Page 33 of The Luck of Finding You
“I definitely deserve that.” Noah sets his burger in his lap. “Would it help if I told you that I’ve never been sorrier for anything in my life than for running away from you without any sort of explanation?”
It does help a little, but I don’t tell him that.
“Because I am sorry. I want to show you that I’m not that guy.”
“I’m not interested in dating anyone, not after tonight.”
Noah frowns. I’m surprised that this is what upsets him.
“I’m not like that guy in there,” Noah murmurs. “I know you have very little evidence to the fact that I’m not that kind of guy, but I’d like to show you. If you’ll give me a chance.”
What do I even say to that? That I’d love for him to show me, to prove it to me that he’s actually a decent man? But I don’t want him to do that. I’m not ready for any type of romance in my life. It will only make things more complicated.
I’m saved from responding by my phone ringing. It’s Holly. I texted her after the disaster with Luke while Noah and I were waiting for our food.
“Hey, Holls,” I say, glancing at Noah. He’s looking at me with so much care that it makes me wish I hadn’t put up so many walls around my heart. I have to look away from his gaze.
“YOU’RE ON A DATE WITH NOAH!?” Holly shouts into the phone.
“Not exactly,” I say, praying she’ll lower her voice and at least not mention my ongoing daydreams about the man I cannot fall for. I give her a rundown of the events.
“But you’re with him? In his car?” she asks.
“Yeah.”
“Then get off the phone, Tally Nora Nelson! Call me later.” Then she hangs up.
“That was my sister,” I tell Noah. I can’t seem to look at him. I don’t know why, but I think it’s because I know he heard Holly call this a date and I’m not sure I want to classify it as that.
“I heard.”
Great. Perfect. Absolutely wonderful.
“I’d like to be your friend, Tally.”
I’ve lost count of how many times Noah has surprised me tonight. It also feels a little like a rejection, but that’s not what I see when I look at his face. He’s got a determined look, and I’m almost positive that being friends is not what he wants. But I can do friends.
“I’d like that.” The air in the car rises a few degrees as we stare at each other. I’m the first to look away. “Oh, also. Gran insisted I invite you to her Sunday-night dinner.”
I guess I’m also full of surprises tonight.
“I’d love to come.” I can hear the smile in Noah’s voice. “And I’m looking forward to being your friend.”
14
NOAH
MoReads:Have I mentioned that my dog loves waffles?
TheNoraReview:That is the most random thing ever. But no, you haven’t mentioned it. Are dogs allowed to eat waffles?
MoReads:I rarely make breakfast for myself, but I did today and he was going crazy! Anyway, I hope you’re having a good Sunday and that something makes you as happy as waffles make my dog.
MoReads:Yes, they can eat waffles, but should he? Probably not. ALSO, did you start book one yet? Have we ever talked about the cliff-hanger ending?
TheNoraReview:I’m on book two right now. I KNOW. I started it before telling you. I told you I’m bad at buddy reads. The end of book one is the worst.
Nineties country music blasts from my car speakers while I make the short drive from my apartment in Provo to where Tally lives with her grandma in Orem. The songs are comforting and remind me of home. There’s a longing in my chest for that feeling. It has been so long since anywhere felt like home, even when I was living in the same town I grew up in. For the past couple of years it has felt like something was missing. Annie and Mom think it’s a woman, I don’t think that would make a difference. All the women I’ve dated haven’t fixed that missing piece. And I know that it’s not a woman who makes a place feel like home, but rather the life that you have together.
