CHAPTER 28

As Emma hung up with Anne, one thought loomed large. How was she going to tell Hannah that yet another love interest had found someone else? For that matter, how was she going to admit that she had, once again, steered her friend toward someone who had no interest in her?

The subject of Emma's musings happened to stick her head in the office door. "I'm running out to Mac's for a sandwich. Want me to bring anything back?"

"Are you in a rush? Got a minute?"

Hannah's face was quizzical as she perched on Emma's desk. "Whenever you say something like that, it seems like you have bad news."

"Maybe? I don't know. Frank and Jane are getting married."

A beat. "I'm sorry, what?"

"Frank and Jane are getting married. They've been dating on and off since they met at Berkeley. And they're moving to Cambodia next month."

"Frank and Jane are getting married?"

"Yes."

"And they're moving to Cambodia?"

"Yes."

"Wow. That's so exciting for them!"

Emma's head jolted up. She peered at her friend. That wasn't the reaction she'd expected to hear.

"So…you're okay with this?"

"Okay? Why wouldn't I be okay? Do you think they'll want visitors in Cambodia? I'd love a reason to plan a trip."

"I thought you and Frank were getting closer. Isn't that what you hinted at after Anne's wedding?"

Hannah giggled. "Frank is a nice guy, and plenty of fun to hang out with. But he was never someone I was interested in. I mean, he's kind of a showboat, isn't he? After Elton, I learned my lesson about showy personalities. Good luck to Jane, although I think she can handle him."

"Oh." Emma took a moment to process Hannah's remarks. Her friend was surprising her these days – and often. But that left an outstanding question: "So who were you actually referring to? Any update?"

A blush. "Well, actually, George. But we're still taking it slow. We've been having coffee sometimes when he stops by here –"

More surprises. Emma couldn't hear over the ringing in her head at her friend's proclamation. George? George Knightley? How long had this been going on? Did he share Hannah's feelings? How could he keep this from her?

"—for Christmas. It could such a romantic gesture, don't you think? Emma?"

"Sorry. What did you just say?"

"Just that I was thinking I might get him something nice for Christmas. Has he mentioned anything that he wants?"

"No, not particularly." Emma hesitated. "Have you and George had any candid conversations about being more than friends?"

"Not yet. But you of all people know how much of a gentleman he is. He would never lead someone on. And I'm definitely feeling the sparks with him."

"And you're sure he feels them too?"

"Gotta be, right? Hang on." Emma watched as Hannah pulled out her phone and fiddled with it for a moment. "See? This has to mean something."

Emma examined the screen. It was open to text messages with George from October.

Hannah: Did u enjoy the wedding?

George: Anne and Charles are the best.

H: I can't believe u saved me like that from Elton.

G: No worries. Anytime.

"What do you think?" Hannah wanted her approval.

Emma said nothing. Not without a little desperation, Hannah took the phone, scrolled, and thrust it back under her friend's nose. "And this."

H: U stopping by the Academy tomorrow?

G: Yeah, meeting with Robbie.

H: Coffee after?

G: Sure. Looking fwd to catching up.

Emma weighed her response. George's messages didn't seem particularly romantic. But maybe – as recent events had revealed – she wasn't as in tune with those around her as she thought.

"I think that if you have feelings for George, you should be sure of his before making any moves. I don't want you to get hurt."

Hannah's face dropped. "You don't think he feels the same way."

"I didn't say that."

"But you implied it."

Hannah took silence as agreement.

"You have no idea what it's like when it's just the two of us. And anyway, what do you know? You tried to hook me up with Elton and thought I wanted to be with Frank. No offense, but I think your matchmaking instincts have been pretty off."

Emma had to concede the point. "I have no idea how George feels. But you yourself said that he'd never lead someone on. If he hasn't given you any indication…" She trailed off.

Hannah looked as if she might cry. Or scream. Either way, Emma knew she'd upset her. But try as she might, she couldn't bear to mislead the other woman. "I'm sorry. I can't give you the answer you're looking for."

"I have to go."

"Hannah, don't–"

"I have to go," she repeated. Emma watched as her friend pushed herself off from the desk and took two uneven strides toward the office exit. The door rattled as Hannah closed it behind her.

Emma let out a shaky sigh. How did they end up here?