Chapter Eleven
HARPER MADE THE calls she’d promised Stan the landscaper. Most of the customers had been disinterested in her apology, one had yelled at her for being stupid and two had congratulated her on being so conscientious. She tried to hang on to those good feelings as she looked at her to-do list.
There were new T-shirt designs to email to Misty, a handful of website updates, a meeting with the city manager to discuss more work. Cathy, the evil party planner, had been bugging her for a while, but Harper was going to ignore her messages, at least for now. Paula, the good party planner, had hired her to create a custom Pin the Curls on the Beautiful Six-year-old game, which was both sweet and creepy. There was the usual assortment of chores for Lucas, and she had to figure out what she was going to wear when the handsome, charming, private jet salesman, Blake, breezed into town in a couple of days. He was taking her out for a cocktail, something he did when he was in town.
Aside from that, her day looked completely open. Maybe she should schedule a massage. At least she didn’t have to walk the dogs. They were out for their daily fun time with Dwayne.
Harper spent five minutes figuring out the order in which to do her work. The meeting couldn’t be moved, so everything else had to fit around it. She reviewed the latest T-shirt designs one more time, then sent them to Misty before pulling up the digital picture of the little birthday girl and wondering how on earth to turn her ringlets into a game. Before she could decide, the doorbell rang.
She walked to the front of the house and found Morgan on the porch.
“What are you doing here?”
Morgan rolled her eyes. “You owe me money. You said I could pick up my check today. Did you forget?”
Why yes, she had, Harper thought resentfully, what with having to redo all of Morgan’s work, then fix her mistakes. She didn’t dare calculate how much money she’d lost or she would start keening.
“Let me go write it up. It will just take a second.”
She desperately wanted to close the door in Morgan’s face and let her wait outside, but that would be rude, so Harper stepped back to allow the other woman into her living room.
She raced back to her office, quickly calculated the few hours Morgan had worked, then wrote out the check. When she returned to hand it over, she said, “It’s well under the legal reporting minimum so I won’t be sending you a 1099.”
While Harper would expense the payment, it was up to Morgan to declare it or not.
Morgan waved the check. “You’re making a mistake, you know. Firing me. You need the help. What’s the deal? You have to do everything yourself? That’s really stupid.”
Harper felt as if she’d stepped into some alternate universe. “Are you asking for your job back?”
“I don’t know. Maybe. It wasn’t awful working here. Maybe if the work was less boring I’d be interested.”
For one horrible second, Harper found herself actually tempted. She was genuinely overwhelmed by what she had to get done. She couldn’t seem to get her arms around all of it or get organized enough to avoid a constant scramble. Just when she managed to get her finances on track, something happened like the great gift bag debacle or Morgan’s screwup, and then she tumbled into the abyss again.
Having someone to help could change everything. She could take on bigger projects and leave the small stuff to her assistant. Yes, there would be an awkward transition, but once that was over...
No! Harper heard the voice scream in her head and knew she had to listen. She did need help, but not the Morgan kind.
“I only have boring work,” she forced herself to say as calmly as she could.
Morgan sighed. “I guess I could do that.”
Harper realized she was in no way trained to hire and fire. She didn’t know how to do it. Texting had been so much easier than this face-to-face crap, yet she couldn’t possibly hire Morgan back.
“No, you couldn’t,” Harper said as firmly as she could. “You barely got through a quarter of the invoices when you should have finished all of them. Worse, nearly every invoice you entered had a mistake. The amount, the customer’s name, the service—all wrong. I lost that account because of you. I was fired, Morgan, and I was counting on that income. To make things right with the client, I had to go back through all your work, call each client and explain what had gone wrong. Next month, I’ll be doing the client’s billing for free, as my way of apologizing for your screwup. So as much as I’d like to say sure, welcome back, I simply can’t afford to have you work for me.”
They stared at each other. Harper wondered if she was as wide-eyed as she felt. She’d only meant to say “Thanks but no thanks,” but the rest of it had spilled out. She felt lighter somehow. Relieved and more than a little smug. Right up until Morgan’s cheeks flushed and her mouth curled back in what could easily be described as a snarl.
“You are a total bitch. My God, why didn’t I see that before? No wonder you can’t get someone to work for you. You can forget it, lady. I wouldn’t work for you ever, no matter how much you beg. Go to hell, you hear me?”
With that she turned on her heel and stomped out the door.
