37
Harlow
LoveHarley: I’m sorry, guys. This weekend isn’t going to work for us
TeenDad2: Noooo!
TeenDad2: I’m so sad :(
xVerity: I’m sorry to hear that, Harley. Maybe next time.
TeenDad2: Yeah, I guess there can always be a next time.
Harlow drained the rest of his water, then got up to set the glass in the sink. Two other glasses shared the space, likely belonging to Evie and Shep. Tonight’s training had gone well—Shep took naturally to instruction, and both he and Evie were engaged enough by their vision of the future that they’d committed themselves to learning the techniques he taught without wasting time by messing around. The hard work had left Harlow parched, but the kids had been vocal about their thirst, so he’d let them grab drinks while he went to check in with Simon.
All things considered, now that Harlow had been given time to get to know Shep as more than just the kid who’d tried to take him down with a baseball bat, he’d started to grow to like him. While Shep was standoffish about some things and acted arrogant about others, he was a good kid deep down. Unlike Justin, for whom Harlow believed there was no hope, Shep, with continued guidance, would grow up just fine.
Evie had made a fine choice. If she had to run off with anyone, Harlow was glad it was someone who’d put in the effort she deserved.
By the time Harlow returned to the kitchen table, the conversation had changed track… thanks to Jayne. Harlow wrinkled his brow. Was Jayne in his bedroom talking to the Single Dads while administering the shot to Simon? Harlow wasn’t sure if the injection had been performed or not, or what role the cookies on Jayne’s bed played in the process. At-home medicine was weird.
GlitterDoctor: Well, you know, Simon IS my little brother, and Harley IS staying at my place. If you want all the dirt on him and on Harley, you can ask me, and I’ll answer all your burning questions… for a fee.
KnotMyProblem: Wait, wait, let me get this straight. You’re going to charge us for info on Harley and his new flame?
GlitterDoctor: Yep.
KnotMyProblem: …
KnotMyProblem: I like you already.
GlitterDoctor: Information is valuable and deserves to be treated as such.
KnotMyProblem: Spoken like a true businessman. Be still, my heart.
GlitterDoctor: As a doctor, I’d advise you against going into cardiac arrest over the prospect of a few dollars.
TeenDad2: LOL
TeenDad2: omg, Glit, you’re great.
KnotMyProblem: You intrigue me. Let me just slide into your DMs… I may have a few dollars to spare.
LoveHarley: omg
TeenDad2: Knot!
KnotMyProblem: What? I’m in New York. It’s not like I’m going to be able to attend your impromptu weekend gatherings. I’ve got to get my intel somehow.
The conversation was the final proof Harlow needed to know he’d made the right choice—Jayne had loosened up around the Single Dads almost immediately, and his quick-witted sarcasm and pointed sense of humor meshed well with Knot’s typical brand of asshole. They’d be fun together, and, most importantly, Jayne would help keep the conversation alive even when the other Single Dads were doing things that were less than single.
While Knot and Jayne took their conversation private, Harlow reneged on his previous statement. A thought had occurred to him—maybe there was a way they could make this weekend work without Simon being there.
LoveHarley: Hey guys…
LoveHarley: So I know I just said that this weekend is a no-go, but I’m thinking that it would be an awful waste to have me here in Aurora and do nothing on a weekend when all of us are available, right?
TeenDad2: Can you come after all??
