Page 39 of Size Queen
“We just came in here to tell you that you’re free to go,” said Fox.
“Boy, the way you boys were talking, it sure sounded like you were ready to convict me and throw away the key,” I chuckle. “So, I’m free to go?”
“Yes,” says Raver.
“Okay, I’m leaving, then.” I immediately walk past them and out of the room.
“Stick around!” Raver calls after me. “Don’t leave town.”
I turn and ask in a casual tone, “How do you spell ‘Raver’? Is it like it sounds? R-A-V-E-R?”
Neither of them say anything, and that’s the point.
I smile, and as I’m walking out I say, “You’ll be hearing from me!”
While chillingat the clubhouse later that day, I summon the courage to call Noelle again, hopeful. To my surprise and delight, she actually answers.
“Hello?” she says.
“Hi! Sorry, I… guess I didn’t expect you to actually pick up.”
“Yeah, I don’t blame you… How’s your day going?”
“It could definitely improve.” I chuckle. “I could use some time with you, and I don’t care if it’s only for twenty minutes. Are you busy tonight?”
“I… why do you ask?”
“I was wondering if you’d like to meet for dinner tonight,” I tell her. “If you weren’t feeling like a big meal, we could meet down by the pier and have something light. Maybe we could watch the sunset together or something.”
“That sounds really lovely,” says Noelle. “But, I have to be honest… I’mreallynot feeling well. To be honest, I don’t really feel like leaving my place. I can barely go faster than a stroll and I end up throwing up.”
“Damn, girl,” I say. “What do you think it could be?”
There’s a pause on the other end of the line before I get my response.
“I’m not sure,” she says. “I just don’t think I can make it out tonight, sorry.”
“No need to apologize. Is there anything I can do?”
“Don’t get arrested,” says Noelle. “Ask me to dinner another time.”
“You know, I can’t help but get the feeling that I’m being avoided,” I say slowly. “I won’t be angry or upset if you wanted to call things off.”
“I don’t want to call things off, Damon,” she assures me. “I’m not avoiding you at all. I’ve just been sick a lot lately.”
“You don’t have to be afraid of breaking some gangster biker’s heart.” I chuckle. “I can handle it.”
“That isn’t it at all,” she says. “I want to see you again soon. I just want to feel good when I see you. I can’t exactly have fun with you when I can barely move. I haven’t showered in a day—”
“We don’t have to mess around,” I say. “We can just watch TV and chill. You don’t have to be afraid of getting me sick. I’ve got the immune system of a god.”
“I just want to get better at home for a while, okay?” she finishes. “Can we talk again later?”
After we hang up, I notice several pairs of eyes in the clubhouse gawking.
“Got anything to say, gentlemen?”
“What’s Noelle come down with?” Kace asks.