“Dude what has you grinning like a fool?” Alaric asks.

I ignore him and complete my online purchase, thinking of the reaction Hannah’s going to have when she gets her gift. I like buying her gifts, spoiling her. I’ve never enjoyed spending money so much as when it’s something for her. When I called to arrange to have a home nurse for her sister. I realized that I’d made a mistake. Even though she told me where she lived, she never told me her address or her father or sister’s details but her happiness was so overwhelmingly apparent she either didn’t care or hasn’t figured this out yet.

I was ready to come clean and spill my secrets right after our first kiss. But if I want her to understand why I’ve done what I have, I need to talk to her in a neutral place. Somewhere we can be alone.

“Seriously dude, stop it. It’s making me feel sick,” Alaric continues mocking me.

“Who pissed in your cornflakes?”

“Cordelia Becker, that’s who.” At the mention of her name, Alaric has my full attention.

“What happened?”

“She’s refused every attempt I’ve made to meet with her, and not only that. She threatened to file for a restraining order if I don’t and I quote, ‘back the hell off.’”

“Shit, Alaric. Maybe it’s time I handle things, this isn’t getting us anywhere and I need it to be done and over with.”

“Fuck no. This is personal now. She’s having a party to celebrate the site’s fifth anniversary and I’m gonna be there and she’ll fucking talk to me whether she wants to or not.”

“No, don’t push your luck, brother. When is this party? I’ll go and talk to her.” I know if Alaric attends that party, he’ll end up making a bigger mess and putting not only the future of our company at risk, but his own business and my relationship with Hannah as well.

“The fuck you will. Cordelia is still pissed about what happened almost two years ago and she’s determined to keep making my life a living hell.”

“You started it. It’s your fault,” I remind him.

“What side are you on?” he shakes his head. “She needs to let it go. It wasn’t personal, just business.”

“For you it was, but have you wondered how she felt?”

“Man, who cut your dick off and gave you a pussy instead? What happened with bros before hoes?”

“First, she’s not a ho, and the only person to blame for what happened is yourself. The point is, she won’t talk to you and we’re running out of time. I’ll go to the party, talk to her and be done with it.”

“What makes you think she’ll agree to hear you when she won’t even see me?”

“Because she doesn’t hate me.” A painful look crosses Alaric’s face but it’s so fast that I wonder if I’m not imagining it.

“Okay, you go. I’m done with this shit.”

“When is the party?”

“Friday, at the Hilton. Wear a tux.”

* * *

Hannah: You really need to stop buying me stuff.

Me: Hello gorgeous, how are you?

Hannah: I mean it, Tristan. No more gifts.

Me: You didn’t like it?

Hannah: of course I liked it. It’s a freaking MacBook Pro for Christ sakes. But it’s too much.

Me: There’s nothing that’ll be too much when it comes to you. I like spoiling you, get used to it.

Hannah: But I’m not even doing anything to earn this.

Me: Of course you are. You fed me...and even sent me home with leftovers. You’ve saved me from starvation.

Hannah: LOL. You’re funny,

Me: I miss you. When can we have our second date?

Hannah: Second? Mr. Reynolds have you forgotten how to count? We already had our second date.

Me: You cooking dinner for me wasn’t a date. A date is when I get to take you out and we can make out properly, without interruptions.

Hannah: Geez, don’t remind me. Shae has been insufferable since.

Me: Are you free tonight?

Hannah: I don’t know. My boyfriend just got me a new laptop and I can’t wait to play with it.

I smile when I see the word “boyfriend” on my screen. There’s nothing I want more than to stop pretending I don’t want more from Hannah. I can see the dots jumping, then they stop and then they appear again.

Deciding to stop Hannah from saying something I know she’s not feeling, I decide to call instead of messaging back. She answers at the first ring.

“This boyfriend of yours sounds pretty amazing, I’m kind of feeling a little jealous,” I joke.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean. I was just…”

“Hannah, please stop. Don’t take it away from me.”

“Take what from you?”

“Don’t take away the possibility of more. I want it and I know you do too.”

“Tristan.” I can hear the hesitation in her tone and I don’t like it but I also don’t want to ruin our date.

“How about this? We’ll pretend it didn’t happen, until you’re ready to discuss it. Agreed?”

“Agreed.”

“So, about that date.”

“I guess I can spend a couple of hours with you.”

“I was thinking more of pulling an all nighter. Spend the night with me.”

She doesn’t answer and I quickly add. “Nothing you don’t want or aren’t ready for is going to happen, I give you my word. I just want to spend as much time I can with you without having to take you home.”

“Okay.” Her answer is so soft I fear I’m dreaming it.

“Yeah?”

“Yes. But just a warning, I snore.”

“I’ll make sure to pack some earplugs,” I tease.

“Pack? Where are we staying?”

“It’s a surprise.”

“Of course it is. Anything in particular I need to bring to this surprise place?”

“Just you. I’ll pick you up at eight and we’ll grab some dinner, sounds good?”

“Sounds perfect.”

We end the call and I start to get everything ready. Tonight’s the perfect night to tell Hannah everything I’ve been holding from her.