Page 30 of You Saw the Best In Me

I keep it simple, only saying it was a family issue, and it’s been dealt with.

Adam, the hands-on owner, pulls me aside after lunch to talk.

“Everything alright, new kid? Hunter filled me in on your situation with your sister,” he says, smoking a cigarette and leaning against one of the trucks.

Great, just what I need: gossip spreading about me.

“It was a misunderstanding, but she’s staying with me for a few days until everything is back to normal,” I inform him, keeping the details as slim as possible.

I’m uncomfortable when it comes to talking about my personal life, especially at work.

“That’s good to hear. If you ever need anything, you know where to find us,” he says, tossing his cigarette and ending the conversation there.

I’m relieved and hoping the news stays between the bosses and me.

My phone rings, and I duck behind the truck to check it quickly before returning to work.

Karina brought lunch and stayed to eat

She offered to give me a haircut tomorrow. Is that okay?

Let’s talk about it over dinner. Tell me what you want to cook.

Grilled cheese and tomato soup?

Done.

My mind wanders; I know Karina is only trying to help, and I appreciate the attention she’s given Harper. Maybe she’s not mad after all and wants to stay friends.

I smile at the thought, hoping we can move forward from the unfortunate events that have taken place.

I consider texting her to thank her, but I decide against it. Boundaries were set, and I can’t be the one who crosses them less than twenty-four hours later.

Instead, I will mention it next time I see her.

Work drags, but I took a step in the leadership direction that Hunter spoke with me about.

Two of the guys had nothing left to do, so I convinced them to start cutting up the wood for the next phase of the project, and they finished just as it was time to call it quits for the day.

I didn’t take the initiative for the praise, but when Hunter nodded at me on my way out, I appreciated that he noticed.

Good leadership starts from the top and trickles down, and I like how Hunter runs his company. If there’s a person to look up to, it’d be him.

My thoughts are erratic as I drive home, jumping from Karina, to work, and everything in between. I’m so unfocused that I almost forget to stop for what Harper wants for dinner.

I hate going to the grocery store, but here I am for the second day in a row.

I move quickly, grabbing everything we’ll need for grilled cheeses. I take the liberty of getting Harper’s favorite ice cream, rewarding her for being a good sport in this suspension situation.

Once I finish shopping, I head home and hope to avoid seeing Karina.

I’m not ready yet.

I check my mailbox and take the groceries upstairs, making it safely inside.

“Harp! I’m home. Let’s cook,” I call out, and she comes from my bedroom.

“Did you get everything?” she asks, not looking up from her phone.