Before the Morning [BEING EDITED]

19 | Assingle

Nora's appetite had disintegrated, but she accepted a plate from Rachel anyway. "Are they cold?" she joked.

"No, but this was a close call, my friend." Rachel bopped Nora's nose with the spatula.

"It wouldn't have been a close call if you'd been home."

Nora turned. Her dad stood just behind Nolan, hovering in the doorway. Get away from him. It was irrational—her dad wouldn't lay a hand on Nolan. But, it didn't matter. It was all she could do not to yank Nolan behind her.

Her dad's eyebrows creased. "Where were you, hon? You had me worried sick."

"I'm really sorry," she said. "I lost track of time."

He looked between Nolan and Nora.

"Nol, come have some pancakes," she said, waving him over. He pushed away from the door, and she could breathe again.

"I don't mean to toot my own horn, but my pancakes are delicious," Rachel said as she handed him a plate.

Nolan smiled. "Thanks."

"Oh, you're very welcome."

They settled at the table. Nora made herself sit still. Be normal.

She glanced at her dad as he claimed the seat adjacent to hers. "You're not worth it."

She cut into her pancakes.

"You remember Nolan, right, Isaac?" Rachel asked. Nora tensed, an instinct, then forced her shoulders to relax. Everything's fine. Rachel was there. He was always happier when Rachel was there.

"Yes," he said, a polite smile at the ready. "Hello, Nolan."

Nolan's returning smile was forced. "Hi," he said.

"Are you the one who kept my daughter out all night?"

Her grip tightened on her fork. Leave him alone. Please.

"Uh..."

"I needed help on a project," Nora said, the lie smooth despite its suddenness. "We lost track of time. I'm sorry."

"And you didn't tell me you were leaving?"

She bit her lip. "I didn't want to wake you."

He nodded. "Alright," he said. "I understand. But let me know next time, okay? I need to make sure you're safe."

"You're worthless."

She smiled. "Okay."

"So, what are you guys up to today?" Rachel asked.

"We're gonna head to Ashfield." Again, smooth and sudden. She glanced at Nolan. He nodded, playing along.

"Cool," Rachel said. "If you want, I can give you guys a lift on my way back home."

"Yeah, sure," she said. "Thanks."

"Anyone else going to the park?" Rachel took a huge bite of her last pancake. "Is there a party you failed to invite me to, favorite niece?"

"I'm your only niece."

"True," she said. She pointed her fork accusingly at Nora. "If I had another one, I'm sure she'd invite me to a park party."

Nora laughed and took another bite. She was sure the pancakes were delicious, but she was barely able to taste anything, her other senses on too high of an alert. "I don't know if anyone else is coming," she said. She shrugged. "It was a spur of the moment decision."