This would be an interesting conversation. Edie had taken more of a shine to Caroline as the last week had progressed. All she did was talk about her.
“She’s really nice. And she’s nice to you, too.” Edie looked to the door and back to Hannah. “Mum,isMs Baker a lesbian?”
Whoa. Not my story to tell. “Why are you so interested in her sexuality, love?”
Edie lifted a shoulder, casting her gaze back on her homework. She was doodling now. “Because I wish she was.”
“You…wish your teacher was a lesbian?”
“I wish she was here with us all the time.” Edie crawled across the floor and sat beside Hannah. “I think you like her.”
“Of course I like her. She’s my friend.”
Edie rolled her eyes. “No, Mum. Not like that.”
She wanted everyone to be honest here, but Caroline wasn’t at that place yet. “Edie, sweetheart—”
“Okay, are we watching this film or not?” Caroline landed back in the living room suddenly. “I believe there’s popcorn in the kitchen with my name on it.”
Edie shot to her feet. “Yes! I’ll get it. And the other snacks. You can sit next to Mum, Ms Baker.”
Caroline switched her gaze from a retreating Edie to Hannah and frowned. “What’s that all about?”
“I’ll tell you later when she’s gone to bed.” Hannah wanted to reach out and take Caroline’s hand, but she refrained from doing so. Caroline would see red and panic. “Have a seat. Wherever you like. Take no notice of Edie.”
Caroline shifted uncomfortably, taking one side of Hannah and leaving the other for Edie. “She’s been different tonight. Is she okay?”
“She’s fine. Actually, I get more out of her when you’re here than when it’s just the two of us. Maybe I should have you over more often.”
Caroline smiled, stroking a fingertip across the back of Hannah’s hand where it sat at her side. “I’ve enjoyed this lately. Thank you for having me over.”
Hannah lowered her voice, nudging Caroline’s shoulder. “You’re welcome here every night, babe.”
“Hannah,” Caroline paused, eyeing the kitchen door. When she turned back to Hannah, she laced their fingers together. “Is it just me…or are things getting a little serious?”
Hannah couldn’t say things were serious, but they were definitely progressing faster than she imagined. “I…think we’re letting things go at whatever pace they go at.”
“Right.” Hannah watched a number of emotions cross Caroline’s face, but fear was the one that remained. “It’s just that I’m a little concerned by how enjoyable this is, and Edie seems to like having me around.”
“You’re concerned by those things?” Hannah frowned, squeezing Caroline’s hand. “Why would that concern you?”
“Because if this doesn’t work out—”
“Mum, do you want your Pringles now or halfway through?” Edie shocked Hannah from her conversation, their hands breaking away from one another’s.
“I, uh…later is fine.” Hannah blew out a breath. “Now sit down before you only get through half of the film. It’s already five-thirty.”
“Okay. I’m ready.” Edie flopped down, the snacks laid out on the table, and grabbed a huge throw from the back of the couch. She spread it over the three of them, and as it landed over Caroline’s lap, Hannah felt her tense. “Press play, Mum.”
* * *
Caroline stifleda yawn as the credits rolled, aware that she should probably call it a night. They both had to work tomorrow, and Edie was sitting curled up against Hannah, her eyes barely open.
“Well, I enjoyed that for the tenth time,” Hannah said, laughing as she reached forward for the controller. Her free hand beneath the blanket fell to Caroline’s knee, remaining in place as Hannah sat back. “Edie, it’s almost seven.”
As with the last time, Edie shot up and turned to them both. “Night, Mum. Love you.” She leaned down and hugged Hannah, lingering and squeezing tighter. Then she pulled back and stepped towards Caroline. “Night, Ms Baker.” Edie’s arms landed around her neck, a feeling of belonging anchoring in her chest.
“G-goodnight, Edie.”