Page 58 of Vicious Arrangement
“Do you want them to be?”
“It is what it is,” I say, shifting a little uncomfortably.
“Hey, I know he’s my best friend, but I don’t spread shit, y’know? Besides, I’m curious. There seems to be a vibe. Or was.”
“Noah… he’s just difficult to read. He’s pretty much got arrogant asshole melded into his bones.”
He sighs. “Sometimes because he has to, and sometimes it just seems that way. He’s a good guy, I know. I’ve known him forever. But he can be hard to know. As far as I can tell, I’m his only real friend. I’ve seen people pretend to be friends to get a ride up or be his friend and then try to milk it.”
“And you don’t.”
There’s not an ounce of irritation as he says, “I don’t need or want his wealth. It’s an albatross. Not saying he doesn’t have some fine perks like his apartment, but I like Noah for Noah. And he’s loyal.”
“And here I thought he was trying to be party boy and womanizer of the century.”
He winces.
“Sorry, a little harsh. But he…”
“Frustrates you?” Asher asks. “I get it. Thing is, he had a shit of a life, and an even worse childhood. It’s not arrogance that’s melded to his bones as you put it, it’s himself being protective of him. And the arrogance sits on top. He’s a good man. I know.”
I nod.
“There’s more to Noah than you realize, that’s all,” he says.
“My gramps said something similar.”
But… two different people have said the same thing. One who knows him, one who knew his grandfather. So maybe with time, he’ll be easier to talk to, easier to live with—an even keel rather than a rocky and tempestuous ocean. Stranger things have happened.
“You should come to dinner tomorrow night.”
“Sure,” let me know what time and we’ll be there. Josh loves Noah.”
“Noah?”
“Yep, he’s his godfather and his idol. Four-year-olds, they’re no bullshit.” He checks his watch. “Gotta pick him up from this group playdate. But here’s my number.” He rattles it off as I program it into my phone. “Text me when.”
After he’s paid and gone, I sit back. Godfather. How did I not know that? If he and the kid are close, you’d think he’d mention it, have a photo…
I need to change the distance between me and Noah, the lack of knowledge. Maybe that’s our problem, we haven’t had a chance to get to know each other.
I text Katie.Dinner tomorrow at my new place, wanna come?
Katie:YASSS!
Me:Asher and his kid are coming.
Katie:Cool.
I laugh, she’s excited, and my heart soars for her, she likes him. Playing it cool from her’s a dead giveaway, using the word “cool” is even more so.
I’m excited. I think this dinner will be the perfect thing for her to meet Asher’s kid and to help Noah bring his walls down.
What could go wrong?
Chapter Sixteen
NOAH
