Chapter 22

Hannah

My phone dings.

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

And yep, there's the fourth and final ding I was waiting for.

I survived the day with the hangover to end all hangovers, the best surprise in the world with Katie and Chester returning home early, and the most unexpected surprise in the world with the story of Culver and me blowing up.

It was only a matter of time until my friends got in touch.

Culver's showering, and I'm ready for sleep, so I unplug my phone from the charger and bring it into bed with me.

In addition to the original four messages, a few more have now come through.

Summer: I just watched the news, and Hannah, you and Culver are…married?

Beth: OMG. You're married!

Amiel: Seriously?

Evie: You're married before me? How is that possible? You guys aren't even dating. What have I missed?

Beth: A lot. That stadium's been taking up a lot of your time.

Summer: Evie's not the only one blindsided. We ALL missed this.

Summer: Waiting for the details, Ms. Cooper…or, wait, should that be Mrs. Palladino?

Okay. So this is what I'm working with. Good to know.

Hannah: Hi! Yes. It's true. Culver and I are married.

Hannah: For reasons that are complicated.

Hannah: I'm also still very hungover.

Hannah: For reasons that are a lot less complicated.

While Culver was on the phone with his team, each of the girls called to check in on me since they're not used to seeing me drinking like I did last night.

I also got to catch up with Katie and Chester, both together and separately. And in my alone time with each of them, I got confirmation that all three Coopers reached a big milestone this summer—we all lost our virginity.

Katie told me about her first time with Dean. It was his first time, too, and they were both so nervous. But they did it, and she feels like it's only made their love stronger. She said he feels the same way, too.

Chester, meanwhile, met an American girl in Croatia. He asked if I knew about his strategy, and I told him that Culver had let me in on it. He didn't mind.

He told me about meeting a beautiful girl named Hailey in a crowded Croatian bar and instantly feeling attracted to her. But when he found out she was American and could speak English and therefore foil his whole no speaking plan, he was crushed.

Only to discover that his stutter wasn't an issue for her.

They hung out together for three days until she had to leave, had sex on her last night, and—the best news of all—she'll also be starting at Berkeley in the fall.

I brought up that it was a little fast, and he acknowledged that it was, too, but he's smitten with her and hopeful it could be the start of something more. I want that for him as well. I've never seen him smile so much in my life.

Beth: I'm sorry you're still not feeling well, but fill us in. PLEAAASE!

Amiel: Wait. Before you do, are we allowed to get all romancey about this?

I smile to myself as I update my friends about my relationship.

Hannah: Yes, you can get as romancey as you want about this. But this is for you guys, and for you guys only.

Evie: Got it.

Summer: Got it.

Beth: Got it.

Amiel: Because I don't want to be left out, Got it.

I share everything with them, from impulsively adding 'lose my virginity' to my hot girl summer list, to the conditions of Culver's grandfather's will, me proposing to Culver, our brief and straightforward wedding in Fresno, and how things between us started changing as we spent the summer together checking things off my list.

My fingers are getting sore from all the tapping but a lot has happened.

I only stop when Culver enters the room after his shower. "Just texting my friends since they've all heard the news."

"I'll leave you to it."

"You don't have to go."

"I've got some calls to make." His lips twitch. "Besides, knowing you guys, you could be a while."

"That's very true."

He leaves, and I finish bringing everyone up to speed about how Culver's nasty sister-in-law leaked our story to the media.

Evie: I don't even know where to begin.

Beth: I do.

Uh-oh.

Beth: WHYYYY didn't you tell us you were going through any of this? I mean, it's all good stuff, but we could have been there with you. Not literally. And definitely not while you and Culver were doing 'stuff' but you know what I mean.

Hannah: I know what you mean. Initially, I kept the wedding to myself because his dad asked for us not to tell anyone.

Evie: Not even us?

Hannah: Not anyone. But Culver was surprised I didn't tell you guys, so I think it would have been fine.

