Page 110 of Echoes of Us

Colin gave me a sympathetic look. “You don’t know how guilty I’ve felt for bringing Noah into your life,” he told me.

I raised an eyebrow, unsure of his meaning. “It’s not your fault,” I said.

Colin gave a noncommittal shrug and tilted his head. “I know, but I still introduced you two. Now I don’t know. I know how much this has hurt you, both of you. But I also think it has an amazing side too. I’ve never felt about anybody the way you two feel about each other. I used to think it was Noah’s obsessive personality, the drugs, that made things so intense, but I can see it now.”

“What?”

“Ezra’s right. You’re the real deal. I witnessed it when you were together,” he said.

I tried to blink away the burning behind my eyes.

“I’m not saying that you should get back together with him, but you really loved each other. I know he was your first love, Att, and I don’t think you’re aware of it, but you were Noah’s first love too. He doesn’t want to let that go, and I don’t blame him. It’s not easy to find.”

“Bottom line, Att, the ball is in your court now. You’re the one that has to decide if it’s still worth it,” Ezra said.

I couldn’t look at him. I felt like I was about to break down.

“Because he already decided you were worth the fight,” he finished.

“I hate this,” I said, rubbing my eyes, placing a hand over my mouth, and breathing in.

“I know, Att,” Ezra said, reaching forward to pat my knee.

“I don’t think I can do it,” I said again.

Ezra shrugged. “It’s up to you,” he said, taking another drink of his beer.

CHAPTER

NINETEEN

BEFORE

Noah pushed through the crowd, one hand clasped in mine, guiding me. We went up a staircase and turned towards a slightly less crowded platform. A big table was set at the back, and as we reached it, Noah stopped to greet people, his grip on my hand never loosening. When we reached a tall table, he propped his arms over it and turned to smile at me.

“It’s very loud.” I leaned closer so he could hear me over the music’s thumping bass.

“Yes, that’s pretty standard at a club.” He kissed my cheek and turned to talk to someone else.

It was like a frat party on steroids—bigger, louder, and darker. People danced everywhere, drinks in hand, scantily dressed, and huddled close together. Noah’s grasp on my hand tightened and I turned towards him.

“Do you want something to drink?” he asked against my ear.

I nodded, and he kissed my cheek before letting go of my hand and walking away.

I was so far out of my comfort zone, and Noah’s absence only made it worse. I checked Colin and Ezra’s chat. They weren’t sure if they’d make it, and my stomach dropped. I didn’t want to be alone in this place. Noah pushed his way back, holding a drink in one hand and a beer bottle in the other, with two girls trailing after him. One of them clung to his elbow, talking into his ear. He smiled at something she said, and her hand moved over his arm. Jealousy twisted in my stomach. Noah saw me and smiled, pointing at me before walking over.

“Who’s your friend, Noey?” she asked, smiling at me.

Noey?

Noah laughed and leaned closer to me. “You have your scowling face on,” he told me.

I tried to relax my expression.

He smiled and handed me my beer. “Jo, this is Atticus.”

She smiled at me with practiced politeness. She was undeniably pretty. “Nice to meet you. This is my friend Keyla.”

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