Tessa's Reflection

Chapter 3

Tessa POV -
'Hey Tess, just in time. Thought we said 7?'.

'I'm sorry, I zoned out and lost track of time'. It's only 7.04pm so I know Landon is teasing but internally I am irrated that I was late even if it's only a few minutes.

'Hey Hun, so glad you made it. I' ve been looking forward to seeing you all day and to hear about the book tour Happy Hardin is on'. Nora chuckles.

'Let's not talk about the book tour for now, anything but the book tour please. I could do with a distraction'. I reply whilst sitting myself at the island in the kitchen. Landon and Nora are both at the stove, Nora is dishing up whilst Landon leans on the counter beside looking directly at me with pleading eyes. He knows something is up, and I didn't help by making a point of not wanting to talk about the book tour. I'm in for a grilling and I know it. I feel silly that this is an issue but maybe they will talk some sense into me, put my worries at bay.

'Tess, you know you can talk openly here. Hardin is my brother yes, but you have always been my best friend so you know I won't relay what is said here'.

'Okay, maybe I am overreacting but Molly turned up to the signing, she invited Hardin for dinner tonight and he has gone. He did tell me about it, which I'm grateful about. I mean he is so open now, which really makes life easier for us but something about her going there is really bothering me'. I stop for air, I didn't realise I had been holding my breath until I let out my rant.

'Shit, really. She turned up. How odd, I mean it's been atleast a year if not longer since you saw them all. And he's going to dinner, why?'. Landon looks puzzled, Nora however doesn't know all the details of our troublesome past so stays neutral.

'That was my thoughts, he said he was curious as to what she would want to talk about so he was going to hear her out'. I wave my hands up in defeat, as if not fully understanding why but really if it was me I would have gone had it been Zed. I know I would have, only difference is Hardin would insist on being chaperone.

We talk some more but go off topic, I'm glad as this is has already been on my mind to long. I want to think about something else. I'll hear from Hardin soon enough and he can fill in the blanks, I've learnt from past mistakes to trust him rather than jump to conclusions. Nothing good comes from that so I will wait and hear about it from him when he is done. Plus he said he wouldn't be late. It's only 8.30pm now, I'm sure he will be back at the hotel before I get home. Landon and Nora tell me all about their idea's for summer, how they intend on decorating and even the mention of a weekend away. Inviting Hardin and myself. It sounds lovely, and maybe it would be a nice way to end the year. We've all been so busy lately. College, work and Hardin really do consume the majority of my time, he has been busy writing and now the book tour. Landon has been studying and working to and Nora, well Nora has work and cares for her husband, ex husband oh I' m not sure. I don't like to pry so I keep my questions minimal. I know that sounds crazy but they married young, more so to spite their parents and after his accident he was left paralysed. I really admire her and how caring she is. Landon has met him and they often go to see him together. It's easy to judge someone and the circumstances without really knowing the history, I try not to do this now. It's never ends well and I had been one to judge quickly until I realised that what someone chooses to do should be and is their own business. If you can't support it, just keep your mouth shut.

It's 10.15pm when I look at the clock, tonight has gone so quickly. I love being here with the people who mean so much to me but I am slightly irrated that I haven't heard from Hardin yet. I'm not going to text or call, he said he would contact me when he was done. I will wait, even if it is annoying me that he may still be with Molly. Just as I get up to use the bathroom my phone beeps, at last. I use the bathroom before checking.

No ID - Picture message

That's odd, unknown ID. I was sure it would be Hardin, as I examine the notification worry courses through me. I need to open it but my fingers just trace over the notification. Landon must see the worry on my face and asks me what's wrong. I explain and he looks concerned, I was hoping he would look more reassuring but I can see it on his face he too is slightly worried.

'Open it, see what it is before you drive yourself mad thinking about what if's'. He says in a bossy tone, one I am not used to.

'Urm, I will but I just..... I just don't like this feeling in my stomach. I feel like I'm about to be hit by something I'm not ready for. Is that stupid?' I say pathetically.

'I don't know Tess, but if you open it you will soon find out'.

I open the message with the caption 'for old times sake 😉'

My stomach drops, what the fuck! I look at the screen, examining the picture in front of me. I feel sick. Sure as hell it was something that was going to hit me like a truck, I didn't expect this. Never did this play out in my mind.

I drop the phone and pace back and forth, calm down I chant to myself. There is surely an explanation, fuck that. There is no reason for this or an explanation on why it has happened. My fists are by my sides, I really have the urge to punch something but being me I know I would feel awful afterwards if I broke anything so I just press my finger nails into my palms.

'Tess, what is it. Can I see?' Landon reaches for my phone laying on the floor. I nod whilst pacing back and forth.

'What the fuck! Tess, Tess are you OK? Sorry stupid question. Are you sure this is what it looks like, I see it but it doesn't make any sense. Not now, not after everything. There really has to be a misunderstanding. Don't you think?' he sounds pissed off but also indifferent. I want to yell at him but Landon is very good at seeing every side to a coin not just the side staring back.

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