by Jessa York
“No, honey. That’s just from Daddy’s girl of the week. How about we get one of your wipes and wash your hands?” Beauty Queen announced loud enough to echo throughout the hushed restaurant.
I felt like a whore. I’d come between this family, unknowingly, but still with the same result.
Pain gripped my chest, but somehow I was able to pick my leaden feet up and dash out the doors. I heard calls of, “Harper, wait. Let me explain.” But I knew there was no explanation. Nothing he could possibly tell me would fix this situation. Jack lied. Jack didn’t trust me with the most important information in his life—his daughter.
The rain washed over me, and I welcomed it. The sky was just as devastated as I was. It didn’t even occur to me to pull the umbrella out of my purse. All I could think of was Jack inside with his family. My fists clenched, sorrow closed my throat, and my first sob was interrupted by a, “Hi, Harper. Fancy meeting you here. You get all dressed up for me?”
No, it couldn’t be? I looked up and squinted through the rain, only to see Gabe pointing what looked like a gun at me.
Acknowledgments
Carla Kay, without you, this duet would NOT be what it is today. Your advice, gentle pushes and no-nonsense encouragement mean the world to me. You saw the gold beneath the rubble. The fact that you were the first person to really believe in my work will forever stay in my heart.
Auden Dar. Good grief. There’s no possible way someone as kind as you actually exists. Your guidance, shoulder to cry on and wise words help me immensely. You already know this because I tell you every day, LOL. #listen2Auden
TEMPI, my girl!! Your phone calls mean the world to me. Writing can be lonely and your hilarity brings joy to my day (I’m positive we were separated at birth). I could work for decades and never be able to payback the help you’ve given me. But I’m gonna try, woman!!
Leigh Lennon, thank you, thank you, thank you!! We started out together, but your hand-up came at the best time.
A big thanks to my K101 Group. Your friendship is invaluable.
Danielle. What can I say? I’m forever grateful for our chats and your encouragement. Always there to lend a helping hand and give straight up advice.
Emily Kirkpatrick, you are the sweetest, bestest proofer, ever. (see what I did there? LOL) Thank you.
Tina, I can’t thank you enough for your friendship and for introducing me to so many fantastic writers. Love having you looking out for me.
My betas: Kristen, Alexis, Tonya, Monica, Tina, Leslie, Jennifer, Mandy. I can never apologize enough for the extremely rough first draft I gave you all. A good beta is worth her weight in gold. Thank you. Your suggestions and polishing were instrumental. I owe you all, big time. I’m here for you when it’s your turn.
Carol S., your praise and respect mean so much to me. Always the first one to give a pat on the back. My own little cheerleading section that I can always count on.
Kathryn, you called a spade a spade and I’m better off for it. Thank you.
Hildy, thank you sooooo much for saying all those years ago, “Hey, guess what? We’re starting a blog.” LOL. What a life-changing thing. If it hadn’t been for you, I would never have had the courage to begin writing. Because, really, a novel is just one very long blog post.
Andrea, Patti and Chemi, my soccer wives. My secret confidantes. Thank you for listening to my endless ramblings.
Thank you to my sister for understanding why I spent so many evenings and weekends staring at my computer.
A big thank you to my kids. You both had to take on extra chores to pick up my slack and I appreciate it immensely.
Another thank you to my hubby, my rock. This book is just as much yours as mine. A gal couldn’t ask for a more perfect muse.
And to all of you whom I’ve forgotten at the moment. You know how I am—I’ll wake up in a panic at 3am, realizing that I missed you. It doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate you, it only means I’m stupid and thoughtless. Once I remember, I’ll add you in. Don’t fret.
About the Author
Jessa lives in a very nondescript, unassuming town filled with the best kind of people. Most days, she can be found in the stands of various soccer fields, cheering on her Youngest, or discussing books with her Oldest (who is an English Honors student).
At night, if she’s not up burning the midnight oil, Jessa enjoys snuggling up to her real-life-chef hubby and watching his latest cheesy romance movie pick. He always chooses the best ones (after he cooks supper, of course).
Visit her Blog or drop in and say “hi” on any of the social media links below.