Between Limestone Ruins

Chapter Eleven

It seemed like no time at all and entirely too long before they both had steaming hot steaks and mashed potatoes in front of them. Hannah sipping sangria and Walker was on his second frosted glass of some local craft beer.

The two had settled into polite conversation for the first time ever. It was proof food brought people together. Walker told Hannah crazy stories from his time in the army, save for anything to wildly confidential. He had dozens of funny or badass stories to pick from that revealed very little of who he was. He had small talk down to a science but failed to realize his companion saw right through him.

Hannah noted his restraint and let it go, knowing prying into his life wasn't going to get him to trust her.

Hannah talked about her lawyer brother Aiden, forcing Toronto corporations to be eco-conscientious and the baby of the family Zac who had walked out of his high school graduation and straight onto a plane to Europe, working and eating his way through as many countries as he could.

"You're uncomfortable," Walker stated.

"Uh no, I am enjoying this very overpriced steak right now," Hannah said confidently.

"After you woke up from your car nap, your demeanor changed. You seem tense."

"Who's the shrink here," Hannah said, she'd laughed to hide her discomfort. She had been reading him, completely unaware he was doing the same.

"Don't change the subject. We're partners now, I have to watch your back. Is there something I need to know?" Walker had gotten dead serious.

Hannah sighed. "I did my master's here." She started.

"I know. I can use the internet. Not as dumb as I look"

"You don't look dumb," Hannah began to argue before sighing. If she wanted Walker to trust her, or even respect her, she was going to have to be forthcoming.

She closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Fine. It's Ethan. We met during my master's in a lab." 

She launched into the story full force but had no intention of disclosing the entire story; Walker needed only the basic specifics. 

 "Got together shortly after. Lived together for the last two years of my degree. He was older, worked for his father's company. A fortune 500 legacy. He... wasn't a good guy. Controlling. Mean. And I was so alone out here. He was the only friend I really made in Kingston. I had all but cut off contact with my family. I was an idiot."

Hannah took a deep breath. Walker listened quietly; he appreciated her honesty. It took balls to reveal her trauma wounds to a dick head you met 24 hours ago. She never ceased to surprise him. 

Hannah didn't see the pity she was so used to seeing old friends faces and even on her parents' faces when she explained. Walker just calmly evaluated her face and listened. So, she continued. 

"He wasn't happy when I started looking for jobs outside of this area for after graduation. He wanted me to marry him and play house wife. That's just not who I am.

So, I ran before I graduated. Ran back home. And mom and dad welcomed me back. They had never pushed as I isolated myself, but they always checked in. I was scared they'd hate me for cutting them out but just like when I was a child they welcomed me with open arms." Hannah didn't think Walker needed to know the details. That when she tried to run Ethan had stopped her. Flung her down a flight of stairs. Beaten her within an inch of her life. She'd see pity in his eyes if he knew all that.