Pieces, page 10
"What?"
"When did we plan on all this?” I chuckle.
He sheepishly grins. "Well, it's mostly for safety, and I know you like your privacy, so I went ahead and gave Mr. Lucas some suggestions," he shrugs, trying to brush off his embarrassment.
I smile up at him. “Thank you. I love you.”
He smiles back, “I love you too, babe.”
Mr. Lucas clears his throat, making both of us look at him. “To answer your question, yes, we have added all the dimensions in, and it all works. The safe room was ordered, but it won't be delivered for a while.”
“That’s fine. I appreciate you getting all of that done last minute.”
“Of course, it's no problem. That’s what you’re paying me for.”
After finishing up the details and signing more paperwork, we leave the sight, and relief washes back over me. But it only lasts for a few minutes as my phone rings displaying Mr. Braxton's number. I look at Noah before answering.
“Hello?”
“Hello, Katie, how are you?”
“I’m fine.”
“That’s wonderful to hear, listen, I just wanted to know if you had decided on your mother’s business yet?” My mom’s business. I thought long and hard about it, and since I lost the house, I knew I couldn’t just give up her entire life's work for my selfish ways, so I decided to keep it but stay 70/30 with Elsie.
“Yes, I have. I want to keep it the way it is.”
“Wonderful! I’ll have the papers drawn up with your name on them, and we will have both parties sign it.”
“Ok, great. Thank you, Mr. Braxton, for all your help.”
“Of course, it’s my pleasure. You are a wonderful young lady and remind me so much of your mother. You should be proud of all you have accomplished in such a short time. We will talk soon. You have a lovely day.”
“Thank you, sir, you do the same.” I quickly hang up and lean my head against the headrest as I close my eyes.
“Everything ok, babe?” My eyes flutter back open as I look at Noah. “Yes, everything will be fine.” We agree to go over to the office since it could use updates as well. Weirdly, I feel at peace with everything that's happened—a new house, a better future for the business, and my relationship with Noah.
After finalizing the office’s renovations, Noah leaves to check on Alex, and I stay behind to get to know the woman who’s worked beside my mom for years. She's graciously agreed to show me the ropes. I reach my mom's desk, now covered in dust, and stacks of unopened mail, and old paperwork she never put away. I try to imagine my mother working here as her smile and contagious laughter fills my mind.
I plop down in the computer chair and start to open all the mail. Then I organize all the paperwork into new folders and file them into the filing cabinet. I make notes along the way. Noting updated computers are needed, along with modern chairs and an updated system. It's time I put my degree to good use.
"Babe, you ready to go home?" Noah startles me as I rub the kinks out of my tired, stiff neck.
I smile up at him. "Yeah." I get up and follow him out to his truck.
"Did you get a lot done today?"
"Yes! I thought it would be a lot scarier to do this, but it wasn't. It feels good to do something productive finally. This is exactly what my mom would have wanted for me."
"I'm glad, hun. We have a good future ahead of us." He smiles as we pull into his driveway. We get out and enter into the house that, once again, fills my nostrils with the delicious scents of food.
Noah
(One Year Later)
"Your blood pressure is 122 over 76, Mrs. Gold, not bad. It's right in the range that we like to see."
"Thank you, Noah."
"Let's check your heartbeat." I place the cold metal chest piece to her chest and press down. "Ok, Mrs. Gold, take a deep breath in and exhale," I repeat this process several times. "Ok, great. Now let's check your ears. I grab the otoscope and look through it. "Agh, yes, I see your problem. It seems you have a bit of an ear infection going on. How long did you say you've been dizzy?"
"Oh my! About two weeks now!"
"Well, it's a good thing you came in. Don't worry; it’s not bad. Nothing a few antibiotics won't fix."
I scribble down the prescription on the small doctor paper we have and sign my name. I rip it off and hand it to her. "You are all set to go, Mrs. Gold. No need to make a follow-up appointment, after ten days of the antibiotics, you should be like new."
