by Score, Lucy
Grateful, Harper immediately inhaled the banana. “Did anyone get a picture of Aldo finishing? I think Luke would love to see that.”
Sophie held up her phone. “Only about seven hundred or so shots. I’ll pick out a few good ones and send them to you.”
“Thanks, Soph.” Harper sat down on the curb and took the rest of her congratulations from a seated position.
“Hey, Harper! That was some finish.” Gloria appeared out of the crowd. She was dressed in white shorts and a navy blue tank with a cute red headband tied in her dark hair.
“You look gorgeous,” Harper said. “I’d hug you but I’d ruin your cute outfit.”
Gloria laughed. “You can hug me after you shower. I wanted to see if everyone wanted to sit with me at the parade? You can’t beat the seats,” she pointed to her front steps. “The parade goes right past.”
“That would be great, thanks! What time does it start?”
“It starts after the last finisher of the 5k. They call it leading the parade,” she grinned.
“Do you have room for one more? Maybe two? My mom’s a sucker for parade candy.”
Gloria jumped at the sound of Aldo’s voice and Harper saw her square her shoulders before turning around.
He had taken off his t-shirt and stood in all his ripped, sweaty glory.
Harper was pretty sure Gloria’s jaw hit the cement before she recovered with a polite “Hi, Aldo.”
“Hi, Gloria. You look beautiful and festive.”
The tips of her ears turned pink. “Thank you. You look … good.”
He grinned. “Do you mind if I join you for the parade?”
“Sure, I mean. Not at all. The more the merrier.”
“Great. See you soon.” He walked off and Gloria fanned herself.
“Oh my. What just happened? Did I pass out?” she asked.
Harper giggled. “I think this is Aldo coming around and pulling out all the stops. Prepare to be swept off your feet.”
“I don’t think I’m ready for that. Can’t he just say hello to me once a week for a year or so until I get used to looking at him?”
“I don’t think that’s how he works. You’ll be married in no time.”
Gloria playfully swatted Harper’s arm.
“Miss Harper!”
She turned at the sound of her name and saw Robbie and Henry waving at her as they crossed the street to her. Mrs. Agosta, carrying Ava, was hot on their heels.
“Miss Harper! You did it!” Robbie high-fived her.
“Way to go, Miss Harper,” Henry fist bumped her and then made an exploding noise with a tiny bit of spit.
“Thanks, guys. Are you here for the parade?”
“Yeah, we’re scopin’ out seats so we can see the fire trucks and get lots of candy,” Henry said.
“Congratulations, Harper,” Mrs. Agosta said. “I see you running past the house a couple times a week, and every day you get faster.”
“Yeah you don’t look like you’re going to die anymore,” Robbie added helpfully.
“Oh, good. I’m glad,” Harper laughed.
“Would you like to join us? We’ve got prime parade seats right here,” Gloria offered.
“Oh, boy! Can we?” Henry dropped his kid-size folding camp chair on the sidewalk next to Harper. “This is perfect.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind some very loud, energetic company?” Mrs. Agosta asked Gloria.
“The more the merrier,” Gloria insisted and winked at Harper. “Since we’ve got a good crowd and some fine seat savers here, do you want to help me make some lemonade and iced tea?”
“Can I have my own gallon and can you carry me up the steps?”
“Sure, why not?”
***
The parade was a huge hit. The very last 5k finisher was a 76-year-old veteran carrying the American flag followed by the high school marching band playing “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
The action paused long enough at the finish line for Aldo to place the 5k medal around the man’s neck and salute him. The gentleman saluted back and then hugged Aldo, slapping him on the back, and the crowd was on its feet cheering.
Harper saw Gloria swipe away a stray tear as she applauded.
The kids kept Josh entertained, freeing Sophie to run out onto the road to give Ty a kiss when he drove by in the squad car with lights blazing.
“Miss Sophie just kissed that policeman!” Henry shouted with glee.
