Page 89 of Seeing Harper

“Just drop that right there,” Summer said, gesturing to a spot beside the front door.

“I’m not leaving this in your foyer,” Harper said.

“You see? Harper knows not to just leave whatever she’s holding wherever she happens to be when she gets tired of holding it,” Renata said. She walked into the foyer and right up to Harper. She hugged her tightly then held onto Harper’s shoulders as she held her out away from her to get a good look at her. “How are you, honey?”

“I’m okay. How are you? I haven’t seen you lately except for the party,” Harper said.

“You’re always so busy! Running here or there and helping everybody,” Renata said.

“I know. But if you want to do it all, there’s not much time for anything else,” Harper said.

“You need to teach some of that work ethic to your friend there,” Renata said, turning away as she moved toward the kitchen.

“Really, Mom?” Summer asked.

“Really. You girls want something to eat?” Renata asked.

“You don’t have to do that. We’re not little anymore. We can call for delivery or something,” Harper said.

“Yeah, we can do it,” Summer said.

“I like to cook for you. I don’t get to take care of anybody but Basilio anymore.”

“There is nothing wrong with taking care of your husband!” Basilio called from the living room.

“I didn’t say there was anything wrong with it, I said you’re the only one I get to take care of anymore!” Renata called back. Then she smiled at Harper and Summer. “How about some steaks? I’ve got some fresh ribeyes, and I can heat up the grill pan real quick, they’re almost as good when we grill them outside.”

“That’d be great!” Summer said.

“If it’s not too much trouble, it sounds delicious,” Harper added.

“Coming right up. And since you brought luggage and it seems you’re moving in, make yourself comfortable in the guest room. No need to bunk with Summer,” Renata said as she disappeared into the kitchen.

“I just got home from a trip and didn’t want to stay at my house so I had Summer on standby. I didn’t even go inside, just threw my things into her car and here I am.”

“Baby, you’re always welcome here,” Renata said from the kitchen.

“Thank you.”

“Come on, let’s go unpack you and maybe lay out by the pool,” Summer said.

“Oh, that sounds like heaven.”

“Then welcome to heaven,” Summer said, grabbing two of Harper’s bags and taking the grand staircase two stairs at a time.

Harper took hold of the rest of her things and followed, but not running up the steps two at a time. Walking, a single step at a time, was just fine for her.

~~~

“Professor Lonegan?” Clay said, standing just outside an open office door.

Professor Lonegan looked up from the papers that were spread across his desk. “Clay! What are you doing here on a Saturday?”

“I was hoping to catch you in your office. I just got a call from home and I’m needed there. I was wondering if there’s any possibility of taking my final early instead of waiting for Tuesday afternoon.”

“I don’t usually make arrangements for such things.”

“I know. And I wouldn’t ask unless it was an emergency.”