Just Pretend

Chapter 88 - We Need To Be Safe

Today's the big day. The interview.  The one that can't seem to go untouched.

I stand in the kitchen looking out to our back yard. Another sleepless night. I seem to have more and more of them nowadays, between feeling uncomfortable in my own body and the stress of everything around me I'm starting to lose my sense of stability.

The kettle clicks pulling me out of my own thoughts and I hear Noah behind me his feet lightly padding against the wooden flooring.

"Morning baby girl." He whispers wrapping his arms around my waist, resting his chin on my shoulder and I grab another mug putting it next to my own on the counter.

"Mmm." I hum leaning into him, feeling his solid chest against my back.

"Another shit nights sleep?" Noah asks and I give a tired nod. "God damn baby, talk to me."

"I'm just tired and my body aches." I grumble picking up the kettle filling up the mugs. "And honestly I'm a little stressed." I confess not wanting to turn to look at him.

"About the interview." He replies and it's not a question. It's a matter of fact, his voice firm.

"Yeah..." I murmur watching the mugs as I stir the tea.

"Mar, look at me." Noah whispers and I let out a breath I didn't realise I was holding as I turn to face him. "It's gonna be okay. I'm not gonna let them try derail it, the main focus will be the music and us taking a break."

"And what if they ask why you're taking the break?" I ask before I can stop myself, the words spilling out of me.

"That we deserve it, we've been flat out for the last year and we're ready to take time to ourselves to come back with the next chapter." Noah says and I know it's a rehearsed answer. Something they have already spoken about.

"Damn, that's definitely not rehearsed." I tease and Noah lets out a soft chuckle.

"We would never prep our answers. Always one hundred percent authentic." He laughs taking a sip from the mug. "Y'know if it would put your mind at ease you could always come and sit in on it."

"Fat fucking chance." I snort looking down to my stomach. "I can't even hide this if I tried so it's best for me to stay away before it suddenly becomes the main topic of conversation."

"Yeah that's fair." Noah chuckles shaking his head. "She's not exactly subtle."

"Not even a tiny bit." I mumble biting my lower lip. "So what time you gotta be there for?"

"By noon... whatever that means." Noah shrugs taking another sip of his tea. "It shouldn't take too long."

"Mhmm." I hum again, not quite believe it as I wipe down the kitchen counter top.

"Anyway, what about you? What's on the agenda for Margo."

"Sadie's gonna come over and then we're gonna head out bridesmaid shopping. I'm fucking dreading it but we've put it off long enough we've gotta get it sorted."

"Oh yeah? Will I get a preview?" Noah winks, a smirk tugging at his lips.

"Oh hell no."

"What, why?" He asks and I shake my head. "Not even a little peek?"

"Nope , it's a surprise."

"Is that not the brides thing?"

"Well I'm not the bride... and someone hasn't exactly put a ring on my finger so this might be the closest I get." I shrug, taking a sip as Noah practically chokes on his.