“Right? They’re making it worse. Sometimes I think…”
“What?” Harper mutes the game and rests her elbow on the back of the couch. “What are you thinking?”
“That maybe if Dax and I weren’t together, Duncan would go away.”
“Do you want that?”
“God, no. It would probably make things easier, but I’m tired of Dax taking the brunt of Duncan’s revenge.”
“Would a statement from the team help?” she asks, munching on a piece of white cheddar.
“Dax talked to the PR team and they said it would come down to a he said, she said kind of thing and it’d drag us further into the mud.”
“Well, based on everything I know about Duncan,”Harper says, “he’s going to do something to fuck up again. He just can’t help himself.”
“Well, here’s hoping it’s sooner rather than later. Because if I can’t launch my business because of him, I’m going to be pissed. I can see him complaining about me to press to get them on his side and people not coming to my store.”
“Does that mean you’re closer to finding a storefront?”
I nod. “I’ve been looking at a few spots near Broadway. I figure that’s the best way to get foot traffic.”
“Love that idea. Do you want any help looking at them? I can go with you.”
I smile back at her. “Once I find some, I’ll let you know. I know Dax wants to come with me.”
“Of course he does.” Harper wiggles her fingers in front of me. “Did you notice?”
“Oh my God!” I set my wine down and grab her hand. “You’re wearing it.”
“I love it. So do the girls.”
I look at the silver ring with three gemstones—one for each of their kids. It took me longer than I thought to make it because I wanted it to be perfect. I mean, I want every piece to be perfect, but for a friend? I didn’t want to embarrass myself and give her something that was subpar.
“It looks great.”
“I love it. And you’ve got some interested parties at school who might want a custom ring too.”
“Really?”
She nods. “Yes. You’re talented, Chloe. Don’t let others get in your head about it. You’ve got what it takes.”
“That makes me happy to hear. I really want to do this.”
“You will. I know it.”
“Now you sound like Dax.” I laugh.
“Great minds think alike.”
The rest of the game goes by in a blur of wine, cheese and crackers, and a Knights win. I breathe a sigh of relief that the Knights came out on top of their last two games without Dax. It would’ve made it worse for Dax if they hadn’t. He would have carried that weight on his shoulders.
“Thank God they won.”
“Dax is in the clear.” Harper knows exactly what I’m talking about.
“I know he’s ready to get back out there.”
Harper grabs the empty tray and her glass and carries them into the kitchen. “Be honest. That had to have felt good for Dax, right?”