Evie: So I don't get it.

I blow out a breath.

There's one detail I've omitted so far.

A small but crucial one.

Oh, well.

Here goes nothing.

Hannah: See. The thing is, I've been in love with Culver for years.

I pause.

No bouncing dots are appearing on my screen.

Oh no! Have I just killed my four closest friends?

They've never been this quiet for this long.

On the off chance they're still alive, I provide an explanation.

Hannah: Everyone has always been on our case, assuming we're together, and not really accepting it when we said we were 'just friends.'

Hannah: For a long time, for many, many years, that was true.

Hannah: Growing up, Culver was like a protective older brother, especially after Mom died.

Hannah: But then we became friends as adults.

Hannah: Gradually, we became really good friends and then best friends.

Hannah: That's where it stopped for Culver, but not for me.

Hannah: I fell in love with him, and I felt silly and weird about it, and I didn't want it to affect our friendship—or worse, lose him.

Hannah: So I didn't say anything to anyone.

Hannah: I ignored my feelings and focused on what I had—the greatest best friend in the world.

Hannah: Until my girl squad convinced me to have a hot girl summer…

That wakes them all up.

Evie: See? And aren't you glad you did?

Beth: I come up with the best ideas.

Summer: I'm clearing my throat because if memory serves correctly, I believe it was MY idea.

Beth: I know you're a few years older than us, Summer, but are you losing your memory already?

Hannah: Summer's right, Beth. It was her idea.

Beth: Oh, really?

Summer: Now who's losing their memory?

Amiel: I can't believe we were joking about you checking off two romance tropes on our group walk at the start of summer and now…you have!

Beth: Correction. Three tropes.

Evie: How three?

Beth: 1. Falling in love with your best friend.

Beth: 2. Marriage of convenience.

Beth: 3. Forced proximity / shared bed.

Amiel: Not to mention, they've also touched on a bunch of other ancillary tropes such as injured athlete, small town romance, etc.

Hannah: It's truly wonderful that my love life can so easily be dissected and broken down into romance novel tropes.

Beth: Now THAT is how you deliver sarcasm.

My eyes go wide.

Oh, my goodness. I did it. I actually did.

For the first time ever, I was sarcastic.

Even if it was in a WhatsApp message, it totally counts.

Summer: Can I ask a question?

Hannah: It's always scary when a lawyer asks permission to ask a question, but sure, go ahead.

Summer: Was there any other reason you didn't tell us you'd slept with Culver?

Hannah: You mean for fear of being excommunicated by you all and being burned at the stake now that I'm no longer a member of the exclusive Vinaigrette club?

Summer: Exactly.

Hannah: Honestly, I was a little nervous about it. I don't want it to change our dynamic in any way.

Evie: Honey, it won't. We don't judge and tear down other women for the choices they make. We support each other. We look out for each other. And we communicate. If we have a concern or an opinion, we're free to voice it. But at the end of the day, all I want is for you to be happy.

Beth: I agree.

Summer: Same.

Amiel: Why am I such a slow typer? Same.

Hannah: Thanks. You guys are the best.

Evie: We really are. So…what now?

Hannah: With me and Culver?

Evie: Uh-huh.

Hannah: We're staying married so the media doesn't sniff around and uncover the fact we only got married so Culver could score an inheritance.

Evie: And then…? You guys are together for real, right?

Hannah: We are. We're just not labeling anything.

Summer: Spoken like a true Gen-Z-er.

Hannah: I remember one of my friends saying not all that long ago that love ultimately boils down to friendship.

Amiel: Ooh, ooh. That was me.

Hannah: LOL. It was. Culver and I already have that. We know each other better than anyone else. We have a deep connection. A true bond. I love him. I trust him. I gave myself to him like I never have to anyone else. We don't need a word to define our relationship. We're not friends. We're not lovers. We're so much more…

Beth: You just made me cry and ruin my mascara.

