Harlow felt Matt’s regret in his apology to her. Heard it in his story of Booker Nickle.
“Your friend cheated, Matt, and got found out. You played a part, but he ruined his own life. Xander broke my heart, but I’m the one who ate my way out of a career.”
“Maybe, but that was his cross to bear. I betrayed him. Let him down. Worse, I didn’t really know if he stole the test. He could’ve studied hard and aced it on his own.”
“But the school believed he cheated. Has Booker forgiven you?”
“We’ve only spoken once in fifteen years. And that was eight years ago when he cussed me up one side and down the other. He’s in New Mexico somewhere, I think. He’s sent me a couple of letters the last few years but I can’t bring myself to read them.”
“With a story like that, I almost have to forgive you. Can’t have you bearing the burden ofruiningtwo people’s lives.”
Matt bumped her with his shoulder. “I wish I could take it all back, Harlow.”
“Me too. Not just the Letterman show. But the last two years. I’m not sure why I’m so scared to let people know how Xander treated me. Maybe it’s years of projecting this perfect image of myself. If I confessed what really happened, everyone would pity me, or see me as weak. Ordinary. Yet I’ve loved beingordinaryin Sea Blue Beach. Now that my story is out there, I don’t have to hold it in anymore.”
“Xander looks far worse in that scenario than you, Harlow,” Matt said. “So, am I forgiven?”
She peered at him. “Okay, I’ll forgive you. But . . . let’s call it a day. Just leave things as they are right now. We had a few fun weeks, right? We’ll always have the Starlight.”
A knock rattled the door, and Dad’s voice bled through. “Har, kiddo. It’s Mom and Dad.”
“It’s open.” She sighed. “I told them not to come. I can drive home on my own.”
Matt greeted her parents. Dad was gallant and pleasant. Mom not so much. She barely acknowledged him.
“Let’s go, Harlow. Dad parked right outside.”
“I’m driving my car, Mom.”
“Okay, then I’ll ride with you so we can strategize.” Mom glared at Matt. “I’m grateful for one thing. Your big mouth caused my girl to come home. So I’m happy about that.”
There it was again. Mom’s happiness.
Dr. Tagg asked her not to use those words, but Mom had noother channel to tune in. Harlow ignored a sense of unease. She could handle Mom. She was more aware of herself now. More in command of her destiny.
Telling her parents to meet her at 321 Sea Blue Way to get her things, Harlow paused at the door, glancing back at Matt.
“I am grateful for the Starlight. I skated with your granny on Tuesday night.”
“All right, H. I knew you could do it.” His smile touched her. “The Starlight will miss you.”
“Harlow?” Mom called. “I’d like to get on the road soon, make it home before two a.m.”
“I should go.” Harlow picked up her handbag and motioned for the door. “I already said good-bye to Tuesday.” Her tears started to sting. “Good luck with the petition. And tell Spike, and Simon and Nora . . . well, tell them I love them. They accepted me so easily.”
“You’re easy to accept.”
“Harlow Anne,” Mom called. “While I’m still young.”
“She’s a bit of a drama queen.” The longer she lingered, the harder it was to break his gaze. “Bye, Matt.”
“See you, Harlow.”
“Yep, see you too, Matt Knight.”Don’t go.“Thanks for waking me up that morning to run. I’m starting to like it.”
“I hate running,” he said with a laugh. “I just like being in shape more.”
“Okay, I really should—” She gave a small wave, slightly irritated by her thumping heart.Just go already.You’re calling it a day.“Bye, Matt.”
