Page 76 of Contempt

Annoyance thickens around my heart when I make my way to the bathroom and, even after peeing and washing my hands, I can’t straighten to my appropriate height.

I planned to get dressed before I went downstairs on the off chance that Hannah didn’t notice I’d changed clothes in the middle of the night. She’s not in my bed, so I’m guessing she went downstairs. But with my back like this, I’m not sure I can.

Grouchy and in slight pain, I unplug the charger from my phone so I can take it downstairs with me. I see the display light up with a missed text from Mom.

“Morning honey! Since Hannah is still at the house, I have a few errands to run while Hayden is at work. Don’t let her leave until I get back.”

No worries there.

I text back that I won’t, but most of my focus is on keeping my mind straight in case I walk down those stairs and have to see Landon. Since both parents are out, I don’t really have to be nice to him, but Hannah is here, and if I don’t want to tell her what happened last night, then I will still have to keep a lid on it.

As soon as I open the door, I can smell food cooking. Delicious food, if my watering mouth is any indication.

Bless you, Hannah.

I’m even more relieved when I make it to the kitchen without seeing Landon.

“Good morning, beautiful breakfast maker.”

Hannah cracks a smile and glances my way. “Hey.”

“You didn’t have to cook.”

She shrugs. “It’s part of my daily routine. Feels strange not to, honestly.” Her gaze flickers in my direction again, quickly taking note of my outfit. “That’s not what you were wearing when we went to sleep, right?”

I shake my head, walking to the fridge so I don’t have to make eye contact while I lie to her. “I woke up and I was a little chilly, so I changed.” Opening the massive fridge door, I ask, “What do you want to drink?”

“I’ll have orange juice,” she tells me.

I reach in to grab the carton, but my whole body freezes when she speaks again.

“I made enough for us and Landon, but I think he’s still sleeping. Should we call him down?”

“No,” I say flatly. “He does not get breakfast. You can split his portion between us.”

Her eyebrows rise in surprise, but she nods without arguing. “Okay.”

I’ve never been more appreciative of Hannah’s easygoing nature than I am in this moment. The tension that developed quickly when I thought I might have to explain eases, and I walk over to the cupboard to grab two glasses. “Can you stay for a while, or do you have to get right back?”

“Anae’s going shopping with the girls, so she’ll probably grab lunch while she’s out. Jackie had a meeting this afternoon, so she’ll probably eat out, too. I should be free for a while.”

“Good. This house has some serious amenities, but since I live with Satan, I usually don’t get to enjoy them. We might as well enjoy them together today in case this is the last week we live here.”

Hannah’s eyebrows rise again. “Have things gotten worse with him?”

“Ireallydon’t want to talk about him. I was mostly joking, anyway. I’ll show you the pool house after we eat.”

Hannah nods, but then she notices the way I’m walking and frowns. “Are you okay?”

I nod. “I think I twisted my back the wrong way or something. I need to stretch it out. Maybe we can do yoga in the gym in the basement. You can borrow Mom’s mat.”

“Sure. I can give you a massage if you need one, too.” She pushes the eggs in the skillet before turning off the heat. “Should we do yoga in the basement or on the beach?”

“With my old crone’s disease today, I’m not sure I can make it down to the beach.”

Hannah smiles faintly. “Maybe next time.”

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