23. Hannah: Friday

TWENTY-THREE

HANNAH – FRIDAY

"Do you work this weekend?" Sissy startles me by popping her head through the open doorway.

I glance at the clock on the wall of the sorting room. "Yeah, tomorrow. But not until the afternoon."

"Good news." Her look of relief is almost comical, like it's her that'll be working on a Saturday and not me. "Well, I'm out of here. I'm heading home for my nephew's birthday this weekend, and the boss lady said I could peace out a few minutes early."

"Have fun. Eat some extra cake for me."

"Will do!" She laughs as she disappears.

I drum my fingers on the table, willing time to tick faster.

I got all the books put away already, so I've been sitting here doing my homework.

And by doing my homework , I really mean that I've been sitting here thinking about Maddox. Thinking about the game. Thinking about the way he looked in those tight football pants. Thinking about how many times he collided with other giant men on the field last night.

No wonder he didn't budge when I practically broke my nose on his chest.

I know I need to work on feeling good about my body.

It's a good body. It does what I need it to do. It's healthy. And I know I should appreciate it more. But I've always hated feeling so… big. So bulky and in the way.

But I don't feel that way around Maddox.

And maybe spending time around a giant man is a way to avoid my issues, but I don't care. I like feeling small in comparison.

My eyes lift back to the clock.

Five minutes to six is close enough to six.

The library itself will be open for another couple of hours, but only the front desk employees work until close.

Standing, I put my things away and straighten the room. Even though it's not messy, and I'll be the one who's in this room next since they don't need someone to reshelve books on a Saturday morning. But I still make sure everything is in order.

After a final check, I flick the light off and close the door behind me. Hiking my backpack up, I make my way through the back hallways.

I'm done with classes for the week. I'm caught up on homework and free from responsibilities until I work again tomorrow afternoon. So why do I feel so… sad?

I squeeze my fingers around my backpack straps.

It's dumb to act like I don't know what my mood is about.

My sulky mood is the result of not seeing Maddox today.

And the fact that I probably won't see him tomorrow or Sunday.

And worse than all that, I'm fairly confident that by Monday, our little back and forth will be over.

My shoes scuff against the industrial carpet, and I look down at my outfit.

Black ballet flats. Dark wash jeans. And a black shirt with flowy half sleeves and a V-neck that's a little low for school but would be nice for a date.

I shake my head at myself.

I dressed for Maddox.

And I feel like a fool.