Page 58 of Unfinished

Hannah: I’m sorry about your dad. I hope he recovers quickly.

Chapter 26

Hannah

Liam found out what his mom said and did. Regardless of what Liam said, she was still a problem for me. I was positive that she was the most toxic person I had ever known and likely wouldn’t stop whatever vendetta she had against me. Even after divorce, no contact, and a hit piece, she may still try to ruin my life. If she somehow managed to torpedo my scholarship, I’d be completely screwed in all of my future plans.

Ashley, my dad, and I were unpacking our stuff in the apartment. Ashley and I were going to share a room for now while my dad took my room. He spent most of the morning on my computer sending out his resume to different companies. He had decided to go for foreman positions and, with his work history, I was sure he’d find what he was looking for.

It looked like the house would be sold by the end of September and as soon as it did, my dad would be moving out. He had plans to go look at a few houses in the south hills, the neighborhoods south of the downtown area. I told him that the area would likely be a good fit for him and I’d be able to easily visit him via public transportation.

I sold my Jeep before we left California. I put most of it in savings, and cut back my work hours a bit so that it’d be easier for me to put more focus on my schooling this year.

I had enough money that I could have taken the year off of work, but I decided against it to save more money. Instead, I'd use my savings to take time off from working during my masters program when it would be more beneficial.

“I’ll be back later, I’m going to pick up my books,” I shouted out as I walked out of our apartment.

The FIT bookstore was a comfort place for me in Pittsburgh. I couldn’t pin point why but it felt peaceful to me. I was probably just weird. I browsed the bookstore and found a couple of coffee mugs. One that said “FIT Dad” and a couple of others for Ashley and I. I was walking down an aisle looking at a few accessories when I accidentally bumped into someone.

“I’m so sorry,” I said, looking up at the man I’d bumped into.

“It’s okay.” He looked down at me and smiled brightly. He had chestnut eyes and his brown hair was pushed back off his face. Giving him a small smile, I went to step around him but he stuck his hand out to me, “I’m Chad.”

“Hi… Hannah.” I shook his hand.

“It’s good to meet you Hannah. You must be an early bird like me.” I laughed softly as I nodded my head.

“Well, I live off campus with a friend who goes to Delany, so we got here early to beat the rush.” I wasn’t going to explain how I wanted to leave my hometown and the rumor mill that was driving me crazy.

“I live off campus too. I hate dorms,” Chad said, “Do you want to grab a coffee with me?”

I smiled, “Actually, I have to get back home, we still have a lot of unpacking to do. Plus, I want to get a head start on some of my classwork.”

“Alright, well, maybe I’ll see you around.” Chad smiled and I nodded before walking away to the counter.

I spent most of the walk back to the apartment thinking about Liam and his texts to me. It didn’t matter if his mother was out of his life or not. She had the power to ruin my life.

I wanted to text him to find out how his dad was doing and how he was holding up. If I did that it’d be like giving him false hope. Although, not doing it would seemed cruel. I cared about Liam, and he should know that, even if it didn’t change our situation.

When I arrived back at the apartment, I put my books down on my bed and pulled out my phone.

Me: Hey, how’s your dad?

I wouldn’t be cruel like Elaine was. I wouldn’t let what she did stop me from at least being kind and checking in.

Liam: Doctor says he’ll be fine. They are keeping him for two more nights to be sure. It doesn’t look like he’ll need surgery though.

Liam: He’s going to sell the house and move to NYC so he can be closer to me.

Me: How are you holding up?

My phone rang and when his name and picture came up I almost dropped it. I wasn’t ready to hear his voice, but I couldn’t decline.

“Hey,” I answered the call and tried to steel myself.

“Hey,” he said, and I felt a small crack in my chest at the tiredness in his voice.

“How are you?” I tried to ignore the rush of feelings hearing how rough his voice sounded.

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