Adopting a haughty expression, she tosses her hair over her shoulder. “I mean, you could say that.”

Hannah rolls her eyes but pushes her shoulder into Caroline’s. They pause a few feet back, watching Norah and Abbie point and excitedly talk about the lion they’re standing in front of.

Well, she is, but when she sneaks a glance at Hannah, she can see that her speculative eyes are locked on Caroline.

She refuses to fidget, even though she wishes she could read Hannah’s mind to figure out the answers she seems to so often be looking for when she studies her.

Eventually Hannah says, “You’re really not what I expected you to be.”

Eyebrows drawing together as confusion slithers through her, she turns to just give a look. What is that supposed to mean?

Hannah shakes her head, though, blonde locks gently swaying with the motion. “I just – I was wrong about you, for a really long time. I never…” She breaks off, licking her lips slowly as she seems to weigh her words. “I never thought you were the monster that Michael complained about, but I just expected you to be… but you’re so warm and I was so wrong about you.”

Those eyes are transparent when they search Caroline’s again – apologetic. The raw honesty in Hannah’s voice plants itself firmly deep in Caroline’s chest, taking root as she whispers, “I don’t know where I would be without you.”

“I’m glad to be of service,” she semi-jokes, with the slight discomfort in her stomach at the sheer admiration in Hannah’s eyes. She’s had a similar look from clients before, but it never felt so personal. Maybe because none of them had ever known her in any sort of personal capacity.

“Caroline. I mean it.” Hannah’s gloved hand falls to her own, a frown on her face as she rubs it. “Your hands are freezing. Why didn’t you bring gloves? It’s still winter, you know.”

The chiding makes things slide back to normal and she’s glad for it.

She’s even more glad for Abbie’s interruption a moment later. “Mom! Norah said she’s sleeping over at Caroline’s tonight and she said I can, too! Can I?”

Hannah’s gaze falls from her face, but her hands don’t fall from Caroline’s. Her voice is sheer exasperation, “Abbie, the only person that can invite you over to Caroline’s is Caroline.”

“But mom, you said that you have to bring me to Robyn’s super early for when you go to work and now you won’t have to, and –”

“Abigail, that is not how this works.”

“It’s fine.” The words fall from her lips but a moment later she nods with it – it is fine.

Hannah looks at her doubtfully. “You don’t have to say yes –”