Page 193 of Between Hate and Desire

By the time I get to school, it’s nearly time for class to start. The day is uneventful, and each grade practices the songs they’ll be performing for the spring concert. The kids are so adorable, and their parents will be thrilled.

After class is done, I check my phone and see a text from Sophie and one from Hunter. My thoughts go back to the night of Maddie’s birthday party and the night Hunter and I got together. After that, I knew they’d be completely over the moon when I told them about Hunter and me being official. The next morning, we did a three-way call, and when I told them about Hunter coming home and demanding I explain myself, they both saidfinally, but were definitely happy for us. Of course I skipped all the steamy details, but they got the gist.

Sitting in my car, I decide to open Sophie’s text first. Ever since she moved in with Weston, I haven’t seen her as much lately, and I miss our time together. Between her busy work schedule and spending her free time with her boyfriend, it’s gotten harder to get together.

Sophie

Wanna meet at the grocery store after work? I need to pick up some things, plus I miss you!

Lennon

Yeah! When?

Sophie

I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes. See you soon!

I open my texts and read the one from Hunter, and I feel a ball lodged in my throat.

Hunter

I asked Mrs. Locke if she could keep Allie overnight so we can go on a proper date, and she said yes! Get ready to be wined and dined, my love.

I immediately call him.

“Hey you,” he says nonchalantly, but I know he’s smirking.

“She can’t stay overnight. I didn’t pack everything she needs. Hunter, she doesn’t have her favorite blanket or extra bottles or?—”

“Lennon.” He chuckles. “I packed all that. Plus, Mrs. Locke knows how to take care of her. She’s super attentive to everything that little girl could possibly need. Take a deep breath, sweetheart. She’s going to be perfectly fine. And if something goes wrong, we’ll be the first ones to get a call, but trust me that nothing is going to happen.”

With a racing heart, I sit silent on the phone, thinking about how unprepared I was for her to have a sleepover. The last time she did, it took tons of planning. I had to make sure there was extra breast milk, diapers, and…the list goes on and on.

“Do you trust me?” he asks, pulling me from my thoughts.

“You know I do,” I say without hesitation.

“Thentrustme. I have something fun planned for us. You deserve a night out.”

I release a breath and try to calm down. “Well, Sophie wanted to meet me at the grocery store after work. Do I have time?”

“Yeah, I won’t be home until six-ish to get you, so that works out perfectly.”

I can tell he’s smiling.

“Alright. I’ll see you then.”

“It’s going to be fine,” he reminds me before we exchange I love yous.

As soon as we end the call, I head to the store. It doesn’t take me long to get there, and I end up waiting for her at the entrance. As soon as I see her, my face contorts because she looks like total shit. She smiles as if nothing is wrong as we walk in. Her hair is disheveled, and she has bags under her eyes like she hasn’t been getting much sleep. I’m fucking worried. Ever since she started dating Weston, her demeanor has changed. My sister isn’t that happy-go-lucky girl anymore, and it’s more noticeable than ever right now.

“So how’s school been?” She goes straight to the vegetables, not making eye contact with me.

“It’s been great. Getting ready for the spring concert next week,” I say and notice bruises on her arms as she reaches for some bell peppers. I grab her hand and pull her to me to take a closer look. Her eyes meet mine as she jerks her arm back.

Lowering my voice, I stare directly at her. “What happened, Soph?”

She laughs. “It’s nothing.”

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