Broken Promises

5 | blake

"Good morning!" I offer Mindy—Magnolia Height's High's receptionist—a bright smile, tossing my blond waves over my shoulder. Although Mindy is an adult, everyone around her merely addresses her by her first name. That's how things work around here in little Magnolia Heights, and I've always liked the simplicity of it all.

"Morning, Blake," Mindy says as she returns my smile. "Anything I can help you with?"

"Could I have the schedule for Noah Reed, please?"

Mindy nods as she reaches for the printer, grabbing a fresh white page that is labeled with the classes Magnolia High's newest student is enrolled in. I'm part of the school's welcoming committee, so it's my job to give new students a tour of the place. Not that Magnolia High gets many new students. It's a smaller town, mainly populated by those who have been born and raised.

"Matt Reed's son?" I ask, which Mindy confirms with a nod. Matt Reed moved to Magnolia Heights about four years ago, and he owns the town's auto shop. I knew he had a son, as Mr. Reed is close friends with my father, though I never heard he'd been planning to move into town. As far as I knew, Noah lived with his mother in Virginia.

"I guess I'll take a seat," I tell Mindy as I wander into the waiting area of the front office. "Until he gets—"

Before I can finish my sentence, the office door opens to reveal no other than Matt Reed. I smile as I rise from my chair, offering my father's best friend a quick hug. "How are you, Mr. Reed?"

"I'm doing all right," Mr. Reed tells me, offering Mindy a polite nod. Seconds later, another figure slips into the office. My gaze lands on a tall frame and lean figure, realizing that this is the first time I'm seeing Noah Reed. I take in his dark blond hair and darker blue eyes, noticing his sharp and attention-grabbing facial features. I can't help thinking that he will stick out like a sore thumb around here. Not just because of the dark clothing he wears and his impressive height, but because Noah Reed is kind of . . . hot.

I extend my hand out to him as I say, "Hi. It's nice to meet you. I'm going to be showing you around today."

Noah studies my hand for a moment before taking it in his own. His grip is tight and warm as we shake, eyes on mine.

"Hi." His voice is surprisingly deep, yet melodic. "I'm Noah."

I refrain from telling him that I already know this. Instead, I reply, "I'm Blake."

I turn to Mr. Reed and ask, "Do you mind if I start the tour? Or do you want a minute?"

Mr. Reed shakes his head. "Please, go ahead. Maybe you can get my son excited about the place."

I purse my lips as Noah rolls his eyes at his father's comment. I sense tension in the air between the two, though I don't comment on it. Taking a step toward the office door, I glance at Noah over my shoulder. "Follow me."