Chapter 33
Hannah raised her hand.
“You don’t need to hold your hand up, Stormy. When we have meetings, feel free to speak up,” he informed her.
“I’ve already arranged for us to take the bus into Seattle to pick up all the supplies.
Cole will drive. This will allow the rest of us to head over to the hospital and start wrapping presents for the veterans and teens.
By the time he returns, we’ll be ready to start the senior baskets,” Hannah explained.
Leo stared at her for a minute. “Good job, Stormy. Take notes, people, this is what happens when we think ahead. Patch and Knight go with Cole and help pack up the bus. The rest of you report to Kassie.”
“Can I head to the hospital instead?” Patch asked.
“What’s up?” Leo asked.
“Claire has severe morning sickness and Dr. Greene wants to start her on IV fluids,” he announced.
“Ragu, you go with Cole. Patch, get the hell out of here and take care of Claire,” he ordered.
Scarlett leaned over to Hannah. “Why don’t we stock Patch and Claire’s fridge with some stuff she can eat and do the same with Gabby. The other women do this for each other. Since we’re on Team Hawk, it’s up to us to start the tradition.”
“I agree. Can it wait until tonight? I came in last night and set everything up so I can spend some time with Mom today. I’m taking her to Samantha’s. Cole’s letting me borrow his truck since I got my license yesterday,” Hannah whispered.
“Yeah. Do we have everything we need for Operation Twinkle Toes on Saturday?” Scarlett whispered.
“You bet,” she replied as Leo went down the line, ordering cleaning duties for each member of the team.
“Sparky and Stormy, since you want to chatter, tomorrow I want you to find a place for the socks and reorganize the stock room in the mornings this week, and spend the afternoon making up the baskets,” Leo interrupted them.
“It’s already done, sir. I sent a box over to Kassie, saved enough for the baskets, replenished each of your supplies, and restocked the room.
The rest will be donated to the homeless shelter in Seattle.
I’ve already given you the amounts listed for tax purposes.
I’m waiting on some sturdier shelving, arriving this afternoon, to finish organizing the supply room,” Hannah said, glancing at her computer.
Leo swiped his jaw. “You impress the shit outta me, Stormy. I know you have an appointment at the spa today. It’s on me for getting rid of all those socks.”
“You’ve never paid for my pedicures,” Taco complained. “How many times have I saved the extra breakfast burrito for you?”
Leo sighed. “I’m feeling generous today. I’ll pay for your pedicure as soon as you clean out the mess in your locker. It smells like a perfume truck and an essential oils vehicle crashed into one another.”
“It’s winter, boss,” Taco explained. “It’s important to keep up a good skincare routine during this season.”
Leo arched an eyebrow at him. “Then pay for your own pedicure. You can’t possibly use all those products at one time.”
Shadow chuckled. “Do you wanna bet? I have to check his go bag to make sure he took his gun instead of his nighttime moisturizer.”
Taco flipped him the bird.
“Let’s go, people. If we finish in the next three days, I’ll let you all off the rest of the week until the Christmas party” Leo added as an incentive.
They rose, each heading out to their assignments. Scarlett followed Hannah downstairs. “How did you get the supply closet set up this fast?”
“Cole’s working the dogs in the evenings.
He’ll be spinning up with the team and he wants Apollo and Thor to accompany them, she said, entering her office.
“They know their stuff. I’ve never seen a military dog in action, and I’m impressed.
I can’t picture Brody as one. He’s incredibly sweet and loving.
Those two act like the team when they came into the meeting at the hospital, formidable and ready to chew you to pieces. ”
“They have a job to do, and sometimes it can be ruthless. I feel better knowing they’ll go with us,” Scarlett said, leaning against the wall.
“Wait. You’re going?” Hannah asked in surprise.
“I’m on Team Hawk. Leo hired me because I know the regions, the villages, and the language. It’ll come in handy if I’m right there.”
“Have you told Ty?” she asked.
Scarlett chuckled. “We discuss everything. He’s aware of what my job entails. I won’t go on all the missions, but this one I will.”
“I’ll miss you,” Hannah said softly. “You’re my only friend besides Cole.”
“I hardly believe he fits in the friend category,” she said sarcastically. “You’ll make more friends after the holidays. Did you start attending the group meetings like Claire suggested?”
“Yeah. I hear the veterans’ stories, and it makes me sick to my stomach. They engaged in battle. My story doesn’t compare to theirs and I don’t recall most of it.”
“Hannah,” Scarlett chastised. “Your trauma is still important. Don’t downplay it.”
