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“Yes, I’m sure,” I say, narrowing my eyes at him. “Why are you smiling like that?”
“Because,” he says, leaning forward with an amused glint in his eyes. “You’re talking about him like he’s this big, scary boss, but I can tell there’s more to it. I know you, Annie Fox, remember that.”
“There’s nothing more to it,” I insist, though my cheeks betray me by flushing.
“Oh, there definitely is,” he says, laughing. “Come on, Annie. You’re living in his mansion, taking care of his kid. You’re basically part of the guy’s life now.”
“That’s an exaggeration,” I say, shaking my head.
“Is it?” he teases, wagging a finger at me. “Because I’m pretty sure you’re blushing right now.”
“I am not,” I say, though I can feel the heat rising in my face. “Please,he’sbarely a part of his life. He’s too busy and rich and important. He doesn’t spend much time with Robbie, which is a shame because the kid adores him.”
“Sounds like someone’s got opinions,” Noah teases, grinning.
I shrug, fighting a smile. “I mean, wouldn’t you? If you had a kid, wouldn’t you want to spend every minute with him?”
Noah’s face drops at that.
I’m horrified. “I’m sorry, Noah. I didn’t mean to…”
But Noah is shaking his head. “No, it’s all right. I know what you mean. Listen, my dad didn’t want to be with us, so he’s not. I’m over it.”
I’m not entirely sure that’s true, but I reach across the table and place a hand over Noah’s, giving it a gentle squeeze. “That doesn’t mean it doesn’t suck.”
He shrugs, offering me a weak smile. “It is what it is. Not everyone’s cut out to be a parent, I guess.”
I watch him for a moment, my chest tightening. Noah’s always been good at brushing off the hard stuff, pretending it doesn’t bother him, but I know better. We’ve been through too much together for me not to see through his act.
“I’m sorry,” I say again, my voice soft.
“You don’t have to apologize,” he says, pulling his hand away to pick up his icedtea.
“Besides, this isn’t about me. We’re talking about your boss, remember? The one who’s apparently not winning any ‘Dad of the Year’ awards. At least mine didn’t hang around and pretend, unlike this Wagner guy.”
I sit back, letting the shift in conversation happen. If he wants to deflect, I’ll let him—for now. “It’s notthatbad. I wasn’t trying to be mean. I just think... he could try harder, you know? Robbie’s such a sweet kid. He deserves someone who’s present.”
Noah tilts his head, studying me. “You really care about this kid, huh?”
I nod, a small smile tugging at my lips. “Yeah, I do. He’s amazing. He’s so smart and thoughtful, and when he opens up, he’s hilarious. He just needs someone to see him, you know?”
“And you’re that someone,” Noah says, his tone warm.
I shrug, feeling a little self-conscious. “I’m trying to be. He deserves that.”
Noah leans forward, his blue eyes serious now. “Don’t sell yourself short, Annie. You’re not just trying. You’redoingit. And from what it sounds like, you’re exactly what that kid needs.”
His words catch me off guard, and I feel my throattighten. “Thanks, Noah. That... means a lot.”
He waves a hand, brushing off the sentiment. “Hey, it’s the truth. You’ve always had a way of making people feel safe. It’s one of the things I’ve always admired about you.”
I smile, feeling a little choked up. Noah’s always been my rock, my safe place, and hearing him say that reminds me why.
Before I can respond, though, he grins and says, “So, how’s the mansion? You living the high life now or what?”
I laugh, grateful for the lighter turn. “Hardly. It’s beautiful, sure, but it doesn’t feel like home, you know? It’s so big and... kinda cold.”
“Cold?” he repeats, raising an eyebrow.