Harper shook Hayden’s hand. “I wouldn’t quite saymorehours but certainly comparable ones. Great to meet you, Hayden. How long are you both in town?”
“Only two nights. We flew into Miami on our way home from St. Thomas and decided to make a quick detour to the southernmost city in the continental US.” Hayden was even more attractive up close, and her grip was firm. Harper was really happy for Ellie. She’d been looking for her person for a long time.
“What Hayden neglected to mention is that we’re on our way home from St. Thomas where we gotengaged.” Ellie and Hayden were both beaming as she said it.
“Engaged?” Harper looked at Ellie. “Thingshavechanged.Congratulations to you both. Come sit down and tell your favorite bartender all about it.”
Ellie explained how she’d inherited her dog, Atlas, and met Hayden, a veterinary behaviorist, shortly thereafter. Harper couldn’t believe a dog had brought the two of them together. Especially since Ellie hadneverbeen a dog person. “Who’s watching Atlas while you’re traveling, and how’s he doing after such a difficult start?”
“My associate Britt and their girlfriend are watching him this week. And Atlas is such a good boy,” Hayden said. “He’s come a long way. He used to struggle with condo life, but Ellie got him to a point where he can thrive, and he just loves our houseboat that we use as a vacation home in Michigan.” She looked at Ellie with such love and pride that Harper’s heart ached.
“It wasn’t just me. You’re the one who gave us the tools,” Ellie said.
“Okay, you two, you’re too cute. I’m about to get off shift and was going to get some admin stuff done, but how do you feel about going somewhere and grabbing lunch?” Harper said.
“That sounds great,” Hayden said. “Though, can I use your restroom first?”
“Of course, it’s right through—” But as Harper was talking, the door to the bar popped open, and Charlie walked in, and all the thoughts in Harper’s mind fled. She really should be used to seeing her in her yoga clothes, but occasionally, she wore something new and sexy as fuck, and it was like Harper was seeing her for the first time.
“Hey, sorry to interrupt, Harper. But I’m heading to teach a class, and I wanted to make sure we’re still on for tonight.”
Harper would have sworn that Charlie was radiating sunshine, and it took her too long to remember how to speak. “Uh, yeah. We’re still on. Six, right?”
“Yep. See you then.” And she was gone with Harper staringafter her like a teenager with her first real crush.
When the door closed, Ellie said, “Who wasthat?”
“My, uh, tenant,” Harper said, unsure how else to describe her.
“You’re dating your tenant?” Hayden asked.
“Definitely not,” Harper said without hesitation. She didnotdate.
“Why not? She’s certainly attractive. And fit,” Ellie said.
“Hey,” Hayden said and lightly punched her arm.
“What? Not as fit as you, obviously.” Ellie kissed her briefly on the lips.
“Fine, but with that, let me use the restroom, and let’s go get some lunch. I’m starving. Running in this humidity this morning has me famished,” Hayden said as she squeezed Ellie’s shoulder.
Harper realized how much she missed casual touches like that with someone she was friendly with.
“And that’s why you’re the fittest person I know. Because you still run when the humidity is, like, a thousand percent,” Ellie said as she smiled a goofy but adorable smile. Hayden rolled her eyes good-naturedly and strolled off toward the restroom. Harper’s chest squeezed a bit at the lighthearted tenderness of the entire exchange.
She took them to her favorite local waterfront restaurant, Sally’s Seashells by the Seashore, who had melt-in-your-mouth conch fritters that couldn’t be beat. Two hours slipped away in what felt like minutes as they caught up. Harper had no idea that a veterinary behaviorist was a career, but it sounded amazing, and their story—how they’d both saved each other a little bit—made Harper melty inside.
As they finished their lunch, Hayden said, “I’m going to take a walk along the water and let you two catch up alone for a bit, but I’ll be back.”
“Are you sure?” Ellie said. “You don’t have to.”
Harper said, “Yeah, please don’t feel like you need to. This has been really fun.”
“I know, but I also know you haven’t seen each other in years, and I want to let you have some private time. I’m sure I can find some cute shops to spend some money in. I love to buy local.” She pressed a kiss to the top of Ellie’s head and headed off.
Ellie sighed dreamily. “I love her so much. When we first met, I thought she was way too young, but we had this instant attraction. I don’t know, it’s funny how love hits you when you least expect it.”
Harper chuckled and threw a packet of sugar at her. “Just stop. I can’t with you.”
