Page 112 of Hidden in Memories
Another voice tells her that it is wonderful to be here with him. It is so long since she felt wanted and desired. She has almost forgotten what it’s like.
At work she puts all her energy into hiding her feelings for Daniel. He must never know what she really wants, but it is exhausting, listening to him talk about Ida and Alice every day. She often wants to tell him to shut up when he confides in her that there are problems in his relationship.
It is painful to be regarded as a friend.
Daniel has no idea what she is thinking, but sometimes she wants to yell at him, tell him he could be with her if he is so frustrated at home.
It is unthinkable, of course.
After Christian’s betrayal, she could never do the same to another woman, especially not when there is a child to consider.
She would rather leave her job in Åre than come between Daniel and Ida.
“Isn’t it time you finished for the day?” Henry whispers, moving a little closer. “Don’t you deserve a break?”
It doesn’t matter if Henry is interested in her for one night only. At least he wants her.
Unlike Daniel.
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Their lips are almost touching when Hanna’s phone rings in her back pocket.
She is so surprised by the sound that she bangs her forehead on Henry’s chin. The blow makes him cry out; he bounces back against the sofa cushion, and his hand flies to his face. As Hanna mumbles an apology, she takes out her phone and answers.
“It’s Emily,” says a young, agitated voice.
Hanna is confused—who’s Emily? She searches her memory and realizes this must be Filip’s girlfriend—she was with him on Tuesday.
“Hi, Emily.” Back to reality.
It is almost midnight, way too late to call unless something is wrong.
“Filip is gone!” Emily almost shouts.
Hanna makes an effort to pull herself together.
“What do you mean Filip is gone?” She sits up straight and meets Henry’s worried gaze.
“We had dinner at Supper.” Emily’s voice is shrill with anxiety. “Filip went outside for a smoke, but he didn’t come back. I waited at the restaurant for nearly an hour; then I went back to Åregården to see if he was in our hotel room, but he wasn’t there.” She is crying now. “I don’t know where he is, and I can’t get a hold of Henry. I’ve been trying and trying!”
Hanna glances at Henry; he must have switched his phone to silent.
“Have you tried calling Filip?”
“Of course I have! I’ve texted and called at least a dozen times, but there’s no answer, not on Snapchat either. You don’t understand—he’s gone!”
Henry is listening closely. He can tell from Hanna’s questions that something isn’t right, and mouthsSpeakerso that he can hear what Emily is saying.
Hanna ignores him. She doesn’t want anyone to know that she is with Henry at this time of night.
“Listen to me, Emily. Are you sure he hasn’t just gone for a long walk around the village?”
Emily is still crying.
“Emily?”
“He’s been gone for such a long time. He would never do this without telling me.”