Harper stood in the center of the living room trying to ignore the sudden shaking that swept through her. That had been five kinds of awful. She really had to get better at dealing with people.
“I’ve told you and told you. Starting your own business was a mistake.”
Harper spun and saw Bunny standing at the kitchen door. Her mother shook her head.
“Family is your first priority, Harper. Take care of your husband and your daughter. But you wouldn’t listen and now look at where you are.”
Anger and frustration joined the trembling. “You’re not helping, Mom,” she said as she pushed past her and headed for the coffeepot. “I’m going to ask you not to lecture me right now. I can’t deal with it. I have a lot to do today and I need to focus.”
“Becca should be your focus.”
Harper slammed her mug on the counter and faced her mother. As always, Bunny was perfectly dressed, with flattering makeup and coordinated jewelry. Harper had yet to shower, something else she would have to squeeze in before her meeting.
“This is how I pay the bills,” Harper said, trying not to grind her teeth. It couldn’t be good for her and she honestly couldn’t afford any dental work right now. “This isn’t some feel-good movie where I win the lottery and all our problems are solved. This is real life. I am thinking about my family when I work. I really need you to understand that and if you can’t, at least stop lecturing me.”
Bunny’s eyes filled with tears. “I can’t believe how you’re talking to me. I’m your mother. You apologize right now.” She planted her hands on her hips as if she were prepared to wait forever. Harper couldn’t figure out how her entire life had gone to hell so quickly.
“I’m sorry if your feelings are hurt,” she began, “but I won’t apologize for how I feel. You’re not supporting me, Mom. Telling me I’m doing everything wrong doesn’t help.”
The tears spilled over. “You are a horrible daughter,” her mother said, then pressed a hand to her mouth and hurried out the back door.
Harper closed her eyes and told herself when she opened them, everything would be better. Seconds later, she discovered she’d been wrong. Everything was still the same. Her list, the drama with her mother.
She knew the drill. Bunny would sulk for several days, then they would have a meaningless conversation designed to smooth things over. It was what they did. For whatever reason, Bunny couldn’t accept Harper’s situation and refused to believe that a job was required to provide income. Maybe it was because her mother had never held a job in her life. Maybe it was generational. Maybe the powers that be simply found her life to be an endless source of amusement.
The doorbell rang. Again.
Harper marched to the front door prepared to do battle with whomever was there to screw with her. She’d taken all she could take for a single day. She was hungry, she was tired and she hadn’t had nearly enough coffee that morning.
She pulled open the door. “What?”
The teenage boy on her porch jumped back. His eyes widened and he looked terrified.
“Um, Mrs. Szymanski?”
“Yes.”
“I’m, um, here to, ah, clean up your yard?”
The sentence was more question than statement. Harper looked more closely at the kid, then dropped her gaze to his T-shirt, which advertised a dog poop scooper service. You Poop, We Scoop.
All her anger, frustration, fear and uncertainty faded, leaving her feeling weak and just a little like crying.
“You’re going to clean up the dog poop?” she asked, her voice trembling. “Really?”
The kid looked more scared. “Um, yes? Every week?”
Lucas, she thought with gratitude. The man was incredible. He might have an affinity for twentysomethings, but the man had hired someone to scoop dog poop. What could be better than that?
“What’s your name?” she asked.
“B-Brandon?”
She smiled. “I’m sorry I snapped at you, Brandon. I just had a fight with my mom.”
The kid relaxed. “Oh. Those are the worst.”
“Tell me about it.”
* * *
Becca sat on the front porch, waiting. She’d left Jazz inside with Thor. Once she got her license, she would take her dog with her, but not during a lesson.
She was both excited and nervous—Lucas had said he would be over at four, but what if something came up at work? She knew his hours varied. If he was in the middle of a case, he would be late, or if he didn’t want to bother, like her dad.
Thinking about her dad made her uncomfortable, and then weirdly, she remembered what had happened with Nathan, which made her stomach hurt.
She didn’t want to think about that so she thought about Ashton, who had texted her that morning. Just a quick hello, but still. It was nice. He was nice. She couldn’t believe how easy things had been between them and hoped he’d liked her, too. Although why would he? He was this cool, good-looking guy who was going to college and she was just some dumb girl who—
Lucas pulled up in his Mercedes. Becca jumped to her feet and danced toward him.
“You came!”
“Hey, kid, I said I’d be here.” He nodded at the car in the driveway. “I heard about your new wheels.”
