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“Well, you know old Richard. Have to keep up appearances. Noah was an embarrassment to him since he knocked up Vivian.”
“I met her and Rory last week. She’s beautiful.”
“Which one?”
“Both.”
I look down at my feet.
“Lexi, don’t read into it. Noah loves you more than anything. Vivian is his past. She’s the mother of his child but he’s moved on.”
I’m not so sure with all the contact he’s been having with Vivian since we all had dinner together. I want to ask more, but Noah comes through the door with the pizza and the aroma reminds me I’m starving. I set out plates and we eat at the breakfast bar. Lucian inhales a slice as if he hasn’t eaten in weeks and it makes me laugh.
“This is so good. We don’t have pizza like this in Boston.”
“You’re here for the weekend, pace yourself,” Noah says.
Right after we finish, Noah’s cell rings again, and he excuses himself to answer it. Again, I hear him in his office laughing and my face clouds. Lucian stares at me.
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s Vivian. This is the fourth time she’s called since I’ve been home. I wonder how many times she called today.”
Lucian frowns. “Let’s sit on the terrace; it’s nice out.”
I know he’s trying to distract me, but I can see he has a worried look on his face. I hand him another beer and pour a glass of white wine for myself. It’s balmy out on this mid-June evening. I sit looking out at the city not saying anything. Down below, you can hear the traffic and I look out across the street at the trees of Central Park blowing in the gentle breeze.
“Lexi, I told you not to read into it.”
“Luc, how can I not. Don’t you think it’s strange that he talks to her so much?”
“Rory’s coming to school here. I’m sure that’s what it’s about.”
“I’m trying to be rational about this, but it’s hard. Did Noah tell you that I work for my ex, JC?”
“No, shit? Seriously?”
“Yes. I’m the director of marketing, and he’s the VP. I should’ve paid attention when they mentioned who my boss would be. I was so excited to get the job.”
“Has Noah said anything about it?”
“He was initially secure, but then we had a spat and it got ugly.”
“And you think this is why he’s talking to Vivian? Maybe to get you back?”
“The thought has crossed my mind. I’ve never seen him jealous until now.”
“I think you have nothing to worry about.”
After twenty minutes, Noah finally joins us with a beer in hand. I let him and Lucian talk and go inside to take a bath. The water feels good, and I doze off, leaning against the rim. I don’t know what time it is but when I wake, the water is cold and I’m chilled.
I get out and drain the tub then hop in the shower to warm myself. By the time I finish, Noah and Lucian are watching a ball game on television and sharing a bowl of popcorn. I leave them alone because I hate baseball and sit on the bed with my laptop to play solitaire.
It’s close to eleven when they both turn in for the night. Lucian peeks in the door to say goodnight as Noah brushes his teeth. I’m under the sheet when he comes to bed, and he takes his familiar spot behind me, with his arm securely around me. I fade off to sleep only to be awakened a few hours later by his cell.
I hear him in hushed tones on the other side of the bed, and I wonder what the emergency is this time. I click on the bedside light and turn to me just as he’s getting out of bed. His face is ashen.
“Noah, what is it?”
