Total pages in book: 138
Estimated words: 133688 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 668(@200wpm)___ 535(@250wpm)___ 446(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 133688 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 668(@200wpm)___ 535(@250wpm)___ 446(@300wpm)
“Well, you’ll be glad to know there haven’t been any more threats. I got the red spray paint off your truck, and it’s waiting for you at the house. You should come home and go back to work. I’m sure Tyler could use your help. Plus, I miss seeing you,” he admits, and I immediately feel guilty. He’s barely seen me since I’ve been released.
“Thanks for doing that, Dad. And you’re right. It’s been long enough, I suppose. I’ll let Katie know after I show her this that tonight will be my last night. Hopefully, she’ll like it so I can continue to help her on my days off. She could hate it, though, considering I didn’t exactly tell her my plans.”
“She’s gonna love it,” he reassures me with soft eyes. “And I’m sure she’s happy to have your experience. She’s been working on this house for a while.”
“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, I see it’s Belinda calling. 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 someone’s after me.
When he’s off the phone, he glances over at me with a smile. Seeing him this happy after all this time gives me hope for my own future. “She wants me to have lunch with her today,” he tells me.
“You gonna propose soon?” I ask, giving him a nudge.
Dad laughs and shakes his head as we walk to his truck. “You can meet us at the deli around twelve if you’re hungry,” he offers.
“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!”
I hear shuffling in the background.
“Am I on speakerphone?” I ask.
“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 want to 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 really 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.
“Anyway, I’ll let y’all go. See you sooner than later,” I say, not wanting to linger on this call much longer.
After I hang up, I send them some pictures. Gemma replies instantly, telling me she loves it and wants one in their future house. I go to the bedroom and pack up my belongings. After I undo the stopper in the air mattress, I fold the blankets, then stack the pillows. Letting out a breath, I realize how much I’m actually gonna miss being here. It wasn’t ideal, but it gave me the opportunity to see and speak with Katie every day.
Things will probably change after I leave, but hopefully, we won’t take two steps back from how far we’ve come.