Page 84 of One Last Time
“He doesn’t want to talk about it.” Scott crosses his arms over hischest.
“Scott!” Jillian yells through the rolled downwindow.
“One minute,” he tosses back to her. “I’ve got to getgoing.”
“Too bad. You can wait.” He’s a damn parent . . . time to act likeit.
Every time Finn comes back from Scott’s, this is what I get. It takes me hours to get him to finally lower his walls enough to actually give me more than one-wordanswers.
“Look,” Scott’s voice rises, “I’m not going to stand here and let you tell me what to do. I’ve dealt with yourshit—”
“Mom? Is that?” Finn calls, stopping Scott’s yelling. I don’t need to turn around to know what he sees that has his voice filled with bewilderment. I see Scott’s reaction as he spots what I’m hoping is Noah with clotheson.
“Noah Frazier,” he says walking toward Finn with his hand extended. My eyes are wide, and I’m screaming at him in my head to get the hell in the closet, not go sit on the couch. He looks at me and smirks, basically answering my silent screaming. “You must beFinn.”
Finn stares at him with wide eyes and his jaw open. “You’re . . . Noah Frazier. FromA Thin BlueLine!”
“I am. Your mom and I were working on our article, and I was hoping we’d get tomeet.”
The two of them talk a little, and Scott watches with anger rolling off him. I don’t know what he’s pissed about, but that’s his issue. None of this would’ve happened if he hadn’t just shown uphere.
This is going to be sobad.
Scott’s voice drops low enough so only I can hear him. “Isn’t this an interesting turn ofevents.”
“What? That I’m working on aSunday?”
“I bet you’re working hard for thatmoney.”
Oh, so now I’m a prostitute? Good to see he thinks so highly of me after all the years we spent together. Instead of going back at him, I take the high road. “I can’t change your opinion ofme.”
“You get a check from me each month and find yourself a new wealthyboyfriend.”
“It’s always about themoney.”
Jillian exits the car, and it’s clear she isn’t happy that she’s been kept waiting. “Jesus Christ, Scott. We have togo.”
“Hi, Jillian. Nice to see you again.” Ismile.
Her eyes move to the couch where Noah is getting to his feet. “Oh.” Her hand flies to her throat. Noah moves toward the door, and Finn goes silent, glaring at Jillian. “Isn’t this a pleasant surprise seeing you again sosoon.”
“The restaurant, right?” Noah asks with mock perplexity. He may be a good actor, but I know what he’s like when he isn’tpretending.
“Yes.” Shesmiles.
“I’m Noah.” He extends his hand to Scott and then drops it when he refuses to shake. “Anyway...” He laughs. “It’s great to meetyou.”
“It’ll be nice seeing each other more regularly, it seems.” She places her hand on Scott’s arm, ensuring I can’t miss the huge diamond sitting on herhand.
I don’t want to be upset, but I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t hurt just a little. Not because I want him, but because it’s her. They really do deserve eachother.
“I see that congratulations are in order.” I point to the engagementring.
Scott shifts alittle.
“I’m assuming that could be what has him upset?” I throw that outthere.
Jillian huffs. “We don’t have time for this crap. If he’s upset, that’s hisissue.”
