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“I think there’s been a misunderstanding, son,” my father says. He chuckles, and my eyes drift shut slowly, wishing I could shut the rest of the world out for good. “Hannah isn’t married.”
When I blink, Logan’s confused expression comes into focus. He’s staring at me expectantly, waiting for me to correct my father. Then my father is looking at me too, waiting for me to correct Logan. The only unbothered person in our group is David McKenna.
“Could I talk to you outside for a moment, Dad?” I ask, standing and walking toward the door before he has a chance to answer.
Whether or not he follows, I desperately need some fresh air.
Hedoesfollow, appearing on the sidewalk just a few seconds after I’ve inhaled my first lungful of clean oxygen. As soon as I get a glimpse of his expression, I start to wish he stayed inside.
“What is going on, Hannah? Did Cassidy say or do something inappropriate? I’ll make sure—”
“No. This has nothing to do with Logan.” I cross my arms, rubbing my bare skin. The sun is sinking, taking warmth with it. “I, um…”
It’s hard to force the words out. I’ve done plenty of stupid things, but I’ve never admitted most of them to my parents. And marrying Oliver isthestupidest thing I’ve ever done.
Concern creases my father’s forehead. “Hannah—”
“Iammarried. I did get married. In Vegas, last weekend.”
My father’s expression literally freezes, nothing but shock visible. “I… I didn’t even know you were dating anyone.”
“I wasn’t dating him.”
His face manages to look more stunned. And worse, there’s a flash of disappointment.
“For very long,” I add hastily. “I wasn’t dating him for very long. He was there for a bachelor party. We had too much to drink, and it was a stupid mistake. We’re getting divorced. I didn’t want you and mom to know.”
My father exhales, long and rattled. “I…wow. I don’t know quite what to say, Hannah.”
“Logan was flirting with me, which is why I told him about the marriage. But he was completely respectful. We should go back inside.”
My dad is blinking rapidly, still looking shocked. Eddie dated April for eight years before proposing to her. They were engaged for two years before they got married.
In contrast, my marriage and divorce are a whirlwind.
I can only imagine how fast he would be blinking if he knew I’d only known Oliver for a few hours before marrying him. A vaguewe hadn’t been dating for longisn’t much of an improvement, but it’s something.
“Do you need an attorney?”
“I contacted some today. I have calls lined up for tomorrow morning.”
He nods. “Send me the names. I might have some insight.”
“Okay.”
As much as I hate that my father knows—especiallyhowhe found out—it’s a relief that he does. For the first time since I saw that piece of paper next to the bed, it feels like I can see past this mistake. Like it’s a manageable one.
“You’re okay, Hannah?”
“Yeah.” I nod, twice. “I’m good.”
“I can handle the meeting, if you want.”
“I want to stay.”
A proud smile spreads across my dad’s face, and the rush of relief is forceful. I was worried he’d want me to leave after making a mess of things with Logan. And I was terrified he’d think less of me for using such horrible judgment.
“Then let’s go,” he says.
