Page 42 of Take the Bait

“But you’ll be home for Christmas, right?” Madi asked, and Hanna could hear the real sadness in her voice that she wasn’t there.

“Wouldn’t miss it.”

She knew she needed to come clean at some point—tell them about Tucker, ask for their advice on what to do, maybe even introduce them to him.

But that just made it all soreal.And sometimes, he was so incredible that he just didn’t feel real at all. She heaved a sigh, looked up at the sky, and checked her phone as it buzzed.

Tucker:Sorry, shortcake. Restaurant’s insane today. Running late.

Hanna wanted to scream. He was leaving her to go to Thanksgiving with his family by herself? After he specifically told her she wouldn’t have to do it alone?

She had the sudden urge to throw up.

Instead, she pulled herself together and texted back.

Hanna:It’s alright. Wish me luck.

Her phone buzzed almost immediately.

Tucker:They’re going to LOVE you. I’ll be there as soon as I can. I’m so sorry.

Meeting people wasn’t exactly easy for Hanna. She thought Tucker understood this—understood the high levels of anxiety that came with having Thanksgiving with complete strangers, ones she hoped would love her and welcome her into their family.

God, she was spiraling. Maybe she should leave and come back later.

Right as she was about to hop back in her car, the front door of the beautiful, bay-front house opened.

“You must be Hanna,” said a bright-eyed woman with wispy, gray hair and a shirt that said “In My Grandma Era.”

A fluttering sensation churned in her chest. This must be Ida. Tucker had told Hanna about her—the feisty Grams who raised Tucker’s infamous best friend, Shawn, and always seemed to know when the two of them were up to no good. Since Tucker and Shawn had been thick as thieves growing up—and still were today—they’d done Thanksgiving with each other’s families for almost a decade now.

“I am,” Hanna said, her voice coming out raspy as if she hadn’t had a sip of water in days. She cleared her throat and added, “Tucker’s running late, so it’s just me for now.”

“Tuck and that restaurant,” Ida said, rolling her eyes. “I’m proud of that boy, but God knows he’s gonna keel over if he doesn’t take a break every once in a while. Anyway and anyhow, my name’s Ida, but you can call me Grams.”

“Grams?” Hanna asked trepidatiously.

“That’s what all my grandkids call me. Tuck’s my grandkid, too, even if we’re not related by blood.”

Hanna felt her body relax, just a fraction. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad.

“Come on in, sweetie. Let’s get you a glass of wine.”

Following her in, Hanna couldn’t help but notice how cozy the house was. A narrow foyer lined with photos of the family led to a kitchen filled with all the fixings for a good Thanksgiving, and then some. A charcuterie board, mini quiches, and small bowls of various snacks lined the kitchen island. Before she had a chance to register more than that, she was being rushed into a hug.

“Hanna,” an older man tugged her in for a tight hug, then gave her a chaste kiss on the cheek. “We’ve heard so much about you from Tucker.”

“And you must be Gary,” Hanna said, forcing a grin as she took in Shawn’s grandfather.

“Call me Pop. Everyone else does.”

In spite of the churning sensation in her stomach from the growing unease, her smile began to feel a little less forced. She wasn’t expecting such a warm welcome. Sure, Tucker had told her that his family and friends would love her—but this was another thing altogether.

“Hanna!” A woman’s voice shrieked. “I’m Angie, Tuck’s mom. And this is Jason, his dad. We are justthrilledfor you to be joining us!”

“Nice to meet you,” Hanna said as Grams placed a glass of wine in Hanna’s hand with a wink.

“This alright, sweetie?” Grams asked. Hanna nodded, taking a big gulp. “That’s the spirit. I knew I’d like you.”

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