The train pressed forward with an unusual speed, almost eager—as if the rails themselves were complicit in Noel's secret, hurrying him back to the city.
He sat restless, his phone face-up on the table.
He tapped the screen awake again. Still no reply.
A low sigh escaped him.
His thumb hovered, tempted to send another message, but he pulled his hand back, tucking it under his thigh like a stubborn child preventing his own mischief.
When the screen finally lit, it wasn't a text. Luca's name flashed in bold letters.
Noel froze. His heart leapt, but so did his nerves. If he picked up, Luca would hear the muffled announcements, the rhythmic clatter of wheels on steel. He'd know. The surprise would be ruined.
The phone buzzed once, twice. Noel grabbed his bag, dug out his earphones, and plugged them in frantically before answering. He slipped one earpiece in, leaned back, and forced his voice steady.
"Hey."
