Page 68 of I Never Stopped Loving You

Fuck. I thought my sound was off.

The rumble of her car is what I needed to hear to kick my ass in gear. I make my way back to the other side of the porch where the woodpile is, and drop down. A few logs slip out from beneath my feet, causing me to fall onto the snow below.

I slink around the side of the house and wait as I watch her taillights fade into the darkness before turning and heading back toward Lakeshore Drive.

Thankfully, the moon is bright tonight. That’s another thing I’ve always loved about the country, there’s no light pollution. You can see so many stars out here. The sun isn’t even fully below the horizon, yet you can see millions of stars shining in the darkening sky.

By the time I make it back to my car, I’m half frozen. My feet are soaked, and I feel like each breath is forming ice crystals in my lungs. Fuck the cold. I hate winter.

As my car warms up, I remember the sound of a text coming in. It’s probably Jeremy asking if I made it up here safe or wondering if I’ve done anything stupid.

Not yet.

The screen lights up, and my heart skips a beat. It’s not Jeremy. It’s a text from my little rabbit.

Willow

Hey. Sorry it took me so long to message you. It’s been a busy day. Thank you for the flowers.

My fingers hover over the keyboard. I don’t know what to write to her.

You’re welcome?

No. It sounds so nonchalant. I need something that sounds different. I go to start typing, but before I get a chance to, I see the three little dots telling me she’s typing. I wait patiently, watching those little dots until finally another message appears.

Willow

Jenna and I were going to go to The World’s End tonight. You don’t by chance have a guy friend who’s single that could come, do you?

Why the fuck would she want to know if I know any single guys? Is she seriously asking me to be her fucking wingman?

Willow

Sorry. That came out wrong. Can you come tonight for dinner, and also bring a friend for Jenna?

Oh…

My fist loosens on the phone, and I can hear the plastic frame starting to crack. Damnit.

Noah

I’m free tonight.

I glance at the time on the dash. It’s only five o’clock. She’ll be home by six thirty.

Noah

How does eight thirty sound?

Willow

That’s perfect.

So, do you have someone in mind for her? If not, you’d just be the third wheel, lol.

Trust me. I know just the guy.

Great. See you at the bar.