Charlie, Claire, Mrs. Agosta, Mrs. Moretta, and Gloria’s mom, Sara, set up chairs on the top step of Gloria’s building and enjoyed their iced teas and lemonades.
Harper snapped picture after picture and emailed them all to Luke. She missed him fiercely.
Her phone signaled a new email.
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Re: Parade
Keep the pictures coming, baby. I’m looking at every one of them. I miss your beautiful smile.
Love,
Luke
Harper hugged her phone to her chest and sniffled.
“Aw.” Sophie spotted her watery eyes. “Missing him?” she asked, draping an arm around Harper’s shoulders.
She nodded. “Yeah. A lot.”
“What’s wrong with Miss Harper?” Henry asked.
“She misses Mr. Luke,” Sophie told him.
Henry patted her arm. “It’s okay Miss Harper. We’ll take care of you. We’ll take you to the carnival tonight to see the fireworks. That’ll make you feel better!”
“Thanks, buddy. That’s really nice of you,” Harper said, surprising him with a hug. He grinned, showing off a missing front tooth, and hurried back to his prime candy catching spot.
Mrs. Agosta sighed from her perch on the stoop. “I don’t think I can survive a carnival and fireworks after all the excitement today.”
“How about if I took the kids over to the park tonight?” Harper asked. “I’d love to have some extra company for the fireworks.”
“Oh, dear, I couldn’t ask you to do that.”
“I would love to do it. And think how well they’ll sleep.”
“There’s car seats to worry about and Robbie is allergic to bees …”
Harper could sense she was wavering. “I’ll have them home fifteen minutes after the fireworks and I won’t let them have any soda after seven.”
“If you’re sure …”
***
She was knew it would take some creative maneuvering to cram three kids plus a stroller into her Volkswagen, so she invited Claire, Joni, and Gloria to join her. Between two vehicles and four adults, Harper felt reasonably confident they could manage the evening.
“Fireworks!” Henry shouted as he sprinted toward the park.
“Slow down, crazy,” Harper laughed after him.
“Fwoks!” Ava, in her hot pink sunglasses, chirped from the stroller.
Robbie retrieved his brother and gave him a piggyback ride back to the group. “You’re a good big brother, Robbie,” Claire said, playfully adjusting his baseball hat.
His freckled nose wrinkled. “They’re okay, I guess. When they’re not annoying me all the time.”
“Obbie piggyback!” Ava held out her arms to her brother.
Robbie rolled his eyes. “Everyone always wants something,” he sighed.
“Wise beyond his years, that one is,” Joni laughed.
They took a poll of the kids and prioritized the route through the carnival to hit the highlights before claiming their spot for the fireworks display.
Gloria and Harper shared a funnel cake while Robbie and Henry did the goldfish toss.
“Mrs. Agosta is going to kill me if the kids come home with fish,” Harper moaned.
Robbie hooted in victory as his ping pong ball landed in a fish bowl.
“Crap. Looks like Max and Lola have a new sister.”
Henry whooped and did a victory dance.
“For the love of — Claire! Stop giving them
money! Joni! Don’t think I don’t see you slipping him that dollar!”
“Guess you’re going aquarium shopping tomorrow,” Gloria teased.
“Laugh all you want, because here comes trouble for you,” Harper nodded.
Aldo was striding toward them. Clean-shaven now, he was sporting cargo shorts and boat shoes. His aviators were tucked into the neck of his fitted navy t-shirt.
“Why do I have this reaction to him?” Gloria whispered in a panic. She brought her hands to cool her flushed cheeks.
“Just enjoy it,” Harper hissed. “Ask him if he wants to watch the fireworks with us.” She gave Gloria a little shove forward and hurried back to the goldfish stand to give them some privacy … and stop the diabolical Claire and Joni from feeding the kids more fish cash.
