Hannah’s rejection shouldn’t have surprised me, but it did. After what happened with that asshole, I couldn’t blame her for being wary. We were strangers, although I knew more about her than she was aware of. Still, something didn’t add up. If Alaric was right, she should’ve at least considered hearing what I had to offer.

As soon as I left her friend’s apartment, the alarms going off in my head did nothing to stop me from forming a plan that allowed me to see her again.

But I need help. I pull up Alaric’s number and wait for him to answer.

“Dude, this better be important.” I can hear the rustle of sheets as he moves.

Ignoring the fact that it’s almost eleven in the morning and he’s still in bed, I prompt, “I need your help.” The taste of those words are bitter on my tongue.

“Are you dying?” he jokes.

“Trust me, I wish I were. Can you meet me for coffee?”

“I’ll see you in thirty.”

* * *

“It’s official, you’re out of your mind,” Alaric announces. Sitting back in the hard chair, I wait for him to finish. “This is the worst idea you’ve ever had. I mean I could expect this from me, but you. Who are you?”

“Are you done?” I ask, annoyed.

“I haven’t even started.”

“Save it. I only need to know if you’re gonna help me or not.”

He strokes his chin and eyes me. “What’s gotten into you?”

I sigh, “You wouldn’t understand.”

“Try me.”

“Since the moment I saw Hannah, it’s like something inside me woke up. Things I hadn’t felt in a long time. I know she’s not interested like I am, trust me, but I still want a chance to get to know her. I’ll take whatever she gives,” I answer honestly.

“Why don’t you simply tell her that?”

“Like you said, I’m not her type and if this is what she needs, I’ll give it to her.”

“I still think this is a bad idea.”

“Weren’t you the one who told me I needed to live a little?” I remind him.

“True. Fuck it, I’ll help you. And you’ll owe me.”

“Owe you? More like, I’ll consider this as payment for one of the countless times I’ve saved your ass.”

He chuckles, “Fair enough.” Straightening his posture he points at me. “First things first. Remember that account we saved in case we needed a backup?”

“Yeah,” I nod.

“Did you get rid of it?”

“No, it’s still active.”

“Perfect. That’s gonna be yours now.”

“I told her my name,” I admit.

“Of course you did.” He shakes his head. “No problem, I’ll change it. What else did you tell her?”

“Just my name.”

“Good. This is really important, Tristan. No matter how much you want to, and I know you’ll want to spill your heart to this girl. You have to remember this is just a temporary fix.”

“I know.”

“I don’t care what you say, I’ll keep reminding you of this.”

“Ok, what else?”

“Oh brother, we haven’t even scratched the surface yet. I think we should order some lunch because this might take a while.”

If anyone would’ve told me I would be getting dating advice from Alaric this morning, I would’ve laughed and said they were crazy. Although his advice isn’t earth shattering, I actually find his words to be shockingly insightful. And now I’m ready to try and convince Hannah to meet with me.

Typing a quick message, I hope she hasn’t gotten rid of the phone I sent her. I felt awful when I broke hers, but it was the only way I could justify sending one to her. And hers was practically an antique, she deserved to have a better one.

Me: I’m sorry for making you feel uncomfortable earlier. It was rude of me after what happened last night.

I wait minutes that feel like years, but when I see the dots jumping, different scenarios start to fill my mind. What if I upset her more? What if she tells me to leave her alone? I promised Alaric if Hannah rejected me again, I would let it go. In less than two days, I’ve told more lies than I ever have in thirty five years.

Hannah: You don’t have to apologize, I was rude too. You just caught me off guard.

Me: Thank you for replying, I’m glad to see you kept the phone.

Hannah: It’s a really nice phone.

Me: I really want to see you again. Is there a way you’d reconsider?

I start to get nervous at her lack of response. Maybe I’m pushing too much too soon but I can’t help it. Standing, I walk to my kitchen to grab a bottle of water from the fridge. The ping indicating a new message has me slamming the door so hard I cringe a little but not enough to stop my quick strides.

Hannah: Come to Shae’s apartment, we can talk here.

Me: Give me a time and I’ll be there.

Hannah: Half an hour.

Me: I’ll see you then.

Feeling more confident as I get ready, I hope Hannah accepts my proposition. If Alaric’s right, this will be an offer she won’t be able to refuse.