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My heart is pounding loud enough that I can hear it in my ears, but I’m not as nervous as I thought I’d be. I guess it’s because we talked yesterday, and she said she felt the same way I did.
Not that I would have doubts if she didn’t say it back, because I feel it. Harper and I share something special and tonight, I plan to make it official.
“Where could she be,” I mutter.
I’ve looked everywhere…except away from the hall itself. Could she have gone that far to answer a call?
Sighing, I walk down the road, but there’s still no sign of her. After a while, I give up, deciding to call her again.
Walking through the side corridor, I hear Harper’s voice—something unintelligible but distinct enough. I don’t see her, so I squint my eyes and look straight ahead until I can make a silhouette in the shadows.
A smile appears on my face again, and I walk slowly, hoping to catch her unaware.
“Mom,” I hear the conversation a little clearer now. “I’m telling you, there’s nothing between us.”
My eyes narrow as I halt, wondering what she is talking about.
“It was a stunt.” There’s frustration in her tone. “Nothing more. That’s why I came asking for help, remember? You couldn’t help, and we had to find another way.”
“I’m not engaged to Mr. Everhart. He’s someone I work for, and everything we did was for the public to think we were engaged to throw them off the project.”
She’s lying to her mother, right?
I mean, it can’t be that Harper has been putting on an act this entire time and I was the only one with real feelings.
Harper groans.
“Look, mom. You know I never had plans of getting married. It’s not my thing. So why would I get engaged to someone for real when I don’t want to get married?”
“It was a publicity stunt and nothing more, jeez. We’re calling it off soon, so don’t think of him as your son-in-law. He is not going to be family. Okay?”
No, I shake my head, backing away.
She didn’t mean it.
There’s no way—
But…what if it’s the truth? I mean, we never talked about getting married or making anything official. I was the one who bought the ring and told myself it was the right next step.
Didn’t Harper say she was committed to doing anything to protect the project? The sexual chemistry was there, and yes, we might have been good friends, but the other side…the feelings.
A harsh laugh leaves my throat but I stifle it before it gets out.
Who was I kidding? She played her part well, and I foolishly fell in love.
“I’m so stupid,” I mutter.
“I have to go, mom. The party isn’t over yet. My boss must be wondering where I am now,” Harper says.
I turn away, blinking rapidly, and stride through one of the open doors into the hall of bright lights and a lot of chatter.
“Mr. Everhart.” I turn to see a reporter flashing a smile. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”
I put on a fake smile that irks me, but I swallow my irritation, reminding myself that my attitude will affect the articles that will come out tomorrow.
“Good evening,” I respond.
“I’m with the Evening Times. Would you mind answering a few questions on the project that was unveiled this evening?”
