Robert made an unhappy sound. “I feel like I’m interrogating you.”
“Maybe you are,” Harlow said. “I’m curious…why do you care where I live?”
“As your manager, I think it’s imperative we keep the lines of communication open, which means I would like to know where you are. Is that too much to ask?” he added sarcastically.
“I suppose not. I have…had my eye on a place here on the island, but it’s already under contract.”
“I see.”
Harlow could tell by the tone of Robert’s voice he was pacing…pacing like he did when he was agitated or had something on his mind. It didn’t take long for her to find out which it was. “I heard you guys got hit with a blizzard.”
“It was pretty, but not for the faint of heart or someone who isn’t accustomed to snowstorms. It’s over now.”
“The roads are clear?”
“They’re snow-covered, which is perfect for the snowmobilers who come over during the winter. A lot of the local businesses have already reopened. Why the interest?”
“Because I’m heading to New York and thought I would swing by.”
“Swing by here? It’s not exactly on the way.”
“I know.”
“Is there something you need to discuss? Because we can do it over the phone.”
“I had hoped.” Robert hesitated. “I was hoping we could start over, make amends, whatever you want to call it. We need to work together, and being at odds isn’t good for either of us.”
He had a point…a valid point. The least they could do was be civil with one another. And Robert was good at what he did. He’d hammered out a lucrative deal with excellent terms, for which Harlow was grateful.
“I’m around. As far as the current weather forecast, I don’t believe there are any new storms heading our way.”
“I know it’s short notice, but I was thinking about the day after tomorrow.”
“Which would work out for me. Tomorrow is a big day. There’s a pet parade celebration and a festival downtown.”
Robert whistled loudly. “Sounds like a big deal.”
“It is, at least in this neck of the woods.”
“I’ll see you Sunday then.” He promised to forward the addendum before ending the call.
Harlow had only just set the phone down when his text arrived, both the addendumandhis tentative flight information,meaning he’d planned on swinging by whether she wanted him to or not. Typical Robert behavior.
She promptly signed and returned the copy. After finishing, she hurried out of her room and found her father and aunt waiting for her in the living room.
“We were wondering if you forgot about us,” Birdie joked.
“I was talking to Robert.” Harlow briefly filled them in on the conversation. “I’ll be leaving a month early, and Robert will be here on Sunday.”
“It sounds as if you have everything under control,” her father said. “You’ll be working with him for almost another year. You might as well try to get along.”
“Agreed, and now that the divorce is final and our assets have been split, except for the real estate, which is pretty much a done deal, there’s nothing to fuss and fight over.” Harlow patted her stomach. “And on that note, I’m starving.”
Their downtown dinner was exactly what Harlow had hoped for…a nice quiet meal with her family. She even splurged and ordered a slice of Michigan cherry pie with a dollop of fresh cream for dessert.
Marty, who had dropped them off, met them after the meal and gave them a ride back home. “I’ll see all of you tomorrow for the pet parade.”
“Yes, you will.” Birdie tapped him on the shoulder. “Have you told Harlow and David about your surprise?”
