“So, is this serious?” Dad asks once we’ve eaten most of the food, his eyes laser-focused on me. “I imagine you’re both busy with studies and other extracurricular activities, like soccer.” He doesn’t even spare Hannah a look when he adds, “You know Noah will be returning to Perth after graduation?”
“It’s serious,” I snap, my patience wearing thin.
Hannah jumps in, her tone calm but confident. “We’re taking things one day at a time. I really like Noah, and we’ll work everything out when the time arises.”
“Hmm.” He doesn’t look convinced.
“Who knows,” I say, noticing Zac looking over at us. I place my arm around Hannah and pull her closer. “I haven’t decided what I’ll do after graduation. Maybe I’ll follow you to Sydney.”
Her lips part in surprise, and I lean in to kiss her, ignoring the huff of indignation from my father. There’s still no zing of pleasure, nothing that excites me or makes my body thrum for more. It’s nothing more than kissing a friend, but when I pull away, I shoot her a lazy smile and swipe my thumb over her bottom lip.
“You have responsibilities in Perth,” Dad says in a bored tone, and I want to reach across the table and punch him in the mouth. “However, if this is as serious as you say it is, perhaps Hannah should join us for your grandfather’s seventieth birthday celebrations in July.”
I swallow, trying not to let the panic show on my face.This arrangement was only supposed to be for today to get him off my back. July is three months away.
Before I can say anything, Hannah rests her hand on my chest and smiles at my father. “I’d love to come. Thank you for the invitation.”
“Fantastic. I know my parents will be thrilled to meet Noah’s first girlfriend.”
His words hit like a knife to the gut, and I ignore Hannah’s curious gaze.
“Awesome,” I mutter. Checking my watch, I push back from the table. “Hey, babe, we’ve got to get going. We’re meeting your friends for that hike at Eagle Peak in half an hour.”
It’s a bullshit lie, but Hannah doesn’t falter. “Right,” she says, taking my hand and allowing me to pull her to her feet. “It was really lovely meeting you, Mr Bentley. I look forward to meeting the rest of the family in July.”
My father stands and buttons his suit jacket. “Yes, lovely to meet you, too.” He fixes his heavy stare on me. “I’ll be in touch with your flight details and to organise your collection from the airport.”
I don’t offer a formal farewell, placing my hand on the small of Hannah’s back and guiding her out of the café.
We don’t speak until we’re sitting in Jasper’s car, and I lean forward and rest my head on the steering wheel.
“Hey,” Hannah says, reaching over to rub my back. “That wasn’t so bad.”
I turn my head to look at her. “I’m sorry this has all been dragged out now. Please don’t feel like you have to come to my grandfather’s birthday. You didn’t sign on for that. I honestly thought he’d see you were real and drop it.”
Her teeth sink into her bottom lip. “Sorry if I overstepped by accepting the invitation. I was only trying to help.”
I lean over the centre console and pull her in for a hug, pressing my lips to the top of her head. “You didn’t overstep, and I appreciate you doing that for me. I just don’t want you to feel like you have to do this. I can figure it out if you want to bail.”
She shrugs when I lean back into my seat. “It’s not like I have any other dating prospects right now.”
I run a hand through my hair. “Hannah, you’re gorgeous, funny, and a really great catch. I don’t want to hold you back from actually finding a good guy.”
She rolls her eyes, but she’s smiling. “Okay, how about this? If I happen to find this so-called good guy in the next three months, then we’ll stage a break-up and you’ll go on your own to your grandad’s birthday.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.”
“Why are you doing this for me? I don’t deserve it.”
She drops her gaze to her lap, tracing her finger over the pattern on her dress. “I don’t know why you think you’re not a nice guy, Noah. You were upfront with me about not wanting a girlfriend, and I respect that. I don’t think it’s fair for your dad to force you into marriage with someone you don’t like, so I’m happy to play my part in your freedom for as long as it takes.”
My chest tightens at the reminder of the lie I told her. I reach over and squeeze her hand. “Thank you. You really are a good friend.”
“A great friend,” she teases.
“A great friend,” I agree, laughing.
