“Owen? Oh God, Owen Errol too. Are they doing your house? They sneak around and talk to friends and family and then decorate their home. Barry is more mellow. He looks at the space and structure. The remodeling stuff.”
Harper seemed more relaxed now, cocking her head and giving a tiny giggle. “Security GuyandOwen Errol? If I wasn’t working, I’d take off to see this. You do realize his idea of tame is glitter instead of crystals.” She snorted.
“As you can see, a little alcohol and my sister becomes talkative. Or did you guys slip truth serum into her drink?” Chantal teased.
Harper’s eyes went wide. “You wouldn’t?”
Kip blew out an exasperated breath. “No, sweetheart. I would never.”
A brief discussion later and they decided to call it a night. To be safe, Chantal gave them the restaurant phone number instead of their cell numbers. Kip was pleased with the response. He knew he could get their numbers, but it showed the girls were security-conscious.
Kyle appeared on the same page—0600 meetings came quickly. He stood, wrapping his arms around Chantal. “Thursday is a date.” He handed her his personal business card. “If your plans change, call me. It’s my cell.” Kyle kissed her sweetly before picking up the check.
“Harper, this is my card. You need me for anything, you call me.” Kip pressed his card into her hands. “How did you two get here?”
“My car is on the street,” Chantal said. “I’m the designated driver for a while.” She rubbed her belly.
“We will walk you to your car,” Kip said as they escorted the women from the club. Along the way, they passed the vibrant windowscapes of a multitude of bars and clubs.
Harper grabbed Chantal’s hand, pulling her close. “Guys, someone is following us.”
Kip frowned, circled two fingers in the air, and pointed to the top of his head. “Ladies, meet our security team.” He puffed out a breath. “Gentlemen, schedule a meeting with Mr. Thorn tomorrow. Tell them you need to work on stealth.”
“You have security?” Harper asked.
Even in the shadows of the streetlamps, Kip could see Harper’s fright. “Part of the insurance company’s requirements. Can’t have us getting lost.” He wrapped his arm around her. Even though the temperature was in the eighties, she shivered.
* * *
Tuesday,August 21st
Hurricane Greta T-8 days
Chantal drovetoward their two-bedroom home. “Holy spirits, we fell under a spell, and that was a dream, right?”
“Right, how do two people have the same dream?” She ran a finger over her lips. “But I think that was my first real kiss. I could feel how muscular he was with every dance move. He didn’t seem to care that I’m a size sixteen. He said he could kiss me all night. And Thursday, I’m meeting Owen and Barry Errol to buy him suits,” Harper hyperventilated.
“Kyle is so sweet. It didn’t matter I was pregnant if he wasn’t stepping on another man’s territory. His kiss was gentle. We are meeting at Little Moon for lunch,” Chantal said. “I haven’t been this giddy about a date in forever. Harp,” she sighed, “I wish…oh well…”
“And don’t forget about what they did for us. Girls can dream, huh?” Harper blew at a wisp of hair that fell onto her face.
Chapter 3
Wednesday August 22nd
Hurricane Greta T-7 days
After a shower, Harper pulled on a pair of yoga pants and a t-shirt. After rummaging through the cabinets for breakfast, she made her all-time favorite comfort food, macaroni and cheese. With a bottle of water, she sat at the table and watched an old sitcom while she ate.
“Hey, you look like the walking dead,” Chantal said, her hair wrapped in a bath towel. “Are you just getting in?”
“Unfortunately, yes. I worked at the hospital last night. We were short-staffed and crazy busy. I almost prayed to the spirits.” Harper forked some more mac and cheese into her mouth.
Chantal laughed. “It had to be bad if you thought of praying to the spirits.” She pulled out a chair and sat beside her sister. “Um, Harp, speaking of short-staffing… I was wondering if you could work at the restaurant tonight?”
“You’re lucky I’m due in at three tomorrow. Who screwed you over today?” she asked.
“For once, no one. Moises accepted a special reservation. They requested a table for six, and Josette already has two tables.”
