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Grace
In Noah's hotel room we talked; we talked about family, the things we loved and hated and the past.
Both of Noah's parents were still alive and he just had his one brother Adrian. I can honestly say that charming runs in the family. I sensed that there was a bit of tension between them, but I didn't want to ask. I only had a brief conversation with Adrian in passing.
Oh, and did I forget to mention that we started dating?
I don't know exactly when we went from pure hate to somewhat like but here we were. Unfortunately, he said he'd have to go back home since he has an interview and a few classes left before they close for the holidays. That meant he wouldn't be here with me for my birthday or I with him for his. Our birthdays were just two weeks apart.
When he dropped me off back at the duplex the following morning, I felt mostly sad but also apprehensive of what might happen.
Are we going too fast and is this too much all at once?
I walked through the French doors, thankfully Harper and Josh didn't destroy the place.
"Harper?" It wasn't early so she would be awake already.
The house was quiet which I took as a sign that she wasn't here. I changed and showered. I started going through my emails. I found one that I was not expecting. I scanned over it and then sprung up doing a happy dance. I started dancing and Harper emerged all of the sudden. I didn’t hear her coming in.
She started laughing at me so hard she snorted.
"What are you doing? The sprinkler?" I stopped and crossed my arms over my chest.
"Stop laughing at me. I don't comment on your singing," She stopped laughing and glared at me instead. Her glare was quickly replaced by a grin when she remembered something.
"I have some great news. I'm not pregnant." She smiled. Harper was convinced that she would be the worst mother on earth so she didn't want any children in fear that she might ruin them, so it was all good news.
"That's great!"
"So what were you dancing about?"
"The research commission accepted my application. I have a job."
Later that day Josh came by and he didn't seem as happy as Harper was.
I sat on the patio beside the plant fossil with a lemonade, looking at the small grass yard. The wind whisked by gently as the fall leaves rustled by me. I started thinking about my life. I mentioned this to Noah-I feel pathetic. People my age seem to have things figured out. The few friends that I had were already engaged or married. I sniffled feeling a tear trickle down my cheek.
Why am I crying? Stop crying Grace, dammit!
I kind of have things figured out. I mean, I should be glad. I have a place to stay, a great friend staying with me, a boyfriend, and a new job. I guess I am crying because I wanted the kind of permanent love that they have. I blew out a breath while wiping my cheeks.
I heard footsteps on the wood planks in the living room. I ignored them thinking it was Josh.
The footsteps stopped beside me while I was still wiping away tears. It was Noah.
"Aren't you supposed to be headed back?" I looked up at him, he had a frown plastered on his face.
"Why are you crying?"
"It's nothing." He put his thumb beneath my chin, making me look at him.
"It's not nothing. I don’t like to see you this upset. What’s going on?" His eyes softened.
"You would not like what I have to say if I told you."
"Those that matter don't mind and those that mind don't matter." He quoted Dr Seuss.
"People just seem to have things figured out and I feel lost. I'm still a potato."
“Life is about the unknowns, the surprises, and the adventures. You’re my potato, my very beautiful potato." I sighed, he's right (not going to admit that to his face).
"Hey, don't look so sad –I have a surprise for you. You know if you just want a family you can ask me."
"Ask you what exactly?" I frowned deeply.
"You know you can say 'Noah, I want a baby' and I'll oblige." I started laughing loudly.
"That's not a strange request at all." He made a silly face and chuckled.
"I guess we're not there...yet. Come on potato."
He pulled me by the hand to the living room. There was a blanket with some wine and what looked like a picnic basket. I didn’t hear him put down anything.
"What's this?" He grinned at me cheekily.
"Challenge accepted. Remember?"
"Harper and Josh are here...we can't...you know, here in the living room." I could feel the blush spread across my cheeks and my face heat up.
"Took care of that. It's a wonder what a few tickets to a concert can accomplish." I hit him lightly on the shoulder.
"Don't bribe my friends so you can get lucky!" He chuckled lowly
"Would you want them to watch us while I demonstrate my magical fingers?" I felt my cheeks flush again.
“Touché.”
He poured us some wine and I grabbed the basket. I opened it and found the most delicious looking chocolate brownies. There was also a spread of different sandwiches wedged into the basket along with a fruit salad.
I grabbed the brownies eagerly and he looked at me curiously as I opened the box. I really love brownies- they should be my star sign. Noah took a sip of his wine and looked at me while I devoured the brownies.
"I should buy you more." He commented as I swallowed the last piece.
"Yes, you should. It could get you some brownie points." He grinned at my joke.
"Adrian said he'll be in town until next week. We should have the family dinner then."
"I'll ask my brother to come. He has been a bit busy though.” I didn’t elaborate and instead I picked up the wine and took a sip.
Noah moved down the blanket so that he was lying down. I set down my wine down on the side table and sat on top of him, straddling him.
"You're a strange man Noah Miller."
"Haven't you said that before?"
"Yes and I think I'm going to keep on saying that. You always know how to surprise me."
"Just wait for my magical fingers to surprise you." He rolled me over so that he was on top of me.