AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What?” I asked.
“Is everything okay? You look upset,” my mother asked as she looked around.
Letting out a gruff laugh, I said, “Yeah, yeah, everything is fine. Sorry.” Rubbing my hands together, I asked, “So what is everyone getting?”
“Oh, that is easy. I’m totally getting the Penne con Pollo,” Angie said as she folded her menu shut.
“Penne al Pomodoro for me,” my mother said with a smile and wink.
Shutting my menu, I attempted to keep my eyes off Harmony. “Guess I’ll get the Tuscan Chicken Salad Club.”
“That sounds heavenly, too,” my mother said with a sweet smile.
Our waitress came and got our drink and food orders. My mother and Angie began talking about shoes as I glanced over at Harmony and the guy she was with. Reaching across the table, he placed his hand over Harmony’s as she smiled gently at him. Harmony glanced over at me and I quickly looked away.
Pulling out my phone, I sent Jake a text. I wasn’t sure if he would be working today or not. He seemed to be working crazy insane hours ever since he started his residency.
Me: Hey. Sorry I had to leave so quick this morning.
Setting my phone on the table, it pinged back with a text message. My mom and Angie were still deep in shoe talk so I picked up my phone.
Jake: Hey dude, on a quick break. No worries. Harmony sure seemed to be happy this morning. Said she had a wonderful day yesterday. Thanks, Preston, for being such a great friend to Harmony.
Ugh. There was that damn word again. “Friend.” Although I was trying like hell not to look over at Harmony, I took a chance and stole a peek.
Fuck. I shouldn’t have. Her smile was beautiful. My stomach turned at the thought of some asshole making her smile like that.
Me: It was a fun day. At lunch with my mom and sister. Speaking of…Harmony is here with some guy.
Jake: Really? I wonder who she’s with? Shit, I’ve got to go. Give me a call tonight.
Well, that got me nowhere.
“Preston? Are you listening to me?”
Pushing my phone back into my pocket, I looked at my mother and gave her my best smile. “Sorry, Mom. What were you saying?”
“Angie and I are thinking we are done for the day. After lunch, we’re ready to head back if you are. Are you going to stay at the house for dinner tonight?”
The waitress brought over our food as my mother tried to persuade me to stay for dinner that night.
Going to take a bite of my sandwich, I noticed Harmony and the guy standing up. Harmony walked around the table to the guy. He placed his hands on her upper arms as they stood there and continued to talk as I just sat there and watched them.
“Preston? Where are you, sweetheart?”
Looking back at my mother, I took a bite of my sandwich. Chewing it, I swallowed and smiled. “Sorry, Mom. I wish I could but I’ve got to work tomorrow so I’m planning on hitting bed early tonight. I’ve had a crazy last two days.”
Raising her eyebrows, she nodded. “I’d say. Your uncle told me about your stop by the pub. Said you were with a girl.”
Narrowing my eyes at my mother, I said, “Mom, she is just a friend. Besides, I just broke up with Sherry. The last thing I’m looking for is to be in another relationship.”
Giving me that look only your mother can give, she slowly nodded and said, “Uh-huh. So, do you want to tell me why you keep staring at the young lady over there?”
Shaking my head, I said, “No. I really don’t.”
Angie chuckled. “What’s wrong, PJ, don’t want Mom in your private life?”
Letting out a chuckle, I was about to reply when I heard her voice.
“Hey, Preston.”
My mother and Angie both turned and looked at Harmony standing next to our table.
Setting my sandwich down, I stood and turned to Harmony and smiled as I glanced around for the mystery man she was on a date with.
“Hey, Harmony.” I cursed under my breath when I heard my voice crack. I knew Angie noticed, because she giggled.
Harmony smiled as she looked at Mom and Angie. Clearing my throat, I pointed to Angie as she gave me that smile like she knew everything that had to be known. “Harmony, this is my sister, Angie. Angie, this is my friend Harmony.”
Angie stood up and instead of acting like a normal human being, she pulled Harmony into her arms and whispered something into Harmony’s ear that made her laugh and look at my sister with a confused look. Next came my mother. Standing up, she extended her hand toward Harmony. “Harmony, this is my mother, Jennifer Ward. Mom, this is a friend of mine, Harmony.”
Shaking my mother’s hand, Harmony smiled. “You must be very proud of Preston, Mrs. Ward.”
