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Gia laughed at that. “I get annoyed with your big brother, overprotective routine too.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever used it on Harper.” She never needed it like Gia had, but then I was starting to see her in a different light.
“She hasn’t needed it, I guess. I’d say we missed what was going on with Manny, but then, I don’t think it was ever serious.”
“Oh, really?” I tried to keep my interest light, even though I really wanted to know what had happened between him and Harper.
“She was ready to break things off when she found out she was pregnant. She was upset, you know. She didn’t want to be a single mother like her mom had been. She wanted to give Evie a better life. I think she feels like she’s not worthy of someone better than Manny, which is ridiculous.”
“Why would she think she’s not worthy of a great guy?” A nice guy who could give her a new house and all the amenities. The thought of someone else holding Evie, loving her, and being her stepdad made my throat tight.
Gia blew out a breath. “Her mom and her boyfriends did a number on her. None of the guys her mom dated ever married her.”
I huffed out a laugh. “That’s because her mom was dating losers.”
“I don’t think Harper thinks of it that rationally. Honestly, it’s a little frustrating because she’s amazing.”
“She is.” Harper was sweet and kind, reliable and hardworking. She was a great mother to Evie and worked hard to provide for her. She was worried that she was taking advantage of my family. She was the best kind of woman. How hadn’t I seen it before? Maybe I had blinders on, not wanting to like my sister’s friend. She was younger than me, and I knew my parents wouldn’t be happy with us together.
Mom wanted me with a nice Catholic Italian girl, and Harper wasn’t that. She was the girl from the wrong side of the tracks we’d brought into our family. But she was so much more than that. I could understand her wanting to be seen differently, to prove herself. But I didn’t want to lose her. I liked her working at the restaurant and living so close.
“She can’t live in that apartment forever. Evie deserves something nicer.”
“I agree. Does Dad still have that rental property? The townhome?”
“I think so, but there might be a renter there. Doesn’t Harper want to get a place on her own?”
“That’s what she said.” It didn’t stop me from wanting to help her.
“If that’s what she wants, you can’t interfere.”
“You’re right,” I said as I turned into my driveway. I didn’t want her to see me as a brother, but rather as a man she could see herself being with. Inviting her and Evie to my house was more in line with that idea. Getting her another family rental wasn’t.
I pulled into the garage and turned off the engine, switching the call from the SUV to my phone. I pushed the button to close the garage door and headed inside, disgusted that I hadn’t made any progress on the house.
“You know any good contractors?” I asked as I dropped the keys onto the kitchen counter.
“Are you finally going to fix up your house?” Gia asked, getting excited.
I sighed as I took in the chipped Formica countertops and red walls. “It’s time, and I don’t have the energy to take it on.”
“What would Papà say?” Gia asked, and I could hear the smile in her voice.
“He doesn’t have to like it, but I’m tired of living here like this.”
She laughed. “It’s about time. I’m proud of you.”
Gia had always rebelled against my parents. I don’t know if it was because she was the only girl or if it was because she was the youngest. But I felt the pressure to be the perfect son at a young age. It was expected that I would take over the restaurant, and I wanted to, but on my terms. I didn’t want my parents calling the shots forever, and I was starting to worry that would be the case.
Maybe creating the home I wanted would be a good first step in going out on my own. I could understand why Harper felt the same.
“I’ll send you Cade’s contact information. He co-owns Morrison Brothers Construction. I’ve heard he’s reliable, and the prices are reasonable.”
“I appreciate it.”
“If you need any help with designs, let me know.”
“I will. I’ll let you go.” I was tired and drained from the busy night and Harper’s revelation. I didn’t know why I hadn’t anticipated it. I guess I thought she’d always be there. That nothing would change. But that was life. People moved on. If I wanted Harper, I needed to make a move sooner rather than later.
