Page 27 of Until Hanna

I open my mouth, then close it, because I don’t even know how to begin that conversation.

“He seems like a nice guy,” she urges.

“You said the same thing about Ben.”

“I did,” she says quietly, then adds, “And I was wrong, but no one could have known he was lying about who he was, honey. And I know he hurt you, but—”

“He didn’t hurt me,” I cut her off.

“Hanna.” She sighs.

“Okay, yes, he hurt me, but it was more than that. Finding out he wasn’t at all who I thought he was made me question my ability to trust my own judgment.”

“That’s understandable.” She goes quiet for a moment before prompting, “Tell me about Walker?”

“I just met him.”

“I know, but he seems pretty positive there’s something between you two.”

“Did he say that?”

“Yes,” I hear my dad's voice say in the background, and I bite my lip as his face fills the screen behind my mom.

“Hi, Dad.”

“He told us you’d be reluctant to admit you’re seeing him, because Ben is a douchebag.”

“Dad.” Gah, I’m going to kill Walker.

“If you don’t like this guy, let me know, and I’ll fly to London and deal with getting your phone back myself.”

“That’s not necessary.” My muscles bunch. I know my dad, and that’snotan empty offer. If I said I wanted him here, he’d be on the next flight with no questions asked.

“That’s what I thought.” He grins, and I grit my teeth. “Love you, kid.”

“Love you too,” I mutter, watching him kiss the side of my mom's head before he disappears out of sight.

“He’s gone,” Mom says quietly, then her face softens. “You know, when your dad and I got together, I convinced myself that I didn’t want to be with him.”

“I know. I’ve heard the story.”

“Then you know that if it weren’t for him being so sure we would end up together and shoving down the walls I built up to protect myself, I wouldn’t have this beautiful life I do now.” She lowers her voice as she continues. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to, and if you’re not interested in Walker, by all means, get your phone back and block him. But if there’s even the tiniest bit of interest there, do yourself a favor, honey, and give him a chance.”

“Sure.”

“All right,” she says softly before tipping her head to the side. “You look tired. Get some sleep and call me tomorrow when you get back home again.”

“I will. Love you.”

“Love you too.” She ends the call, and I sigh as I pull up the video group chat I have with my cousins. Which I learn was a huge mistake when they all start laughing after I tell them about the phone mix-up and Walker talking to my parents.

“You can stop laughing.” I glare at April, July, May, and Harmony, but they don’t stop. If anything, they start to laugh harder. May using the sleeve of her sweater to dab the wetness from her eyes makes me regret my decision to call them. So much for moral support.

“It’s you in the situation, so you don’t get how funny it is.” July tries and fails to pull it together, and I press my lips into a thin line.

“There is nothing funny about having a guy you just met telling your parents you two are seeing each other, then explaining to them that the only reason you’re reluctant to admit it is because you were hurt by your ex and don’t trust men. Then for your parents to think that is totally normal and agree with him.”

“He just told them what they already knew,” Harmony says quietly, giving me a soft look. “The whole reason you decided to stop dating for a year was because you were hurt and don’t trust men. He didn’t lie.”

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