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The next time a server called out of work, I made a conscious effort not to call Harper in. Instead, I advertised for new waitstaff. As much as I wanted to see Harper and spend time with her, I wanted her to have a break too. It wasn’t right that she was always on call when she had a full-time job and a child.
There was a good possibility Harper came into work because she felt an obligation to me and my family. I didn’t like that dynamic between us. She didn’t owe me anything, and I needed to stop relying on her to work. She had a job with Gia now, and a daughter whom she wanted to spend time with in the evenings.
Harper had to work a wedding on Saturday, so we made plans to paint the playhouse on Sunday. I’d sent options for paint colors through text and asked Harper to find out which one Evie preferred. A few times, Evie seemingly highjacked her phone to send emojis and GIFs.
On Saturday, I stopped by my parents’ house after work, knowing Evie was there. As soon as I went inside, Evie ran toward me, asking to be picked up.
I complied, breathing in her sweet scent. “You smell like cookies.”
Evie giggled. “Nonna made them.”
I pretended to breathe her in, and she giggled more. I set her on the floor where she’d been playing with some dolls.
“What are you doing here?” Mamma asked.
I kissed her cheek. “I came to see you.”
She grunted like she knew that wasn’t true.
“I heard Evie was here, and I couldn’t resist seeing her.”
Mamma’s brow raised. “That’s what I thought. Evie said she was at your house?”
“I told Harper they could play on the playground. It’s in good shape and just sitting there.”
Mamma tipped her head to the side. “That was nice of you.”
I grinned. “I’m a nice guy.”
“Hmm,” Mamma said. “She said you’re making her a playhouse, too.”
“It’s just a storage shed. I don’t need the space, and she’d love it.”
Mamma didn’t say anything else because Papà came into the room for dinner, and we sat down to eat. Evie crawled onto my lap at some point, and I entertained her. When a soft knock sounded on the back door, Evie scrambled off my lap. “Mommy.”
I opened the door for her, and Harper’s eyes widened when she saw me standing there. I usually only stopped by for Sunday dinner, but I wanted to see her and Evie.
“Are you hungry? There’s plenty left over,” Mamma said to her, bustling around the kitchen.
“I’ll take it with me. I have to get this one home and ready for bed.”
I helped Evie gather her things and carried Evie outside to Harper’s car. Once Evie was strapped into her car seat and the food was on the passenger side seat, Harper asked me, “What were you really doing here?”
“Having dinner with my family,” I said.
Harper frowned. “You’re not usually here when your parents are watching Evie.”
“I wanted to see Evie. I missed her.” Before Harper could respond with questions I wasn’t ready to answer, I asked, “Are we still on for painting tomorrow?”
“Evie can’t wait,” Harper said as she slid into the seat.
I wanted to ask Harper how she felt, but I couldn’t get a read on her. Was she just doing this as a favor to a friend, or did she feel something for me?
“I have next Friday night off if you want to go out to eat.” At Harper’s conflicted expression, I added, “I promised Evie I’d take her out.”
Harper’s expression softened. “That would be great.”
I slapped the top of her car. “I’ll pick you up at six.”
