TIFFIN 3

86

"Kristina, what are you doing here? I must say I'm shocked to see you." 

Tawnee was positioned at the reception desk where Brendan stood like a dear in headlights. I didn't blame him; I hadn't warned him or Jo about my arrival.

"Mrs. Horan-" 

She merely laughed at my formal greeting. 

"How many times must I remind you to address me by my name? Please. It's Tawnee." 

I grinned, glad that despite my coldness towards her, she didn't hate me. 

"Right. Look, I know you're surprised to see us at the moment," I clasped my hands in Hero's, which caught Cole's unwavering stare, "but we thought we'd visit you. I know you heard about the swat sting, but I've neglected to include you lately haven't I?"

"Oh my sweet dear," she gasped, gathering me in her arms, "I'm so glad you're back." 

I winced at the twisted expression on her face and lingering tears.

It suddenly hit that I really did have people that loved me despite my meltdown.

And I'd pushed them away like they'd meant nothing. 

"Me too. Listen. I just gave birth to my Eleanor and I'd love for you to see her in the flesh. You were, after all, the one who rushed me to the hospital when I was sick." 

Tawnee nodded enthusiastically, her eyes now glassy. 

"Of course I'll come see you. Just give me a time and place. I'll bring Garrick- oh, Cole! Won't you come?" 

I already knew what his answer would be before he opened his mouth. Instead of supplying a response, however, he turned and stalked away. 

I was mystified to see a wide smile on Hero's face.

Had he been the reason Cole had left? 

He really needed to learn to be more tame. Especially around guys he didn't like around me. 

"Huh." Tawnee mused. "I wonder what that was about." 

"I don't know," Hero began, wrapping an arm around me, "I have a hunch it has to do with the bug going around town, but I think it's safe to say he won't be able to make it." 

I was worried that Tawnee might catch onto the teasing tone in his voice, but to my amazement, she didn't. 

"Oh, the poor dear. I was almost worried that he was giving Kristina the cold shoulder. He's been acting off lately. Anyway... Hero... how are you doing? I'm glad to see you're back."

I hadn't seen much interaction with the duo much since I'd known them but I was taken aback by the sheepish look on his face. 

He hadn't been this way with his parents (which hadn't been a surprise) or even Georgia or Leo for that matter. 

He began kicking at the floor. 

"I know. I'm sorry. I've been trying to make amends, but I have been catching up with Niall-"

Tawnee tapped her foot, glowering playfully. 

"I know, mister! I've only heard him and his lovely wife recite the same announcement a thousand times. We need to get together and discuss why you deserted us without saying anything. Niall was lost without you." 

Hero frowned. 

"I know. I know. Okay? I didn't mean to hurt anyone." 

Tawnee spent a moment surveying him before clearing her throat. 

"You ever going to reveal why you left so abruptly?" 

Oh, that was right. She didn't know that he had initially left to figure out Evengot's plans. 

"I will. In time."

Tawnee nodded and looked as if she were about to leave but paused. 

"Well, whether you left for some deluded reason or you just needed time to clear your thoughts... I'm glad to see this new version of you. You're different." 

As she finally made her way down the hall she shouted: 

"Since you're here, feel free to tour the building. I know there's a few places you'd like to revisit." 

When she disappeared into a room, my eyes darted to Hero's. 

"Babe... was I the only one that caught onto the hidden meaning in that statement?" 

I looked towards Brendan who had gone pale and was now burying his face in a folder. 

"No," Hero replied, "fingering the neckline of my dress, "I know exactly what she was referring to." 

I blushed. 

"Oh my God! She knows what we did in the treasurers office!"

Hero simply placed a finger over my plump lips. 

"Hush. Let us revisit that office in question." 

I didn't dare argue as he took my hand.

Thank you all for giving this chapter a read ❤❤

Btw, I'm so so happy Britney has her freedom.

Currently listening to showdown 🙌🙌