Page 97 of Catching My Dreams

Knowing he had to get it over with sooner or later, he got out of his Jeep and closed the door lazily behind him. He’d gotten next to no sleep the previous night, and his body felt drained, his energy having fled after he’d torn through his bedroom.

Maybe others would think he was being dramatic, but he felt depressed. Laughter or even just a simple smile seemed impossible. Getting out of bed had felt like a bigger challenge than any football game he’d played. Waking up without Ella beside him and knowing she must now prefer it that way had left him feeling bereft.

He heard laughter coming from the backyard before he could even take one step toward the house. The sound was grating. He felt like he was walking toward a firing squad. That might have actually been preferable.

“I’m here,” he announced tiredly after walking through the unlocked gate leading into the yard.

It was an unseasonably warm day, but Noah didn’t want to be out in the too-bright sun like everyone else clearly did.

They were all gathered around the barbeque while Noah’s dad expertly flipped the marinated steaks he was making for lunch. He’d promised to make a vegetarian alternative for Ella, but Noah supposed there was no use for it anymore.

“Noah,” Riley said brightly, rushing forward to give him a hug.

He supposed Ella hadn’t told her what had happened then, which meant he’d be the one to break the news.

Noah returned her hug half-heartedly. “Hey, Riley.”

He received a hug from Olivia next, and he mustered enough energy to squeeze her tightly. She hadn’t been in a good place for a while, and he hated that he couldn’t be around as much as he wanted to be.

He waved at his dad and stepmom and sent nods to Asher and Chris.

“Where’s Ella?” his dad asked. He had a beer in one hand and tongs in the other.

Hearing her name felt like a punch to the gut. “She’s not coming.”

“Is everything okay?” Riley asked.

No. Everything had gone to complete shit. It would only be the second time Noah admitted what happened aloud, and, just like the first, he wouldn’t even be able to tell the truth. “We broke up.”

“What? Why?” she pressed, looking genuinely shocked.

Asher and Chris didn’t look shocked, though. They were looking at him with set jaws and slitted eyes. It was as though they’d known he’d do something to screw it all up.

“I decided it wasn’t working,” Noah replied, forcing the lie out of his mouth.

“Let me guess,” Asher said, his head shaking in disappointment and his tone disgusted. “You didn’t think she was good enough for you.”

Noah’s fingers curled into a fist. “I just needed space after all the drama.”

This time, Asher did look shocked. “The drama?” he asked, his brows drawing together. “Are you fucking kidding me?”

Noah sighed. He knew he sounded like an asshole. “Look, can we just drop it? It’s between Ella and me.”

“No, we can’t drop it,” Asher yelled, his face going red with rage as he stepped up to Noah and shoved him back.

Noah stumbled before righting himself, but Asher didn’t end it there. He sent a punch to Noah’s face, his knuckles landing a solid hit on Noah’s cheekbone. Riley muttered a curse, and Olivia and Edith’s gasps rang out loudly in the second of silence after the punch.

“Boys,” his dad shouted, handing his drink and the tongs to Edith. “That’s enough.”

“It’s okay, Dad,” Noah said, his ears ringing and his face burning with the ache of a bruising hit. Asher was right to be mad at him. They all should be.

“This is exactly why I didn’t want you dating her,” Asher spat, his finger pointed accusingly at Noah. “You’ve never been fair to her.”

Noah swallowed. There wasn’t anything he could say to refute that. Shame burned a path through his chest.

Asher stared at him like he was a stranger he wanted nothing to do with. “I’ve never picked sides before, but you went too far this time,” he said. “I’m done with you.”

He started walking away, and Riley rushed after him. “Where are you going?” she asked.

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