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“Yeah, I promise you, he’s good.”
She nods several times. “I mean, he seems to be okay. It’s just a lot. You know. I don’t want to cause him any more stress than he’s under already with his family.”
“I get it, but if anything, you’re making his life better, Harper. I assure you.”
“I hope so. I really…” she blushes.
“Really what?”
“Really love him. So much it’s scary.”
“I’m pretty sure he feels the same.”
“I just wish we weren’t under all this bullshit. It’s my fault. I hope you know this is all my fault. I’m so sorry. I lied to him.”
“Don’t be. And trust me, I can understand more than you ever know how a lie can cost you. And you damn sure can’t help who you fall in love with.” I give myself away, sparing a glance back at Clarissa’s door.
“Yeah, I noticed that,” she says, looking back in the direction of the house. “It’s not just you.”
“Trust me, it is.”
“Trust me, it’s not. Give her time to come around.”
“I wish it was that simple.”
She shrugs. “Could be. Just be patient.”
“I’m trying. Hey, thanks again, Harper.”
“No problem.”
“You think he has a shot at getting better?”
“Yeah. He’ll be fine. And I admire you both for investing the time to make sure he’s able to at least make it through a dance. A lot of parents don’t worry about things like dancing.”
“We just want him to be able to experience the best of everything.”
“You’re a good dad, Troy.”
She smiles as Dante speaks up behind me. “Troy’s not my Daddy, duh.”
“Oh,” Harper says, giving me wide eyes.
Clarissa walks outside. “Apologize right now, young man.”
“Why? He’s not!”
“Because duh is rude, and I never want to hear it come out of your mouth again.”
“I was just bringing her sweater,” Dante mumbles, holding it out to Harper.
“Thank you,” she takes it as her eyes ping pong between Clarissa and me. “I’m sorry. I guess I just assumed he was your daddy.” She’s mortified.
“It’s okay,” I assure her.
“It’s fine,” Clarissa says softly. “Really, it’s okay.”
Harper mouths one last apology to Clarissa before getting into her SUV and driving away with a wave.
