Page 28 of Norah

“I’ve got it, baby. Don’t worry. Everything is going to be fine.”

NORAH

Ha! Easy for him to say.

He’s not the one who has been living like a hermit for five years. Meeting Ethan’s sister is a big deal, and I want her to like me. To see me as a good match for her brother. I’ve always been reserved, and in more recent years, I’ve taken solitary to a whole new level. Except with Ethan, that is. I feel completely at ease with him, even more so now that he knows who I am.

Strangely, taking his blood has made me feel even closer to him, like we’ve pushed through the tallest hurdle that I thought would trip us up. And I feel better, feeding just a little once a week. No more starving myself until I can’t take the pain anymore; no more bar trips, and no more strange men to pursue. Plus, Ethan’s blood makes me feel better, stronger, more nourished. Sometimes I wonder if there’s such a thing as fate, and if so, was Ethan meant for me?

Ethan has kept his sister and boyfriend occupied by taking them on a quick tour of the apartment building, for which I’m thankful. While they’re gone, I check on the food, finish putting out the flowers, and tidy myself so I don’t look flustered. After a last glance in the bathroom mirror, I head to the living room to greet everyone as they come back to the apartment, chatting away happily.

As I step towards the small group, my chest tightens with anxiety, hoping I don’t say the wrong thing. Sensing my apprehension, Ethan steps forward and pulls me to him, circling his arm around my waist. “Abby, Tom, this is my girlfriend, Norah.”

I lean forward to shake their hands, but Abby pulls me into a quick hug instead. “Norah, I’m so glad to meet you. I’ve been hoping that my brother would finally meet the right woman, and from what he’s told me, it sounds like you’re it.”

“It’s so nice to meet you too.” Abby’s outgoing demeanor knocks my nerves down a few levels. “I can’t wait to hear about all of your travels. From what Ethan said, it sounds like you’ve been to some incredible places.”

“Oh yes, but I have to say the best spot has been London, since that’s where I met Tom.” Abby beams as she glances at Tom, who’s standing stiffly next to her.

I walk over to Tom and take his hand, making my introduction. “Tom, so happy you could come with Abby. It’s great to meet you.”

“Yes, it’s a pleasure. Abigail speaks highly of Ethan. Ex-military, now VP of a well-respected consulting firm, all very admirable.” Tom’s expression is cool, not giving anything away. Something in his tone, his delivery, strikes me as insincere, but I decide to chalk it up to nerves instead of anything more sinister.

The evening goes almost as smoothly as I had hoped. The food turned out well, nothing burned beyond recognition. Abby’s tales of her travels have kept us entertained and have given me some ideas of places I’d like to go with Ethan. She’s funny, self-deprecating, unafraid to laugh at her past mistakes. I open up to Ethan’s sister, mentally crossing my fingers that she stays in New York.

Tom is the sole blemish on an otherwise perfect gathering. Nothing he says is bad, or impolite; he doesn’t out himself as a closet racist or bigot or anything offensive. He answers every question asked of him in a smooth, almost practiced manner. But something about him feels… off.

Abby doesn’t seem to have any issues with Tom, and he’s very conscientious towards her, pulling out her chair and holding her hand while she talks. I tell myself that the bad vibe that I’m getting from Tom is all in my head, but once the feeling has its claws in me, it won’t let go.

After our meal is done, we all head to the living room for wine. I’m settling on the couch when Ethan taps my arm. “Norah, I just remembered that we have some chocolates that would go great with this wine. Will you come help me find them?”

I don’t remember buying chocolates, but something in his expression tells me he has another reason for pulling me aside. We head to the kitchen and Ethan pulls me out of sight of the living area. Pitching his voice low, he asks, “What do you think of Tom?”

I don’t want to insult Abby’s boyfriend, or throw around unsubstantiated claims based on the vibe I’m getting, so I hesitate. “Um, he’s polite, and well-spoken… Abby seems to like him.”

Ethan frowns. “There’s something about him. I can’t put my finger on it, but he reminds me of a couple of guys I met back in the Navy, guys with serious issues who ended up doing some terrible stuff. Be honest, do you get any feelings about Tom that seemoff?”

So it’s not just me.I lower my voice almost to a whisper. “I’m getting a bad vibe about him. It’s almost like he’s acting, putting on a mask to disguise who hereallyis. I can’t quite explain it, except to say he makes me feel uneasy.”

A deep breath, then lips lowering to my ear. “Norah, I need you to ask him something. Find out if he’s lying. I have to know if Tom is dangerous to my sister.”

My gut clenches. I always swore I wouldn’t use this strange skill on people I knew. It feels dishonest and wrong. “I don’t know, Ethan. The idea of testing Abby’s boyfriend feels wrong. Plus, it would only tell me if he’s lying about what I ask. I might not ask the right question.”

“You said before that the thicker the shadows, the greater the lie. Ask him if he’s planning on treating Abby well. That should give us an idea of his intentions.”

“It’s not like you could tell Abby that I saw a weird shadow on Tom’s face and that’s why she should break up with him.”At least I hope not.

“If he’s telling the truth, I can leave it alone for now.” His features are tight with worry, his eyes narrowed with concern. He tenses his jaw. “If he’s lying, I need to know. Please, Norah, do this for me.”

I can’t say no to Ethan. Which is why, despite my hesitations, I tell him yes.

Unpleasant Truth

ETHAN

I know Norah’s upset with me.

Ever since she agreed to my request, she’s been quieter, more reserved. Seated next to each other on the couch, there’s a small space between us when usually there’s none. I hate making her feel this way, but I’ll beg for her forgiveness later. After we find out the truth about Abby’s boyfriend, a man I fear is nothing but trouble.

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