Page 61 of Until Then

Eden: You dump me in public for cheating when you had a GIRLFRIEND FOR MONTHS?

Eden: You are a dirtbag, Noah.

There’s a bit of guilt letting Eden think I was fooling around on the side. Part of me wants to admit it isn’t true, but Eden is not the sort to let such a juicy bit of gossip stay secret.

And the reality is, Eden never cared about me. As much as it makes me feel a little like that dirtbag guy, I didn’t care much about her either.

No one dug into my chest the way Hayley did all those months ago. She’s the one who matters in this. Being tossed into the limelight is never simple.

I check in each morning, making certain she’s all right. So far, she insists she’s fine. I’m the one who teeters between happiness she’s back, and the plaguing thoughts that hover like a damp cloud in my head with all the ways I’ll bring her down, ruin her.

I tilt my head back and swallow one of my pills, chasing it down with a long drink, and wait for the fog to lift a little.

A few more, then we’ll try again. I stare at the bottle, nerves and unease are there. Still, it’s the right move. It’s the next move.

Dan Stone has been the one working with me for the last three years. The best kept secret of Noah Hayden, but he thinks it’s worth a try to wean down the meds.

Last time I tried, it didn’t go so good.

We’re more controlled this time, but Hayley’s here now. Maybe she’s not really mine, but there are pieces of me that would add to her reservations of making us into something more, no doubt.

I force myself to put my phone on the table and get ready for the day, get some sunlight.

Halfway through the attempts at taming my wild cowlick, someone buzzes my condo. Rees and Vienna left two days ago, so did my dad and Justine. Briar is still on her honeymoon. Carter went back to Vegas with Wren and Griffin for the last of the break.

I pat the back of my head, trying to get the stupid strand of hair to lie down, and press the button to the gate. “Hello?”

“Noah?” A woman responds.

“Who’s this?” Hair lifts on the back of my neck. I’m accustomed to being very vague when people find my address.

“Don’t worry, I’m not a crazed fan.” She laughs. “Then again, I think that’s exactly what a crazed fan would say. Anyway, it’s Greer.”

Hayley’s friend. “Um . . . hi?”

“I know, freaky, right? I have your address though because you one hundred percent let Hayley text me your driver’s license. Bold of you back then, but I was in the neighborhood for work, and have a few questions for you.”

I arch a brow. “You here to murder me?”

“Not today. We can talk out here if you don’t want me up in your space. Totally get it.”

I like that idea better. I press the button again. “Give me two minutes.”

More like five minutes later, I step out of the building in my full garb. Sunglasses, a Vegas Kings hat, and keep my chin down. The morning commute is the worst time to be out in the sunlight.

“Over here.” Hidden behind the corner of the building, Greer waves. She’s dressed in a stylish pantsuit, and holds two coffee cups. When I approach, she hands me one. “I didn’t know exactly what you like, but I figure you can’t go wrong with chai.”

“Thanks.” I tilt my head. “What’s up?”

“I’m not weird,” Greer insists. “I’m a little eccentric, but I promise I’m here on official business on behalf of Hayley, and I already have a signed NDA prepared which states I will never give up your personal address.”

True enough, the woman pulls out an official contract from her satchel. Lawyer. I forget, she’s a lawyer.

“Thanks.” In truth, I don’t really know what else to say.

“Look, I’m only here for my girl’s best interests. She’s been vague about what happened at the wedding, only that you two are starting to see each other.”

I nod. “That’s the plan.”

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