Hannah’s gaze is on her still when Caroline turns to look at her again, a small smile on her lips. “It’s after ten. I’ve been up for a couple of hours, and got a few drawings in of the view from here.” She gestures to her sketchpad as she slowly closes it. Gray eyes land back on her as she rests back in the chair, and she arches an eyebrow in question. “I went downstairs for coffee a while ago and was informed by Lacey that I better be ready for tonight.”

Because it’s Hangout Weekend, she doesn’t really get dressed-dressed, just pulls on a sweatshirt and a pair of wool socks because the lake house gets drafty overnight as she contemplates her answer. “Uh… well. Sunday night of Hangout Weekend means we generally over-indulge on alcohol.”

“More than last night?” Hannah asks and the incredulousness in her voice is so strong, it makes Caroline laugh.

“Oh, yeah. I mean, last night no one was really even drunk. Tonight… well, it was something we started when we were twenty-one – not to have leftover alcohol from the weekend.” Caroline tracks her eyes over Hannah’s face before she assures her, “You don’t have to drink. Lacey meant that more as a… they may be a bit obnoxious tonight sort of warning.”

“I don’t think I’ve been more than tipsy in at least ten years.” Hannah informs her quietly, rubbing her hands over the thighs of her jeans, before she pushes herself up to stand. Unlike Caroline, she had gotten dressed for the day, the jeans and soft oversized sweater she’s wearing making her look – perfect. “Not since college. Before Abbie.”

She’s about to assure again that she shouldn’t feel pressured to do so tonight, and is even going to offer up not really drinking anything herself.

But Hannah has a little furrow between her eyebrows as she says, “I guess tonight would be the night to indulge.” A small smile settles on her lips as she nods. “As long as you’ll be there to make sure things don’t get too out of control, of course.”

There’s a teasing tone in her voice, which Caroline doesn’t miss. But she’s serious as she nods. “Nothing will happen on my watch.”

***

Hannah does indulge that night. As does Caroline. And everyone else, but Caroline keeps an eye on Hannah just in case, per her promise.

They have a steady margarita mix that they all consume steadily through the evening, well into the night. And as she keeps her eye on Hannah, she notes that while Hannah definitely is flushed and giggly, she isn’t on the verge of anything dangerous. So she eventually sits back and lets herself relax with her friends.