And Now… II 39B

“Really? That’s unexpected.”

“And nice. Since when?” Beatrice asked.

Tanner scoffed. “Are you serious?”

“For a while. She taught me some cakes and cookies and stuff. But I didn’t want anyone to know so we kept it to ourselves. I asked her not to tell anyone.”

Good, cause there’s no way she wouldn’t have heard of this before. Steph thought. And Peggy’s shock was wearing off. So he’s really doing it. He’s really sorry. Because he cares. It’s not about- that doesn’t take back all the things he said. Her shock gave way to a cold stare. How will this go?

“I can’t believe this. All this time? And no one knew? Where was this happening?”

“How didn’t I know?” Tanner asked.

“Let him speak.” Beatrice’s order held concern. Allowing Steph to notice what she had not noticed before. His legs bouncing up and down, his eyes down cast in what… she couldn’t tell yet.