Page 57 of Only You

“I feel really sick.”

“Just all of a sudden?” My brows furrowed.

“I haven’t felt well all day. I think I need to go lie down.”

I stood up from the stool and hooked my arm around her. “Come on. I’ll help you upstairs. You better not be sick for your engagement party.”

After leaving Adalyn’s, I went home. As I unlocked the door, Mara came running out of the house.

“Hannah!”

“Hi, Mara. What’s wrong?”

“I just got a call from my brother-in-law. My sister is very ill and in the hospital.”

“Oh no. I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do?”

“I booked a flight out first thing tomorrow morning to New York. Can you please look after Lucy until Alex returns? I don’t know how long I’ll be gone.”

Shit. Shit. Shit. What could I say? I couldn’t very well tell her no.

“Of course, Mara.”

“Thank you, Hannah. You’ll need to drive her to and pick her up from school.”

“That’s not a problem.”

“I tried to call Alex, but he didn’t answer. I can’t thank you enough.” She hugged me.

I went inside the house, set my purse down, and pulled a bottle of wine from the refrigerator. The last thing I needed was to take care of an eleven-year-old who hated my guts.

Sighing, I tipped the bottle to my lips.

The following morning, I was up and dressed at five thirty a.m. to see Mara off.

“Lucy will be getting up soon,” Mara said.

“Does she know?”

“No. She was sleeping last night when I got the call. Please explain to her for me.”

“I will. You better go, or you’ll miss your flight. I’ll see you when you get back.” I hugged her.

I made a cup of coffee and sat down at the island with my hands wrapped around the mug.

“What are you doing in here?” Lucy yawned as she entered the kitchen and walked over to the refrigerator. “Where’s Mara?”

“Good morning to you too.” I looked at her. “Mara got a call last night that her sister is very ill and in the hospital. She had to fly to New York. I’ll be staying with you until your dad gets back.”

“But he won’t be back for a couple more days. This is bullshit.” She stormed out of the kitchen, and I sighed.

“What do you want for breakfast?” I shouted as she ran up the stairs.

She ignored me, and I didn’t know what to do. Picking up my phone, I texted Adalyn.

“Morning. How are you feeling? You’ll never guess the predicament I’m in.”

“Morning. I’m feeling blah and thinking I need to stay home today. What’s wrong?”