She slides off the doctor’s table and takes the paper. "Thank you, Dr. Peters. Dr. Bob, he is fantastic! I will feel safe in his hands when he takes over!" She beams at both of us before exiting the room.
"Good job, son!" He pats me on the back. "I'm proud to say you are ready! Just show me that degree, and I'll hand you the keys."
"Thank you, sir! That means a lot. You have no idea!"
My obvious choice for my clinical was the place I would soon take over. It was close to home, giving me more time with Katie and Alex. I was also able to secure my residency here, as well. Once my two years of residency are up, I can officially graduate.
"That's it for today, so you can start heading home."
"Alright. You have a good night. I'll see you Monday bright and early." He only chuckles and continues his paperwork. I head out the door and head home. A warm hug greets me from Katie, and her soft lips that press against mine.
"How was your day?" She asks while placing her palms on my chest. It sends a tingle down my spine, making me smirk.
"It was good. I received lots of compliments, but best of all, Dr. Bob practically handed me the keys. He said as soon as I hand over my diploma, he will hand over the business."
"Oh, my God! I'm so excited for you! That's amazing! You only have a couple more years, right?"
"I have three more weeks of clinical’s and then two years of residency before I can graduate and then officially take over." I follow her into the living room, where Alex sits watching Paw Patrol. "Hey buddy," I ruffle his hair and plop down next to him. Katie sits down next to me, as well. "How's the house coming? Any news?"
"Yeah, they said by next month the drywall should be ready to be installed. They are finished with the plumbing and almost done with the electric. After the drywall and insulation go up, it will only be a matter of a few months before we can move in." Finally. Everything is falling into place. We need some good in our life after the past year and a half. It makes me happy to see her happy.
Wendy comes strolling in and places herself in the armchair and grins at us. "Aww, look at the happy family sitting all together!"
"What's up Wendy?" I feel like I've missed so much this week. All I have done is clinical and homework.
"Nothing much," she shrugs.
"How is school?"
"It's going. Just finished a bunch of homework."
"How much longer do you have?"
"One more semester after this, and then I graduate!"
"Nice, I'm sure mom and dad will be relieved with one less child to pay tuition for. They can start replenishing their bank accounts." I chuckle out loud, and Wendy does the same.
"Wendy has a crush," Katie says and bats her eyelashes in Wendy's direction. Wendy fidgets a bit in her seat, avoiding eye contact with me. I furrow my eyebrows and wait for her response.
"It's nothing. He finally asked me out on a date."
"Who is this guy? And what does he do?"
"If you must know, dad..." she rolls her eyes and then crosses her arms over her chest, “we go to the same college, and he is studying to be a master mechanic."
"Oh, a real winner, I see," I say sarcastically.
"Noah!" Katie slaps me gently on the chest.
"What? She's my baby sister. I look out for her. Just like she looked out for me when I didn't have you." I smile at Katie and kiss her temple.
"You can still be nicer."
"Don't worry, Katie; he’s always been like this!"
"Dinner is ready!" My mom yells from the kitchen. We all get up and make our way there. Katie pulls me back and gives me a stern look. "Noah, please be nice. She's happy. It's not like she's marrying the guy and she's pregnant. Your situation was a lot worse. Besides, she's a smart woman. Give her the benefit of the doubt." I sigh heavily before nodding my head. She smiles and pulls me towards the kitchen.
Katie
Noah is a great big brother, but sometimes he can be a little over the top. I'm starting to wonder if it's the stress of becoming a doctor soon, or if he is overprotective— this has been the case for the past two weeks.
"Girl, if you don't do something about my brother soon, I'm going to kill him!"
Wendy and I sip on our tea at the large kitchen island. I readjust myself on the stool and look up at her.
"I'm so sorry. I feel like this is all my fault. I should have never brought it up! Lesson learned."
"What lesson was learned?" Noah comes walking into the kitchen and kisses me on the cheek before reaching for his cup of coffee.
"About what an ass you have been towards me over some guy you've never met!" Wendy exclaims as she hides her laugh in her cup.
He sighs then takes a long drink of his coffee.
