Point Of View 2 [*Do not read until you've read the same chapter of ATW]

Chapter 24 Heart Of Gold

"Yep. Every Christmas eve I replay Carter's last breath." I swallow hard.

"Christmas eve????" Julia sits up straight now and gives me her attention.

"That's the day he died." I inhale sharply and close my eyes for a moment.

"Holy shit, James.  Oh my God. That's awful. I had no idea he passed away on Christmas Eve. That must be so hard for you and your family." Julia throws her arms around me to cheer me up and I accept her hug.

"Christmas Eve. The time of year everyone else is so happy is the time of year I dread. Carter didn't even get to open his gifts the next morning." I choke up as my words come out and Julia begins to cry. "Sorry, I didn't mean to be a downer." I laugh a little but my eyes water just thinking about that day.

"You're not a downer, James. You're a dad."

*******

*Trisha*

"Today was so much fun. I really enjoyed hanging out with you." Noah smiles at me but I see his eyes drift towards Julia right after the words come out of his mouth. Seriously? Does EVERY fucking Male have to have a thing for Moretti? God damn it.

"I'm glad. Nate's a good guy. He doesn't do this often though. Invite strangers to hang out with him for the day." I laugh and Noah's eyes turn back to me now. "Actually....he's never done this before."

"Really? I thought it was something he must have done often by how nonchalant he was." Noah's focus is on me now and relief washes over me. Because I am REALLY into this guy. Not that it matters. We are here for just a few days before we travel again. Nothing will come from this.

"Yeah, no. Nate is a very private person. But he must really like you, Fireman Noah."

"Fireman Noah, eh? You make me sound so sexy." He smirks.

"Well, I mean...... you know you are..." I'm a pretty forward person and that catches Noah off guard a little. His face flushes up and he gazes at me before saying anything.

"You're not so bad yourself..." He says softly as his eyes drop down to my lips and back up again. Oh shit. I'm feeling all sorts of things right now.

"Hollan. Your driver is here." Paul mumbles tiredly. "Casey is on her way back from taking the dog out and then we should head out. I think both James and Julia are tired."

We both look over to where they are sitting, and Paul is right. They are barely keeping their eyes open. Neither are used to this lifestyle.

"Guess this is goodbye." I begin to stand but Noah takes me hand and I sit back down, now on fire just from his one little touch.

"Here. Put your number in my phone and I'll text you, so you have mine." He demands and hands me his phone. I'm no idiot. I definitely want his number. Even if nothing comes from this.

 Nate says goodbye to the band and everyone since we will be off for a few days and Paul escorts us out. 

"Hey. Thanks again Nate." I hear Noah say to Nate while we are walking.

"Hope you got her number." Nate says back and completely turns around and walks backways while looking at me. "What? You guys look cute together."

My face HAS to be ten shades of red right now. Is that what this was? I'm gonna fucking kill that bastard. Thank him first but then kill him!

***

"You're an ass." I say once we are piled in to the SUV.

"I think you meant to say. Thank you, Mr. Hollan." Nate smirks at me and pats my knee. "You're going to call him, right?"