Page 58 of Noah

"Big date?" Julie asked.

"No, I'm tired. I told Noah I'd see him on Monday."

"He's okay with your strict routine?" Charlie asked.

"It's not strict. We went for a hike and dinner on Saturday."

Charlie's eyebrows rose. "You really are serious about this guy."

"He gets me."

"He knows you've got ASD?"

I balled up my fists. "Why does everyone ask me that? Being on the spectrum doesn't mean I can't have a meaningful relationship like neurotypical people."

Sometimes, I didn't even believe that myself. That I was capable of being loved. Look what happened with Ricky. He had called me cold and distant and harassed me about it, using it as the excuse why he had felt the need to see other guys behind my back even when we were living together.

"I never said you aren't capable," Charlie shot back.

"Then why bring it up? I'm sick and tired of being treated like I'm less than."

"Whoa. Back up. I never said that either."

Julie stepped between us. "Guys, you're going to upset Mom."

I could feel the heat prickling my face. I'd been close to having a meltdown. I hadn't had one of those since the last time I was in the same space as Charlie. Not sure why he triggered me. He'd never said one mean thing to me in my life. Maybe I was jealous of the way he was able to coast through life without people scrutinizing him every time he did or said something odd.

I turned and left, bundling my coat around me as I walked to my car, Bentley in tow. I slumped into my driver-side seat and slammed the door. I wasn't sure he would answer. He was busy at work. I shouldn't be bothering him, but I needed him. I knew he wouldn't mind.

Me: I miss you.

Almost ten minutes passed and then …

Noah: Are you all right? Did dinner go well?

Me: Lost it on my brother. Nothing new.

Noah: Do you want to meet for pie later to talk? I can escape out of here around ten.

Me: I need you to kiss me.

Noah: I can do that. More than once if you need it.

Me: I always need your lips now.

Noah: Is it weird that your honesty makes me hot?

Me: We'll put ice cream on your pie to cool you down.

Noah: Ha. Ha. Ha. See you at ten at Jimmy's?

I looked at the time on my phone. I'd have enough time to get out to Langford and have a shower before heading back into the city to meet Noah.

Me: Can't wait.

At 9:55 pm, I opened the door to the first place Noah and I had gone together. He wasn't there yet, so I followed the server to a booth near the back of the restaurant. Ten minutes later, Noah strolled in looking more edible than any pie slice in the place.

"Hey, handsome," Noah said as he slid into the seat across from me. His foot was immediately against mine, his shoe rubbing my ankle.

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