“You look gorgeous,” Harper said. “I’d hug you but I’d ruin your cute outfit.”
Gloria laughed. “You can hug me after you shower. I wanted to see if everyone wanted to sit with me at the parade? You can’t beat the seats,” she pointed to her front steps. “The parade goes right past.”
“That would be great, thanks! What time does it start?”
“It starts after the last finisher of the 5k. They call it leading the parade,” she grinned.
“Do you have room for one more? Maybe two? My mom’s a sucker for parade candy.”
Gloria jumped at the sound of Aldo’s voice and Harper saw her square her shoulders before turning around.
He had taken off his t-shirt and stood in all his ripped, sweaty glory.
Harper was pretty sure Gloria’s jaw hit the cement before she recovered with a polite “Hi, Aldo.”
“Hi, Gloria. You look beautiful and festive.”
The tips of her ears turned pink. “Thank you. You look ... good.”
He grinned. “Do you mind if I join you for the parade?”
“Sure, I mean. Not at all. The more the merrier.”
“Great. See you soon.” He walked off and Gloria fanned herself.
“Oh my. What just happened? Did I pass out?” she asked.
Harper giggled. “I think this is Aldo coming around and pulling out all the stops. Prepare to be swept off your feet.”
“I don’t think I’m ready for that. Can’t he just say hello to me once a week for a year or so until I get used to looking at him?”
“I don’t think that’s how he works. You’ll be married in no time.”
Gloria playfully swatted Harper’s arm.
“Miss Harper!”
She turned at the sound of her name and saw Robbie and Henry waving at her as they crossed the street to her. Mrs. Agosta, carrying Ava, was hot on their heels.
“Miss Harper! You did it!” Robbie high-fived her.
“Way to go, Miss Harper,” Henry fist bumped her and then made an exploding noise with a tiny bit of spit.
“Thanks, guys. Are you here for the parade?”
“Yeah, we’re scopin’ out seats so we can see the fire trucks and get lots of candy,” Henry said.
“Congratulations, Harper,” Mrs. Agosta said. “I see you running past the house a couple times a week, and every day you get faster.”
“Yeah you don’t look like you’re going to die anymore,” Robbie added helpfully.
“Oh, good. I’m glad,” Harper laughed.
“Would you like to join us? We’ve got prime parade seats right here,” Gloria offered.
“Oh, boy! Can we?” Henry dropped his kid-size folding camp chair on the sidewalk next to Harper. “This is perfect.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind some very loud, energetic company?” Mrs. Agosta asked Gloria.
