Page 66 of Why We Break

“I can promise you that’ll never happen, Han. You’re all I want. But I do think you need to talk to Caroline and Margaret before we take this any further. I know why you’ve kept it from everyone, but they’d want to be there for you, baby. I’m not going to pressure you, but just think about it. Once you’ve told them, then we can figure out how we want to handle the rest of the town.”

“But what about our jobs?” she asks, looking nervous. “What if they tell us we have to break up? You know there’s a rule about staff members dating, and we both really love those kids.”

“Hannah, I’ve already told you, none of that matters. Yes, I love my job, but I’m done living without you—if this is what you want,” I tell her, my tone leaving no room for argument as I pull her body closer to mine.

“Okay, fine,” she mutters, and I lean down to press a light kiss to her mouth. “I’ll talk to the girls, and we’ll figure out the rest of this shit later. But I want it to go on record that I tried to change your mind.”

“Whatever, Han. One day you’ll realize that there’s nothing that could keep me away from you this time. I don’t know how, but we’re gonna get everything we want. Now, go to sleep. We’ll figure the rest out later.”

CHAPTER 49

HANNAH

“Okay, girls, those signs look great!” Caroline says, smiling at the large run-through signs the girls spent the last hour of practice working on today. “Just leave them here for now, and y’all can go. We’ll let them dry tonight, and then tomorrow we’ll fold them all up and pack them with everything for the game. Just remember to practice that new dance for the pep rally Thursday night, and we’ll run it hard at practice tomorrow.”

The girls nod, grabbing their stuff and making their way out of the small cheer room off the side of the gym.

Before we leave, Maggie runs over, holding out her phone for us to see. “I wanted to wait until everyone else was gone because I’m terrified of jinxing it, but I got this email today from the coach at Smith’s Valley University. She saw our state routine and she wants me to come to their clinics this spring. She said she thinks I would be a great addition to the Wildcats!”

“Oh my gosh, Maggie, that's incredible!” I tell her, hugging her quickly before Caroline does the same.

“Thank you. I know I’ve gotta keep working, but I think this might really work. And it wouldn’t have been possible without the both of you spending so much time helping me these last few months. I know it’s not been the most convenient, but I’m really grateful for everything the two of you have done for me,” Maggie says with a smile.

“Of course. We’re so glad we could help. Now, we gotta get you on that team so we can come watch you on that sideline next year!” Caroline exclaims, and I nod in agreement.

After another minute of chatting, Maggie heads out, leaving me alone with my best friend. Caroline and I both stand and spend a few minutes straightening up, before getting ready to leave. I’m throwing on my oversized jacket to get ready to make my way to my car when Caroline says, “So, no pressure, but do you want to talk about it yet?”

“Talk about what?” I ask, turning and looking at her in confusion.

“Whatever it is that’s had you acting so weird the last few weeks. I mean, obviously you don’t have to tell me, but I just want you to know I’m here for you, no matter what,” she tells me, and I don’t miss the look of concern on her face.

I blink at her before feeling my shoulders sink under the weight of everything I’ve been keeping from her, but after everything Will said last night, I know it’s time to come clean to her.

“I—I—I’m sorry Caroline, but I’ve been keeping something from you and Margaret. I’ve honestly been keeping this secret for a long time. I think I’m ready to tell you, but God, it’s so hard,” I tell her, feeling my eyes already filling with tears.

Caroline’s eyes widen, and she comes over, wrapping her arm around me and pulling me into her arms. “Hannah, you know you can tell me anything. I’ve been waiting, and Theo told me you’d come to me when you were ready, but I hate seeing you like this. Why don’t we text Margaret to meet us at your house? We’ll eat pizza and junk food, and you can tell us whatever you’re ready to share.”

I nod, allowing her to lead me out of the gym and to her car while I continue to cry quietly to myself. “I’m not letting you drive like this. Either I’ll stay with you tonight, or I’ll give you a ride back in the morning.”

I don’t say anything, just allowing her to take control while I sit in the passenger seat and try to figure out how I’m going to explain everything that I’ve been keeping from her. Before I know it, Caroline’s turning down the driveway of the farmhouse, and I look up to see Leroy running toward the car in excitement.

“He really just does whatever he wants, doesn’t he?” Caroline teases, and I feel my mouth lift in a smile at the sight.

“Yeah, I’ve given up at this point,” I mutter, getting out of the car and heading into the house. Caroline follows with Leroy right on her heels. After a moment, Ruby comes running to the door from her pen, not wanting to be left out. Caroline just steps back, letting them in before shaking her head at my chaos.

“Margaret will be here in less than five. She stopped to grab pizza,” she announces, throwing herself on the couch while I head to the fridge to grab a bottle of wine. “Leroy, I don’t think you’re supposed to get on the couch, buddy!”

I roll my eyes at his antics, pouring three glasses of wine just as Margaret bursts through the front door. “I got the 911 text, and I came bearing junk food. Is something wrong on the farm? Is your gramps okay? And wait, why is Leroy on the couch? And did you know there’s a cow in your house?” She points to where Ruby’s curled up on the floor, and I just shrug.

“No, nothing like that. And ignore him. Hannah just needs to talk to us,” Caroline explains, holding out her hand to take the glass from my hand.

Settling onto the couch beside her, I curl up next to her and grab a piece of pizza while Caroline and Margaret wait for me to begin. Taking a deep breath, I finally say, “I’m really sorry, but I’ve been keeping something from the both of you. And I know what I’m about to say is a lot, so I’m sorry.”

Both of my friends’ eyes widen at that, but I know if I stop I’ll lose my nerve so I continue, looking at Caroline. “You know the summer before junior year in Tuscaloosa? You stayed back to work and I came home to help Gramps on the farm?”

She nods in acknowledgement, before saying, “Yeah, I do. I remember you seemed so sad when you came back in the fall, but you never wanted to talk about it.”

“Yeah, you’re right. There were so many times I wanted to tell you, but I could never figure out what to say. But here we go. That summer, Will had a job working for my gramps. We spent the whole summer together, and we fell head over heels for each other.”

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