Page 31 of Until Hanna

“You’re not a shit friend. Having a little one at home and this job can’t be easy.”

“You’re telling me, and my mum told Hans and me yesterday that she wants to travel to Germany next week to spend some time with my brother and her other grandkids, so Hans and I are trying to prepare for that.”

“If you need a babysitter when she’s away and I’m not working, you know I’m always happy to spend a day getting baby cuddles.”

“I appreciate that. Hans is going to take some time off while she’s gone, so we should be covered. I just hope he can handle it alone.”

“He’ll be fine, or he’ll figure it out.”

“You’re right.” She steps into the kitchen with me, and we start to make sure everything is stocked for the day.

“Sorry I’m late!” Star calls out as she steps onto the plane, and Ria and I both turn to watch her as she stows her bag in the closet. “You know I would make up an excuse about security or traffic, but you wouldn’t believe me anyway.” She huffs as she stands, and Ria and I smile at each other.

Star is perpetually late for everything. She was even late for her own wedding, because—and I quote—"The day can’t happen without me there.”

“The truth is—” She faces us after closing the closet door. “—Mark was banging my brains out.”

“Good for you. I miss getting my brains banged out.” Ria grins, accepting a kiss on her cheek from Star.

“And that’s exactly why I don’t want to have children anytime soon.” Her nose scrunches before she leans in to kiss my cheek.

“Yeah, if you like sex or even having a minute to yourself, avoid having a baby at all costs.” Ria laughs, going back to checking the stock while Star focuses on me.

“You look gorgeous.” She smiles, squeezing my arm. “Those couple of days in the sun did you some good. I wish I could have gone with you.”

“Next time.”

“Definitely,” she agrees, helping us with stock. “Actually, I wanted to ask what your plans are for Saturday.”

I glance at her over my shoulder. “Besides catching up on laundry? Nothing right now.”

“Well, Mark’s brother is visiting London, and we want to take him out.”

Oh no.

“Star—”

“It’s not a date,” she adds quickly. “I know you’re not dating right now. It’s just a night out, dinner and maybe a drink after.”

“I can’t. I just….”

“Please?” She pouts, batting her lashes. “I don’t want him to feel like the third wheel with Mark and me.”

With my stomach twisting into a knot of unease, I close my eyes as she stands in front of me with her hands together in prayer. “Okay, but—” I open my eyes and narrow them on her happy, smiling face. “—you have to promise me this isn’t a date and that you aren’t trying to hook me up with Mark’s brother.”

Like a lot of people in my life, she’s thought my year of no dating is ridiculous. And from the beginning, she’s told me time and time again that the best way to get over one guy is to get under another. And although I’m sure that is solid advice for some, it just wasn't for me.

“I’m not trying to hook you up with him. I promise.” She leans over and kisses my cheek. “But if you happen to like him and want to take him hom—”

“Star,” I warn, cutting her off, and she grins.

“Okay, okay.” She laughs. “I promise it’s not a date. It’s just going to be a fun night out.”

“Yeah.” I force a smile that feels all kinds of wrong. Even if I told Walker I didn’t want to date him, I feel like we’re in some kind of weird standoff, and I have a feeling he’ll be pissed if I tell him about my not-a-date date this weekend.

Crap.

CHAPTER10

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