Page 68 of From This Moment (After We Fall 4)
Yes, life could be short and cruel. But we had each other, and we could spend whatever days we were afforded being happy together.
It was the only way to fight back.
On Monday morning, I got a call from Brad telling me my offer on the house had been accepted. I listened to his voicemail at lunch and called him back as I drove home from work.
“Hey, Brad. Got your message. That’s great news.”
“Yeah, congrats. You excited?”
“Hell yes. I’m so ready to move out of my parents’ house.”
He laughed. “I bet.”
We talked a little about securing the mortgage and setting up a meeting to sign the papers before I asked him for a favor. “Any chance I could get a key a little early so I can show my folks the house?” The owners had already moved to Florida, so the
house was empty.
“That shouldn’t be a problem. Want to swing by my office?”
“Now?”
“Sure. As long as you don’t throw a party in there or anything, you can show it off.”
I laughed. “I’m moving there to get away from people. No parties for me.” Unless it’s a party of two.
“I’ll be here until seven. Come on by.”
I picked up the key from Brad and sat in the parking lot of the real estate office a moment, my phone in my hand. I was dying to call Hannah and invite her to see the house, but I didn’t want to invade her space. She’d asked for some time to think, and I wanted to honor my pledge to give it to her.
But a phone call would be okay, right? She could always ignore it if she didn’t want to talk to me. Or maybe a text. That was better. And if she didn’t answer right away, I’d just drive home and see if my parents wanted to see the house. That’s what I’d told Brad I was doing, anyway.
Hey, you. My offer was accepted. Want to see the house?
I hit send and waited a moment, holding my breath. Jesus, it was like being thirteen all over again. I like you, do you like me? Check yes or no.
My phone vibrated in my hand. She was calling me.
“Hello?” I couldn’t keep a smile off my face.
“Hey! Congratulations!”
“Thanks.”
“That’s such great news. I’m so happy for you.”
“Now I can get out of my mother’s house.”
She laughed. “A very good thing. I can’t wait to see it!”
“Want to? I have a key. Brad said it would be okay to go there since the owners are already gone.”
“Oh my gosh, I’d love to!”
“I’ll pick you up.” I started my car, eager to see her.
“Can Abby come too?”
“Of course!”
