“This just arrived for you. I spared the poor delivery dude having to come all the way up here.” Shae says as she joins me in the kitchen, carrying a small package.

The small square box reminds me of the time Tristan sent me my phone. His first gift, and I smile.

“There’s a note, too. I didn’t read it.”

“I’m shocked,” I joke.

Taking the small card out of its envelope, my smile fades but just briefly. The package isn’t from Tristan, it’s from Robert.

Hannah, I’ve never been the kind of guy that sends flowers and I don’t think I’ll start anytime soon. Please accept this gift as a thank you from me and my wife. You were right, all we needed was to talk and now the three of us are on our way to have a long vacation.

You’re a great girl, Hannah. I hope you find a man worthy of your love that makes you happy.

Ps: I saw this and thought of you. I think it’s better than the five dollars.

Opening the box, I reveal a beautiful pair of aquamarine diamond stud earrings. They’re gorgeous and along with the card, they bring a wide smile to my face when I pass them to Shae for her to look.

“This is so sweet of him,” I state.

“It really is, these might’ve cost a fortune.”

“I’m glad he worked things out with his wife and they’re a family again.”

“Then what’s with the sullen expression?”

“It’s nothing.”

“Hannah, you can tell me.”

“It’s silly, don’t mind me.” I move to the fridge and pull out a water bottle. Uncapping it, I play with the cap and keep my eyes focused on the task.

“Come on, spill it. You know this is a judgment free zone.”

“Okay fine. I was supposed to have my final date with Tristan today, but something came up and he had to cancel.”

“Okay, and?” she urges me to continue.

“I knew he was planning to take me to a Broadway show and I was,” I hesitate but force myself to utter the words, “I was going to ask him to go with me to visit my family in California.”

Shae gives me a confused look, “I’m not sure I’m understanding correctly. Why is this an issue?”

“I was going to visit my family and then come back here. To be with him.”

Shae’s eyes widen at my confession. “Oh wow, are you serious?”

I nod. “It’s crazy, I know, but the last couple of days I’ve spent with him I’ve realized that maybe he’s honest about not wanting me to go back and I’m not sure I want to either. Does this makes me a horrible person?”

“Of course not, why would you say that?”

“Because I’m being selfish. I’ve never felt something so strong for someone, not even Danny. And I’m not ready to give it up. I want to see where this could go.”

“You don’t have to give it up, I’m sure you guys can work something out. Maybe your family can move here? Or you can visit often.” Shae grasps my hand, stopping my fidgeting and asks. “Do you love him?”

This time I don’t hesitate, “I do. And I think he does too.”

“Eeeek, this is amazing. Can I start working on your wedding dress?”

“Calm, down,” I laugh. “I don’t think there’ll be a wedding anytime soon.”

“Party pooper.”

I shake my head. “You don’t think this is going to fast? We haven’t known each other for long.”

“Nope. Time doesn’t have a say in the matters of the heart. It could be years or a single moment. When you know, you know.”

I consider Shae’s words. She’s right. My attraction toward Tristan has kept growing from the moment we met and it evolved into something more.

“Well, since your plans got cancelled and I don’t want you to be second guessing every word you just said to me. You’re coming with me.”

“You know me so well,” I admit. “Where are we going?”

“Cordelia’s anniversary party. You have thirty minutes to get ready. Go.”

* * *

“This place is packed,” I shout to Shae.

“I know right? It’s awesome. I haven’t seen Cordelia yet.”

“Me neither.”

Looking around my heart jumps when I see Tristan’s brother, Al.

“I see someone I recognize, I’ll be right back.” Shae gives me the okay sign and I make my way through the crowd until I reach him.

Tapping at his shoulder, I ask, “hey, remember me?”

“Hannah, what are you doing here?” He looks frantically around the room and I can feel his uneasiness.

“I came to celebrate with my friend, Shae. You?”

“I’m just looking for a friend.”

“Let me go grab Shae, maybe we can help you find your friend. It’s insane how many people are here tonight.”

“No,” he shouts and scratches his head. He grabs my arm and says, “let’s go grab a drink instead.”

I nod and let him lead the way toward the bar.

“Is this guy bothering you, Hannah?” Cordelia’s voice sounds behind.

I can feel Al tense and I quickly turn to face her and introduce him to her. “Not at all. Cordelia this is Al Reynolds, my boyfriend’s brother. Al this is my friend Cordelia.”

“Al Reynolds, huh?” Cordelia puts her hands on her hips. Her tone isn’t friendly as usual.

“I can explain,” Al moves in front of me. “Can we go talk somewhere in private?”

“No, we can’t. I’m going to ask you to leave before I call security.”

Confusion coats my expression. “What’s going on? Do you guys know each other?”

“Unfortunately, yes. Hannah, this guy.”

“Please don’t,” Al cuts her off. “Let me talk to you first and then we can.”

“This guy’s name is Alaric Frost not Al Reynolds, and he’s been stealing my clients, recently.”

“What?” I turn to look at Al, or Alaric. “Is this true?” the look on his face tells me Cordelia isn’t lying.

“Tristan lied to me,” I mumble, feeling my heart slowly breaking.

“Hannah, it’s really not what it looks like.” He moves toward Cordelia, but she takes a step back. “You need to stop being stubborn and let me talk to you.”

“I don’t need to do anything. Last warning. Leave or I’ll call security.”

“Fine,” he spits. “Hannah, come with me.”

He grabs for me, but Cordelia stands in his way. “Stay away from her.”

When Alaric seeks my eyes I turn my head. He walks away and I feel Cordelia’s hands squeezing my shoulders.

“Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”

I shake my head as tears threaten to spill. “I think I’m going to be sick.”