Page 27 of Erik's Redemption
A groan sounded. “I can’t. I’m in bed dying. My head hurts and I’ve thrown up way too many times.”
“Open the door and I’ll give you your favorite hangover food.”
There was a small pause. “Bacon and egg bagel?”
“Yep. And a chocolate croissant.”
The line went dead, and four seconds later, the door opened. Brigid stood on the other side, hair down and all over the place, the previous night’s makeup still on her face and smudged, wearing only an oversized shirt.
“Where is it?”
Hannah turned and kissed Erik. “I’ll see you later?”
“I’ll be in the car doing some work. Call when you’re done, and I’ll come to the door.”
She nodded. “You remember the code?”
“Yep.”
She was still watching him walk away when the bag was snatched from her fingers. “Hey!”
Brigid was already heading back to her bedroom. Hannah closed and locked the door, then followed, entering just as Brigid flopped to the bed and took out the bagel.
Hannah perched on the side. “You know, I can get you a plate so you don’t drop crumbs on the bed.”
Brigid took a big bite of the bagel. “I need to change the sheets anyway.”
Hannah looked around the bedroom, spotting Brigid’s discarded dress from the previous night. Her clutch had also been dropped on the floor.
She cleared her throat. “Brigid. I’m sorry.”
She stopped mid-chew and frowned. “For what?”
“I’ve had a lot going on and haven’t been checking in on you nearly enough.”
Brigid shook her head and opened her mouth, but before she could get a word out, Hannah continued.
“I know everything that happened with James hit you so hard.” Pain cascaded through her friend’s eyes. “I want to be here for you. For whatever you need.”
“You’re an amazing friend, Hannah. You don’t need to feel like you’ve done anything wrong or you’re not doing enough.”
“I should be checking in more.” She shuffled closer. “Last night, you mentioned a mistake that you were making, or are about to make.”
Brigid’s eyes widened, as if she’d forgotten all about that.
“Will you tell me about it?”
Her head dropped, and she picked at a bit of bacon on the bagel. “It’s nothing.”
“It’s not nothing. It sounded very important, and I want to help you with it if I can.”
She shook her head. “No. I’m okay. Really. I just…I need more time.”
“Brigid—”
“I actually have to do some paperwork for the shop today. Would you mind making us some coffee while I shower?”
She was avoiding the subject. Hannah wanted to push until she found out exactly what her friend was hiding. She’d sounded so distraught last night. But she knew Brigid. And she knew pressing the matter would only get her back up. All Hannah could do was be there for her and trust that Brigid would tell her when she was ready.
