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“Yeah. Although I hate using Nash as a weapon.”
“You’re not. Sabrina is. You didn’t start this, Tanner, but you need to be the one to finish it.”
Chapter Nineteen
Zara
I’ve been to Tanner’s apartment several times. I’ve even spent the night here.
So, why does it feel odd, sitting here by myself?
Tanner left about ten minutes ago to collect Nash from school, and although Katie said I could wait downstairs, I didn’t want her to see how nervous I am. She’s lovely, and greeted me warmly when I arrived, which was just after two-thirty. My packing didn’t take as long as I thought it might, and I came straight over, nerves getting the better of me.
Tanner welcomed me with a kiss, and introduced me to Katie, who did nothing but smile, at both me and him, and while Tanner showed me around the store, she fixed us all a coffee, which we just had time to drink before Tanner left.
Katie didn’t seem to mind when I said I wanted to be alone, and I came up here and wandered around a little, before sitting on the couch and trying not to picture it all going wrong. That’s exactly what could happen when Tanner gets back, because that’s when he says he’s going to tell Nash about us. But if he doesn’t want me here, or doesn’t like me, or decides, he’d prefer his dad to be single, then all of this will have been for nothing… which probably makes it just as well that everything at my house is packed into boxes. At least I can leave with a minimum of fuss.
A minimum of fuss and a broken heart, because having gotten halfway to leaving, I know it’s gonna break me if I have to complete that journey…
I jump, hearing the back door open and slam closed, followed by the sound of voices, and a child’s laugh.
They’re back, and my palms dampen, my stomach churning as I get to my feet. It won’t look good if I’ve made myself too comfortable already. Nash might not like that. This is his home, after all. It’s not mine yet.
“Why are you coming up with me, Dad? I don’t need you to help me get a drink.”
“I know, but there’s someone I want you to meet.”
“Who’s that?”
Nash is looking over his shoulder, talking to his father as he reaches the top step, coming straight into the living room. Tanner doesn’t reply, but looks at me, and Nash turns, taking a moment before he recognizes me.
“Miss Howell?”
“Yes.” I smile, hoping it’ll help, and feeling relieved that I don’t work at the school anymore. At least it will avoid any confusion about what Nash should call me. Tanner’s standing right behind him, and places a hand on his son’s head.
“We need to talk, son,” he says, and Nash looks up at him.
“Are you guys dating?” he asks, and Tanner smiles.
“Yes, we are.”
Nash nods his head. “So, Matthew was right.”
“About what?” Tanner asks, pulling his hand away from Nash’s head, and glancing over at me, giving me a reassuring wink.
“He told me this morning that Miss Howell had been fired because she’s dating you.”
Tanner shakes his head, moving around in front of Nash and crouching down. “I’m sorry you had to hear about it like that.”
“So it’s true?” Nash looks surprised, and part of me wishes Tanner had handled this by himself. I feel embarrassed being the subject of their conversation while I’m in the room.
“Yes, but it’s not Zara’s fault.”
“Who’s Zara?”
“Miss Howell,” Tanner explains. “But as she’s not working at the school anymore, you can call her Zara.” He takes Nash’s hand. “Are you okay?”
“Sure.” Nash shrugs. “I think it’s great you’ve got a girlfriend.”
