The toxic combination means I’m left to my own thoughts, which have often led me down a path of self-loathing and pity. Usually after I tuck Owen in, I go to bed, but tonight, I’m sucking down wine and watching a show about a nurse moving to a small town and falling for the local bartender.
“Don’t do it…” I slur. “Sex only leads to heartbreak.”
Not that I’d really know. I haven’t had sex in…a long-ass time. I didn't even think about dating until three years after Gabe passed, and even then, it felt weird and wrong. It was never anything serious, but since I always put my kid and job first, they usually bailed before things could progress. The last time I went out with a man was over a year ago…which was the last time I had sex. But that’s what Channing, my vibrator, is for.
After my fourth glass of wine, the TV screen becomes blurry, so I decide to call it a night. I only drink every once in a while, making me a lightweight, but since I don’t have to get up early with Owen, I splurge. I’ll undoubtedly pay for it tomorrow, but that’s future Katie’s problem.
As I crawl under the covers, I sink into the bed and seek warmth. I’ve slept alone for so long now, aside from when Owen crawls in when he has bad dreams, that I’m accustomed to sleeping in the middle. It’s probably why no guy has ever wanted to stay with me long. I’m unapologetically independent, and most guys want to feel needed. The truth is, I haven’t needed a man for anything in more than a decade.
My eyelids feel heavy, and as I drift off, images of the day they walked Noah out of the courtroom in handcuffs surface. At first, I was in shock he took the plea deal, but the lawyers said he risked a longer sentence if he went to trial. I know he didn’t intend to hurt Gabe, but his actions led to his death, and justice was needed.
Gabe’s parents were a wreck. Elliot not only lost a son that night but it also tore their whole family apart. The Reid brothers are no longer on speaking terms, and no one dares to mention Noah around Loretta and Elliot. They’ve completely erased his existence.
They’re not happy Noah’s getting out early on parole and have made that clear by sending letters to the parole board. Though it hasn’t changed anything, I’m concerned about what will happen when he does return. Few people in Lawton Ridge have forgotten, and if Gabe’s parents have any say in the matter, they’ll do whatever they can to run Noah out of town.
Chapter Two
NOAH
ONE MONTH LATER
Today's the day I've been waiting for. I’m going home, and tonight, I’ll be sleeping in my childhood room. It feels surreal to leave this place for the first time in ten years.
Free from this prison.
As I pass through security and walk through the gate for the last time with my one small bag, I don't look back. All I can focus on is my family, who’s waiting for me in the parking lot. This has been so hard on them, especially for Gemma. She visited me a lot, and we’ve stayed close over the years. I know it negatively affected my dad too, but he’s tried to be strong for us. I’ve also tried my best not to be a burden to them and kept how bad things were behind bars to myself. No need to tell them since all it would do is cause them to worry.
In the past year, Dad finally found happiness again with his new girlfriend, Belinda. She’s kept him on his toes while he’s anxiously waited for my release. He hasn’t dated since my mom died and was too focused on raising Gemma and me as a single parent.
When I see Gemma's face break into a smile, I can't stop my own. As soon as they’re within reach, we collide and hug each other. It’s a moment I’ve thought about for months—years even—and it’s finally here. It almost doesn’t feel real.
Gemma bursts into tears as my dad swallows down his emotions. I don’t even bother to hide mine.
“I can finally hug you,” she whispers, sniffling and rubbing her eyes. “You’ve beefed up.”
I chuckle and shrug, releasing them. “You too,” I tease, glancing at her little baby bump.
“Ha-ha.” She rolls her eyes.
“You look good, son.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
I smile at Belinda, who gives me a kiss on the cheek, then I spot Tyler behind them and hug him next.
“Good to see you, man.” He squeezes me tighter.
I wipe off my cheeks. “You too. I was just about to say you have no idea, but…” We both chuckle.
Gemma married Tyler not too long ago, and they've visited me every month for the past year. Tyler's also an ex-con, but he spent five years in prison for something he didn’t do. However, I’ll be relying on him for support to get through these first few months of reintegrating into society. Not sure if my hometown will be very forgiving or accepting of me since Gabe’s family’s still there. From what Gemma’s told me, no one’s forgotten that night. I sure as hell haven’t.
Given what I did and how it affected everyone, I’m preparing for the worst. Even though my sister and Tyler have reassured me everything will be fine, and they’ll help me find my new normal, I’m anxious about it. Since Tyler has hired me to do the construction at the gym he's remodeling, I already have something to keep me busy. It’s only a temporary position, but at least it's something, and I'm grateful for it. I hope to have another job lined up by the time I finish this one.
I honestly can't wait to go to work, be around people, and find my footing again. Even though I don’t know what people’s reactions will be when they run into me, there's one person in particular who probably never wants to see me again—Katie.
“Well, let’s get out of here and get ya settled at the house,” Dad says, beaming wide.
“And eat,” Gemma adds. “Belinda made her famous fried chicken, and we bought pie.”
“I can’t wait. But before we go home, I need to make a stop,” I say, looking at Tyler.
“Sure, wherever you wanna go,” he tells me as we pile into the SUV. “Just tell me where.”
I fidget a little, knowing my sister is about to rip me a new one. “I don’t actually know the address, but I’m sure you do.”
Tyler looks at me through the rearview mirror, and there’s a mutual understanding.
“Wait, where?” Gemma asks, looking over her shoulder at me.
Tyler starts the engine and drives out of the parking lot as my sister continues to stare at me.
“Katie’s,” I finally answer. “I need to see her before we go home.”
“Noah!” Gemma scolds. “No. She specifically said she didn’t want to see you, and I’m not gonna be the one who forces her.”
“You aren’t,” I argue, standing firm in my decision. “Tyler’s drivin’.”
Tyler snorts. “Babe, just let him.” He tries to calm her. “What’s the worst that can happen? She slams the door in his face?”
“Exactly!” Gemma shouts. “And never talks to me again.”
“Maybe she won’t,” I counter, though I know better. Those two are tied to the hip. “I just want to see her. Please. It’s been so long,” I plead softly, hoping she’ll take pity on me.