“I haven’t found where I fit in yet. Claire says to keep going and something will click. It’s hard to concentrate when my parents refuse to return home.”
“Have you talked since your last conversation?” Scarlett asked.
“I’ve texted Mom. She keeps asking for us to sit down and work this out. How do I explain I’m tired of trying to please Dad? He’s the reason I joined the military, and he has criticized everything from my job to the kidnapping and how I’m recovering. I’ll never win with him,” she admitted quietly.
“Then stop trying. If he’s disappointed because he never got the son he wanted, let him be disappointed. You can’t control his feelings or his actions. You can only control your response. It’s time for you to figure out what will make you happy. You and Cole seem close. How are things going there?”
“We’re taking things slow. He’s very… respectful,” Hannah hedged.
Scarlett giggled. “Wow, Hannah. He’s everything a girl can dream of: a respectful boyfriend.”
Hannah shrugged. “I think I’m ready to go to the next step. Cole worries it might set off a trigger and set us back. I don’t know how to tell him I want to try.”
Scarlett grinned. “When you go to Samanatha’s, she’ll take care of it. Enjoy your mom and be honest with her about your feelings.”
“You’re right. I’m not ten years old,” Hannah said, gathering her courage. “Thanks, Scarlett.”
“You’re welcome, bestie. We’ll talk soon,” Scarlett said, heading to her office.
Hannah watched her leave, beaming at her bestie. She lucked out in the friendship category. She gathered her pocketbook and Cole’s keys before heading out. Unlocking the truck door, she climbed into the driver’s seat. Who knew getting her driver’s license would give her a feeling of power?
She smiled as she picked up the single rose and a note Cole left on the steering wheel.
Have a great time with your mom. When you come home, I’ll have a surprise waiting. Hint: It has lots of sides.
Cole
Setting it beside her, she drove to the bed and breakfast. Her mom waited out front and waved as she pulled into the driveway.
“Mom, you didn’t have to wait outside. I planned to come in and get you. It’s too cold to stand out there,” she chastised.
“I’m fine, sweetheart,” her mother assured her. “In truth, I enjoy the mountain view. You must love living here.”
“I do,” she admitted.
Brenda picked up the rose from the seat. “Did Cole leave this? He’s such a nice young man. Do you know he sent me a bouquet with a note apologizing for his rudeness? Your father nearly fell over. I didn’t say anything, but I’m pretty sure Cole didn’t apologize to your father.”
Hannah kept her eyes on the road. “I’m done trying to please him, Mom. I love it here. This place makes me happy.”
“I can see why,” Brenda said wistfully. “Your father doesn’t know how to express his feelings, Hannah. It’s always driven a wedge between the two of you. I wish you’d at least talk to him.”
“Maybe I will at some point, but I’m not ready right now. I’ve tried to make him proud of me and he’s done everything to remind me I’m not the son he wanted.”
“Oh, Hannah…”
“No, Mom. I don’t want to discuss it anymore. Let’s have a good time and enjoy ourselves today,” Hannah interrupted.
“I won’t bring it up again,” Brenda promised. “This year has taught us life’s not promised. We never know how long we have and I hate to see you at odds with one another.”
Hannah didn’t reply. Did her mother believe she didn’t know that after everything she went through?
The spa smelled Christmasy as they entered, making the dreary thoughts float away.
Samantha came to greet them. “Hello, Mrs. Bailey, Hannah. I’m happy to see you.”
“Thank you for fitting us in,” Hannah said, glancing around the salon.
“You’re part of our family now. We’ll always have time for you,” she said, patting her hand. “Mrs. Bailey, if you’ll follow Tiffany, she’ll get you set up with your pedi. Rose hasn’t finished her last client yet but we’ll have you seated together. Hannah, do you mind helping me for a minute?”
“Of course,” she said, watching her mom follow a petite young woman.
Samantha led her to a fitting room. “Scarlett said you needed something special. After the holidays, we’ll invite you back for a day of beauty. Since you’re in a hurry, I left some items in here for you to try on. I’ll be right outside the door if you need any assistance.”
Her curiosity piqued, and Hannah entered the dressing room and stared at the delicate clothing hanging on velvet hangers.
She pulled the dark green nightgown from the selection.
The gown consisted of green silk and lace on the bodice, and then a sheer green chiffon floated to the floor with slits every few inches.
She hurriedly shucked her coat and clothes off, imagining Cole’s reaction.
She put it on and tried to hold the bodice up to tie the ribbons on her shoulder.
“Samantha?” she called softly.
“May I come in?” Samantha asked.
“Please,” Hannah said, struggling to hold the bodice up.