Page 39 of Living for Truth
“No one,” Jake mumbles, slumping in his chair. I feel bad for the kid. If he does really like this girl, leaving for two years with little contact would be heartbreaking.
Our food arrives, and we eat in relative silence, which is new for me. Meals with my family, even at a restaurant, are loud and filled with laughter and chatting. I don’t understand why they all came out to eat if they’re not going to talk to each other.
Watching Shelly and Mitch’s interactions—or lack thereof—makes me think they don’t actually like each other, let alone love each other. Is this the kind of relationship Hannah and Jake have to model their own romantic relationships off of? If so, it’s no wonder Hannah is so hesitant to be in a relationship. Especially after the way her marriage ended.
“When do you leave for your mission, Jake?” I can’t take the silence anymore.
“Middle of August is when I report to the Missionary Training Center in Provo.”
“And where are you headed, again? I think Hannah told me, but I can’t remember.” Hannah never told me, but I’ll do anything to keep the conversation flowing.
Before Jake can answer, Shelly does it for him, “Cape Verde. Portuguese speaking. He’ssoexcited. Aren’t you Jacob?”
Jake cringes at the use of his full name and puts on a smile that’s so fake it should be painted on. “Thrilled.”
“We don’t know what we’ll do with all the free time we’ll have now that Jake will be gone, and Hannah’s working so much. It’s not like we have any grandchildren to keep us busy.” Shelly looks pointedly at Hannah.
Hannah, though her body stiffens, calmly replies, “You can get a dog.”
Shelly rears back as if she’s been slapped, and I almost burst out laughing. I take a sip of my lemonade to stop the sound from breaking free.
“Well since you and Morgan are so serious now, I’m sure Allison would be happy to hang out at her future grandma’s house,” Shelly snaps.
“Her name is Alyssa. And I haven’t met her yet, so she won’t be hanging out with you anytime soon. Sorry, Mom,” Hannah replies.
“What do you mean you haven’t met her yet? Are you not serious about my daughter?” Shelly turns her sharp, blue-eyed gaze on me.
“I’m quite serious about your daughter, Mrs. Layton. Alyssa is at a vulnerable age, and change is hard for her. I planned on asking Hannah to come over and meet her in the next few weeks, actually. I just haven’t gotten around to it.” I don’t mention Aly will be introduced to Hannah as my friend. Until Hannah is ready to be more, that’s fine, but I want her and Aly to spend time together and get to know one another without the pressure of a romantic relationship between us.
Shelly makes a sound of acknowledgement but doesn’t press the issue any further.
By the time we’re done with our main courses, everyone is too uncomfortable to stick around for dessert, so Mitch pays the bill, and we all awkwardly make our way to our cars.
“Thanks for coming, sorry it sucked,” Hannah whispers. We’re walking a few steps behind the rest of her family, and I’m grateful for the moment alone.
“Let me take you out for a proper celebration. Are you working Saturday?” We stop behind my car, and she shakes her head. “Perfect. I’ll pick you up at eleven.”
“Do I get to know what you have planned?”
I grin. “Nope. I’ll text you what to wear the night before.”
“Okay…” She glances over at her parents watching us intently in the car. “I think they’re waiting for us to kiss or something.”
“Do you want me to kiss you?” I would kiss her senseless in a heartbeat, people watching be damned, but I want her towant meto.
“I—I don’t—” she stammers, and I tuck a lock of hair behind her ear andshush her.
“The first time we kiss isn’t going to be in a busy parking lot with your parents watching.” I tilt my head and place a kiss on her forehead instead. I may have imagined it, but I swear she leaned into it.
“They know I’m uncomfortable showing affection around them, so it won’t seem strange… Thank you again, Morgan. You made tonight much more bearable.” She sighs.
“Anytime, Butterfly. I’ll text you tomorrow.”
“Okay. See you Saturday.”
“See you Saturday.” She turns and walks away, her pretty dress swishing against her thick thighs.
Even though tonight wasn’t the greatest, seeing Hannah always brightens my day. I can’t wait until I can see her more regularly. Tonight felt like a test, and I think I passed with flying colors.
