Page 24 of The Perfect Secret
“Hi, Tess. I’m glad you’re joining us today.”
“Thanks. Dad’s not.”
Really? Hannah frowned. Had she forced the meeting? She’d swear Dan suggested it first, but…
“Tess! Why would you say such a thing?” Dan faced his daughter, his jaw clenched.
“Because it’s true.”
“I needed to wait for the right time.” He turned to Hannah. “Despite what she says, I’m glad you’re here.”
Hannah nodded. She hoped he meant it. “I hope you like to shop, Tess.”
Tess nodded and reached for her phone.
Dan pulled onto the road. As he paused to let traffic go by, he reached over and squeezed her fingers, bringing them to his lips for a brief kiss.
“Okay people, we need to set some ground rules here,” Tess said. “No mushy stuff, not when I’m sitting behind you. And two hands on the wheel, Dad.”
Dan glanced into the rearview mirror. “Would you like to get out now?”
“Dad!” Tess slid as far down as her seatbelt would allow.
Hannah bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing. “Okay, Tess, don’t worry, no mushy stuff with your dad.” Maybe she could sneak a kiss later if Tess was occupied. Otherwise, it would be a long day.
Tess gave a reluctant smile. “Good to know somebody understands.”
“Hey. Why do I feel like I’m outnumbered?” Dan asked.
“Because you totally are.” Hannah winked at Tess.
Determined to win Tess over, Hannah joked with her and Dan. To her surprise, Hannah found Tess shared her love of Panic at the Disco; they talked about music and the band’s best songs for much of the car ride to Brooklyn. By the time they pulled into the flea market, the tension had eased a little; she and Tess reached a reluctant accord and Hannah was mentally exhausted.
“Wow, this is huge,” Tess said as they exited their car. What seemed like acres of white-topped tents filled with every vendor imaginable lined the market. Smoke billowed from grills where food vendors sold chicken and ribs, and what smelled like curry. Music played and people called to one another, their voices blending and providing a background harmony.
“Oh look, they have clothes!” Tess headed in the direction of a booth filled with colorful, flowing skirts and Dan gave a shout.
“Wait, Tess!”
She paused and looked at him.
“We’re all doing this together, remember?”
Tess rolled her eyes. “Fine.”
The three of them strolled the aisles, past fried dough, denim and leather clothes and sports collectibles vendors. Hannah inhaled the scents of fried foods and roasted peanuts, plus lots of sugar. They paused often to check on the quality of fabric, or to exclaim over some find they hadn’t expected. After an hour or so, they’d covered about a quarter of the market. Hannah noticed Dan slowing down. As they approached an area set up for eating, she got an idea.
Turning to Dan, she spoke in a low voice. “How about you sit here for a bit while Tess and I go look at some clothes.”
Dan’s gaze narrowed and his voice became defiant. “I don’t mind going with you.” He folded his arms across his body and Hannah couldn’t decide if she wanted to laugh at his predictability or admire his muscular chest and arms, which were emphasized by his stance. His red Henley was unbuttoned at the neck and gave a glimpse of dark chest hair. She consoled herself by rubbing her hands over his biceps, committing their feel to memory.
“I know, but it will give Tess and me a chance to bond over girl stuff. You don’t have to sit here. You can explore on your own if you prefer.”
He looked between Tess and the tables and chairs, and his hand gripped his cane hard enough to turn the knuckles white, as a brief flash of longing showed on his face. “You have your phones, right?”
Hannah and Tess held them up.
“Great, go do your thing, but text me and let me know what’s going on.”