Page 66 of Only You

“I may stop by Annie’s shop today. Is there anything special you want?”

“Can you pick up those oatmeal chip cookies if she has them?”

“You know I will.” I winked. “Those are my favorites, too. Listen, kiddo. I spoke with Hannah last night about everything you told me.”

“Okay. And?”

“She was upset and said you’re lying.”

“She’s the one lying, Dad. Why would I lie?”

“I think you have a problem with Hannah,” I said.

“I don’t really like her.”

“Why not?” I glanced over.

“I don’t know. There’s something about her. I can’t pinpoint it, but I think she’s fake.”

I sighed as I pulled into the school parking lot. “Have a good day.”

“You too, Dad. Bye.” Lucy smiled, shutting the door.

CHAPTER 22

Hannah

“I think these fixtures will look amazing. What do you think?” Katherine asked.

“Yeah. Those are nice.”

“Okay, what’s wrong? You’ve seemed off all day.”

“Lucy told Alex some lies about me, and he confronted me yesterday. His tone was so accusing and?—”

“And what?” Katherine asked.

“I don’t know. After we argued a bit, he left before we each said something we’d regret. I have no idea why that child hates me so much.”

“Listen, Hannah.” She hooked her arm around me. “I don’t think it’s you. I think it’s the thought of you.”

“What do you mean?” My brows furrowed.

“Her mother passed away. She was sent to live with a father she barely knew in a city she hated, and now, she’s moved again to a new place with a dad who’s probably around more than he ever has been. She wants her dad to herself and sees you as a threat of becoming between them.”

“You think so?”

“I had a friend back in college. She and her dad were super close. After her mom passed away, her father met a woman, and my friend did everything she could to make her father see this woman wasn’t good. She lied and purposely sabotaged their relationship. When I asked her why she did that, she said that she was afraid the woman would take her dad away and he would get so wrapped up in her that he would forget about his daughter. She saw it as losing her father like she did her mother.”

“Well, Lucy doesn’t have to worry about that because I’m not seeing Alex anymore. I moved here to start over, not get involved with a man and all his drama. I’m not going down that road again.”

“But you’re in Harbor Falls, my friend. The town where love blossoms.” A smile crossed her lips.

“Harbor Falls can shove love up its ass,” I said, and Katherine laughed.

When I arrived home, I saw Adalyn sitting in her car in the driveway.

“Hey, sis. What are you doing here?”