“Ah yes, he did mention beer and pizza was wagered.” He laughs and heads back behind the counter. Amanda places the item on the counter and heads around the counter to the showroom to help another customer.
“I also wager ibuprofen for all the bitchin’ in moanin’ later about his back hurting.” I laugh, and Mr. Moss lets out a loud chuckle.
“Well, here’s the piece. Exactly as you described it.” He passes it to me, careful not to drop it.
I pick it up, examining every inch of it. “It’s fucking perfect,” I tell him, letting out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “It’s exactly like I imagined it.” She’s going to love it. There isn’t a single doubt in my mind.
“Is it okay if I take some pictures to show her family?” I ask him.
“It’s all yours, boy. And we can keep it here until you’re ready,” he tells me with a smile, patting my shoulder. “I’ll lock it up in the safe.”
I take a few pictures before deciding to FaceTime Atlas.
“Hey, Harley, what’s going on?” she answers, Aria’s little head in the side of the screen.
“Hey, I’m here now at the shop, and I wanted to show you,” I tell her, and I find myself suddenly nervous. She knows her sister better than I do, so if she doesn’t like it, I’m doomed.
“EEEEEEP!” She yells into the phone, “SHOW ME!”
My grin spreads from ear to ear. I show her the piece, and her eyes shine with unshed tears.I did it.
“Oh, Harley,” she says, wiping her eyes with her sleeve. “She’s going to love it.”
My hands stop shaking, and I give her another big smile. “Oh, thank god,” I tell her. “I was going to melt down if you hated it.”
“No, no. It’s literally perfect. You could do no wrong in her eyes anyway,” she reassures me.
Mr. Moss comes around the counter and peeks into the phone over his glasses. “And who are these pretty girls?” he asks with a grin and a light blush on his cheeks. The old man is a flirt.
“This is Atlas, Ember’s sister, and Aria, her niece,” I tell him, panning the phone to put Mr. Moss in the frame.
“Oh, hi!” Atlas quickly greets him. “Wave “hi” baby,” she coos to Aria, who opens and closes her hand, waving at him.
“This is Chase’s dad,” I tell her, and her eyes go big and she blushes.Weird.
“Ahh, Atlas, good to finally meet you dear,” he says with a tight smile. “Well, I’ve got a piece processing in the back. Harley, when you’re done, just let Amanda know and we’ll lock it up.” He gives me a strong pat on the back and heads to the back room.
I get a few photos that I intend to send off to her parents, who will be coming in the week after the next, once we’ve gotten everything moved into the new house.
I push the door open to the street, and my body is vibrating with happiness. I can’t wait.
I jump in my car, reverse out, and pull down the street, heading back towards home.
I roll my windows down, letting some of the fresh air in, and crank up the music. I get lost in the music, and I’m only a few minutes from the house when Ember’s name flashes on my dash.
I immediately hitanswer. “Hi princess, how did the meeting go?”
“I just lost my job,” she says, and I hear her sniffling into the phone.Oh no.
“Oh, baby, I’m so sorry.” I do my best to console her over the phone. “Where are you?” I ask her.
“I’m in the driveway at the house,” she tells me. I can still hear her soft sobs through the phone.
I accelerate just a little faster. “I’m a block away, baby. I’ll be there soon.” We get off the phone and a minute later, I pull into the driveway behind her car. She gets out of the car, and I push my door open, not even turning the car off.
She rushes into my arms and cries into my chest. I hold her, telling her it’ll be okay and that I love her and I’m here for her.
“I loved that place so much, Harley,” she says, her head turned into my chest.
