She laughed. “Are you really going to stay in bed? I’ll take you to the dog park. You can run around.Withoutyour leash on.”
Reluctantly, he got up and stretched, doing the kind of yoga she could only hope to achieve.
“That’s more like it.” She brushed her teeth and got dressed, opting for capri leggings, a tank top, and a ball cap to hold her hair back. Sneakers laced, she tucked her phone into the pocket of her leggings, then went out to the kitchen.
She’d slept so well she didn’t even mind waiting for coffee until later.
She wrote a quick note for Frankie and Willa, in case they got up before she came back, and left it on the counter next to the coffee maker. She clipped Archie’s leash onto his collar and took him downstairs.
Instead of going directly out, she took a quick detour to look at the progress on Frankie’s painting. There wasn’t much done. Just a background and some hair, although the shape of Arlington’s face had been sketched out.
Harper nodded. Despite being in the beginning stages, she could see him in the painting. “Nicely done, Frankie.”
She took Archie out, and they immediately stopped so he could do his morning business. The air carried the subtle trace of salt from the ocean, making her think about spending some time at the beach. She knew Frankie would want to stay home and work, which was fine, but maybe Willa would go.
Archie kicked his feet through the grass a few times and they were on their way, headed toward the center of the community where the dog park was.
If they went to the beach, she could make a few sandwiches, bag up some fruit. It would be nice just to sit and read. Maybe she’d text Prisha, see if she wanted to join them. Prisha went to the beach a lot just to sit and read. Smart woman to have such a routine.
Harper needed to be that smart. If she was going to live here, she should take advantage of being so close to the ocean. It wassilly not to. The pool was nice, but it was no substitute for sitting in front of that gorgeous water and listening to those waves.
Her phone, still on silent, vibrated in her pocket. She slowed to pull it out. “Hang on, Archie.”
She ducked into some shade to see the screen better and blinked. It was from Kyle.
If you’re available, could you come over this morning for about an hour or so to help me brainstorm? I’m definitely ready now.
She typed back,I’d love to. How’s nine?
He responded.That’s great. Thanks!
She put the phone away and started walking again. That would change her morning slightly, but not too much. She knew there would be coffee at Mitch’s, too. There was always coffee at Mitch’s. “We’re still going to the dog park, Archie boy, but we might not stay quite as long.”
She’d have a quick breakfast when she got back, maybe toast with almond butter and honey, then take a shower, check email, and she’d be on her way. She was looking forward to helping Kyle. His first book had been unbelievably good. Being able to contribute to the next one felt like a real honor.
She already felt that way about getting to help Mitch. How amazing was it that she was going to be with him to meet the producers of the new movie? It seemed like something out of a dream. She laughed then, realizing that the real dream was the fact that she and Mitch were now romantically involved.
That was something she’d never seen coming. Had Arlington? She wondered about that often.
The dog park was just ahead and who should be there but Lucas and Scout. “Oh, boy, Archie. Your girlfriend is going to be so excited to—”
Archie pulled at the leash, whining softly as he spotted the other dog.
“Okay, hang on, we’re almost there.” Laughing, she jogged to keep up with him, glad she’d worn her sneakers.
Lucas saw them coming and opened the gate. “Hey, neighbor.”
“Hi!” She slowed Archie down enough to unclip his leash.
As soon as he realized he was free, he bolted through the gate and went straight to Scout. The two dogs took off, racing around the large open area.
“How are you?” Lucas asked.
“I’m great. How are you?”
“I’m doing well, thanks. Do you usually come up here in the morning?”
She shook her head. “Nope. Just had a whim when I woke up. Do you?”
