Page 49 of We Can Forever

Her eyes go round. “You did? Hannah, that’s huge!”

“Is it?” I ask, though I’ve suspected it is, and I’m relieved to hear she agrees.

“Michael doesn’t strike me as the kind of person who would let just anyone around his kid. He seems too protective for that.”

“Yeah,” I murmur. “I think so too.”

“How was it?”

“Really nice. Katie is cool. I like her a lot.”

“Oh my God, this is so adorable.”

My phone beeps with a text. “That’s him now.”

“Of course it is. Is he sending you kissy emojis?”

“No.” Laughing, I read the text—and enjoy the warmth that washes through me. “He invited me and Carol over to dinner tonight. With him and Katie.”

I put the phone down, a little shook. “I’ve never been to his house before.”

“Another big step. He must really like you.”

My tummy churns with excitement and anxiety. “Yeah…”

Picking up my phone again, I call Carol, who is at the grocery store grabbing us some things for the week.

“Hey,” I say right when she answers. “Whatever you’re grabbing for dinner right now, pause. Michael invited us to have dinner with him and Katie.”

“That’s so sweet of him,” Carol coos. “But you’ll be so tired after work. I planned on having dinner ready so you can just sit on the couch and relax.”

“Oh. That’s nice of you.” I hesitate, not wanting to offend her. “I’m feeling good, though, and I’d like to go to their house. With you.”

She makes that popping sound with her lips that says she’s thinking hard. “O…kay. I suppose there’s no harm in saying yes, and then if you need to cancel, you?—”

“I won’t need to cancel. I’ll be fine.”

“We’ll see when the time comes. When are we going?”

“Dinner’s at seven thirty.” I grit my teeth. Why does it feel like she’s trying to sabotage the night?

“And you’ll be home before then? So that you can rest? I’ll come cover at the shop if you need me to.”

“I have the Chronic Pain Crafters meetup tonight, so I’ll just have time to come home and grab you.”

“Hannah—”

“I’ll be fine.” I rush through my words, not giving her a chance to argue.

“I just— Look, Hannah. I’ve been meaning to talk to you about this.”

“What do you mean?” I step away from the counter, arms folded tight over my chest.

“I’m concerned you’re moving too fast with Michael.”

My jaw drops, the sting more than I expected. How can she say that? “What do you mean?”

“He has a child. Katie is wonderful—it’s not that I think there’s anything wrong with her or her father. They’re both great. I just want to make sure you take your time, that you don’t rush into something you’re not ready for.”

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