Page 126 of Something Like Hail

Felix nodded eagerly.

“You’ve been a very goodboy tonight,” Noah said, pausing to steal another kiss. “You’ll getyour pizza, and I’ll let you stay up late enough to watch an extrashow, but after that it’s straight to bed, young man.Understood?”

“Yeah, but maybe we shouldgo to bed early.” Felix pantomimed a yawn. “I’m awfullytired!”

He no longer looked it! Noah had a feelingthat—by the time they fell asleep—he was going to be the exhaustedone.

* * * * *

Noah awoke the next day in a blissful state.Felix’s back was pressed against him, the sun was shining throughthe window, and they were closer than ever. Physically andemotionally. Last night they had stayed up talking, Noah opening upabout the difficult years behind him. He still hadn’t explained thefiner details of his modern life, aside from crediting his currentjob as being what finally returned stability to his life. One stepat a time. Felix had a lot to assimilate, and Noah still hoped thathe could change careers before they had that talk.

He remained in bed, enjoying the simpletranquility. Then he rose and repeated his usual morning rituals.Restroom, coffee, phone. He had switched off the ringer last night,not wanting their evening to be disturbed, so he wasn’t surprisedto find messages awaiting him. Only the sender troubled him. Thetexts were all from Harold Franklin. Noah let his eyes run down thesequence.

What time should we head out tomorrow?

Still thinking about it? It’s a bigdecision, I know.

Okay, you’re obviously busy. We’ll figure itout tomorrow. Don’t sleep in too long. All the good stuff will begone!

I’m up. Are you up? Let’s do this.

Hello? I want my date!

Date? Of course! The flea market or whateverthey were supposed to do. So much had happened in such a shortperiod that the charity auction seemed like ages ago. Noah sworeunder his breath, then texted back.

Sorry. It’s been crazy lately. Maybe weshould do this next weekend instead.

The response wasswift.I either get my promised date todayor I want my four grand back.

He couldn’t help smiling,knowing that Harold wasn’t really serious. Was he?Do you want that in small bills orlarge?

The only response was a sadface, but it wasn’t an emoji. Harold had sent a photo of himselfmaking puppy dog eyes. Noah stared long and hard at that image, anumber of emotions stirring from slumber.Okay. Fine. Give me an hour and I’ll be rightover.

Harold texted back, this time with a photoof him looking happy. Noah pressed on the screen to bring upoptions, intending to delete the image from their conversation.Instead he changed his mind and hit the save button. Then he rolledhis eyes, opened his photos, and deleted it for real. Take that! Healso rebelled by showering slowly, as if he had no plans, althoughhe chose to dress in one of his better outfits. He wanted Harold tosee what he was missing. Only when fully clothed did Noah hurry,getting into his truck and driving to the nearest store for thecinnamon and spice oatmeal he had promised Felix. He returned tothe apartment just in time to find a hungry boy lurking in hiskitchen. Felix looked at him with questioning eyes that lit up whenhe took the box of oatmeal from its bag.

“You really are the best,”he breathed.

“I try,” Noah said,shooting him a wink. “I just hope you still think so when you findout I’ll be busy all day.”

“I have to work anyway,”Felix said, opening a cabinet. He took out a bowl and turnedaround, seeming a little apprehensive. “I also thought I mightstart packing some things. Is that okay?”

“Stop asking that,” Noahsaid warmly. “I meant what I said. Come live here if youwant.”

“But what doyouwant?”

“For you to stop fishingfor compliments and to get some food in your stomach.”

“I wasn’t fishing!” Felixprotested.

“You were. Everyone knowsthat cats love fish. If you need a ride anywhere, you better hurrybecause I’m already late. Hey, how did you get homeyesterday?”

“My sister,” Felix said,adding water to his oatmeal. “I called and she picked me up. Havingme at her mercy always makes Darli happy. She loves being able tolord over me, so we’re friends again.”

“In that case I’m glad I’man only child. You’ll be okay if I leave now?”

Felix nodded. “Where are you going?”

“A date,” Noah said withoutthinking. “A charity date,” he amended quickly. “We had one ofthose auctions at work, you know what I mean? It isn’tserious.”