He walks over and leans onto the counter next to me as I breathe in his intoxicating scent. I place my hand on top of his , he grabs it and entwines our fingers together.
"You know I'm just trying to look out for you, Wendy. I'm not trying to be an ass. You are so closed off about the situation. Why haven't we met him yet?"
"Meet, who sweetie?" His mother is now entering the kitchen, making the space feel claustrophobic.
"Wendy's new boy toy," Noah says sarcastically.
"Noah!" Both Wendy and I say in unison.
"Oh, my sweets! Do you have a boyfriend? Invite him for dinner, and I’ll make a huge casserole so we can all meet him!"
Wendy groans and covers her face.
"See, mom. This is how she acts every time we bring him up! Either she's lying, or this guy is a real winner. I mean, we aren't in high school anymore, Wendy."
"Exactly, Noah!" Wendy shoots back. We are much more mature and way too old for these games. And besides, I'm afraid to bring him around because you will scare him away!"
"Oh, please. If he's a real man, then he won't scare easily. He should love you for who you are, family and all!"
"Now, you two need to stop with this ridiculous bantering! Wendy, invite him over. Noah, you will be on your best behavior or, you will sleep with the dogs! Is that clear?"
"Yes, mom," they both say miserably.
I slowly sip at my tea, just taking in the little exchange. I look up at the clock and break the awkward silence that has consumed us.
"Would you look at the time? We will all be late. Let's get going!" I place my mug in the sink as does Wendy and Noah but not before they give each other evil looks behind their mom’s back. They must have been so adorable as young ones. I shudder at the image and pull Noah in for a hug. I snuggle into his chest for just a few seconds. He wraps his strong arms around me and kisses me softly.
"I love you," he whispers.
"I love you too. Have a good day at school. You are almost done! Then we can celebrate." I wiggle my eyebrows and smirk. He laughs, “Sounds amazing. I can't wait, babe."
He walks past me as I playfully smack his ass. He looks over his shoulder with a devilishly handsome smile and winks. I glance at Wendy, who rolls her eyes and walks out the door. I know she's not mad at me but annoyed with her brother, so I don't take offense to it.
Finally, making it to my newly renovated office, I say hi to Elsie and our new secretary Lola, before making myself comfortable at my desk. It's now October, and preparing for tax season is very important but a lot of hard work. My phone dings with a text from Wendy
‘Hey, dinner is at seven please try to keep Noah the bear tamed! Thanks love :)’
I snicker at the text and reply with no problem. I'm not sure how I will keep him from jumping all over Wendy's new guy, but I can certainly try. I glance at the clock that now reads five o'clock. I start to organize my desk, file some paperwork and get ready to lock up for the night. I send Noah a text to let him know I'm on my way and to behave tonight. He doesn't reply; instead, my phone rings, displaying his name with a picture of our family. I quickly slide right to answer and place the phone to my ear.
"Hey, babe. How was school?" I bite my lip for his sarcastic comeback. Instead, he just gives me a grumpy one.
"It was alright until I received that text. Wendy texted me, and I'll have you know that I know how to behave for God’s sake, and if the guy is a jerk, I'm going to let both of them know!"
"Do you hear yourself right now, Noah? I mean, seriously. Can you just act your age and not your shoe size? I don't understand your logic. You act like Wendy has never dated in her life and that she's sixteen years old. You are not the parent, ok? So let your mom and dad handle it!"
"But-"
"But nothing! So help me, God, Noah, I swear if you overreact, you will sleep on the couch tonight!"
"Babe, please! I'm sorry." I hold back my snicker. Only I can make him go from angry to begging within a matter of seconds. Score one for the women! I hear him suck in a breath and release before talking. "I promise I will try my best to behave."
"Good. I'm getting in my car now. I'll see you soon."
"Ok."
"And Noah?"
"Yeah, babe?"
"I love you."
"I love you too."
I hang up with a satisfied smile and head back to the house.
