Page 80 of Perfect Alpha

Pack.

Cab.

Plane.

Home.

Home.

It’s almost Christmas.

This is such a stupid detail to remember right now, but it’s echoing over and over in my head. I was going to see Hannah at Christmas. I just saw her on Halloween. I just talked to her. How can she bedead?

Hannah loves Christmas.

I make an incoherent call to Fiona and try to explain what happened, letting her know I’ll be working from home until the New Year.

She is more than understanding and tells me to take off however much time I need. She promises to talk to Gemma and says they’ll wait to hear from me.

Grabbing almost every article of clothing I own and stuffing it into my biggest suitcase is all my brain can manage. What do you pack when your best friend dies? There isn’t a handbook for that one.

Lugging everything downstairs and into a cab, I realize I’m still crying. Where I’m from, people would stop me on the street and ask if I’m okay, probably even hug me.

People in this city live out their private moments in public and no one cares. I’m alone and sobbing inconsolably like someone just ripped my heart out.

Because they did.

Going through airport logistics is done solely on autopilot while I read through my last text message exchange with Hannah.

Hannah:Aidan keeps saying he wants to meet Santa. I’ve driven him to the mall to sit on Santa’s lap SIX times. He’s been too scared every time. I’m starting to think he just wants to keep collecting candy canes.

Victory:You were scared of Santa, too.

Hannah:I was not!

Victory:Every single picture of us sitting with Santa, you’re crying and look completely terrified. It must be hereditary.

Hannah:Whatever! Also, Cade is miserable.

Victory:I don’t want to talk about Cade. You’re not supposed to be telling him anything about me either.

Hannah:I’m NOT telling him anything. I’m just saying, he’s talking about you constantly. The last time I saw him this miserable was when you broke up the first time. He’s like a lost puppy.

Victory:He dumped me the first time. He has Britt this time.

Hannah:He’s not seeing her or anyone else. There are multiple angles to every story. That’s all I’m saying.

Victory:I love you. But shut up. Pass it along to Bobby, too. I know you’re tag-teaming me.

Hannah:LOL. When is your flight home?

Victory:I’ll be there on December 18. Am I in for a shitload of snow?

Hannah:And then some. It’s brutal, but Aidan loves it. Cade taught him how to make snowballs, so he’s throwing them at everyone. Take cover – fair warning.

Victory:I’ll teach him how to make snow angels because I’m a better aunt.

Hannah:Obvi. Call me later? Heading to work.

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