Page 41 of Promise Me Nothing
You’re sure? Most people don’t cry when nothing is wrong.
She smiles and wipes at her face.I’m okay. Promise.
“She’s just emotional because you care enough to include her when so many others leave her out,” I hear from my left.
I turn to see her brother stepping up to us. Pier Guy wraps his arms around Ivy’s shoulders from behind, tucking her in against his chest with an affectionate hug.
“Don’t tell her I said that. She wouldn’t want you to know,” he adds, his eyes laser focused on me.
I smile at him.
I can’t seem to help it.
The love he has for his sister is pretty beautiful. I’m sure they’re just like all other siblings, driving each other crazy on a regular basis. But there’s a fierce protection there, a willingness to do anything for her. His affection for her reminds me of how my brother Joshua was with me.
It couldn’t hurt if I went out for a drink with him, right? I mean, out of everyone I’ve spoken with since I’ve gotten here, Lucas and Paige aside, this guy seems to be the most normal.
He might be a money guy, but I shouldn’t hold that against him any more than he should hold my lack of money over me.
“Holy shit, man,” I hear from my right, and I look over to see Lucas’ eyes are wide. He breaks into a smile, and my hands fly into motion for Ivy. “Paige told me you were back in town but I wouldn’t have believed it if you weren’t standing right here in front of me.”
Pier Guy steps out from behind Ivy and shakes Lucas’ hand, the two of them giving each other a brief hug.
“Wyatt Calloway, in thefuckingflesh,” Lucas adds, stepping back and shaking his head.
I change the f-word as I’m translating to something a little more suitable for Ivy.
Wyatt Calloway. What a name. He sounds like he’s going to storm into your western town after robbing a bank and demand a drink.
“I thought you were traveling this summer. Heading to London or something?”
Wyatt shrugs a shoulder, his eyes returning to me. “I changed my mind. Thought a ride down the coast would be enjoyable before I spend the summer at home.” Then he looks at Lucas. “I wanted to get in extra time with Ivy, too.”
Lucas’ expression becomes cautious, and I see him shift from foot-to-foot, something uncharacteristic of him.
Well, at least since I’ve known him.
Wyatt’s eyes travel between Lucas and me. “It looks like you two know each other. Please don’t tell me you’re dating. I’ve been trying to get her to agree to go out for drinks with me.”
“No, we’re not…” I pause. I did it again. Spoke so quickly he must know I’m interested. I don’t know how to play hard to get. “We’re not dating,” I add, letting out an awkward laugh.
Wyatt bites the inside of his cheek, stifling a grin. “Well that’s good. Ivy said your name is…” but he doesn’t finish the sentence. His voice trails off and he looks at Lucas again.
Then back at me.
“Hannah,” I say. “My name is Hannah.”
Lucas clears his throat, looks to me. “This is my friend Wyatt Calloway. We’ve known each other since before we were even old enough to start making memories.” Then he looks to Wyatt. “This is Hannah Morrison. My sister.”
I give Wyatt a soft smile, glad to finally be given an introduction since I seem to have problems giving him my name on my own.
But Wyatt’s expression, while friendly and mischievous when he first walked up to us, immediately shifts into something neutral. Something bland and unfriendly.
Guarded.
There’s an awkward pause as Wyatt’s eyes take me in, and my happiness slips slightly, unsure of what’s happening.
It feels like I’m looking at a completely different person than the Pier Guy I talked to yesterday and this morning. Even just a few minutes ago.