“Isn’t she beautiful? I love the color. I’m thinking I’m going to have to give her a name, but I can’t think of one I really like. Plus, I don’t know if it’s silly or not.”
“If you want it, then it’s not silly.” He reached into his pocket and handed her a bottle of nail polish. “For Jazz.”
“What?” She studied the label, then started to laugh. The pawlish was Fire Hydrant Red. “OMG, do you think she’ll let me paint her nails? That would be the best. Thanks, Lucas. I love it.”
She put the polish in her bag, then hurried to her car. “I can’t wait to go driving. Mom’s super busy. She took me out for an hour, but that’s it. I’m still not comfortable driving my car, but I know I’ll get better with practice.”
She opened the driver’s side door and got into the seat. Instead of joining her on the passenger side, Lucas strolled over and looked at her.
“Not so fast.”
“What?”
“First we’re going to talk about the car.”
“What about it?”
“What kind is it?”
Becca had no idea what he meant. “It’s a blue Toyota Corolla.”
“What year?”
Her stomach sank like it did when there was a pop quiz in history. “I don’t know.”
“How many miles does it have on it?”
She stared at him.
“How often does it need an oil change? What is an oil change? What’s the right pressure for the tires? How do you know how much tread you have left on your tires? Is the car front wheel or rear wheel drive? What does that mean? Does this car drive okay in the rain?”
The sick feeling grew. Becca told herself there was no way she was going to cry. This was Lucas. He wasn’t trying to hurt her, he was making a point. One she should probably listen to.
“You’re saying I have a car now and I need to know something about it. If it’s my car, it’s my responsibility.”
“Bingo.”
She smiled. “You know, only old people say bingo.”
“I’m down with that.”
She laughed. “You’re right. I wasn’t thinking. A car is a big deal.” She might not know anything about tire pressure, but she’d looked in the glove compartment and knew there was a manual. “I’ll study up for our next lesson.”
“That’s my girl,” he said and closed her door.
They drove around the city for nearly an hour. Lucas had her practice on narrow residential streets as well as on the busy Pacific Coast Highway. He didn’t make her go on the freeway, but she had to make three left turns, two without an arrow.
They drove to his place where he set up his trash can and recycling can along the curb. Becca stared at the tiny space in between.
“I can’t fit in there.”
“It’s at least double the length of your car. This is just the starting point, kid. Next time, the cans will be closer together.” He tapped the trash can. “Bumper of the car in front.” He pointed to the recycling can. “Bumper of the car behind. The goal is to not hit either one.”
“I’m going to throw up.”
“The lawn is over there.”
He got behind the wheel and showed her how to line up with the car in front, then turn the wheel sharply to the left.
“When you start to crank the steering wheel, make sure that part of the door is lined up with the rear bumper. See what I’m doing?”
She looked out the passenger window and nodded. “Yeah, I do. Oh, I get it. The car will go back and then you just have to straighten it out.” She turned back to him. “It looks easy when you describe it but I have a feeling it won’t be so easy when I do it.”
“Maybe not the first time, but you’ll get it.”
She practiced pulling in and out. The third time she totally ran into the recycling can, which was humiliating, but Lucas didn’t even laugh. After a few more tries, they put the cans where they belonged and started back to her house.
They were nearly there when Becca impulsively pulled over by the elementary school. The kids were long gone and the street was quiet. She looked at Lucas.
“I need to ask you a question,” she said.
He shifted so he was leaning against the passenger door. “Shoot.”
“But you can’t tell. I mean that. Not even my mom.”
His green eyes narrowed. “That’s a big thing to ask.”
“I know.” She bit her lower lip. “I’m not in trouble and I didn’t break the law. I just don’t know what to do about something that happened and you’re the only one I can ask.”
“I promise not to tell anyone,” he said, then swore softly. “Which I suspect I’m going to regret. Talk.”
She drew in a breath. “Jordan has a new boyfriend. His name is Nathan. They’ve been going out for a while and over Spring Break they did it.”
She spoke quickly, talking about how Jordan always went on and on, saying Nathan loved her and blah, blah, blah. She stared at the steering wheel as she haltingly explained what had happened at Jordan’s house.
