Chapter 9

chapter

nine

Texts between Hannah and Eli

ELI: It's my wedding day. I want to offer some unsolicited advice.

ELI: Do you remember what you told me the night I met Joy? You told me that it was time for me to try again, that it was time for me to be happy.

ELI: I know I've said shit about Colton, but the truth is, he's a good guy. And he's steadfast. I know his reputation within the publishing community. He sold his first book when he was still a fucking teenager and he's never missed a deadline, never been late on anything.

HANNAH: Why are you telling me all of this?

ELI: Because it's time for you to be happy too. Troy is Troy. That was never going to be a real relationship for you. But he gave you Abby and so none of that was a mistake.

ELI: Colton is here for you. Listen to what he says and take him at his word. And if you want him, be with him. You deserve it, Hannah.

Texts between Colton and Eli

ELI: It's my wedding day, motherfucker, so don't ruin anything.

ELI: and don't make me regret saying this, but if you love my sister (and my niece!) and you promise not to move them away from me, then I'll grant you my blessing

COLTON: Fuck, man. Thank you.

ELI: Just don't hurt her. Because then I'll have to kill you.

COLTON: I won't. But I have your blessing?

ELI: As much as it pains me to say it, you do.

COLTON: Can I call you dad?

ELI: You do know that I know how to hide a body and never get caught