That’s the only explanation why the text I sent a few hours ago hasn't been read.
Hey, beautiful. May I take you to dinner tonight? Or make you dinner at the house? If you want to chill by yourself after spending all weekend with me, I get it, though. Maybe tomorrow? Just let me know.
I'm not usually the type to be glued to my phone, but today I've been checking it every half hour. Finally, mid-afternoon, I see the message has been read. But still no response.
She's probably just busy. Her aunt could be breathing down her neck.
I don't hate many people in this world, but the way that Blaire woman treats Hanna… It’s not right. It twists my guts into knots to think that my girl feels trapped in this situation.
It’s easy to read between the lines. Her parents are accustomed to bossing her around and haven’t stopped even though she’s an adult. Same with her aunt, who is using her as cheap labor. I hate it.
Pacing around the wood shop, I scrape the stiff broom around the concrete floor with a lot more vigor than necessary. Once the dust has flown out the back door to the yard, I text again.
I understand if you're working. I just want to make sure you're OK and that your aunt didn't come home in too terrible a rage. Please text or call if you have a chance.
After another ten minutes of pacing, my phone finally beeps.
Hanna: I'm closing up the store soon.
Can I call you for a quick minute?
Hanna: Sure.
I take a deep breath and settle into the easy chair in the corner of the shop before tapping her contact.
"Hi, Knox."
"Hey, darlin'. What’s going on? Tell me everything."
She sighs. "Mom didn't give me any idea that Aunt Blaire was so controlling. I don't know why, but she's freaking out."
"Have you read the recent online reviews of the store?" I say softly.
"No. Why?"
"There were a couple posted over the weekend, basically saying that it's safe to go back to the store, so long as people look for you."
She's quiet for a moment. "Oh."
"Yeah. Let me guess, sales have been up since you've been there?"
"Well, yes. I mean, nobody wants to deal with her."
"Exactly. I mean, even her husband got another job." I chuckle. "And unfortunately, that means Blaire is going to do everything she can to keep you there."
"Yeah," she whispers. "I guess you’re right."
"Do you feel trapped there, darlin'?"
"I do."
I hesitate. It's far too soon for me to say what's about to come spilling out of me. Screw it.
"You don't have to feel that way, Hanna. I would love you to move in with me whenever you like. I don't know how this is going to sound, but… I would love to provide for you. To give you everything you need. Everything you want."
I hear her breath hitch, but I continue.
"Even if you wanted to live somewhere else. If you wanted to go away to school, or live in a bigger city. It might take me a minute to wrap my head around it, but honestly, I’d move to be with you. If you didn’t want to live with me, I would pay for a house or apartment anywhere you wanted just to get away from that woman, and to give you time to settle into your own life. You know what I mean?"
