“Edie always bakes a fresh pie and Bryanna boxes up some cookies. Kassie sent down some baskets the teens made up with some of Samantha’s salon and cleaning products. Of course, we have gift certificates from the pizza place and Ty’s,” Leoannounced. “I have the girls for another hour, until Kassie and Catherine get off work. Derrick’s asleep in the back and Grace decided she’s the resident social butterfly.”
Hannah glanced through the windows to see Victoria holding Grace, who wore a camouflaged tutu.
“I’ll talk to Victoria,” Hannah said, beelining for the door.
Cole watched her as she went inside and held her hands out to the almost two-year-old baby. Grace leaped into her arms, and she spoke with Victoria while she bounced her on her hip.
“It’s never a good sign when they run to Victoria. I hope you have a cup,” Knight muttered to Cole.
“She’s asking her to teach her self-defense. Hannah needs to feel she’s in control,” Cole informed them.
“And you let her go to Victoria. I’m beginning to question my hiring skills,” Leo exclaimed. “We can teach her some skills.”
“She’s not comfortable with our size,” he admitted softly.
“Then we’ll test her boundaries on Monday. We need to know her triggers. She may be working at the facility, but we never know when our training will come in handy, especially here,” Leo said before walking away. Cole locked up the bus and went inside.
Hannah sat between Cherise and Victoria, holding Grace. She waved when she saw him. “I saved you a seat. Cherise plans to take Ty and Scarlett dinner and keep it warm. Bernie says he’s winning the jackpot,” she said, excitement showing on her face.
“We’ll see about that,” Cole said as he sat down beside her and organized his cards.
Joe called out the numbers while Jake and Ivan refreshed drinks.
“B14,” Joe called.
Cole stamped his square. Grace waved Hannah’s marker in the air, preparing for battle. He leaned over and stamped hercard for her. She smiled her thanks as Grace grabbed a bit of her hair.
Cole chuckled as he untangled it from her death grip.
“N32,” Joe called out.
“Why don’t I take Leo’s little heathen while you play?” Victoria offered. “Did you see Kassie or Chase before you drove down? Emma’s here, but Kassie planned for the others to come down with her and I haven’t seen them.”
“I filled out paperwork to volunteer, and she mentioned she’d see us here,” Hannah told Victoria as she passed the baby to her.
“O64,” Joe gave the following number.
Hannah stamped her card. Cole made a face as he studied his and glanced at hers.
“I24,” Joe said, sipping his coffee and scanning the room. Everyone waited with bated breath to see if anyone got Bingo. The seniors tittered among themselves, comparing their cards.
“B3, everyone, do we have a winner?” Joe asked. When no one raised their hand, he pulled out another ball. “G48,” he called.
Hannah stamped her card and grinned, checking Cole’s progress. Her gaze flashed back to hers and she jumped up. “Bingo,” she called excitedly.
Cole laughed as everyone groaned and clapped before taking out their next set of cards.
“What did I win?” she asked. Edie pulled a box from behind the counter when Leo said something to her. She smiled and handed him another box.
“It appears as if you won snickerdoodle cookies,” Leo announced.
Hannah took the box, grinning from ear to ear. “Sorry, Saint, no snickerdoodle cookies for you,” she teased. The grown man grew flustered while Leo laughed. Knight nearly fell out ofhis chair while Patch patted him on the back, consoling him. Bryanna held her stomach as she giggled.
Hannah didn’t understand the inside joke, but it made her more determined to carry out her and Scarlett’s prank. She leaned down, cupped Cole’s face and kissed him in her excitement. His hand went around her neck, pulling her closer to steal her cookies. She laughed as she twisted away from him, making the older people laugh.
Hannah opened the box, offering cookies to her friends at her table, when her smile vanished from her face and she went pale. Cole stood, wrapping his arm around her as he followed her gaze.
“What’s wrong?” he said as Joe started the new game.
