Page 18 of The Best Friend Power Play

"I don't understand why they don't just announce it already. Look at them. They're so adorable together…"

"I know. He's so handsome, and is there a sweeter girl in the world than Hannah?"

"…I think it's called a soft launch."

"What's a soft launch?"

"All the very cool kids are doing it these days. Apparently no one announces they're together anymore, instead they're all casual about it."

"How do you know?"

"My granddaughter Maisy did it with her new boyfriend…"

I discreetly tap Hannah on the back and flick my eyes over to Phyllis and Meryl.

She grins, then brings her hand up to cover her mouth. "Are they talking about us?" I nod. "Do they realize we can hear them?"

"I don't think so."

Hannah giggles, and I decide to have some fun and wrap my arm around her shoulder the way a boyfriend might to really give them something to talk about.

The main conversation, as well as the side conversation Meryl and Phyllis are having, comes to a stop, replaced by head-tilts and approving smiles.

"I knew it," Nonna whispers to Vonny, whose eyes are lit up like Christmas lights.

"We should get going," I say, lifting the grocery bag. "I've got a meal to cook."

"And he cooks," one of the REDs says, impressed.

"And have you seen his arms?"

"I may have cataracts, but yes, I've seen his arms."

"Look lower. See the way those track pants cling to his rear end?"

"Hey, that's my grandson you're talking about."

Hannah leans in closer to me. "I love their lack of spatial awareness."

"Or volume control," I add, making Hannah giggle.

As we wrap up, I give Nonna another hug. "I'll drop by and see you soon."

"I look forward to it."

We go our separate ways, and because I have a feeling seven sets of eyes are on us—and possibly on my rear end—I bundle Hannah in nice and close by my side.

Her body slides into place, fitting perfectly against mine, which feels…nice.

I mean, convenient.

It's convenient for the ruse I'm trying to pull on the REDs.

Hannah glances over her shoulder. "Yep. They're all looking."

I grin. "They're so predictable."

I keep Hannah tucked in by my side for the rest of the walk back to her place.

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