***
As dusk fell, Aldo sprang for a round of lemonade for the fireworks. They let the kids choose a spot in the open field by the lake where they spread out blankets and set up chairs. Harper, snuggling sleepy Ava, smiled when Aldo made himself comfortable on the blanket next to Gloria.
Robbie and Henry took turns asking Aldo questions about his new leg while Joni and Claire caught up on any tidbits of town gossip that had spread since the parade. Harper noticed them sneaking peeks at Aldo and Gloria — who were covertly holding hands — and knew they were probably the topic of speculation.
There were no secrets that could be kept in Benevolence. Sooner or later, everything was brought to light.
The first volley of fireworks lit up the sky, and the crowd oohed as the colors sparkled and shimmered before winking out.
Ava squirmed to sit higher and Harper was worried she might cry, but the toddler pointed to the sky in awe.
“Boom,” she whispered.
“Boom.” Harper nodded.
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
To: [email protected]
From:[email protected]
Subject: Again?
What does a guy have to do to keep you away from other men?
Attached was a picture of Harper kissing the man handing out medals at the 5k.
To:[email protected]
From: [email protected]
Re: Again?
I wasn’t kissing him. I needed oxygen after rocking my first 5k. I’d rather be kissing this guy.
She attached a picture of Luke making a fish face at Josh.
To: [email protected]
From:[email protected]
Re: Again?
He looks awesome. You should definitely make out with him.
When Harper checked her email later that day, she got unexpected good news.
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Subject: Miss your face
I’ve gone Harper-free for too long. I’m starting to forget what your face looks like. So, if you’re free this weekend, I’m heading your way! Break out the facial masks and pizza because we’re having a sleepover!
Xoxo,
Hannah
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Re: Miss your face
Are you serious?? You wouldn’t tease me about this would you? This isn’t some cruel joke?
Don’t destroy my fragile heart,
Harper
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Re: Miss your face
My bag is already packed! Finn’s heading to the cabin with some friends and it’s the perfect opportunity for me to come meet your new friends, check out your house, and hug your dogs. Finn promises to have bail money ready if we need it. It’s going to be awesome!
It was guaranteed.
***
Friday night, Harper’s friends, new and old, crowded into the kitchen in their comfiest summer pajamas to launch the festivities with a drink.
Gloria was perusing takeout menus while Sophie mixed margaritas in the blender. Hannah was busy digging through the stack of movies on the counter that hit all the high notes that a girls’ night needed — romantic comedies, tear-jerkers, and a few full frontal man-part movies.
Harper let the dogs out the back door to romp around in the warm night air. “So, what fat-free, calorie-free deliciousness are we ordering tonight?”
“We were thinking pizza and chicken bites from Dawson’s,” Sophie called over the whir of the blender.
“What about dessert?”
“I brought cookie dough,” Gloria chirped. “We can either make cookies or eat it raw.”
“Best. Night. Ever.” Harper sighed with contentment. She tried to remember the last time that she did something like this. The last time she had a pack of girlfriends. In high school, she hadn’t been in one school long enough for lasting friendships. But now? With the roots she was planting, she had friends, family, and a future.
Sophie brought the blender pitcher over to the island and expertly sloshed margarita into four pink plastic cups. Gloria added a lime wedge, and Hannah plunked a straw into each cup.
“A toast, ladies,” Sophie said, raising her drink. “To the lovely Harper. May she know how lucky we all are to know her.”
“To Harper,” they said in unison.
“You guys! My turn. To all of you. Thank you for being my family. I love each one of you so much.”
They “aw-ed” as one and sipped.
“I approve you as a bartender,” Hannah nodded to Sophie.
“Well, let’s get this party started,” Harper said, dialing Dawson’s.
With the order placed, Hannah held up a movie in each hand. “So what do we want? Full frontal or rom-com?”
Harper groaned. “You guys have full frontal at your beck and call. Let’s not torture me with it when mine is on the other side of the world.”
“Oooh, let’s talk about boys,” Sophie said, clapping her hands.
