Page 26 of Lost & Found

Her eyes widened in disbelief. “Who is she? Do I know her?”

You could cut the tension between us with a knife, and I struggled to maintain my composure. But Hannah wasn’t satisfied, wouldn’t be until she got an answer. Isabella stepped into my line of sight.

How long had she been listening? With that quiet determination she always had, she strode over to me, and her presence instantly calmed the turbulent storm within me. She turned to face Hannah.

“He’s telling the truth. It’s not Kinsley. Never has been. It’s me. We’re dating,” she stated firmly.

Her words hung in the air between us. Hannah’s expression shifted from disbelief to frustration. Before she could respond, Isabella looped her pinkie through mine and then took my hand in hers.

With a firm squeeze, she let me know she had my back. She leaned her head against me and sighed. Hannah’s reaction was immediate. Her eyes widened in shock before narrowing into slits of disbelief.

She was taken aback by Isabella’s boldness. For a moment, the three of us stood around, staring at each other. Then, to my surprise, Hannah let out a sigh, her shoulders slumped.

She gave a harsh laugh. “I guess I should have seen this coming.”

Isabella and I exchanged a wary glance, unsure of how to respond. “I get it’s difficult, but sometimes things aren’t meant to be,” I said.

“Yeah, you’re right. I don’t know what I was thinking about coming here. I’d wish you good luck, but, yeah…”

Then without warning, she turned and walked away, her footsteps echoing on the sidewalk as she took off down the street. Only time would tell if her acceptance was real. I could only hope it was.

Isabella had a grip still on my hand, and even though Hannah had disappeared, she hadn’t let go. I hadn’t expected her to step in. I definitely hadn’t expected it to feel so right. Neither of us spoke. Finally, she exhaled and pulled her hand away.

“Well, that was…something. Aiden told me you guys were fighting,” she said, breaking the moment.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at the flush on her cheeks.

“Thanks for saving me.”

“Anytime,” she said. “Try not to make a habit of it though. Or I’ll have to charge you.”

“Well, here’s to hoping she took the bait and won’t be back,” I said.

She grinned. “I should get back inside. I’ve got a client coming in for a cover-up.”

“Oh shit, I forgot Bambi,” I stammered.

“Wouldn’t want to keep her waiting. Better hurry,” she teased.

Later that Night

The crew was gathered downstairs for a night of debauchery. I had retreated to the safety of my bedroom. The air carried the scent of white birch, velvety rose, and a trace of strawberry nectar. Tiny shadows danced across the black and crimson walls.

Nestled by my side was the only other one in the house not into depravity—Phineas Flynn.

“Should have opted for a black one. That way, your hair wouldn’t stand out so bad,” I whispered to the large tabby cat.

Several golden hairs fell onto the black duvet and my clothes. The rings on my hands glinted in the subdued light as they moved through his fur. Did we name our rescue tabby after a cartoon character?

Yes. Yes, we did. Did the girls miss the context of why I suggested it? In every way possible.

That silly cartoon had been my saving grace after I returned home and retreated into my own little world. I watched it religiously and could quote every episode. There was something comforting about the predictability of it.

You knew the boys would be up to no good, inventing something outrageous, and the older sister would be there trying to bust them. Although I wasn’t the older sister, I don’t know how many times I tried before being taken to bust the shenanigans my own brother and his friends did.

Especially during the summer.

Leaning in closer, I whispered, “Who needs game night when I have you?”