Page 16 of One More Chance

Her leg wobbles just a fraction and she swallows. “Um, me too.”

I back away from her and toward the steps of the porch. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“All right.”

“Goodnight, Harper.”

“Goodnight,” she says. She’s still staring at me, her eyes fixed on some spot on my face.

I head down the stairs and back toward the cabin, the night sky so bright with stars, I can’t take my eyes off it.

If I have to guess, Harper has finally gone inside. She’s such an interesting person. I’ve met a lot of people while traveling and in my line of work, but no one quite like her. That’s what I love about traveling in general. No two people are the same, although you get your types. But Harper, she’s so delicate. And I have an appreciation for that.

I get back to my room in the cabin and undress, peeling out of my jeans and shirt. I’m not too proud to admit that even men assess themselves and their flaws in the mirror. I haven’t been to the gym in almost a month and I can see the toll already. My work schedule has been pretty hectic, but it’s about to slow down. Maybe I’ll ask Gentry if there’s a gym around here tomorrow.

I flex in the mirror and poke at my stomach. Still flat but softer than it was when the carbs were less frequent and the gym was more often. I shrug, knowing in the grand scheme I’m probably the only one able to see what I see anyway. That’s not arrogance talking, just a willingness to remind myself we all see ourselves in a different light than everyone else.

I lie back on the bed and my phone dings.

Harper:Okay. I get it now.

Me: I will teach you how to use the force. Worry not.

Harper:Are you speaking Jedi?

Me:Obviously.

Harper:Okay. How about I’m Eminem and you’re Dr. Dre instead?

What the hell?I stare at my phone in awe. I mean, that’s probably the coolest analogy ever, but I never would’ve expected it from her.

Me: Doesn’t everyone down here just listen to country?

Harper:Um, no.

Me:I’m impressed yet again.

I set my phone down. Maybe Harper isn’t that much of a lost cause after all. She probably just needs a few reminders. Her self-esteem seems like it could use a serious boost. I can’t imagine what her husband leaving her for another woman did to her confidence. But she should be confident.

Again, she just needs reminding. And I can definitely help her with that.

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