Page 107 of Seeing Harper

“Um, Harper?” Summer said as she pulled into the restaurant’s parking lot and slowly made her way through all the cars looking for an empty spot.

“Yeah?” Harper said, resting her head on her hand, her eyes closed as she tried to get rid of the headache she’d had since they’d talked about her father in the pool. Lately the idea of dealing with him always brought one on.

“Remember you said that as soon as Clay came home from school, you were going to tell him that he’s your mate and that you’re pretty sure that you’re actually mated to him already, and that you’re in love with him?”

“Mmhmm. And I am.”

“You sure about that?” Summer asked.

Harper dropped her hand and sat up straight in the passenger seat. “Why? What’s happening?” she asked, as her eyes scanned the cars parked in the lot.

“He’s here. His car was up front parked by the store.”

“Nooooo!”

“Yesssss,” Summer said. “It’s now or never, babe!

“But he’s not supposed to be here! His finals didn’t end until today. He should still be at school.”

“I have no answers for you. But he’s here. And you said you were going to do it. So, are you, or are you going to chicken out?”

“I do not chicken out. Never have. But why didn’t he let me know he was coming home?”

Summer pulled into a parking space and put the car in park. “Well, maybe he still thinks he’s in the friend zone. But, I have a feeling that’s about to change. I’ll see you in there.”

Harper grinned at Summer.

Summer grinned at Harper.

Harper opened the passenger door, hopped out and started running. The idea of telling Clay how she felt and that she believed that they were already mated and him being as overjoyed as she was all she could see. She ran toward the restaurant’s front doors, then burst through them, hesitating as she figured out where he was sitting. She heard his laugh and zeroed in on the booth at the far rear right side of the restaurant. She focused on it and hurried that way. She couldn’t see anything because Richie was standing there talking to Clay, but she knew Clay’s voice and his laughter, so she had no doubt that Clay was sitting in that booth.

“Clay!” she exclaimed. “Clay!”

Clay leaned out to look past his father.

Richie turned around and beamed a huge smile at her. “Harper, we were just talking about you!”

“Oh, yeah? What did I do now?” she joked.

“Nothing, not a thing. Just saying how you and Clay have been friends for forever.”

“True, that is true,” Harper said as she hesitated long enough to hug Richie. “But, I think we need to talk about that,” she said, finally turning toward the booth and getting a good look for the first time. Her smile fell, her heart dropped and she wished that she could fall through the floor and disappear once she saw the beautiful, professional woman sitting with Clay. “I… I”m sorry. I didn’t know Clay had company. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“It’s no interruption. I’ve heard a lot about you. I’m happy to finally put a face with the name,” the woman said.

Harper tried to smile, but didn’t quite achieve it.

“As I’m sure you’ve already figured out, this is Harper,” Clay said. “And this is… well, this is Erica.”

“Erica,” Harper repeated, the name barely a whisper before finding her voice again. “I’m glad to finally meet you.” Harper didn’t meet Clay’s eyes, or even Richie’s. She was looking frantically at the walls and everything that hung on them, desperately trying not to let them see the devastation in her own eyes. “I have to go. We’re just picking up lunch. I’m sure I’ll see you both again soon.” She started backing away from the table. “Or maybe not too soon, but soon enough,” she rambled.

“Harper?” Clay said as he slowly stood, concern on his face.

“I’m good, I’m good! Sit back down and finish your meals! I have to go, Summer’s waiting.” She turned to run quickly through the dining room and literally bounced right off Summer, who having just picked up their to go order, was making her way over to the table.

“Hey!” Summer exclaimed, trying to catch Harper and not drop the bags of food that she held.

Harper looked at Summer.