I Watched Our Future End in the Sunset

Hannah's POV

The wind from the lake swept right through my clothes as I walked back to the hotel.

After noticing how terrible I looked, the receptionist brought over a thermometer. I was burning up at 102.9 degrees Fahrenheit.

She was startled. "Where are your friends? Why did they let you come back alone?"

I braced against the reception desk, my voice hoarse. "They are still enjoying the view."

I heard Andy Hall, my boyfriend's friend, laughing outside the door shortly after I took the fever medication.

He gushed, "That shot is amazing. The sunset makes it look so good."

The door opened, and my boyfriend, Jacob Pratt, came in. He stopped when he saw me sitting on the edge of the bed. "You went to the lake?"

I didn't answer.

Jacob glanced at my dirty, sand-caked shoes, his voice cold. "I told you to stay in bed, right? What were you doing outside? Trying to get yourself sent to the hospital?"

My so-called best friend, Susie Kinsella, followed behind him, wearing his jacket. She was holding a bowl of cold soup, looking innocent.

"Hannah, I actually got you something to eat. We wanted to come back earlier, but the sunset was so beautiful. Andy kept taking pictures…"

Andy set his camera on the table and snorted. "I get that you're pissed because you missed the sunset you'd been waiting for four years. Don't give us that attitude, though. You're the one who suddenly came down with a fever."

I looked at him. He was the one who took those pictures of Jacob and Susie kissing. And now he was telling me how to behave.

Jacob walked over and reached out to touch my forehead. I turned my face away. His hand froze in midair, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes.

In the past four years, I'd never once pulled away from him. Even when we fought, I'd wait for him with tears in my eyes, hoping he'd come hold me. Now, I didn't even want him touching me.

"What now?" Jacob ran out of patience. "It's just a sunset. I'll take you there tomorrow."

I looked at him. "Just me?"

Susie's expression shifted, while Andy cleared his throat and fiddled with the camera.

Jacob didn't say anything for a while. It was like he couldn't understand why I was suddenly making a big deal out of this.

As if it was the most natural thing, he said, "We traveled here together. Why do you have to draw such a clear line?"

That's when I realized that even if I hadn't caught them kissing, he was never going to let me go easily. Susie depended on him, and he liked that. I was planning my future around him, and he liked that too.

Having us jealous over him wasn't a burden to Jacob. If anything, it only proved how charming he was.

Susie suddenly pressed a hand to her chest. "Jacob, I can't catch my breath."

Jacob immediately turned around and steadied her. "Did you stay out in the wind for too long?"

She leaned against his shoulder, looking weak. Jacob turned to me. "Hand me the medicine by the bed."

I acted like I didn't hear him.

Jacob scolded, "Hannah, cut it out. Susie's not feeling well."

I replied, "I have a fever too."

Jacob's expression tightened. "You've always been healthy. Take some medicine, and you'll be fine. She has asthma. Why are you comparing yourself to her?"

I guess this was what being favored got you. She coughed, and he couldn't stop worrying. I had a fever, and he still thought I was just throwing a fit.

I set the medicine down on the table. "Get her to the hospital now. What if she gets better on her own before you get her there? Then you won't have the chance to fuss over her."

Jacob's face darkened. "Hannah, since when did you get so nasty?"

Susie tugged at his sleeve, her eyes red. "Don't blame Hannah. She's in a bad mood because she didn't get to see the sunset."

Jacob kept his arm around her as they walked out. He said coldly, "Think about what you said. Talk to me when you finally see sense."

After they left, I turned on my laptop. The invitation to join the project I'd turned down was still sitting in my inbox.

It was an ancient architecture digital imaging project in Xenby that would last a year, and everyone was due to meet in Urwick in three days.

Back then, Jacob had held me and said, "I need you most while I'm getting my business off the ground. If you leave for a year, what happens to us?"

For the sake of his future, I gave up an opportunity I'd spent two years preparing for. Now I finally realized he needed my skills, my connections, and my willingness to accommodate him—but not my feelings.

I called my advisor, Scott Hale. "Mr. Hale, is there still a spot on the project?"

There was a pause on the other end of the line. "Someone dropped out last minute. But we're leaving in three days. Hannah, are you sure about this?"

Jacob's voice drifted in from outside the door as he comforted Susie. "Don't cry. I've spoiled her too much."

I lowered my eyes. "Yes, I'm sure. I'm going."