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Heat prickles the back of my neck. “Appreciate you saying that. She makes it easy for me.”
“No doubt about that. She’s extremely polite and considerate of others. Our little Polly loves her to pieces. She’d be devastated if she didn’t get frequent slumber parties with her best friend. I’m glad you’re willing to let her stay the entire weekend.”
My spirits tank at the reminder of two full days alone. FaceTime is a small blessing. “I’m happy to take a turn—”
“You already do plenty. Enjoy the time to yourself, or share it with someone.” She winks.
I’d balk at the action if I wasn’t positive that she’s a happily married woman. A discount on repairs goes a long way. Pity plays a role too. People in Knox Creek aren’t shy about their knowledge where Morgan’s absence is concerned. They’re aware that I might as well be flying solo in this parenting gig.
It’s better for everyone if I don’t take their kindness for granted. I tell myself it’s important for Syd to witness a fully functioning family unit. Fuck, that makes me feel like shit. I hate doubting my ability to provide my baby girl with everything she needs. My reputation doesn’t require more tarnish. On cue, I glance at the grease smeared onto my hands. Scrub at the grime all I want, but it never truly comes off.
The last thing I need to do is wallow, especially with an audience. “I’ll stay occupied. There’s plenty to keep me busy.”
Susan hums agreeably. “I can only imagine.”
Syd tugs on my shirt to get my attention. “Are you gonna have dinner at Roosters?”
“Maybe.” But my reliable routine deceives me.
“Tell Miss Harper I say hi, m’kay? She’s gonna be there too.”
My gut clenches. I retract my earlier comment. Sydney mentioning Harper while we have an audience is very last on the list of things to do. The answering glint in Susan’s eyes reveals as much. That sparkle might as well be a town-wide announcement.
Her smile only grows as the potential for gossip sinks in. “Oh, that’s right. I heard she got a job at your favorite bar. She also teaches our girls dance twice a week. You must be bumping into each other quite often as of late.”
And this is how an innocent comment from my daughter turns into gasoline on a fire.
I tug at my hat, turning it backward. “On second thought, I’ll probably stop by Bent Pedal.”
Not that it matters, seeing as the damage is done. If I change my predictable course, everyone will assume I’m avoiding Harper on purpose. I can’t dig myself from this hole, but Susan is too polite to point it out. Not blatantly at least.
“Rhodes and Rylee snatching a loyal customer from Garrett? That might raise a few brows.” Her expertise in this game is admirable.
My lips remain firmly sealed to trap the expletives that would traumatize listening ears.
Sydney glances from her to me. “Huh?”
“Don’t worry about it, Boop. Have fun.”
“I will. You too, Daddy.” She lifts her arms for a hug that I’m eager to grant.
“Love you,” I murmur into the embrace.
“Love you the moster of the mostest most.”
I chuckle and pull away. “Okay, I can’t top that. You beat me.”
“Yay!” Her small fist pumps up and down.
“Just precious,” Susan coos before sliding behind the wheel. “Take care now, Jake. See you Sunday.”
I watch them drive from the lot while my brain reboots. It’s moronic that I even need a second to consider the options. The choice is simple, and allows me to repay the favors tossed my way. It’s only fair to give the good folks in Knox Creek something to talk about. Amusement tips my mouth into a crooked slant. Look at me, acting for others.
The ease of that decision gives me pause halfway to my truck. I breathe deeply while tipping my face to the dark sky. There’s a slight chill in the air, but it’s not cold enough to stop me from walking the three blocks. That’ll give me a chance to clear my mind before a certain blonde fills it with nonsense.
I flip the collar on my jacket and tuck my chin against the wintery elements. My boots crunch over salted ice while I stride to the road. March has arrived, but the foot traffic is still minimal. I only cross paths with a few others willing to take a chance against the unpredictable climate.
Cars crawl at a lazy speed. Main Street becomes an illuminated blur to cast shadows across the brick buildings. I keep my head down and trudge forward. Before I recognize how far I’ve gone, the glow from Roosters’ neon sign shines down on me.
