NYLON ~ 54 ~ WE'RE NOT IN COLLEGE

Hanna grabbed JT's overnight bag and then picked up her toddler cradling him safely in her arms. Caleb tapped on the door to the nursery.

"Need a hand with that?" he asked her.

"Do you mind?" she said holding out the duffel bag. JT babbled as she bounced him in her arms. Caleb grabbed the bag and swung it over his shoulder.

"Ready to go?" he asked.

"Yupp," Hanna replied following him out to the car. Once they were safely strapped in and on the road, she mused aloud. "Do you know who else is coming?"

"I know Toby isn't," Caleb said defiantly.

"They're still fighting?" Hanna asked.

"Yeah," Caleb told her.

"Do you think they're still trying to work things out?" Hanna asked.

"I try to stay out of it," Caleb explained, "but I know things are still tense at the office."

"I'm sorry," she replied. "I know it's tough for you to deal with her at home now too."

"It's okay," he said. "It's easier when they are apart. I'm mostly not looking forward to this weekend without Toby. It still kind of skeeves me out that we hang out with Ezra."

"Come on," Hanna laughed. "He's not that bad. He's only six years older than us."

"Are you kidding?" Caleb scoffed. "At JT's birthday he tried to talk to me about his students' dissertations. At this point, I have more in common with Andrew."

Hanna didn't reply. A silence stung the air and Caleb knew he had hit a nerve. He cleared his throat and turned to see Hanna's solemn frown.

"You okay?" he asked.

"Yeah," she smiled, "it's just, Andrew and I aren't...uh...we broke up."

"Oh, I'm sorry," Caleb replied. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," she said. "I mean, it was inevitable anyway."

"What do you mean?" Caleb asked.

"You can only ask so much of a man," Hanna explained. "I mean, I'm a single mom living with my ex. It's tough to find a guy who can understand that arrangement."

"If I'm cock-blocking," Hanna snorted when he said that word, "I can move out."

Hanna erupted into laughter. Caleb's face flushed and he turned to her.

"Hey," he laughed. "What's so funny?"

"Cock-block," she teased. "We're not in college."

"Look, I'm trying to give you an out," he said, "but if you don't take this seriously..."

"I'm sorry," she smiled. "I'm done...and you don't need to move out. Giving JT a stable family is more important than my love life."

"You're a good mom," Caleb told her.

"Thanks," she smiled as they cruised further down the highway.


After a few more hours on the road they arrived at Spencer's family home in the Hamptons. The Fitz car was already parked in the driveway next to Spencer's sedan. Caleb pulled in behind them and cut the engine causing JT to stir in his sleep. Hanna quietly opened his door and found JT opening his eyes and reaching out to her.

"Mama," he said bouncing in his seat.

"Hold on," she unbuckled him. "Alright, let's go."

"I'll get the bags," Caleb said opening the trunk.

"Thanks," Hanna smiled. She carried a groggy JT up the steps and into the empty front room.

"Hello?" she called out.

"Hey," Spencer smiled popping into the room. "Everyone's out on the deck. Aria took the guest house so I put you guys upstairs. I had Ezra set up a crib in there too."

"Thanks," Hanna smiled.

"Where do I put these?" Caleb asked standing in the doorway.

"Upstairs, third door on the left," Spencer replied. "When you guys are done, we'll be out on the deck."

"Thanks Spencer," Caleb smiled following Hanna upstairs.

"Mama I'm dursdy," JT said.

"Thirsty?" Hanna smiled. "Let's get you some water."

"You go," Caleb told her. "I have to return some calls. Be down in a few."

"Sure," Hanna replied making her way out to the deck. She saw Spencer next to Aria sprawled out on a lounge chair while the kids played in the pool with Ezra.

"Took you long enough!" Aria teased when she saw her.

"Hey!" Hanna put JT down and hugged her friend. Then she turned to Spencer. "Do you happen to have any of cute mini water bottles?"

"In the cooler," Spencer pointed. Hanna took JT's hand and grabbed him a water bottle which he eagerly spilled before taking the first sip.

"So, what's on the agenda?" Hanna asked sitting down and pulling JT into her lap.

"We already ate lunch," Spencer explained, "but I'll have to go to the store to pick up stuff for tonight and tomorrow so we can take the boat out early in the morning."

"Hey," Caleb stepping out onto the deck.

"Hi," Hanna smiled when she saw him. "Everything okay?"

"Uh yeah," he whispered, "I just need to meet Toby for a minute."

"We just got here," Hanna replied. "Can't this wait until Monday?"

"He's on Shelter Island scouting a place," Caleb explained.

"Alright," Spencer stood up, "I'm off to the store. Anyone need anything?"

"I'll go with you," Aria got up quickly.

"You can't meet him at the shops," Hanna muttered.

"Can he come here?" Caleb asked. "She'll be gone at least a half hour."

"He's on Shelter Island," Hanna reminded him.

"No," Caleb replied. "He already got off the ferry. He's only ten minutes away."

"Okay," Hanna sighed, "just make it quick."

"What are you two talking about?" Spencer teased.

"Mind your own business Hastings," Caleb replied. They all watched as her face turned. They'd all called her by her maiden name before, but it was different now, now that there likely wouldn't be an alternative.

"We'll be back in an hour," Spencer said spitefully before storming off.

"Did I fuck it up?" Caleb asked.

"She'll get over it," Hanna replied. "Just make sure she doesn't find out you brought Toby here."

"It's his house too," Caleb reminded her. Hanna just glared at him. "Okay..."

"Come on," Hanna nudged JT. "You need some sunscreen."

Hanna picked him up and took him upstairs where she slathered him in SPF 30. Even Caleb's genes wouldn't outlast this sun. Once she was sufficiently satisfied with JT's sun coverage, she headed back down where she found Toby and Caleb looking over plans at the kitchen table.

"Nope," Hanna said. "You guys can't do this here."

"Relax," Toby replied. "I'll be gone before she knows I'm here."

In that moment the door opened wide inviting a flood of wind.

"I forgot my wallet," Spencer said barging in. Her eyes locked on Toby.

"Spencer," he breathed.

"What the fuck," Hanna clasped her hands over JT's ears and bolted outside, "are you doing here."

"Don't ever say that word," Hanna told JT when they were safely outside. She shielded him from the shitstorm that was brewing inside.

I know, it's over too soon, but don't fret! I've posted a new bonus chapter over at NYLON + from Spencer's point of view so check it out. And, let me know how you're liking this story. Also, I think I may have mentioned that Haleb is back in chapter 57. That's no longer the case. I switched things up a bit and I won't spoil the return of Haleb but it's definitely coming!