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The words hang in the air and the mood instantly changes. Rich and Dad don’t need further explanation to understand.
“What kind of situation are we talking about here?” Rich asks with an edge to his tone. “Harley’s got a good sense of character and reads people well. Let’s rely on her judgment.”
Rich has been doing this for so long, he feels the same burn in his gut at the possibility of a woman being abused. He’s not fooling me. He can spew that shit, but we both know he doesn’t want Harley anywhere near it.
“I trust her judgment. I don’t trust the pompous ass we met blaming a nosy neighbor for a disturbance call.”
“Well then, use this to your advantage. Harley and Jewls know her.”
His message clicks loud and clear, and I settle back on the stool, sipping my beer. The girls laugh and serve Rowan and her three friends drinks before they wander to a table.
Talon and Major come through the doors, heading our way. Their eyes go over my shoulder before meeting mine. This will be the first time they’ve been around my dad in many years. The last time was when we came home for Harley and the funeral. They stand on the edge of the huddle, picking up on the tension and waiting for me to make the first move.
“Dad, you remember Talon and Major?” I jut my chin, sending the sign things are fine.
They relax, shaking his hand.
“Jesus, been a while. How are you boys?” Dad’s use of ‘boys’ has Rich and Hal chuckling.
There’s another round of squeals, taking our attention back to where Harley is over at the bar again, this time hugging Erik. Kelvin and Ginger from her office are also there.
“Shit, do these girls have to squeal every time someone they know arrives? It’s freaking my customers out.” Tom hands two bottles across to Talon and Major.
“Your customers are multiplying by the minute. It’s fazed no one,” I correct him.
“Your woman is down there hanging on a guy much prettier than you. You going to let that happen?” he snaps back.
“Considering his partner is standing there, I think it’s passable.”
This earns a chorus of rough laughter from all the men.
Tom’s scowl tips into his own grin. “Harley did well.”
“She did.”
“We get this kind of crowd and turn out, I’ll have to do it again.”
I gulp a healthy swig to keep from telling him it would be stupid not to take advantage.
“How’s my favorite group of men doing? Can I get you anything?” Harley pops over, her face glowing with happiness and accomplishment.
“Despite you and Jewls’ opinions, I can handle my bar,” Tom grouses.
“We know you have bar skills; it’s the people skills that are lacking,” she teases. “And before you get any grumpier, we have a large party headed in. The girls on the floor are in the weeds. Get back to the service bar and warn the kitchen.”
“Watch it, little missy, I’m still the boss around here.”
“Can’t help if I love the fact that—even you can’t deny—ladies’ night rocks!”
He does a poor job hiding his approval, giving her a nudge before walking away.
“Hey there.” She props on her elbows.
I lean over the width of the bar and cup her head, running my lips across hers. “Great job, beautiful.”
Her breath catches and she whispers, “Our dads are right behind you.”
“And?”
“And our moms are right behind them.”
“Baby, we loaded my dresser and closet today with your things, and I’m building you a house. They all know we kiss.” I don’t whisper, not caring who hears.
She laughs lightly, her lips vibrating to mine. “You have such a way with words. But I’m too happy to be embarrassed.”
“Good, because you should be.” I kiss her again and slide back. “Looks like you have a lot of friends showing up.”
“You saw Erik, Kelvin, and Ginger.”
I nod. “Who was the other group of girls?”
“That was Rowan and the crew from the salon. Rowan is a hairstylist and skin care technician extraordinaire. She’s been taking care of Jewls and me for years. It took me forever to find someone who can work with my curls. She’s taught me my tricks.”
“What tricks are those?”
“Things like how to blow out with the right styling tools and air dry without resembling a chia pet.”
“We call her the chia pet tamer,” Jewls calls as she rushes by.
“It’s cool she came. We miss hanging out with her.”
“Surprised you haven’t mentioned her before,” I push gently, wondering how close Harley and Rowan are.
“She’s in a weird position and cut back on socializing. She was engaged to this guy for a long time, and things seemed to break apart. Story on the streets is he was stressed, and she was trying to help him through whatever was bothering him. I figured that’s why she didn’t take us up on our offers. But since she’s here, maybe things are turning around.”
