Page 43 of Until Hanna

I let myself into my apartment using the hidden key on top of the huge, framed piece of artwork on the wall next to my door, replacing it once I make sure no one is around to see, as I did before I first grabbed it. I go to the window in my living room that overlooks the sidewalk out front, so I’ll see when Walker returns, and then I dial Star’s number.

“You’re not calling to cancel, are you?” she asks in greeting.

“No.” I wrap my arm around my middle. “But you might not want me to come.”

“What’s going on?”

“You know how I was in Ibiza?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, I kind of met someone.”

“You kind of met someone?” she repeats, sounding surprised by this news.

“I did, and he’s here now. Well… notrightnow. He’s currently out for a run, but he should be back soon.”

“You bloody minx. First, you don’t even mention you met someone, and now you’re telling me he’s staying with you at your flat?”

“I should have told you, but things are complicated, and I didn’t think I’d see him again so soon or that he would insist on coming tonight because he thinks it’s a date.”

“As he well should.” She laughs.

“What? Think it’s a date?”

“Yes.”

“You said it’s not a date.” I frown.

“It’s not technically, but any guy with a brain in his head would think it is. Good for him for wanting to make sure his woman isn’t out on a date with another man.”

“I’m not his woman.”

“Bloody hell, Hanna. Tell me you’re not still on about being single for a year, when you have a man staying with you and forcing his way into coming out tonight.”

“It’s complicated,” I repeat with a sigh, resting my forehead against the cool glass.

“You’rebloody complicated,” she groans. “I’ll have my sister come with tonight to even us all out again, and you and I will talk later about how mental you are.”

“So, you’re not mad?”

“I don’t know. After I meet this bloke, I’ll let you know if I’m mad at you for being stupid or not.”

“I’m being cautious.”

“No, you’re probably self-sabotaging.”

“Whatever. What are you wearing tonight?”

“Something sexy and easy for Mark to take advantage of me in.”

“You’re so crazy.” I laugh.

“I know, but in the best ways. I’ll send you the address to the restaurant and see you in a few hours.”

“See you then.” I hang up after saying goodbye and pull up my mom’s number.

Just as I’m about to press Call, I realize what time it is back home and let out a defeated breath. It’s moments like this when I just really need my mom and could use her advice and hate that there is an ocean and hours between us. Taking my phone with me, I head outside, leaving the door cracked before I take a seat on the tiled steps out front. I tip my head back, letting the sun warm my face. Spring in London is nothing like spring back home in Tennessee, so you learn to appreciate the sunlight when you have it.

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