Page 42 of Until Hanna

Talking about it makes me angry all over again. It also makes me feel so very naïve.

“You deserve better than that.”

“I know.” I pick up my tea and take a sip.

“Does Walker live here, or is he in London on vacation? I noticed he’s also American.”

“He travels all over Europe for work, but he’s here visiting me for the week while he has some time off.”

“And he’s staying with you.”

My cheeks warm. “He is.”

“That must feel good.”

“What’s that?”

“That he’s making you a priority, when he could have gone anywhere else.”

The realization she’s right hits me hard, because he could have gone somewhere else during his time off, but he didn’t. He chose me.

“I never thought about it like that, but I guess you’re right,” I say while a voice in the back of my mind reminds me that I had his phone, which I’m sure he wanted.

She smiles, picking up a cookie, then takes a small bite. “Do you two have any plans while he’s here?”

“Not really.” I leave out that we’re supposed to have dinner with Star tonight and shove a whole cookie into my mouth to distract myself from the reminder. I still haven’t told my friend about the change of plans, and after yesterday, I know there’s no way Walker will let me off the hook and not take him along. Which means I’m going to have a whole lot of explaining to do.

We both look over at the wall when there’s more banging.

“I hope this noise doesn’t last too long,” she murmurs.

“I didn’t know Josh worked in construction.”

“He doesn’t, but his dad was a carpenter before he passed away.” She dusts off her lap and asks, “Do you want another cup?”

“I would, but Walker should be back from his run soon.” I stand when she does and start to pick up the tray to take it into the kitchen for her.

“You can leave it. I’ll walk you out and ask the boys if they want a snack.”

“Okay.” I follow her through her apartment to the door, and she opens it, stepping outside.

“Are you leaving, Nanny?” I hear Josh ask, and I look around the edge of the doorway and see him and his friends on the staircase with a couple of steps missing.

“Hanna needs to go back down,” she tells him, and he glances over at me.

“Sure.” He stands and holds out his hand. “I’ll help you over.”

“Are you sure it’s safe?” I look down into the darkness left in the absence of the steps.

“I won’t let you fall.” He grins, and I look over at Mrs. Lewis.

“Thank you for the tea.”

“Any time, and I want an update after this week.”

“Definitely.” I kiss her cheek, then take Josh’s hand he’s still holding out to me. With his help, I make it past the hole in the staircase and breathe a sigh of relief when I’m steady on my feet on the step below it. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” He lets my hand go, and I move around his friends, saying “excuse me” on my way down to the entryway.

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