That sounds much more comfortable.
I’m sure she’ll have the right words to say.
My phone buzzes on the counter and I flinch like I’ve been caught doing something illegal. Harper’s name lights up the screen.
Harper
We’re on our way.
My chest tightens, excitement and fear tangling together until I can’t tell them apart.
Me
Okay. Drive safe.
I hesitate for just a moment and then add,
Me
I’m really glad you’re both coming over.
Three dots appear and then her response.
Harper
Me too. He’s very excited that he gets to see where THE Harrison Meers lives. I think this will go pretty well.
Me
Good. Excited to see you both!
I set my phone down on the kitchen counter and inhale slowly.
I’m ready.
Nope. That’s a lie.
I’m fucking terrified.
I’m about to practically turn a child’s life upside down, challenging all he knows, how he sees me, how he sees himself, and how he sees his whole life. I glance at the photo album again and whisper, “Please, for the love of fucking Christ, let me do this right.”
The knock comes soonerthan I’m ready for.
Alright, let’s do this.
I can do hard things.
I open the door and there they are, Harper with her hair pulled back loosely like she didn’t want to try too hard though still gorgeous as ever, and Connor bouncing on the balls of his feet, hockey hoodie zipped halfway, eyes darting past me like he’s casing the place. He doesn’t wait for permission. He slips right in, sneakers squeaking on the floor as he takes in the condo like it’s some sort of museum exhibit.
“Hey you,” Harper says softly, reaching up on her tiptoes to kiss my cheek.
“Hey,” I reply, stepping back to let her in. “You could’ve used the code.”
She shrugs and gives me a wink. “Formalities…for his sake,” she says gesturing to Connor.
“Whoa,” Connor gasps. “This is where you live?”
“Hi bud. Yeah, yep, this is where I live…when I’m home anyway,” I say, shutting the door behind them. “Sometimes the arena feels more like home since I’m there so much, though I don’t sleep there.”