Summer: It's 9:45 on a Sunday night. You are not wearing mascara.

Beth: Who knows? Maybe I am.

Amiel: Well, I'm so happy for you both. I wish you guys a lifetime of happiness.

Evie: We all do.

Summer: 100%.

Evie: Does this mean you'll be attending the first game of the preseason in LA on Friday with me?

Hannah: You bet I am!

"How do you do this?" I ask Evie, who's standing next to me.

"Uh, like this." She explains her actions to me as she breaks them down into slow motion. "First you raise your arms in the air. Then you jump, which is optional and not strictly necessary, but I feel it helps more with the next part, which is to open your mouth and scream as loudly as you can, either in support of your own team and/or player, or taunting the enemy. Your call. I favor a four-to-one ratio, but play around with it until you settle on something that's right for you."

"I don't mean cheering," I say, bumping her with my hip. "I mean, this." I wave my hand in front of us.

We're in the stands for the LA Swift's first game of the preseason.

The stadium is packed. The crowd is buzzing. The sponsors have been acknowledged. And I can't help but notice a lot of people keep looking our way.

It's not my first time watching a game or even watching a game here at the stadium. I've come a few times over the years with Evie, but this is my first time attending a game since the story about me and Culver broke.

All week, people who have no intention of buying flowers have been coming into the shop just to gawk at me. These are the same people who have known me all my life, suddenly acting out of character, just because they've seen or read a few stories about Culver and me.

As Culver and I agreed, we put out a statement confirming we are indeed together, adding that we're married. It's not surprising everyone believes it. They've thought we were a couple for years anyway.

"You're the new girl," Evie explains. "The media attention will wear off after a while. It always does. Take it from someone who knows."

"I hope so. I feel so self-conscious."

"Don't be. You're fine. Besides, Culver is going to love your surprise."

I nervously fiddle with my jacket zipper. "You think so?"

"I know so." She gives my forearm an excited squeeze. "When are you going to do it?"

"I was thinking when the Swifts score their first goal. What do you think?"

"That's perfect."

"Good." That's one less thing to be worried about. "I'm just so happy he got clearance to play. That fall…"

"Oh, my gosh. When you told me, my heart sank for him. Thank goodness it wasn't serious."

"Seeing as you're a hockey expert, in your opinion, how do you think he'll do this season?"

"Well…" She considers her response. "He's been in top form these past three years. His only downfall last season was his injuries. So as long as he can remain uninjured?—"

"Right," I interrupt. "This is hockey. Not exactly a contact-free sport."

"It's not. But that's part of being a hockey player's girlfriend. Or daughter, too, in my case. You have to pray the people you love don't get hurt and be super grateful they have access to the best doctors if—when—they do."

The arena lights dim, so we stop talking, focusing on the LED light show in front of us. The announcer's voice booms over the speakers as he introduces the LA Swifts and lists off all the players. Evie loses her mind when Fraser's name is called.

Good thing one of us has the ability to remain composed.

"At defense…number 44, Culver Palladino!"

I don't know what comes over me, but I start jumping up and down and screaming at the top of my lungs. My display makes Evie's lunacy pale in comparison.

Evie looks over at me and smiles proudly. "I'm such a good teacher."

I blow a strand of hair out of my mouth. "Yeah. Maybe you are."

The other team—the Seattle Steelers—and their coaching and support staff are introduced, then we rise for the national anthem.

The game is set to start soon, and I can't believe how jittery I am. I really want Culver to do well tonight and have a great season.

These past few days, I've been reflecting.

Yes, it's going to be hard adjusting to living alone with Culver traveling for the next eight or so months.

But he's been nothing but supportive and focused on me for the past three months. Part of being in a relationship is balance, and now it's time for me to support him in his career the way he's been here for me this summer.

I tap my foot and cross my fingers. Please let Culver have a good, injury-free game tonight.