“I didn’t know what to do,” she said, swallowing against the tightness in her throat. “I wasn’t scared. I mean I was, but I didn’t think he was going to hurt me or anything. It was just gross and icky and I don’t want him to do that again. Plus, how can Jordan be with him, and why does he tell her he loves her when he doesn’t? Is it because he’s mean or is it sex? What is it with men and sex? My dad, you, Nathan. I don’t understand.”
“What’s his last name?” Lucas asked.
Becca was so startled, she nearly blurted it out. “Why?”
“I’m going to find him and arrange to have him killed.”
She stared at him. “You’re kidding, right?” His face was a mask—she had no idea what he was thinking. Maybe he wasn’t kidding.
“I can’t decide.” He sucked in a breath and looked at her. “Let’s be clear. Nathan’s a total asshole. He’s the kind of person who uses others to get what he wants and he doesn’t care who gets hurt. You did nothing wrong. Later, I’m going to show you how to nail a guy in the nuts, so if he ever tries anything you can get away.”
She felt herself flush. “I guess I need to know that, huh?”
“I’m sorry, Becca. You shouldn’t have to go through anything like that. For what it’s worth, I think you should talk to your mom.”
“No way. She wouldn’t understand. Besides, she’s way too busy for me.” It had been like that for a while now. Before the divorce her mom always had time for her, but not anymore. The business came first.
Lucas muttered something under his breath. “You’re going to make me have this conversation then, aren’t you?”
“What conversation?”
He rubbed his face with his hands, then shook his head. “Honestly, I’d rather be shot again. Okay, here goes. Don’t have sex with anyone until you know it’s the right thing for you. Only you. I know everyone is doing it and it seems cool, but it’s not. Your first time is going to change you and you can’t undo it. Boys are desperate to get laid and they will say or do anything to get into your pants. Wait until you’re sure, then wait some more.”
She felt herself flushing. Oh. My. God. This was so much worse than the awkward “where babies come from” conversation she’d had with her mom. Okay, maybe not that bad because Lucas was obviously suffering and that was a little bit fun. Plus, she knew he cared about her.
“You’re saying wait until I’m in love.”
“Exactly.”
“But you have sex with lots of women and you’re not in love with any of them.”
He closed his eyes and groaned. “Kill me now.”
“You know, Lucas, those women you date are only a few years older than me. That’s not right.”
He opened his eyes and glared at her. “We’re not talking about me.”
“I’m just saying. They’re somebody’s daughter, too. Why don’t you have to be in love or why don’t they have to be in love?”
“It’s different. They’re...experienced. You’re...” His expression softened. “Becca, you’re right where you should be. You’re smart and funny and you have so much to offer. Don’t sell yourself short. Don’t let some little shit take anything from you. You deserve to be as much as you can and guys like Nathan only want to make you less.”
Tears burned in her eyes. She blinked them away. “Thank you,” she whispered, wanting him to know how much that meant.
“You’re welcome. What’s your plan when it comes to Nathan?”
The question was unexpected but as she thought about it, she realized Lucas was right. She needed to have an idea of how to deal with him. Jordan was her friend and where she went, Nathan was sure to follow.
“I won’t be alone with him,” she began. “Ever. I’ll keep my distance. Are you really going to teach me how to kick him in the balls?”
“You know it.”
“Then if I get scared, I’ll do that.”
“Are you going to tell Jordan what happened?”
“What? No. She would never believe me. She’d say I was jealous.” And then she wouldn’t have any friends. “I can’t.”
“Okay.”
She glared at him. “I know what you’re thinking. You want me to tell her because if she was really my friend she should know what her boyfriend is doing behind her back. Only it’s not that simple.”
He held up both hands. “You’re doing all the talking here, kid.”
She sighed. “Why did you have to bring that up? Now I’ll be wondering what to do for like weeks.”
“Yeah, I can be real pain.” He winked. “How are your grades?”
She grabbed the steering wheel with both hands and screamed. “Don’t you think you’ve tortured me enough today?”
He didn’t say anything.
“Fine,” she told him. “I’m working on them.”
“Work harder. Ready to go home?”
She sagged back in her seat. “Sure.”
As she started the car, she realized she wasn’t as upset with Lucas as she pretended. In fact, she wasn’t mad at him at all. He’d been there for her. He’d listened and given her good advice—except for telling Jordan about Nathan—and he made her feel like he was on her side. She liked that.
She checked the road before pulling out and starting toward the stop sign. If only it were like this with her dad. If only he would listen and show up when he said. But he didn’t, and despite his promises, she had a bad feeling he was never going to change.