“I’m Nikki and this is my apartment. Who are you?” My voice was shaking as I gripped the bat tighter.
“Hannah. Where is my brother?”
As the dots connected in my head, I dropped my weapon. “Oh goodness, you scared the life out of me.”
Her hand flew to her heaving chest. “You must be Chase’s girlfriend.”
I nodded. “It’s nice to finally meet you. Chase talks about you all the time.”
“I brought bagels. I feel awful that I keep missing his calls and wanted to bring a peace offering.”
I followed Hannah into the kitchen. “That was so sweet of you. Unfortunately, Chase left this morning for an away game.”
Her eyes got wide. “Oh crap! Is it Thursday already? The hospital has been changing all my shifts around and I swear I don’t even know which way is up anymore.”
“Do you want coffee or anything?” I asked, pouring hazelnut grounds into the coffee machine.
“That would be amazing. I have to be back for a shift in a bit so the caffeine would be most appreciated.” Hannah took a seat at the kitchen table and opened the brown bag full of different types of bagels.
“Do you like plain, everything, or cinnamon raison?” she asked as she smeared cream cheese on her poppy seed covered pastry.
“Everything, please.”
We sat and chatted for the better part of an hour, and she told me all about how devoted Chase was to hockey even when he was a kid.
“I have to say, I think he would have rather been an English or history teacher than a jock. Dad would not hear of that though,” Hannah stated while putting away the cream cheese.
“I could see him as a teacher, for sure.” Thinking about all the times I’d watched Chase read from the other side of the couch, it really did make sense. I always loved catching him when he was really into a section of a book. He was so handsome with his thick-framed reading glasses, biting his lower lip as he sifted through the pages, not able to turn them fast enough.
“This has been really great. I am sorry for just barging in like this, I just can’t believe my little brother is actually living with someone. I really am happy it’s someone as sweet as you.”
I got up and hugged her. “That means a lot to me. I really do love your brother.”
Hugging me back, she sighed. “It shows, and I couldn’t be happier for both of you.”
My stomach started to churn a little and I leaned against the wall to catch my breath.
“Are you all right?” Hannah asked, grabbing my wrist to check my pulse.
I started to laugh. “Just a little bit of a stomach thing. Nothing to worry about. That was sodoctorof you.”
She blushed. “Habit.” Her eyes searched mine. “How long have you felt nauseated?”
“Since last night. I think I just didn’t drink enough water yesterday. I don’t think it’s anything to worry about.”
She tapped her finger to her lips. “Okay, but if you start to feel worse, you can give me a call. I can get you in to see a doctor pretty quickly, perks of the job and all.”
“Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.” I walked her to the door. “Maybe we could do this again sometime? I don’t have too many friends in the city other than dancers and your brother, and it would be nice to have another lady to talk to that wasn’t complaining about sore feet or being on a diet to cut weight for a performance.”
“I would like that too.” With a quick smile, Hannah was out the door.
After locking the deadbolt, I shot off a text to Chase.
Me: Well, your sister knows I live with you now.
Chase: What?
Me: She tried to surprise you with breakfast and she was the one surprised to find your girlfriend here alone.