Page 76 of Until Then

“I’d like to talk to you, man to man.” His eyes narrow over his wine glass. “I want to know what you’re really doing with my daughter.”

TWENTY-TWO

Hayley

Noah hasn’t been himself.

Call it a feeling in my gut, but even while I’ve been out of town, his texts, his voice on calls, it doesn’t have the bright sweetness he normally carries.

“It’s stress, kid.” Justin grunts from the front seat of the truck when he catches me glancing at my phone for the tenth time in twenty minutes. “The guy’s about to start work, right?”

“Yeah.” Milton nods. “He’s probably one of those method guys, you know. Gets in the mood.”

Maybe. Somehow I don’t think this new melancholy has anything to do with Noah’s method acting.

I texted him this morning to tell him I missed him. Then, sent him a video of the horses we were keeping our eyes on, asking his opinion. In turn, I received a row of heart hand emojis. Then a text he had a meeting and would call me later. He didn’t even end it in his trademarkUntil then.

I didn’t take the message as dismissive, more like it was almost . . . distracted.

Don’t be that girl. I sigh and let my head fall back against the seat and watch the flat fields fly past the truck.

Noah doesn’t need me to tell him his texts aren’t good enough. For goodness sakes, we’ve only been truly dating for not even three weeks. It’s not like I love him . . .

Right?

I close my eyes. Perhaps we’ve been dating for a short time, but the man has been in my head for much longer. He never left, not after the first night.

Once again, I take out my phone and find the contact I need. Maybe I really like him, maybe it’s more that I love him, but right now I’m worried about him.

Me: Hey Vienna. I wanted to do something to cheer Noah up if he’s getting overwhelmed with filming coming up. He seems a little stressed. Any ideas?

I know the band is doing a big event in Manhattan this week, but Vienna is usually the one to text updates and pictures during shows. She’s close with Noah and would likely know if something deeper is going on.

Vienna: I think the best thing you could do is surprise him in lingerie.

I snort a messy laugh, loud enough to draw Uncle Milton’s gaze.

Me: Um, okay. I was thinking his favorite take-out, but I’ll leave my options open. I’m sure he’s just stressed because filming is about to start.

Vienna: Could be. I’ll have Rees text him when the show’s over. Twin senses, you know? Sometimes they just know things. But if he tells you anything let us know.

Me: Thanks. Will do.

“We’re here.”

The truck comes to a halt in front of another arena. One more horse auction, then we’ll leave for home.

I’m more than ready to see Noah for myself. Once I lay eyes on the man, no doubt, this boiling disquiet will fade.

“Well, sometimes they’re a bust.” Milton heaves a saddle into the tack chamber on the horse trailer. “I was aiming for that gray mare.”

He clicks his tongue, disappointed for being outbid.

I always loved coming with my grandpa and uncles and Justin to the horse auctions. This one, my head isn’t in it. Thoughts are stuck somewhere back in California. Maybe in a top-floor condo with an ocean view.

Still, failing our bid within the first ninety minutes, means we’re on the road sooner. I practically leap into the truck once everything is loaded, anxious to get home.

“Wonder why Hayley’s so ready to go.” Milton chuckles and settles into the front seat again.

---