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Harvey is very quiet on the way back, now driving his own truck. My heart goes out to him, and I want to comfort him.
He made it clear he doesn’t need me around anymore. I’m not sure why I want to stay.
Is it because the whole act doesn’t feel complete yet?
That the loyal fiancé should stay around until the bitter end?
Or is it because I’ve come to like them, and him, for good measure?
I’m not specifically trained as a method actress with skills to be able to distinguish effortlessly between what’s real and what’s not.
We’re alone in the house when we arrive. As Harvey disables the alarm system, I take a seat on the couch, and he comes to sit next to me.
We look at each other in silence, so intently that we end up laughing nervously, and so loudly the neighbors probably think we’re crazy.
“We shouldn’t be laughing.” But he slaps his belly as he does. “Oh God, grandma. Why now of all times?”
I look at my feet and smile sadly, just recovering from my own fit of anxious laughter. I then look at Harvey and can see clearly in his eyes that he is sad too; he needs to hear something to reassure him.
“You must really love her,” I say. It’s a completely stupid sentence and I instantly regret it.
He shrugs with one shoulder. “Don’t you love yours?”
It’s my turn to shrug. “Both of mine died when I was little. Mom’s mom lived in Toronto, and dad’s mom was a difficult person. My grandpas… They gave me money every time they saw me. However, in the end, we were never close. I think it runs in the family.”
“Nah…” Harvey jumps from the chair to the couch to sit close to me. “Parker speaks fondly of you. And your mother seems very loving.”
“Don’t let that cute facade fool you. The woman is a control freak,” I warn him, raising a finger.
“What about your dad?” He inches closer, and I can’t help but feel butterflies. “Girls are usually very attached to their dads.”
“Well,” I smile. “Dad loves me in his own way.”
Harvey leans all the way back and gives me a confused look. “Okay,” he starts. “You’re telling me you havenohappy memories with your family?”
It takes a moment for the question to hit me, but when it does, it hits hard.
“No!” I startle after a few seconds. “I do have happy memories of them! It’s just…”
He leans forward again, this time touching my arm.
“Just what?” he gently asks.
I sigh, look at him even closer, and blush violently. “It’s just that they don’t seem to be the same ones you have with your family.”
Harvey kisses me on the cheek, and I widen my eyes, feeling the spot of the caress with the tips of my fingers.
My mind goes blank and all I can see are his penetrating blue eyes.
“Harvey…” I’m not sure how to continue. “What are you doing?”
He puts one of his arms around my shoulders and gets so close I can feel the slight stubble on his face.
In the same hushed tone, he goes on, “I’m thanking you. You didn’t have to be so nice to my family or stay with me at a time like this. I truly appreciate it.”
I look at him, smiling, and suddenly I’m feeling so shy I don’t know what to do with myself.
“I just did the right thing,” I say, my tone hushed like his.
