Of Course, It's You

Chapter 23

HANNAH

Hannah had no idea what had just happened.

One minute, Carmen was ushering her out of the office, canceling their meeting, and the next, Robert Mills was inviting her to the gala. Or rather, commanding her to go. It hadn't felt like a request at all.

Her brow furrowed as she stared at the now empty hallway, arms flopping to her sides in exasperated confusion. What the hell just happened?

Then she heard the telltale sound of heels clicking rapidly across the floor.

She turned to see Carmen charging past, her face flushed, shoulders pulled so tight they nearly touched her ears. Her entire body looked rigid with tension. She didn't look up. She just stormed toward the elevator like the floor was the only thing anchoring her.

"Carmen!" Hannah called, but she was already gone.

The elevator doors closed before she could get there.

Shit.

Hannah didn't hesitate. She bolted for the stairs, taking them two at a time, and burst into the lobby just as the elevator doors dinged open. Carmen rushed out, her face blotchy and eyes brimming with unshed tears.

"What are you doing, Miss Nelson?" Carmen asked sharply, her voice formal and tight.

Hannah tilted her head at the sudden formality, "I'm holding the door for you... Miss Mills."

Carmen's jaw worked. "No, I-" She stopped herself, shaking her head.

"I wanted to make sure you were okay." Hannah admitted quietly.

"Why?"

The question hit like a cold slap, causing Hannah to hesitate. She didn't want to overstep, but even now, standing here awkwardly, the urge to help Carmen was overwhelming.

But why? Why did she care this much?

"You helped me when I needed it." she finally said. "I just want to return the favor. So... if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm around."

Carmen narrowed her eyes. "Like a friend?"

Damn. Everything coming out of this woman's mouth was laced in frost.

"Friend-adjacent?" Hannah shrugged. "Whatever label works for you."

"I'm going to finish work from my hotel."

Hannah nodded and stepped back, still holding the door.

But then, softly, almost like it pained her, Carmen said, "thanks, though."

It was the most sincere thing she'd said all day. It made Hannah's chest ache. She blurted the first thing that came to mind.

"Maybe I'll see you tomorrow. At the race."

Carmen turned back to her, clearly confused.

"The charity race 5K in town." Hannah offered.

"Ah," Carmen took a slow breath. "I'll think about it. I'm more of the 'wear the race shirt I found in the lost and found bin because I spilled something on my shirt' type."

Hannah laughed, smiling at her retreating figure. He couldn't explain it, but she really hoped Carmen would show up.

And when Saturday morning came around, the tingle of anticipation was gone the second that grumpy morning Lyvie appeared.

"Lyv, c'mon sweetie. It's time to wake up." Hannah cooed, sitting on the edge of the mattress.

Lyvie groaned and burrowed further into the sheets.