Page 71 of Keeping You

She sighs again. I can hear her disappointment through the phone. “Gray. You’ve assumed, haven’t you?”

My lack of response is answer enough.

“You’re an adult, and I can’t force you to do anything, but I will tell you that from the time I’ve spent with Hannah, I think she’ll be more than understanding. She might even be able to help you move on from all of it.”

“I’ll think about it,” I say. I settle deeper into the couch, letting my head rest on the back.

“What did you guys do today?” she asks, and I’m thankful for the subject change.

“I’ve been at home all day. She went to her friend’s place.”

“Hmmmm. When do you go back to work?”

“We both work tomorrow,” I say.

“Okay. Well, I’ve got to go. Call me if you need to talk. I love you.”

“Love you, too, Chlo.”

I hang up and let her words sit with me as I debate whether telling Hannah is a good idea or not.

When Hannah gets home, her arms are full of grocery bags. I jump off the couch and help her carry them into the kitchen.

“Looks like a big haul,” I say.

She huffs, catching her breath. “Yeah. I got things for dinner and just to stock the fridge again after being gone.”

I start unloading the bags and note some of the things she grabbed. The protein bars I always keep stocked, the orange juice I always buy, she’s also grabbed the veggies I usually put in omelettes.

We work together to put everything away, and she grabs a cutting board and gets to work on cutting the chicken breasts.

“What can I help with?” I ask.

“It’s all good. I’ve got dinner tonight.”

I nod and take a seat at the kitchen island, deciding to keep her company. “How was your day?”

Her smile lights up her face. “It was great! Baby Cate has grown so much. She’s the most adorable little girl. Liv is adjusting to mom life, and Josh just dotes on both of them. I helped her prep a few meals while I was there, so they had some stuff in the fridge. I know Josh is super active with Cate, but with him still working, it can get a little overwhelming, so I helped out how I could. How about you? What’d you end up doing?”

“I just stayed home watched the sports channel. Chloe called to check in and make sure we made it home safe yesterday.”

Hannah looks at me. “That was nice. Can you send me her number so I can check in with her? I forgot to grab it from her while we were there.”

I try to wrap my head around her asking for Chloe’s number. Is she trying to build a relationship with my sister because they’re family, or because she wants to be friends with her even after the divorce?

“Yeah,” I say and text her Chloe’s contact card.

I watch as Hannah moves around the kitchen with grace, cooking. She pulls out plates and cutlery and sets the table, not allowing me to help her at all. When the food is done, she carries it to the table. She grabs us each a drink, and we settle in to eat. She’s made a chicken stir fry with rice. We each make a plate and when I take my first bite, I can’t help my groan.

“This is really good,” I say, also realizing I haven’t eaten since breakfast.

She smiles broadly. “I’m glad you like it.”

We eat in relative silence, and when we finish, I help her clean up and we settle back on the couch. It’s a repeat of last night; her with a book and me watching a game. She adjusts herself, stretching out her legs, and I pat the tops of my thighs, indicating for her to put her legs there. She does, and I begin massaging her feet. The moans that leave her are heavenly. When she starts to fall asleep on the couch, I help her up and we get ready for bed. I pull her into me again, falling asleep with her in my arms.

CHAPTER 26

Hannah

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