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Harlow sounds as if she’s really looking forward to motherhood, even the not-so-fun parts. In truth, I’m looking forward to our kid, too.
“All right.” I reach for the steaming mug that looks like moldy water or strained vomit. Green liquid just isn’t appealing and the smell isn’t fantastic. “Why green tea? Isn’t black stronger?”
“Because it contains L-Theanine, which helps soothe the rough edges of anger or anxiety. It has a little bit of caffeine, but not what you’re accustomed to, so we’ll be supplementing with extra water to flush your system out and get you over the caffeine withdrawal faster.”
I’m not looking forward to the headaches. Despite feeling grouchy, I know Harlow is going to a lot of trouble to help me. “Okay, I’ll choke it down. Then what?”
“Choke? I wouldn’t make you do that. I poured in some local honey, as well. Helps with any allergies you might have. Plus, it contains a compound that helps reduce inflammation in the brain, which may reduce depression or anxiety. And if you’re feeling like you want to up your glam factor, it’s also a natural skin moisturizer when applied topically. We can do masks later,” she says with a wink.
“Pass.” I give her a hard shake of my head that makes her laugh as I start sipping the tea. Surprisingly, it isn’t terrible. “So if we’re not having sex—and I protest that, by the way—what’s next?”
“A healthy breakfast, including fresh mangos. They contain linalool, which helps reduce stress levels.”
I love mangos, so I’m digging that. “Sounds good.”
“Then we’re going to try a few new things. But you have to hurry. We have less than thirty minutes before the first therapist arrives.”
“First therapist?” What the hell does she have planned?
“You’ll see. Hustle!”
With that, she’s gone, her light footsteps resounding down the stairs before I hear her rattling around the kitchen.
Quickly, I brush my teeth and splash some cold water on my face. While the tea doesn’t taste terrible, it’s not jolting me awake like a good cup of steaming java. It’s going to be a long day.
With a sigh, I head downstairs to find Harlow setting down a plate of scrambled eggs and sprouted-bread toast, along with a bowl of fresh sliced mango. She makes one for herself and we dig in, discussing wedding details. If she can find a dress, then we’ve got the major bases covered. We’ll text invitations to a select few. I really don’t want this to turn into a media circus, so the fewer people we advise, the less likely our nuptials will be crashed by the press.
I have to ask the question that’s been lingering in the back of my head since she agreed to marry me. “What about your parents? Are we inviting them? I know your relationship isn’t close…”
“I can’t think of a reason I should. I know that probably sounds terrible to you, but if you met them, you’d get it.”
“Shouldn’t I do that before we tie the knot?”
“I’d rather spare you.”
There must be one hell of a story here. I’d think she was exaggerating except that Maxon and Griff sounded equally anti-parent.
“I appreciate that, but I didn’t ask you to. I’d like to get to know them.” And draw my own conclusions.
I may never understand this woman unless I meet them. Other than our wedding, I don’t know if I’ll have an opportunity. As far as I know, they haven’t reached out to Harlow since I met her, so unless it’s an “occasion,” I doubt they’ll bother. It completely boggles my mind. I can barely go a day without talking to my mother. Harlow has gone weeks.
She drags in a breath and picks at her eggs. “They’ll both try to take advantage of your money and celebrity. They’ll figure out in two-point-two seconds what’s in it for them and work like hell to exploit you.”
It’s such a harsh charge to level against the people who raised her. Harlow turned out all right. So did Maxon and Griff. I’m confused.
I set down my fork and snag her stare. “What happened? What did they do to you?”
“Besides being utterly self-centered? The list is long and ridiculous.” She tosses her hands in the air. “It’s ancient history. It’s just…I know who they are. I’d never want them to look at you and see the means to climb a social ladder or make more money. Don’t give them the chance.”
I sigh, both touched and pissed off. On the one hand, Harlow is protecting me from people she thinks would try to use or harm me. It’s sweet but unnecessary. I learned how to shed sharks and hangers-on years ago. Instead of worrying about the boo-boos I’d never let those people inflict on me—or her, ever again—I wish she would open up. I’m more convinced than ever that something terrible, something that altered her life and her psyche, happened at the hands of these people. Same with her older brothers.
I need to know what.
“Thank you, but I’ll be fine. I still think we should invite them. They are your parents.”
“My mother will try to take over everything.”
“We’ll tell her it’s already planned. Then there’s nothing for her to get her fingers in.”
