Noah

I’d rather be working on the plans Matt and I talked about, but Ryan told me to find an assistant this afternoon, and I’m not going to ignore an order. Chloe gave me a folder earlier this week, with all the applicants, but I chose to leave it untouched on my desk. That’s leaving me with less than 30 minutes to skim all the info, but I’ve always been a people person, so I'm not worried. I have no doubt I’ll get a read on who’s the best fit for me once I meet them all.

The first few are nice enough, but not what I’m looking for. They’re not formidable enough to stand firm with a client’s secretary or assistant, and I need someone who can go into battle with me. The blonde from the other day actually looks great on paper, but when she pops in and tries to sit on my lap, I send her packing as well.

I’m about to give up when a teenager walks in next. He’s new to the firm, and from what I can see in his file, this is a summer job for him. I need someone permanent, but there has to be a reason Chloe sent him to me, so I try to keep an open mind as I stand to greet him.

“Hi, I’m Landon.”

“Noah. Please have a seat.”

“Thanks for interviewing me. Chlo said she thinks we’d be a good fit, but I hate being known as the guy who gets a job because of who he's friends with.”

I’m liking the kid even more. “How old are you, Landon?”

“Eighteen.”

“College plans?”

“I’ve got a baseball scholarship to UNLV.”

“Impressive.”

“My mom would’ve preferred for it to be an academic one, but baseball’s my strength.”

“How do you know Chloe?”

“My parents are good friends with all the Griffins. I’ve known them since I was a kid.”

“Are you going to work hard, and stand up to any assholes who try to give us shite?”

“Hell yeah,” he says, and then whispers the rest. “I can really cuss here?”

“Just in my office, when we’re alone.”

“Cool. Does that mean I have the job?”

“Yes. I know what it’s like to be surrounded by the rich and famous. It’s hard to stand out, or find your place.”

“Even when you get a baseball scholarship.”

“Even then.”

“I won’t be able to work much when school starts.”

“We’ll worry about that when the time comes.”

“Is there anything else I should know right now? About you? I know you’re from Europe, right?”

“I’m actually from the East Coast, but I moved to a small European island when I was young.”

“Huh.”

“Oh, and I’m going to be a father in a month or so.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes.”

“Um, maybe I should mention that my mom wasn’t married when she had me.”

“Do you want to tell me about it?”

“I do.”

I lean back, and gesture for him to go on. He tells me about his early childhood, and his parents. It’s a story that’s different from mine, but also mirrors parts of it in a strange way. Once he’s done, I know I’ve made the right choice. Now, if I can just make the right choices with Jyn, everything will be golden.

* * *

Jyn

Noah got us a reservation at Lotus of Siam, one of our favorite local Thai restaurants. He was supposed to pick us up, but Matt wanted a last-minute call, and he couldn’t say no. I know he couldn’t, because Matt’s already being hard on him, but I wish he could’ve.

“Sorry I’m late,” he says, rushing over to our table, and kissing me on the forehead.

Before sitting down, he shakes hands with Mari, Heather, Sandy, and Jamie. Their smiles are genuine, and I breathe a sigh of relief. It’s too late to worry about them liking him, but I still want them to.

“How was your call with Matt?”

“He wants to change some windows.”

“Couldn’t he have emailed you the information?” I ask, and he shrugs, telling me that yes, Matt could’ve just emailed him. “I’m going to talk to him.”

“Please don’t. I can handle a little bit of inconvenience.”

“Matthew is very protective of Jyn.” Mari tells him.

She saw it first-hand when I gave them a tour of C&C earlier. Matt had back-to-back meetings all morning, but he ducked out of one to greet us. He assured Mari he was watching out for me, and if there’s anything I need, all I have to do is ask. She’s met him before, but seeing him take care of me endeared him to her for life.

“I don’t need protection,” I remind everyone.

“It isn’t a bad thing,” Sandy tells me, and I shoot her a glare.

“How about we all agree Jyn can look out for herself, but having people looking out for her makes us all happy too,” Noah says, smiling at me.

“I think I may like you, Noah.” Mari tells him.

“I hope to make you sure by the time you leave.”

Dinner goes well, with Noah impressing these women who mean so much to me. He genuinely likes them too, making things so much easier for me. At least on that front.

“You need to tell him,” Heather says, when he goes to bring the car around.

“I wish I didn’t.”

“But you do,” Jamie says.

“Not yet.”

“Jyn,” Mari admonishes me. “He cares for you, and you know it’s wrong to keep this from him.”

“Just a little longer.”

“I cannot force you to do this, but I will warn you that if he finds out before you tell him, it’s going to destroy what you’ve built.”

“Don’t you think you’re being a little melodramatic?”

“No. I know of Noah, and how he was raised, and your secret is going to be a blow to him.”

“I’m not ready.”

I’m probably never going to be ready, and we all know it. They drop it as he pulls around, though. Noah’s SUV seats seven, so we all fit comfortably in various rows. My aunt makes small talk on the drive home, keeping things light. I know there’s a chance things will go very dark when I decide to be brave, but tonight is not that night.