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HARPER
The text conversationwith Ryan this morning has my full attention. I woke up to a message from him asking me what kind of movies I like, and we got started on talking about adventure movies. When he told me he hadn’t watched the latest Marvel movie yet, I reassured him I don’t mind watching it again.
“Harper.”
I look up from my phone and stare out the windshield of my stepmom’s car. Crap, I didn’t even notice we stopped.
Sharon pokes her head into the driver’s door and laughs. “What’s got you so distracted today?”
“What? Oh nothing.”
“Mmm-mmm.” She moves her head to the side in her “I know you’re full of crap” way.
The smile I give her is so terrible, I cringe on the inside.
Her smile fades, and she leans forward a little, touching my hand. “You know you can talk to me, right?”
Uh-oh.
I clear my throat and nod. “Of course.”
“You’ve been acting differently, so I’m here if you need me.”
The lump in my throat grows, and I bite my lip to keep my emotions at bay. They’re like hippos, impossible to tame.
“Thanks, Sharon.”
“Always, sweetie, you know that.” She pauses and studies my face. “Are you okay though?”
I take a moment to think about that. My emotions have been such a crazy roller-coaster ride that it’s been hard to catch a breath. There’s no denying I was absolutely freaked out about having to do all of this by myself. Motherhood isn’t a joke on a good day, even with support, but by myself with my chaotic life? Scares the bejesus out of me one hundred percent. But having Ryan on my side, and spending time with him, has eased that fear substantially. Definitely taking that as a blessing.
“I think I am.” The words come out in a whisper, and a few seconds later my door opens and Sharon wraps her arms around me.
“Oh, sweetie. I just want you to be happy. Please let me know how I can help.”
I close my eyes and nod against her shoulder.
I’m so happy my dad found such a good wife. She’s always been my mom away from home.
Pulling back, she keeps her hands on my upper arms and squeezes a few times. “Now be a dear and help me bring in those boxes, please. Only your dad manages to mix up the addresses and then forgets the boxes at home on top of it.”
I lift my head and take in my surroundings for the first time.
Well, shit.
We’re at the aquatic center where my dad trains.
Meaning he’s here, as is Ryan.
I can’t go in there.
I cannot freaking go in there and have this whole thing blow up in my face.
Nope. I’m not ready for that yet.
Trying to act as normal as possible, I look at her. “And we need to take the boxes inside?”
She studies me like she isn’t sure if she should be worried about me after all. But thinking about it, she just admitted she knows something’s up with me.
