Page 47 of Until Hanna

“You’re so dramatic.”

“Ben was an arse, Hanna. He didn’t deserve you back when you were dating him, and he doesn’t deserve you now.”

“He doesn’t have me now. He doesn’t even factor into my life.”

“Maybe not physically, but he’s still in your head, dictating how you move forward in any relationship you’re in. He’s the reason you decided to stop dating for a year and why you don’t want to give that guy out there a fair shot without all the baggage you’ve stacked around yourself.”

I want to tell her she’s wrong, but as my stomach twists, I know she’s right.

I start to open my mouth to say something, but the door opens, and we both look at it.

“I figured you two were in here.” Star’s sister, Dawn, steps into the restroom wearing a dress that is skin-tight and the same color red as her lipstick and nail polish. Letting the door close behind her, her eyes come to me. “How do you feel about switching dates tonight?”

“Yeah, how do you feel about that, Hanna?” Star asks, and I narrow my eyes on my friend, then look at her sister, who I’ve only met once before.

“Sorry, that’s not happening.”

“Is it serious between you and him?” she asks, and I want to scream.

Everyone keeps asking me that question, when all I want is to just enjoy this time with Walker while I have it. All while trying not to get myself too attached, which is stupid, since I know I already am. I’m just not ready to admit it yet.

“Yes,” I answer, because Star told me about Dawn and how free-spirited she is when it comes to dating and men. If I say no, she will likely try to take him from me. And even if I don’t think Walker would go there, watching her flirt with him all night would annoy me.

She shrugs, walking over to the sink to add another layer to her already red lips, then she looks at her sister in the mirror. “Are you still set on me not shagging Charles then?”

“Yes, I’m still bloody set on that!” Star cries, tossing her arms in the air. “No having sex with my brother-in-law.”

“I’m just asking.” She turns around to face us. “Are we going to hang out in here, or are we going to eat? I’m hungry, and I need a drink.”

“You are not allowed to drink too much tonight.”

“So, you don’t want me to get drunk,andyou don’t want me to get laid?” Dawn crosses her arms across her chest and glares at her sister, while Star glares back.

“We should go. The guys are probably wondering where we are.” I break into their stare-down and open the bathroom door.

I don’t wait for either of them. I step out into the alcove the restrooms are tucked into, feeling off-kilter from the mirrors that enclose the space. Actually, it reminds me of a fun house that isn’t very fun. Walking across the restaurant, I see Walker’s eyes find mine, and I shoot him an apologetic smile.

“Sorry,” I say quietly as he stands and pulls out my chair for me.

“You okay?” he asks, kissing my cheek.

“Yeah.” I look across at Mark and his brother, who look almost identical, and they would, since they’re twins. Hence why Star is adamant about Dawn not sleeping with him. I get it—I wouldn’t want my sister, if I had one, sleeping with a man who looks exactly like my husband. “Hi.” I lean over to kiss Mark’s cheek, and he introduces me to Charles, who takes my hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“You too.” He smiles, and I look up at Walker.

“I’m guessing you guys already introduced yourselves.”

“We did.” He rests his hand against my lower back.

“Where is my wife?” Mark asks, looking in the direction I came from.

“She was right behind me.” I frown and turn to look over my shoulder, and just then, both Dawn and Star come out of the alcove, with Dawn holding her hand over her nose.

“What happened?” I ask when they’re close, and Star looks like she’s trying hard not to laugh.

“Dawn ran into the mirror. She thought it was the doorway.”

“Oh my God.” I laugh, then snap my mouth shut when Dawn glares at me. “Sorry. Do you want some ice?”

---