Page 76 of One Short Summer

Charlie and I have joked before that Hannah’s more talented in the styling and fashion department than both of us combined. Talk about having a role model for when we get older.

“Who says I’m hiding? Everyone can see me just fine.Youfound me, didn’t you?” Our eyes meet for a moment before I look away.

If there’s one thing Hannah is overly good at, it’s seeing straight past anyone’s crap. I don’t need to look at her to know her laser-sharp eyes are on me right now, meaning she probably already knows I’m full of it. Maybe even knows more about what’s going on with me than I do myself. It’s like she has a sixth sense for it.

She nudges my shoulder gently before taking a drink of the juice she brought with her. “I did. The main party is definitely over there though.” She points toward the open kitchen and living room area with her finger. “And you’re huddled over here on the couch, almost as far away from everyone as possible without actually leaving the room.”

My chest expands as I take a deep breath before blowing it out through my lips in a big huff. “Huh. I didn’t notice.” Even I can hear the BS in my response from a mile away. I decide to throw in the towel, not feeling up to pretending right now. Not sure what to say though, I shrug my shoulders. “Nothing’s going on, really.”

“Are you sure? I’m a good listener, you know that.”

A small smile tugs at my lips when I glance over at her. She’s been one of Charlie’s biggest supporters ever since Charlie’s grandmother—who also happened to be Hannah’s best friend—passed away. Not to mention, she’s been a huge cheerleader since I got into town too. But then, so has been the whole Mitchell family.

The entire town is awesome, which I honestly didn’t expect when I came out here to hide and recuperate.

“I know you are. I just don’t know what to say really, but thank you. I appreciate the offer.”

She pats my thigh for a moment before wiggling further into the couch cushions, getting more comfortable. Seems like she’s planning on staying for a while, probably wanting to grill me some more.

“Somehow, I feel like I had a similar situation with Charlie last year—if memory serves me right. Boy trouble and all that fun stuff.” She looks past me to the kitchen, where Charlie is laughing at something Hudson must have said. “And now look at those two, happy as a clam with Mira and their little baby boy on the way... Anyway, are you excited to leave for New York soon?”

“Yes.” The answer shoots out of my mouth without me even thinking about her question. I also blatantly ignore the mention of boy trouble. Letting out a breath, I play with the rim of the empty cup in my hands. “I guess.”

Her thin eyebrows furrow. “Yes? You don’t look very sure about that. Are there any problems with your dance team, or did something else happen?”

I shake my head, my heart suddenly pounding in my rib cage at an out-of-control pace.

Did something else happen?I want to burst out laughing at her question before breaking down in a puddle of ugly cries.

So much has happened.

Too much for me to even wrap my head around, which is the reason I push it away once more, all the way to the bottom of the denial box. The same way I have been for the past few weeks, everything more than I can handle.

The happy—or at least, somewhat content—mask I’ve perfected over the years comes into place. “No, things are actually a lot better with the team than I thought they would be. It will be fun to see everyone again, and to get back to my normal life.”

My brain is yelling at me.Liar, liar.But what am I supposed to tell Hannah right now? That I’ve been having this weird, nagging feeling in my chest for a while now? The one I can’t even identify. That the thought of going away doesn’t excite me as much as I thought it would? But that’s normal after such a long time away, right?

I decide to go for a little truth. “I guess I didn’t fully realize what I’m leaving behind. But I’m just being silly, ignore me.”

“Hey.” She grabs my hand this time, and I immediately feel a little calmer. Hannah is one of the best and kindest people I’ve ever known in my life.

She’s a mom, grandma, great-grandma, friend—all wrapped into one person—and she always has an open ear for everyone who needs it, ready to offer some great advice. The only time things can slip into dangerous territory is when you try to hide something from her because she’s way too perceptive for her own good, and usually, not one for beating around the bush either.

If Hannah has something to say, she’s going to say it. And you’re going to have to listen.

Sometimes that’s a scary thought, especially when you’re not ready to hear it.

Like right now.

I’m terrified of what might come out of her mouth and hope like crazy she’s going to drop this.

Her fingers squeeze mine once. “It’s okay to feel that way. People nowadays are way too hung up on which feelings are okay to feel and which ones aren’t. Your emotions appear whether you want them to or not, so you might as well embrace them and try to address them properly. You’ve been here for quite a while now, and Charlie has been your friend since you guys were little beans. Of course, you’ll miss her and all of your other friends. It’s totally normal. I’d be more worried if you weren’t sad about leaving.”

My gaze flickers back and forth between watching the words flow out of her mouth and watching her eyes twinkle.

She pats our joined fingers with her other hand before letting go. “The most important thing you have to remember is that this isn’t goodbye forever. You’re always welcome here,always. Whenever you need a break, we’ll be thrilled to have you. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’d love to have you here permanently, just like the rest of the family, but I understand your need to go out into the world and make your own footprint in it. You need to follow your heart wherever it leads you. But we’re always just a phone call or a flight away. You hear me?”

I simply nod because I can’t find any words right now, trying to blink away my slightly blurry vision.

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