“My ‘boy’ is your brother. Isn’t that gross?” Harper asked, wrinkling her nose.
“For tonight, I’ll pretend he’s someone else’s brother.”
“Actually, there is a relationship I’m curious about,” Harper grinned. “Gloria what’s the scoop on you and Aldo?”
Gloria choked on a gulp of margarita.
“What makes you think there’s anything to tell?” she asked innocently.
“I have eyes and a brain,” Harper teased. “I saw some patty-cake during the Fourth of July fireworks in the park.”
“Hmm, Gloria Moretta. It’s got a nice ring to it,” Sophie nodded.
Gloria blushed to her roots.
“You liiiike him!” Harper laughed.
“Who is this Aldo, and is he Gloria-worthy?” Hannah demanded.
“Aldo is a muscley Italian stud who’s had the hots for Gloria since high school,” Harper supplied.
“Luke’s best friend, right? That’s a long time be carrying a torch,” Hannah said. “You must be pretty great.”
“She really is,” Harper agreed.
“You guys,” Gloria laughed. “I’m still just getting used to the idea.”
“The idea of what?” Sophie demanded.
“Of Aldo … and me … dating.”
Harper whooped. “So it’s official?”
Gloria smiled and nodded. “Official. I’m trying to take things slow, but boy is he intense.” She fanned herself with the Dawson’s menu.
“I can’t believe our little Aldo is finally all grown up,” Sophie sighed.
“Do you have any pictures of this Italian stud?” Hannah asked.
Gloria blushed again and nodded. “I have some on my phone.”
They stuck their heads together over the screen and Harper winked at Sophie while Hannah whistled her appreciation for the male form.
Sophie’s hot pink phone rang from the table. “Speaking of hot studs, it’s the hubby.” She took it into the dining room to answer.
Harper hugged herself. Happiness all around. The only thing that would
make it better was if Luke was home safe.
He would be in a few months and they would talk. And then she would know exactly where she stood. She knew what she wanted, the honest, mutual love that she saw Sophie and Hannah shared with their husbands. The kind she saw blooming between Aldo and Gloria. Would she really be willing to settle for less than that?
Sophie came back into the kitchen holding her phone out to Harper. She looked worried. “It’s Ty. He wants to talk to you. Sounds like he’s in full on cop mode.”
Harper raised her eyebrows and took the phone. “Hey, Ty, what’s up? I thought you had the night off.”
“Harper, listen to me. Glenn posted bail and was released today. He was supposed to go straight to his mother’s house, but hasn’t showed.”
Her stomach flip-flopped. “Do you think he’d come here?”
“It’s more likely that he would go to Gloria’s place, but you could still be a target.”
Shit. Shit. Shit.
“Gloria’s here with me and Soph and Hannah. We were just waiting on pizza, which has no bearing on the situation at all. I’m just nervous and I’m going to shut up now.”
“Listen, I’m going to swing by Gloria’s and then her mom’s and check things out. I’ll let you know if we find him. Just do me a favor and keep your doors locked.”
Harper gulped and hung up. Her three friends were watching her expectantly.
“What the hell is going on?” Sophie demanded.
“Glenn’s out. Ty thinks he might be heading to Gloria’s.”
“Oh my God,” Gloria whispered, bringing her fingertips to her mouth.
“It’s going to be fine. Ty is heading to your place now to check things out. The police know he’s missing. They’re looking for him. He’s not going to get to you. No one is going to let that happen.”
Gloria took a steadying breath and nodded. “I think I’m going to text Aldo and let him know.”
“Good idea,” Sophie said, patting her hand.
They watched her as she took her phone into the dining room. Sophie’s eyes met Harper’s. Her voice was low. “So what’s going to happen if Glenn doesn’t find her at home?”
“He’s going to come here.”
“Crap,” Hannah sighed.
“Ty doesn’t think that we need to be worried, but maybe that’s his way of trying not to worry us. He told me to lock the doors. Just in case.”