Anastasia

Chapter (45): New Leaf

Around noon, Adrienne placed her drink down on the table and listened to Tiffany as she informed her and the rest about Lina's next plan on bringing girls from the streets to work for her in other institutions. Adrienne was gathering all the information she could collect on the two siblings.

The café was getting quieter as more people left to pursue their purposes. Hanna and Jimmy sat at one of the stools while the other two women were planning on how to get rid of Lina for the greater good once and for all.

Hanna placed a hand on her cheek and stared at Jimmy who had his eyes glued on the screen as he kept typing with a crease visible between his eyebrows.

"Why didn't you tell me about helping my sister out, Jim?"

He shrugged as if it was nothing. "She said to keep it discreet till she fixes the issue. I don't mind helping though. She's smart and knows how to plan. I could learn a thing or two from her." He glanced at Hanna and took a sip from his coffee. "I did wanna tell you but it wasn't my place so." He shrugged again and she gave him a nod.

"Yeah, you're helping her a lot." She sighed and looked over her shoulder at her sister. "Thanks though." She turned to Jimmy with a soft smile that he returned. "You're doing the right thing. We," She pointed at them all. "are doing the right thing." He gave her a nod and pursed his lips. They stayed silent for a minute as Jimmy shifted his focus back on the screen, acknowledging Hanna's looks, but he kept his coolness around her. "You know... Adrienne isn't the only one smart here. You are smart too, Jimmy. She probably didn't wanna tell me about it because I'm a headache." She moved closer to him, their forearms made a minimum touch and he inhaled deeply. "Without you, she wouldn't have been able to gather all the intel about Lina and Roger to save Sage." She shrugged and gave him a shy smile, and his lips curled into a smile as his heart started pounding fast in his chest.

"Thanks, Hanna." He gave her a gentle smile as he breathed softly. "And for the record, you're never a headache." He chuckled lightly.

Her smile grew bigger yet softer as she locked eyes with him deeply. She moved her fingers and was about to graze his hand, but Adrienne called out to them. Hanna cursed inwardly as they both turned around to face Adrienne and Tiffany.

"We're gonna go. Jimmy could you take Hanna home, please? I have everything I need." she said as she wore her coat. Jimmy gave Adrienne a nod and turned to his laptop to shut it down. Hanna sighed and got up from the stool and adjusted her clothes as she approached Adrienne. "I'm gonna give her a ride home, and then maybe pay Sage a visit at her... work."

"Need anything?"

"Thanks, Munchkin, but I got it." She smiled at her little sister and kissed her head. "Take care of Jimbo boy here." She nodded her head towards Jimmy and Hanna nodded with a smile.

Jimmy placed his bag over his shoulder and adjusted his glasses on his way out, but Tiffany stood in front of him and crossed her arms with a playful smile on her lips.

"By the way, she likes you back." said Tiffany as she pointed at Hanna who was busy talking with Adrienne at the corner.

Jimmy looked over his shoulder at Hanna and smiled as a sigh escaped his lips before he looked back at Tiffany. "Hopefully."

...............................

Pulling over in a dark neighborhood, Adrienne killed off the engine and scanned the area with her eyes but she could barely see anything from how dark it is.

"Thanks for the ride." said Tiffany grabbing her attention.

Adrienne gave her a small smile and nodded. "You have a kid, right?"