“What were you doing on the tablet? You were supposed to be getting your school clothes together for tomorrow.”
“I did, Mom.”
“Well, go inside. I’m about to order the pizza.”
“Can the other Doctor Jay stay for pizza?”
“Doctors are really busy, baby. Maybe another time,” I said. Thankfully, that was a good enough response to send Cam flying back in the house.
“You got a good kid there,” Jase commented.
“Thank you.” I forced a smile.
“How old is he, Harper?”
“Look, thank you for doing what you did, but I don’t need you or your brother popping in and out of here like it’s an assembly line. I’m not doing that shit again, Jase.”
“Harper, if I feel like you need orwantme, I’m going to be here.”
“Well, I won’t. I don’t need either of you coming around here confusing my son.”
“What would confuse him? He seems to understand the concept of twins.”
“You know exactly what I mean, Jase.”
“You know how much I like to work for it,” he said with a wink. “Let me clean up my mess and get out of your hair for tonight. You know how to find me if you need anything, Harp. Don’t try to be so self-reliant that you won’t accept help. I don’t want or expect anything in return. Remember, we were friends first.”
“I do remember.”
“Good. Good night, Harp.”
I took a deep breath and slowly released it. Jase had done a good job of making me feel guilty, but I still wasn’t inviting him in my house, not tonight.
“One dinner, Jase.”
“That’s a start. I’ll take what I can get.”
“Friday night at seven. Just a date, Jase.”
“I’ll be here.”
“I have a car. I can drive myself.”
“What kind of date would it be if I didn’t pick you up?” he asked, bending to pick up the chainsaw. His muscles flexed under the long sleeves of the shirt, reminding me to stand strong. My doorbell rang, making me appreciate the phrase saved by the bell.
“Well let me get that,” I said, turning to head inside. “Good night, Jase.”
As soon as I stepped into the house, I pushed the door closed behind me and fell against it. Why was everything with those two so intense?
“It’s just one date, Harper,” I whispered to myself.
The doorbell rang again, prompting me back to reality.
“It’s Pizza King, Mom! They came fast,” Cameron announced.
“What the hell?” I muttered to myself as I moved toward the front door.
I hadn’t even placed the order yet. When I made it to the door, I looked out of the peephole just to verify what my nosy son had already told me. Sure enough, someone from Pizza King stood on the other side of the door, hoisting one of those warming bags. Once I confirmed who it was, I opened the door to greet the young man.
