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She had no reason to worry anymore.
* * *
It turnedout Tracey was something of an expert party-giver. As soon as I informed her of Noa’s birthday, she ran with it.
“The lake house is perfect, Dexter!” She was chatting my ear off as I finished a bowl of cereal.
Of course, I had no idea my family even owned a house other than the one I lived in.
“I had the housekeeper give it an extra cleaning, and we have enough rooms for everyone,” she continued.
I picked my head up. “Everyone?”
“Well, yes,” she started. “Ralph is in charge of the guest list.”
I groaned into my bowl, pulling out my phone.
Me:Hey, douche bag. Keep the guest list short.
It didn’t help that we were leaving for the lake house the next day for the birthday extravaganza that would take place the day after. Noa was going to have the worst time because I left all the details of the party to Ralph and Tracey.
Ralph:Kindly fuck off. I already spoke to Noa.
I shook my head with a chuckle.
“Crisis averted?” Tracey asked.
“Sometimes I forget that I’m not the only one who loves Noa,” I said as I placed my empty bowl in the sink.
“Are you kidding? I love her so much!” She hummed when I moved to walk upstairs. “Wash the dish, kid. It won’t kill you.”
I washed the bowl as well as the other dirty dishes, all the while mulling over how I was going to present her with my gift.
“Penny for your thoughts.” Tracey picked up a towel and started to dry off the clean dishes.
“Noa’s birthday is kind of important. I want to invite her to Massachusetts with me.” I turned off the water and grabbed another towel, drying my hands.
“Sounds big,” she said as she set the last dish in the cabinet.
“That’s all you have to say?”
“Give yourself credit, Dex. I’m sure you’ve thought this through. You’ve got it all planned out, I bet. Since the accident, you’ve grown into a wonderful young man. It makes me sad to think you’ll be leaving me soon, but I know you two will have each other, and I’m happy for you.” She pulled me down to hug her. “Remember, delivery is everything.”
I thought about that as she let me go and pulled my phone from my pocket.
Me:Busy?
I sent the text to Noa and tapped my fingers against the screen as I waited for her to respond.
Noa:For you, I am free.
I smiled and grabbed my keys from the counter. The night was clear as I backed out of my driveway.
A half hour later, I was handing my keys to Noa and letting her drive. She grinned wickedly, and I saw a flash of the girl I first met. The girl Noa was always meant to be.
Carefree and rebellious.
Beautiful and barefoot.
