"We're just hanging out, catching up on things around the house.It's been a busy few weeks, so it's good to have a bit of a break."
"Well, say hi to Trip for me, and you guys enjoy your weekend."
"Will do, and let's get together one day next week, can we?"
"Yeah, I'd like that.We'll figure something out."
She ended the call and a few minutes later, arrived at Emmett's place.Tanya came running out to greet her."Hey, Harper, I'm all ready.I'm so glad you're coming today.Shall we go?"she asked as she climbed into the passenger seat.
Harper glanced at the house."Is everything okay in there?Did you switch everything off and lock up?"
"I did," Tanya assured her, "and I checked three times just to make sure, so that you don't have to worry."
That made Harper smile."Okay, well, I guess we can get going then."She knew it was only a recent development that Tanya got to stay home by herself sometimes, and from what she'd seen, the girl was doing her best to prove to everyone that she was worthy of the trust placed in her.
When they arrived at the theater, Tanya sat up in her seat, scanning the parking lot."Dad should be here by now.We should find him before we go in.We all want to be able to sit together."
"I'm sure we'll find him," Harper told her.
Tanya pulled her phone out."I'm going to text him and ask where he is."
Harper found an empty spot and parked while Tanya tapped away at her phone and waited.After a few minutes, she blew out a sigh."Oh no, he's stuck at work."
Harper's heart sank."That's a shame.I know he was looking forward to this."
"I know, but he promised he'd come," said Tanya."We really wanted him to."She stopped short."I mean, we really wanted him to be here."
"And I know he did too, sweetie.Maybe he'll be able to get here before it finishes."
"He'd better," said Tanya.
Harper jumped when her own phone rang."You should get that," said Tanya, climbing out of the passenger seat."He said he was going to call you."
"Don't disappear on me," Harper called after her.
"I won't.I'll be right here."
"Hey, Emmett," she answered.
"Hey, Harper.Listen, I'm sorry, but I'm not going to be able to get there for at least an hour."
"That's okay.I'm here anyway.I'm fine to take the girls home afterward.You do what you have to do."
"No," he said forcefully, and she waited for him to go on, but he remained silent for a few moments."Sorry.I'm not...It's just, this is about more than just arrangements for getting the girls home.This was supposed to be..."
"I know, but it doesn't have to be today."
"I was looking forward to it," he said eventually.
"Me too.But it's not as though we won't have other chances, is it?"
"No.Thanks for being so easygoing about it."
"It's okay.I know how it goes."
"Don't give up on me yet.I might be able to get there before it's over."
"See how it goes.If you're not here by the time the rehearsal's over, I'll get the girls to give you a call.See how you're doing.How about that?"
