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“Here’s your last check.” Tim handed over a white envelope.
“Tim? Come on.” Her voice cracked.
He rolled his eyes. “We’ve been over this, Hannah.”
She turned on her heel and marched toward the exit, her back straight.
Tim shot a smug look at Jake. “Can I help you with something?”
“You really are a jerk,” he said, and went after Hannah.
He reminded himself again that he should stay out of her business, that he should keep his mouth shut, but as usual he failed to follow his own advice.
“Hannah,” he called, catching up to her.
“What do you want?” she said coldly, not slowing down.
He shook his head. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything.”
She stopped impatiently to let the sliding doors open, then ran out as if the place was on fire. But then she suddenly stopped, straightened her shoulders, and turned on him so quickly he almost ran into her.
“Whatare you doing here?” Her hands fisted on her hips. “Are youfollowingme?”
“No!” Oh God, did she think he was a creeper?
“Well, you seem to have a real problem with butting into my business.”
“Look, I’m sorry, I just can’t stand seeing people treat a lady that way.”
She laughed scornfully as anger flashed across her face. “Troy was right, the other day.Whatis your deal? You don’t even know me.”
“I know guys like Troy.”
“Yeah, well, I can take care of myself.” Her voice broke. “I lost my job because ofyoustarting something with Troy.”
She turned and walked away just before his second apology came out. “I’m really sorry,” he muttered.
Well, he really needed to just let it go, now. She didn’t want his help, and he thought uneasily that maybe he had also crossed the line by talking to Sam.
“I won’t bother you again.”
* * *
Emma sat next to the tub as Mae splashed in the water. Hannah sat on the edge with her hands hovering over the baby.
“She’s fine, Mom,” Emma rolled her eyes.
“Have you ever heard of dry drowning?” Hannah asked her.
“Yes, every time I went near water during my entire childhood.”
“It’s frightening.” Hannah wasn’t ashamed of caring. She turned her focus back on the baby. “You are just the cutest, except this pretty girl over here.”
“Mom, stop.” Emma continued with the eye rolling, and Hannah assumed this behavior would become the norm as she traveled through her teens.
“You’ll always be my baby.”
“Do you ever want more babies?” Emma suddenly asked, handing Mae a plastic alphabet letter. Mae splashed it hard in the water, then threw it across the tub.
