I sighed. ‘I’m not insinuating anything. I’m worried, OK? Look.’ I took a deep breath and summoned the courage to say what I knew I needed to say. ‘I’ve noticed more empty bottles in the recycling lately. I think you might be using alcohol to cope with your grief, Hannah. I think you might need some help.’
She glared at me, outraged. ‘You’ve beenspyingon me? Going through my rubbish?’
‘I’m not going through your rubbish. Your bins are right there next to the bar’s. I’ve just noticed, that’s all.’
She pushed to her feet. ‘I can’t believe this.’
‘I’m trying to be your friend.’
‘No,’ she spat, her eyes angry. ‘You’re trying to get rid of me. Now thatshe’shere.’
‘Who, Taylor? This has nothing to do with her.’
‘Don’t be naïve. I know how this works. Three’s a crowd. She’s moving in and now suddenly you don’t want me around any more.’
I stood up. ‘That’s not true. I’m always going to be here for you, and you know that.’
‘I know why,’ she agreed. ‘We both do. Out of loyalty. That’s the only reason you’re still here. Well, guess what. I don’t need you, Jack, if you’re going to accuse me of drinking too much. I release you from your promise, OK? You’re free to forget all about me and move on with Taylor or whoever you damn want.’
I watched her stalk away, heading for the stairs, and I let her go.
23
TAYLOR
I wasn’t mad athim, I realized as I looked at my reflection in the bathroom mirror while I washed my hands. How could I be? All the evening had proven was how much of a great guy Jack was. And I couldn’t really be mad at Hannah either, even though it was obvious that she felt as though she had some kind of claim over Jack. She couldn’t be more obvious with her effusive gushing about how wonderful he was, how much she relied on him, and how he dropped everything and changed his whole life just to be there for her. But the woman was a widow, for crying out loud. I’d have to be a pretty crappy person to be mad at her after everything she’d been through.
So I wasn’t mad at him, or her, exactly, but I sure as hell was mad atsomething. Myself, probably, for getting my hopes up. For making such an effort and looking so ridiculously overdressed for an evening that, it turned out, was a total bust. I’d thought Jack and I had a joke going about whether this was a date or not, but now I wasn’t so sure. And for a woman fresh out of marriage who’d never really done the whole dating thing, it was all a bit too confusing.
Back at the bar, I joined the queue, humming along to the music while I waited.
‘Can I get another Nor’easter, please?’ I asked Fiona when it was my turn. The place was pretty busy, the restaurant side nearly packed out, and a fair number of people standing around the bar as well. There was music playing somewhere, and the hum of different conversations. Laughter. The night was warm and the atmosphere pleasant, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of being alone and out of my depth.
She smiled. ‘Sure thing. How’s the non-date date going? It’s nice to see Jack looking so happy.’
‘We’re just friends.’
Her eyebrows shot up. ‘I’ve never dressed likethatfor a dinner with a friend before.’
‘I’m from New York. This is basically the city equivalent of wearing sweatpants.’
‘Mm, sure.’ She smiled knowingly.
‘Taylor?’
I swiveled my head. Dion was standing just behind me, eyes wide, his expression as he looked me up and down comically over the top, and very flattering. He didn’t look too bad himself, in a pair of blue jeans and with a black shirt, his beard freshly groomed and hair damp. Clearly, he’d not long ago showered.
‘Hey, Dion.’
‘Damn,’ he growled, his tone appreciative. ‘You lookincredible.’
‘Thanks.’
His eyes searched over my shoulder. ‘Are you here on your own?’
‘No, I came with Jack.’
He didn’t even bother to hide his disappointment, rubbing the back of his neck with one hand. ‘Ah. Right.’
