Page 69 of Noah

Noah sighed. "Every year since I was fifteen, I've been expected to attend. I was like a fawn on shaky legs the first few times. Once I figured out who everyone was, it got easier."

"I'll follow your lead."

I breathed through a wave of anxiety that threatened to surface as the first of the guests arrived and approached our line. Noah was gracious with each of them, laughing, and sharing a quick anecdote. Then introduced me to them as his partner. Not going to lie, hearing him say those words again and again gave me a thrill. By the time we walked away, I had started to believe it.

"Drinks," Noah said and led me toward a bar at the back of the room. He nodded at the bartender. "Two gin and tonics, please." We were handed them; a single lime slice floating in each. I suppose aggressively squeezing the juice out of the lime would be considered unseemly.

Noah led me in the direction of an elderly couple.

"Judge Michaels," Noah extended his hand to the grey-haired man. "So nice to see you here. Mother told me you've been under the weather of late. I sincerely hope that has passed."

I caught myself staring at Noah. Who was this refined guy and what had he done with my casual boyfriend? I was used to adjusting my speech when talking to certain people but hearing proper-sounding words coming from Noah's mouth was exposing me to a new side of him.

Even his laugh was different. Reserved and schooled. Insincere.

It made me uncomfortable. And the room was starting to fill. The noise level was increasing. I tapped my thumb and forefinger together as discreetly as possible, attempting to calm myself.

"Where are my manners?" Noah interjected. "This is Brody, my partner."

"Ah, yes," the judge I'd never encountered before said. "The lawyer."

"Yes, sir." I shook his hand.

"Criminal?"

"Crown Counsel. It's where I feel I can do the most good."

The judge laughed. "Corporate law not your thing? The Waters must be disappointed. I can imagine once the two of you are married, there will be a discussion to join their firm."

"I wouldn't be interested."

The judge made a face that registered as I had spoken out of turn by speaking the truth. Noah laughed his fake laugh and patted my arm. "I'm sure it'll be a lively discussion."

"Yes, quite." The judge gripped his wife's arm. "If you'll excuse us." And walked away.

"Did I mess up?" I asked Noah.

"He's an uptight old bastard. Just ignore him."

We spent the next hour going from guest to guest until we ended up joining a conversation being dominated by Noah's parents. They folded us into it—all smiles.

"You've already met my son's lovely fiancé, I assume," his mom said to the group. We had spoken to all of them already. I searched for Noah's fingers and tangled them in mine. My ability to remain on was tiring me out. I wasn't sure how much longer I was going to last.

"Brody, darling," Celine purred. "Perhaps you can convince our Noah to abandon that silly pub, join the firm, and make something of himself."

I snapped out of my thoughts.

I'm sorry. What?

"I'm proud of what Noah has accomplished with that pub," I shot back while keeping my anger in check. I didn't want to get into an argument with Noah's mom.

"You understand the importance of law," Frederick said in support of his wife.

"Of course," I replied.

"Then you must understand why we want Noah to pursue it as a proper career."

Noah's fingers clenched around mine.

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