Page 41 of Splintered Hearts

Every night around eleven, Noah texts me, when Hunter and Mark are asleep and we won’t be caught. It’s ridiculous, but Noah’s best friend is ridiculous.

Noah: I want to talk to you tonight. Can I call you this time?

Heat blooms in my chest.

Jamie: Yes

Noah: What are you doing now?

Jamie: Just finished interviews

Noah: How did it go?

Jamie: Not good. No one yet. Hunter is annoyed

Noah: Why is Puck Daddy upset?

I laugh, looking up at the Puck Daddy in question watching a hockey game. Hunter came over early this morning and I know the man on the other end of this conversation is why. Hunter’s made it clear he likes Noah, he just doesn’t like how much of Mark’s attention he takes up.

Jamie: He said I’m being too picky

Noah: They just don’t know your interview style, that’s all. It’s a mastered craft

Jamie: You already passed the first round. Why don’t you move in?

My face heats. It’s a little embarrassing to keep asking him. While I don’t really know Noah, I want to. At least I know that Noah’s in our friend circle. He’s friend adjacent. Or maybe he is a friend. I don’t know, but he isn’t a stranger.

Noah: Do you think that’s a good idea?

No. Probably not.

Jamie: The room’s here if you want it

I don’t know what to say. Noah doesn’t want to. I need to stop asking.

Noah: I need a job first. I don’t have much money

Jamie: Hunter paid two months ahead to help me out. You wouldn’t have to start until October

A lie.

It was tiny, but I don’t want Noah to worry. I’ll be fine until it starts getting cold. That’s when the heat bills will kick in, and that’s the bulk of the help I need. I have money—not much, but some—and could probably scrape by. I could also ask Mom for help, but she’s done enough, and I don’t want to bother her.

Noah: Really?

Jamie: Yes

No

Noah: I’ll think about it

Jamie: Okay ( :

Fucking smiley face! Who does that?

Noah: Blue or pink?

Jamie: Um, why?

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