Noah (5th Street series)

Chapter 17 - Part 1

This was the first time since Roni had started working out here that she hadn't made it in. Her text simply said she wouldn't make it in and she'd see him tonight. Anxiety crept into him as he shoved his things into his locker.

Noah heard the guys walk noisily into to the locker room.

"It's not his place, Hector," Abel said.

"Yeah, it is. He's paying rent, right?"

Noah looked up at them as he slipped his arm into his jacket. Hector and Abel walked side by side toward him. Gio was just behind them.

"Hey, Noah." Hector grinned. "What do you say we have a New Year's Eve party at your place?"

Noah chuckled. "It's not my place."

"I told you," Abel said, shaking his head.

"You pay rent, don't you?" Hector insisted.

"Yeah, for one bedroom."

The idea wasn't half bad. Noah had a feeling Roni would, once again, be flying solo on New Year's Eve, at least he hoped she was, and once again, he had every intention of being there to keep her company. Hell, he couldn't think of anywhere else he'd rather be. But having the guys over to celebrate sounded like fun. Roni had enjoyed Christmas Eve with them. She might agree to something like this, but he wasn't about to volunteer her place before making sure with her.

"Well, can't you ask Roni?" Hector asked.

Noah refrained from frowning. Hearing Hector refer to her as that rubbed him the wrong way. "We'll see." He grabbed his helmet and his keys. "I'm out. I'll see you guys tomorrow."

"Let us know ASAP. We need to plan something. It's just days away."

Noah turned around and walked backwards. "I'll ask, but you better not be an idiot about it. If she does agree, it's not gonna be some big shit with all your stupid high school friends."

Hector's face screwed up. "I hardly even hang out with anyone from school."

Noah turned around. "I'll let you know."

All the way home, Noah pushed the speed limit, anxious to see Roni. He could only dream of the day he'd walk in and take her in his arms. His entire body ached with the desire to do it already, but he had to be patient. It was torture, but the more he was around her, the more he was certain it would be worth the wait.

Spending Christmas day with her had been more than he could ever dream of. At one point, she'd leaned her head against his shoulder as they watched A Christmas Story. Nothing had ever felt so perfect as being there with her all day.

He drove into the back, opening the garage door with the extra garage door opener Roni had given him. He felt an instant letdown as the door slid open and he saw her car wasn't there yet.

In no rush now, he slowly took off his motorcycle gear and hung it on hooks in the garage. The backdoor of the house opened and out came Roni.

"Hey." She smiled. "You hungry? I made dinner."

Just seeing her brightened his mood and he smiled goofily. "Yeah, I'm starved." He turned back to where her car should've been parked. "Where's your car?"

She frowned, hugging herself and rubbing her arms as she walked toward him. He pointed to the house. "Let's get inside. It's freezing out here."

"I had to get it towed," she said as they walked back to the house together. "It wouldn't start."