Page 81 of The Bad Boyfriend Curse
His father is with him, wearing jeans and a plaid flannel, and next to Mike is a guy I’ve never seen before. I immediately know who it is, though, because he looks so much like Noah’s dad. The same strawberry-blond hair, ruddy complexion, and stocky build. This is Aaron, Noah’s brother. I actually chuckle. Everyone in this town thinks that Noah is just like his brother, even though the two look nothing alike. Noah is tall and lanky while the rest of his family are sturdy and stocky. Noah’s got dark hair and eyes while the other two have light hair and eyes. Also, Noah seems… delicate. Almost fragile, compared to his brother and father—even though I know that he’s actually very strong, inside and out.
I think Noah senses me watching him, because he suddenly turns to me, and our eyes lock.
He doesn’t look surprised to see me. Because of course I’d be here. It’s my stepfather’s rally. I don’t really expect that he would look mad, not after what he said on his Instagram post, but I don’t expect the expression on his face. He looks open and friendly. He even smiles slightly and nods, as if to say,Yes, I’m here.
My heart beats heavily in my chest. What does that expression mean? I want to run away, but I also desperately want to be closer to him. Why is his family here? His fatherhatesJason.
His dad turns and notices me then. And, shockingly, he also smiles and waves me over. I take a breath and walk toward them, because I do still have manners.
“Meera!” Noah’s dad says. “I was hoping we’d bump into you!”
“Hi, Mr. Jacobs… Mike. Great to see you again,” I say. Mike seems so different today. So much less stressed than the day I met him. Why is hehappyto see me even after Kaitlyn’s terrible article?
“You haven’t met my older son,” Mike says. “This is Aaron. Aaron, this is Meera. Jason’s stepdaughter.”
Aaron smiles, and it looks just like Noah’s smile. “Nice to meet you,” he says. “You all did such a great job on that stage. I would have hated to be stuck here every day, but it was worth it.”
Aaron looks good. Nothing like the rumors or assumptions I had about him. His eyes are bright, and his smile is wide. I can’t help smiling back. I don’t know Aaron at all, but I’m so glad he’s doing well.
I glance again at Noah, and he still has that barely perceptible smile on his face. Before I get the chance to ask him why he and his family are at the rally, or why he’s smiling at me after breaking up with me a week ago, there’s a noise on the stage.
It’s Jason. He’s holding a microphone. “Hello, all! Thank you for coming to the beautifully restored Gordon Park!” Everyone cheers. Jason then thanks all the people who set this party up on short notice, but I don’t hear anything because suddenly Noah is right next to me.
I close my eyes a moment and breathe in. I want to touch him. Or say something. Acknowledge how weird it is to be so close again, here of all places. I have to dosomething… I can’t let this moment go by without saying something.
Finally I turn to him and speak quietly. “Your brother looks great. How’s he doing?”
“Really good,” Noah says. “The outpatient program seems to be working. He’s been clean for a week, and it feels like this time he’s determined to make it stick.”
I tilt my head, smiling. “That’s really great.”
His head tilts too, mirroring me. He leans close to talk into my ear, causing me to shiver. “It’s really good to see you,” he says. “Love your outfit.”
I shiver again. My heart starts pounding loudly in my ears as I look down at my black cargos and deep burgundy T-shirt. “It’s good to see you too.”
“Maybe after the show we can talk?” Noah asks.
I swallow. What does he mean? What show? Talk about what? “Yeah. You mean after Jason’s speech, right?”
“Sure, Noorani,” he says with that mischievous smile he had on the day we met. What exactly is going on between us right now? I bite my lip, trying not to get my hopes up.
“Meera,” Mom says in a scolding tone. When did she get here? Nani’s with her too. “Listen to Jason’s speech.”
I’d rather listen to Noah, but I turn back to the stage to pay attention to Jason.
He’s saying, “Recently many have said that I’ve lost touch with the everyday Cherrybridge resident. I usually don’t listen to my detractors, because there’s nothing I can do to appeal to every person. But when someone I respect said it, I realized I had some serious self-reflection to do.”
Is he really referencing the article right now? I frown at the thought of JasonrespectingStuart Chambers.
“And you know what?” Jason continues. “Ihavelost touch with many residents in this town, which is a surprise becauseI’ve always considered myself an everyday Cherrybridge guy. Now, I know you’re all groaning at a LeClair saying that. I recognize the immense privilege I’ve had because of my family. But when I was a teenager in Cherrybridge, I was just another punk kid getting into trouble and hanging out where all the teens hung out—in this park. It’s so fitting that it was hardworking teens in our community who restored Gordon Park to what it was then. So first let’s have a round of applause for Lainey Park, Jeff Wiesner, and all the amazing kids from the CROP program for bringing back our Gordon Park!” He starts clapping, and everyone joins in.
“The wise person who told me that I was out of touch,” Jason continues, “was my brilliant stepdaughter, who happened to be one of those teenagers who restored this park. She reminded me that if a town isn’t welcoming to its youth, if it’s not a place where young people want to learn and grow and hopefully one day raise their own families, then that place is failing. She showed me that this town, this place I love and have been proud to call my home all my life, is failing so many people. So, thank you to Meera.” Jason smiles right at me.
Some people clap for me, some even turn around to look at me, and it’s even more awkward. I’m sure I’m as red as a tomato. Noah’s hand touches mine for only a split second, and I gasp. But when I look back at him, he’s watching the stage.
“So today,” Jason continues, “I’m announcing two things. First, I’m pulling out of the mayoral race and in November will instead run for city councilor in the riding where I have served for the last six years.”
My head jolts to Mom. Did she know this? Her eyes are wide with shock. She didn’t know.
