“This is for a youth centre. What good would I be in a youth centre?” he asked.
“More than you think. Some of the kids today are dealing with a lot of crap. Go for the interview, and spend a couple of weeks and see how you feel. If you don’t like it then go to your dad and ask for money.”
She knew he would go to his dad if he had to, but he would prefer to make his own money.
“You’re too good for me. You know that?”
“I know.”
Noelle watched him walk to his room. She felt bad with how things have been between them. They’d met under extreme circumstances, and she would like to think they could survive everything.
Stretching her neck, she made herself some toast before going back into her studio. Having an exhibition would be a huge step. Unfortunately, she couldn’t cope with all of that attention. So many people would be staring at her work. When Brad had people come to view her work in the apartment she stayed out of the way.
Letting people in was the hardest thing she’d ever done. Glancing at the clock, she picked up her paint brush and allowed the magic to work.
She heard Brad leave the apartment, and about two hours later, she heard someone knocking on the door.
At first she ignored the banging, but as the minutes passed whoever it was became more persistent.
Closing her eyes, she put her paint brush down and went to answer the door. A man with dark hair was on the other side.
Her hands shaking, Noelle opened the door. The right side of her face was covered, but she only peered round the side.
“Hi, Noelle. I’m looking for Bradley Welch,” he said.
“He’s not in at the moment. Can I take a message?” Noelle asked him.
“I can’t believe it. He’s not at his job either. I should have known he wouldn’t stay on the straight and narrow.”
Noelle frowned. “Wait, what? Brad is fine. He’s at an interview today. The last company let him go.” She opened the door fully. “Are you Ben?”
“Yes. I’m sorry. We haven’t been properly introduced. I’m Ben Turner.”
Noelle brushed her hair back. “I’m Noelle Evans, his friend.” She noticed when Ben looked at the scars on her face. What surprised her was how he brushed over them as if they weren’t there.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions.”
“I think you should come in.” Noelle opened the door and waited for Ben to walk in. “Do you want anything to drink?”
“Water would do fine.”
She went into the kitchen. Ben followed her and stood at the counter.
“You can sit down. I don’t bite or anything.” Noelle handed him a drink and stood watching him. Ben was incredibly sexy and handsome, and she could see why Brad liked him.
“Why did you want to see Brad?” she asked.
“The last time we talked things didn’t end well. They never seem to end well with him. I wanted to make sure he was okay.”
“He’s trying to fix the past, but unless you talk to him, Brad will remain in the dark. He should be at an interview now. You could stay until he comes back, but I imagine he’ll come looking for you. He won’t give up easily.”
Ben nodded and smiled.
“He doesn’t talk about you much,” Ben said.
“I don’t imagine he would. He’s trying to deal with whatever happened in your past.” Noelle sipped at her water.
“He won’t let it go.”
“Maybe you should wait for the right time to tell him?”
Ben nodded his head. “You’re not going to ask about it?”
“Brad’s and your business is not mine. You’ll only work through your problems together. Besides, I’ve got my own problems to deal with.”
They stood in silence. Ben looked deep in thought.
“Do you love him?” Noelle asked.
“What?”
“Do you love him? Love Brad?”
“I can’t answer that. So much has changed since I saw him. I’m not going to discuss my feelings with you. It’s nothing personal. And I’ve got a lot of crap to deal with.” Noelle watched as Ben’s eyes filled with tears.
“Everyone has problems. You’d be surprised at how hard he had to fight to get where he is today. The only person he would mention through the worst part of his rehabilitation was your name.”
“He hasn’t said I helped him through it.”
“Give him a chance, Ben. He’s changed now, and he’ll be there for you. He wants a chance to make it right between you two.””
“Yes. I had noticed he is persistent. I kind of like seeing him around. Thanks for the water.” Ben placed the glass on the counter. “It was nice to meet you, Noelle.”