Katie
"Fuck I'm so nervous," Wendy says as she paces back and forth in the dining room of their childhood home. I glance at the clock that reads 6:55 p.m.
“Hey, Wendy, deep breaths. Everything will be fine, and I won’t let anything ruin this night for you.”
“Thank you, Katie, I know you always have my back. He should be here any minute. I’m just so worried about how my family will react. He isn't the typical guy I normally bring home, which is why I've been avoiding it for so long. He's a mechanic that loves his cars probably a little too much. I've always been into the book nerds that love school and love to hang out at home studying. Charlie is nothing like those guys; he's more rough and tough,” she rambles on before taking a deep breath.
Clattering and clinking can be heard in the background as the table is set for dinner. Noah's mom made a baked ziti dish with fresh garlic bread. The smell spreads throughout the house, making my stomach growl. For Wendy’s sake, I hope this goes well, and I get to enjoy my meal. Baked Ziti has always been one of my favorites. I glance at Noah, who’s keeping Alex entertained when the doorbell rings.
Wendy jumps and runs to the door as Noah, and I exchange knowing looks. An hour ago, I had a long pep talk with him, warning him to behave, or he would sleep on the couch. I didn’t care whose house it was or who’s bedroom for that matter. I made it very clear not to ruin Wendy’s night if he ever wanted to have a decent relationship with her. The room grows quiet as Wendy smooths her hair out and glances back at us. She gives us a small glare, and just like that; the house is no longer silent. Charlie stands there with a tight red t-shirt showing off his bulging muscles, ripped jeans, and faded sneakers. His hands are in his pocket as he sways on the balls of his heels. His tattoos of dragons show on his large muscles, and I watch as he smiles through his bushy beard. She quickly leans in and kisses him on the lips.
"Hey. Thanks for coming. Come in." I hear her say as she swings the door closed behind him and walks up to the set table. She clears her throat and wipes her hands on her jeans.
"Everyone, this is Charlie. Charlie, this is my mom, dad, Noah, my brother, and his girlfriend, Katie. My nephew is over there."
"Hi. Nice to meet you all." I watch Noah, his eyes glaring at him, assessing him. I can already tell he doesn't like him.
His mother comes rushing over in her apron to shake Charlie's hand. "It's so nice to meet you as well, honey. Find a seat. You are just in time for dinner!"
We all sit at the table awkwardly, Wendy next to Charlie, Noah next to Alex, who's next to me, and their parents sit at the end of the table. Noah’s mom places the salad bowl down with the garlic bread before walking back into the kitchen to grab the ziti. As soon as she sits down, everyone starts to dig in, filling their plates.
"What's wrong, Wendy? You didn't put a lot on your plate." Noah is the first to speak as I glare daggers at him.
"I'm starting slow, Noah," she says through gritted teeth.
"So Charlie, tell us a little about yourself." Noah’s dad says as he bites into his salad. He stares expectantly at Charlie. Charlie finishes chewing and then replies.
"Well, I was born in Minnesota and came here with my mom when I was twelve. Daddy issues, you know, and we decided to stay. I’m almost done getting my masters in mechanics, which will allow me to work on any engine, even the new ones. I plan on opening up my own business after that."
"Oh, that's wonderful." Noah’s mom chirps.
"So how did you two meet?" I ask before Noah chimes in.
They both look at each other and smile. "Well, her car broke down at school one day, and I just happened to be walking by and asked her if she needed any help. She said yes, and so I helped her." He places another spoonful into his mouth, chewing slowly.
"So what took so long to ask her out? I mean, it sounds like love at first sight." Noah now speaks, and I reach under the table smacking his knee. He doesn’t even spare a glance at me; instead, staring at Charlie expectantly. Here we go. I glance at Wendy, who looks paler than usual.
"If you must know, I hadn't seen him much after that," she calmly replies.
"Yeah, I was pretty busy trying to practice for my exams. I buried myself in my garage, fixing up one of my old cars."
"How's the food?" Noah’s mom asks, still in a cheery mood. She knows how much this dinner means to Wendy, and I’m glad she’s trying.
