Page 49 of Love Like Lightning

At my question, he shifts his eyes to me, raising his eyebrows. “I don’t know exactly, but when I look at that photo, I get the feeling that whoever took it had a lot of big feelings about my brother.”

Letting my eyes roam the photo again, I can see what he does. “It looks like whoever took this photo was in love. And it sort of looks like it was mutual.”

“That’s my theory. Anyway, she never said anything about anything, so I don’t want her thinking that I know something that I really don’t. She’s good people, so I figured if she didn’t bring it up, it was for a good reason.”

“Why don’t you just ask your brother?” It seems like the logical way to go about things.

“Grant? I don’t talk to him all that often. I honestly don’t even know if he knows Leah’s living out here.”

“Really? He’s not local?” As the question leaves my lips, I remember what Gina and Marc said at our initial meeting. I almost take it back, tell Henry I know that Grant is in New York, but I remember I’m not supposed to know that in time to stop.

“He moved to New York City after college and hasn’t been back since. It’s not—he’s not super involved with Ever Lake. Anyway, if you get to spend time with Leah at all, just don’t mention it?”

“Yeah, absolutely, no problem.” I agree easily, placing my hand on his to offer some kind of comfort. Not that he seems to need it necessarily, he looks…fine, just maybe a slightly dimmed version of himself. “Should we go have tea?”

That brings out his smile. He turns his hand over so he’s almost holding mine and gives it a squeeze. “Let’s go. Betty’s probably complaining about how good tea needs to be drunk when it’s the correct temperature.”

“Well, I don’t want to keep Betty waiting.”

Tugging me up to stand, he takes the book from me and returns it to the coffee table. He keeps hold of my hand as we walk to the door. My brain is screaming at me to take it back, to break the connection I made, but every other part of me thrills at the feel of his hand in mine.

So I leave it.

21

Henry

I finally let Gia’s hand go when we head down the stairs. I should have never held it to begin with because now I know what it feels like.

It feels damn good.

I give a quick knock at Hank and Betty’s front door before turning the knob and walking in. I close my eyes, throw my hand over them, and yell, “Holler if you’re indecent. We can go.”

“Oh, shut up and get in here, will ya?” Hank belly laughs from what I think is the kitchen.

Opening my eyes, I grin and look behind me to make sure Gia’s all set. “Hank, Betty, this is my friend Gianna. Gianna, meet Hank and Betty, my landlords and best friends.”

“Henry, if we’re your best friends, I’m glad you’ve got Gianna here because you’re in need.” Betty shoots me a wink as she stands from her La-Z-Boy chair. She comes over to us and pulls Gia into a hug. “It’s nice to see you, Gia. Hopefully you’re in a better headspace this trip to town?”

Confused, I watch the two.

“Oh, Betty! Oh wow, from The Well, right? That was quite the night.” Gia laughs, glancing my way before nodding to Betty. “Much better headspace this time around, thank you. No tequila necessary.”

That comment has my interest piqued.

“Well, we’ve only got tea today.” Hank walks into the living room, placing what looks like a fresh pot of tea on the coffee table. There are already four cups and a plate of cookies on the table. “Nice to meet you, Gianna. I hope Henry’s been a good friend to you while you’re in town.” He holds his hand out for a handshake, but when she goes to give him one, he pulls her in for one of his bear hugs.

“Hey, how come she’s getting all the love? Where are my hugs?” I joke, shaking my head at my two friends.

“Henry, if you don’t go pour us all some tea, I swear I’ll take the cookies straight back to the kitchen.” Betty shoots me a look, and I know she means business, so I just throw up my hands and do as I’m told.

Once we’re all seated with our tea, I take a deep breath. I didn’t know I was nervous for Gia to come meet Hank and Betty, but it’s clear that the feeling leaving my body as everyone chats easily is nerves.

Betty and Hank both put in the effort to get to know Gia, something I’m infinitely grateful for. Not only because it makes me happy that they get along, but also because I want to know the answers to the questions they’re asking too.

“So, do you travel a lot for work?” Betty snaps a cookie in half and hands one piece to Hank, who accepts it with a smile.

“Sometimes, yeah.” Gia’s face lights up before she dips her head to take a sip of her tea. “I do a lot of contract work. Sometimes it keeps me in Boston, but sometimes I get to travel like I am now. I’m really lucky that most of my work can be done remotely.”

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