Page 58 of Five Years

“I ended up telling her this morning.”

“Oh, so you told her I was here, and suddenly she arrives. That’s interesting.”

Leah couldn’t help but smile.

I’ve still got it.

Hannah wasn’t out of line for flying in from New York. Leah would’ve done the same. A little hint of jealousy can eat you alive. Leah had been too trusting of Ariana and Hannah’s newfound friendship when they were together—and Hannah had every right to feel the same now the roles were reversed.

“I just wanted to make sure you were okay,” Ariana said, changing the subject.

“With Hannah being here?”

She nodded.

“I think you should be more concerned about how Hannah feels. I’m the one who gate-crashed your family vacation. How I feel isn’t really relevant.”

“It’s always relevant, Leah.” Ariana forced a smile.

“Thank you for caring, but honestly, I’m okay.”

Ariana grabbed a plastic fork from the table and poked at the giant piece of cake on Leah’s plate.

“You don’t mind if I just—”

Leah batted her fork away with her own. “There’s a giant cake right there.”

“Yes, but your slice looks extra tasty.” Ariana grinned, trying to keep the mood light.

“You haven’t changed one bit, have you?” Leah laughed—a little louder than intended. Ariana used to steal her food at every opportunity. Her reasoning? It tasted better off someone else’s plate. Leah eventually gave in, letting her share the slice.

“Wow,” Leah mumbled through a mouthful of cake. “I need to know where Grace ordered this from!”

Like a shark lurking in the distance, Hannah made her way through the guests, eventually ending up beside Ariana.

“I didn’t expect to see you here,” Hannah said.

“Yeah, it’s a surprise for me too,” Leah replied.

“How’s the cake?” Hannah forced a smile. She glanced at Leah, who was too busy manoeuvring her tongue to get the cake from her teeth.

“It’s so good,” Ariana answered.

“Good. And did you have a nice day today in Chicago?” Her tone was friendly but guarded.

“Yeah, I got my hot dog, and Leah got the popcorn she’s been craving.” Ariana’s eyes flickered between Leah and Hannah. She was treading carefully, but the tension was undeniable. An awkward silence followed. Ariana shifted on her feet, unsure how to navigate it.

“I did,” Leah nodded, her smile strained.

“Grace did a great job tonight,” Hannah said.

“Uh-huh. Really great.”

Grace had pulled out all the stops. The cake was immense. The selection of food—some home-cooked, some ordered in—was mouth-wateringly good. The balloon arch, the confetti, the banners—all abundant yet tasteful.

“Where did she get the champagne tower?” Leah laughed.

“I honestly have no idea. The woman’s a miracle worker,” Ariana praised her sister.