Page 113 of Noah

That warmth seemed to have fallen by the wayside.

Greetings exchanged; Celine placed me in her sights. She sidled up to me, drink to her lips, and took my broken arm in hers, leaving me able to use the crutch with the other. She guided me toward where I knew the main sitting room was. Noah had drawn me a map of the house.

"Brody, darling, I was so sad to hear about your accident."

"I'm doing better."

"I'm glad. Noah says he's moved in with you. Is he telling the truth?"

"Yes, he is."

"He also said you haven't been working. Is that wise to take so much time off?"

"It'll be fine. I'm a small cog in a big wheel."

"Tell me." Celine stopped our progression. I lost sight of Noah. "Are you happy working with Crown Counsel or would you be interested in doing something more dynamic?"

"I'm happy."

"Yes … well." She tugged me along until we arrived in the sitting room. Noah was at a bar at the back of the room, preparing us some drinks. "I was hoping that when you and Noah are married, you might consider joining the family firm before you start a family of your own."

I scowled at the floor and froze.

Marriage?

Family?

Noah came to my rescue. "Mother, leave him be. He's not joining the firm."

I gripped Noah's arm tightly as he led me over to one of the many couches to sit. Marriage and family. I knew how I felt, but I didn't know where Noah's head was at when it came to our future. The next assault arrived in the form of Noah's dad.

Noah rose and shook his hand. "Season's greetings, Father."

"Many happy returns," Frederick replied, giving his son a faint smile. He turned his attention to me. I stayed seated, not wanting to struggle to my feet again. Based on his stance, I suspected Frederick loved towering above me. After an awkward moment of him realizing he needed to use his left hand, we shook hands, followed by a curt exchange of greetings.

After an awkward moment … or ten.

"Noah's mother tells me you're living together now," Frederick said to me.

"Yes, we are."

"How has that been?"

I cleared my throat. "Wonderful. I love your son."

"Glad to hear it." Frederick looked at Noah and then back at me. "Maybe you can talk Noah out of wasting his time at that pub. It's an endeavour for the common man. Not a Waters."

Noah coughed, nearly spitting his drink everywhere.

"Wow," he said, smiling. "That's a new one."

Frederick grabbed Noah's arm. "It's not funny. You have a family legacy to uphold. Instead, you're mucking about knee-deep in cheap beer and substandard food."

I gripped the arm of the couch, fingers digging in, livid, as raging heat rose from my chest to my neck, I'm certain, colouring it crimson. I surged to my feet as best as I could.

"Take that back!"

The volume of my voice surprised me.

---