Page 38 of Keeping You

She peaks around me, and her face lights up. “You must be the infamous Hannah Mom’s told me about.”

Hannah waves and says, “That would be me. Not sure what I’m famous for, though.”

Chloe laughs and links arms with Hannah. “We’re going to have a great week. I can’t wait to show you around and take you to all the best places.”

“Oh, Chlo, give the girl some time. She’s only just got here,” Mom says before she wraps her arms around me. “It’s so nice to have you home, Honey.” She squeezes me.

“It’s nice to be home, Mom.”

She pulls back, her hands remaining on my shoulders as her eyes travel my entire body and back up to my face. When she seems satisfied that I’m alright, she pats the side of my face before moving in front of Hannah. “Oh, look at you. You’re more gorgeous in person.” Mom pulls Hannah in, and I watch as shestands there, stiff as a board. She’s not used to physical affection from her own mother based on their interaction that I did see, so I’m not surprised by Hannah’s reaction.

“Thank you, Melanie,” Hannah finally croaks out.

I walk over to Dad, and we shake hands as he says, “Good to have you home, son.”

“Good to be home.”

“Well, lunch is almost ready. Why don’t you guys take a seat and Chloe and I will finish getting the table set.”

Hannah nods and eyes the table, unsure of where to sit. I pull out a chair for her, and she offers me a soft smile as she takes a seat. I sit between her and Dad and watch as my mother and sister bustle around the kitchen.

This kitchen holds so many memories for me. Saturday breakfasts, dying Easter eggs, my graduation party, the night I thought I might pass out as Rebecca and I sat at this very table and told them the news. I give my head a shake as Chloe places a plate in front of me. I glance at her, and she mouths,Are you okay?I give her a reassuring smile, and she finishes setting the table as Mom brings over the food.

Mom places a big bowl of cold pasta salad and a plate of barbeque chicken in the centre of the table. I haven’t had Mom’s pasta salad in forever, and my mouth waters at the sight of it. Once everyone is seated, we dig in.

“So what are your plans today?” Chloe asks.

“I thought after Hannah gets settled I might show her around the property. I’d rather not venture into town today, it was a long drive and I’d like to relax.”

“Tomorrow, Incahoots is having a big thing. We should go. It will be nice for you to get out and see some people from high school,” Chloe says.

Hannah furrows her brows and asks, “What’s Incahoots?”

“It’s a local bar and just about the only place in town to do anything after 10 p.m.,” I say, and she nods.

“What are they doing?” Hannah asks, seeming genuinely interested.

“Half off beer and nachos, and they have a live band coming in.”

“Sounds fun,” Hannah says.

“Yeah, Grayson, sounds fun. You guys should come.”

The last place I want to be is a bar with all the people I went to high school with, drinking and with a complete lack of filter. When I told Hannah everyone knows everything about everyone, I wasn’t lying. The people in this town are the only ones who know about everything that went down my senior year, and I’d like to keep it that way.

“Yeah, we’ll see how tomorrow plays out,” I say, and that seems to satisfy my sister enough that the conversation can move on.

“I thought we could grill up some steaks for dinner tonight, maybe some baked potatoes the way you like, and some corn on the cob. How’s that sound, Grayson?” Mom asks.

“Sounds good.”

“Hannah, you’ll have to tell me some of your favourite foods so I can whip them up this week.”

Hannah wipes her mouth with her napkin and says, “Oh, it’s fine, Melanie. I’m good to eat anything, and please tell me how I can help out.”

Mom waves her off. “You’re all good, honey, don’t worry about it. But please get me that list. I need to know you feel welcome here. We’re family, after all.”

Hannah is quiet for the rest of lunch. Chloe offers to help Mom with cleanup and dishes while Dad goes back to work and I get Hannah settled.

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