Page 49 of Finding Noah
“Is who?” He gave her a startled look.
She gestured her chin toward me.
“Oh, I’m not—”
“Oh, he’s not—”
We both stared at each other.
“Oh hush, you two. I have my ways of knowing things. You’ve been seen at the Blue Star Diner on several occasions.”
I arched an eyebrow. “We’re friends. Friends eat meals together at restaurants.”
She pointed a finger at me. “That’s not all I’ve heard. Millicent’s daughter is friends with Soren’s uncle, and he said that Soren said that you two were together.” She squinted. “Or that you should be together.”
I blinked. Okay, a tad indiscreet on Soren’s part…except we had kind of ignored him at dinner last week. And whoever Soren’s uncle was…along with Millicent’s daughter…? I didn’t know any of these people, but I was soon discovering people were the same everywhere. Back home, we’d been in a medium-sized town. All centered around the factory, though, so that made the place a hotbed for gossip.
Knowing Foggy Basin was small—and actually realizing what that meant—made me feel embraced. Yes, I was living under more scrutiny. But I also had people looking out for me. For Christian. That was worth everything.
“He’s treating me just fine, Miss Esmeralda.” Christian didn’t look at me. “The way friends do.”
“Friends withbenefits, you mean.”
My jaw dropped.
“Shut your mouth, my dear, or you’ll catch flies. I know what you young ones say these days. And I understand, when one is lonely, how one might choose to have a physical relationship with someone. But you’re risking your friendship.”
“I would never do that.” I had to make her understand.
“See that you don’t. Friendship is so important. I had my friend Lucinda—until she passed...a long time ago.”
For just a moment, I wanted to ask how close she’d been to herfriendLucinda. Except, even if they had been closer, that was really none of my business.
Christian finally met my gaze. “We’ve only had twenty years so far. I want another sixty or so.”
That would take us to eighty-five. I wasn’t certain I’d live that long, but I’d certainly give it a try. I also wasn’t certain Christian would want me around that long. Especially when he met someone new.
“There isn’t anyone else for me.” He said the words low—for my ears only.
My chest seized in panic. I couldn’t be the man he wanted me to be. He needed to move on with his life and find someone who would appreciate him. Because, in the end, he’d grow tired of me. My mother had. Many of my boyfriends had.
You picked bad ones to begin with. Did that ever occur to you?
It hadn’t. Not until Christian had put the idea in my mind. Now I saw the series of train wrecks for what they were—my fault. Partly, anyway. If I’d been more careful—more discerning—I might’ve wound up with someone special. Someone who cherished me.
Someone like Christian.
I sighed.
“Young man, that was quite a sigh.” Esmeralda held my gaze. “Perhaps you need to be cheered up.”
“No Miss Esmeralda. I’m fine. Just…pensive.”
“Pensive my patootie. You’re brooding.”
Christian burst out laughing. “I’ve never heard that expression before.”
“Because you’re too young, my dear. Now, run along. Did I hear you have dinner plans?”
