Chapter 37
It was almost time to go back to Brooklyn. The clock was ticking and Hannah had mixed feelings about leaving Chatham. It was bittersweet to say her goodbyes to all her new friends. She’d grown close to Natalie and Spencer especially. And she’d miss seeing Caitlin every afternoon at the coffee shop and at cookouts now and then. But she was also looking forward to being back in Brooklyn and hanging out with Lucy again. She missed her best friend and looked forward to getting together with her again soon and going to their favorite local spots in the city.
Spencer invited her over Saturday night for a cookout at his place. Natalie and Adam were coming as well to say their goodbyes. Spencer said he had all the food covered, and to just bring whatever she wanted to drink, so she picked up a bottle of wine, a cabernet to go with his steak tips. She was feeling restless that afternoon, though, and decided to bake a batch of chocolate-chip cookies with extra chocolate and chopped nuts. They were still warm when she packed them into a cookie tin and brought them over to Spencer’s house.
His eyes immediately went to the tin of cookies when she walked in the house.
“You baked?”
She nodded. “They’re still warm. Want to try one—for quality control?”
“I can’t say no to that.” She opened the tin and they both had one.
“Those are too good. I might need one more, just to make sure…”
She laughed and handed him another cookie as Natalie and Adam arrived.
They went onto Spencer’s back deck and Lady and Tramp immediately came over to investigate. Hannah was so impressed by how well behaved the dogs were. Tramp was such a big boy and Lady was so delicate with her long fur. They came around and said hello to everyone and then settled nearby on the deck.
Hannah thought that Spencer’s house fit him perfectly. He’d had it built and it was a single-level open concept with a slanted roof that soared high in the main living area and had big wooden beams that went across the room. He had a finished basement, too, and there was a pool table and a two-car garage. The deck was a highlight though; it was big and wrapped around the side, which was where he put his grill.
Spencer fed the dogs first, and then they ate at a hightop table on his deck. He wasn’t on the ocean, but he did have a view of a lake and the yard had lots of tall trees. It was a quiet neighborhood and the lots were big, which was nice.
The evening was so fun. They stayed on the deck all night, laughing and drinking wine, and later on, attacking the cookies. Finally, around eleven, Adam said he had to be up early the next day and Natalie yawned.
“I should probably head out, too,” Hannah said as Natalie stood.
“If you don’t mind staying a minute, Hannah, there’s something I want to talk to you about.”
“Sure.” Hannah gave Natalie and Adam hugs goodbye and promised to keep in touch with Natalie.
“Anytime you want to come to the city, let me know,” Hannah told her.
After they left, Hannah helped herself to another cookie and wondered what Spencer wanted to talk to her about. He’d seemed a little pensive all night. He’d laughed with the rest of them, but she sensed that something was on his mind.
“Let’s go back outside. It’s such a nice night,” Spencer said.
Hannah followed him back outside. Instead of sitting at the table, he leaned against the deck railing. She walked over and stood next to him.
“So, what was it you wanted to talk to me about?”
“I just didn’t want to let the whole summer go by without doing this at least once.” Spencer smiled and leaned toward her and she realized what he was doing. It felt both unexpected and inevitable at the same time. He kissed her, tentatively at first, but when she responded back he pulled her close and kissed her with enthusiasm. The kiss lasted for a while and when it finally ended, Hannah felt dazed.
“Hannah, I wish you were staying in Chatham. I really hate to see you leave. I don’t suppose there’s any chance you might decide to stay?”
It was tempting. But she knew it wasn’t possible. “I can’t. Brooklyn is my home now—has been for years. I don’t suppose you’d ever move to Brooklyn?” She knew he wouldn’t. And he shook his head sadly.
“I can’t. My life is here. My job. And my grandparents. They’re like my parents and I can’t leave them. I’d be miserable in Brooklyn.”
“I’m sorry, Spencer. It’s been so great getting to know you this summer. I wish things were different.”
He nodded. “I know. But I couldn’t let you go without letting you know how I feel. Just in case. If you change your mind about this, well, you know where to find me.”
“I do. Goodbye, Spencer.” She gave him a hug goodbye and he squeezed her tight and then kissed her forehead gently. “Safe travels, Hannah. Come back and visit soon.”
“I will.” Hannah didn’t expect it would be so hard to leave Chatham, and Spencer. She had very mixed feelings now about going back to Brooklyn. She was excited but also sad. She had a new appreciation now for Chatham and the people there. And she would miss them.