re ya feeling?”

“Hey, I’m doing much better, thank you.” I sit across from him as he looks at his computer screen.

We chat about my job, being back home, and my personal life, then I have to pee in a cup. Though I have no record of drug use, Dean makes all his parolees do it. Too many turn to drugs or alcohol and find trouble, which usually lands them back behind bars.

“So therapy…have you decided if you wanna talk to someone?” he asks.

Scratching my cheek, I hesitate to answer. I’d thought about it, but that was before Katie and I started dating, and now I want to spend all my free time with her and Owen. Last weekend, we had our Star Wars watch party with a marathon of A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. There was unlimited soda, candy, and popcorn.

Just thinking about spending more time with Owen and Katie like that brings a smile to my face. Katie’s my everything. She’s the light that keeps the dark days from taking over.

“Actually, I think I’m gonna wait. I don’t have that internal drowning feeling anymore, especially when I’m with my girlfriend. I’m not taking it off the table, but I don’t think it’s a priority for me right now.”

“Alright, that’s fair. It’s always an option if you change your mind.”

I nod. I’m not against therapy by any means. I think about how much has changed since I got home, and truthfully, returning to civilization is not what I’d expected. I don’t tell him the details of what led to the accident or how I’m on someone’s hit list. He’ll make a big deal, and that’s the last thing I need. The added stress is already making me tense, but Katie and being able to go back to work are keeping me distracted.

Dean’s been doing this for years, probably over a decade, and I can tell he’s not just here to collect a paycheck. He cares and seems interested in me. But I’m not comfortable sharing everything with him yet.

We agree to meet in two months, shake hands, then say goodbye. I’m ready as hell to get back to town so I can tell Katie to pack her bags.

Katie’s mother agreed to watch Owen, so we’ll be able to relax and spend the weekend with just the two of us.

Before I drive out of the parking lot, I send Katie a text.

Noah: Just leaving my PO’s office. Meet at the diner for lunch?

I smile wide when she responds.

Katie

Hmm. I guess I could squeeze you into my very busy schedule

Noah

Don’t sass me, woman. I’ve spent the past two weeks tempted to bend you over and smack that ass. I’m all healed, and my hand is just aching to do it.

Katie

Excuse me, sir? You’re breaking the rules!

I play dumb.

Noah

What rules?

Katie

No sexting while I’m at work! I can’t be all hot and bothered when I’m trying to talk to a customer about their mortgage rates.