Page 6 of Hope & Harmony

ALEK

The Next Evening

Keeping it 100, something’s gotta change.

Lost in thought at my folks' place on Bainbridge Island, I poke at my dinner. Even my mom’s legendary lasagna can't lift the fog I'm in. I’m so tired of being a slave to insecurity. It’s like carrying around a backpack full of bricks. All the effin’ time.

Facts: I’m killing it in the adulting department. The company I work for is bussin’. I make decent money. My downtown apartment is fire. I’m not the same kid who was bullied in high school.

Also facts: I’ve caught feelings for Hope, and I’ve got to find a way to harness some main-character energy. Skulking out of a nightclub like a defeated loser isn’t going to cut it.

Dad breaks the silence. "You're quieter than usual, Alek. What's up?"

I take a bite of cheesy, noodley goodness to buy time. The truth is, a girl I can’t muster the courage to talk to is living rent- free in my head. Admitting this to my parents seems...pathetic?

"Ah, it's just some work stuff," I mumble.

"You know you can talk to us, right?" Dad gives me a look that says, “Nice try, kiddo.”

Ahh, eff it. "Fine. It's not work. There's a musician I’ve been following. Her name is Hope, and she performs at Pike Place Market at lunchtime. I, uh…um...”

“Ohhhhh.” Dad leans in, all ears and wisdom. "Let me tell you a little secret. Confidence is something you can build, it's not always something you're necessarily born with."

I frown. "How is your astute platitude helpful? I needtangible.”

“Fine, let me spell it out. I think the kids today call it a ’glow up.’” Mom sets her fork down. “You’re still wearing the clothes you had in high school. Same glasses. Same haircut. I know you had a hard time back then, but you’re a grown man now. You’d be amazed at how much better you’ll feel when you change things up.”

My mom’s a genius, but I’m skeptical. “It’s that simple?”

"No, of course not. But it’s a step in the right direction.” Dad nods at me.

Mom stands and hugs me from behind. “Go to Nordstrom. They have personal stylists who’ll work with you to figure out what you like without radically changing your aesthetic. Unless you want to, of course. Afterward, make an appointment at a real hair salon instead of those cheap barbershops you usually go to.”

“I guess it couldn’t hurt.” I tap my finger on my chin. “She’s probably used to guys who spend time thinking about this stuff.”

Dad shakes his head. “C'mon now. Upgrading your game isn’t about her, it’s about you and feeling more comfortable in your own skin. When you bolster your confidence, nothing will stop you from talking to your musician crush or anyone else who catches your eye.”

”You think?” I tilt my head skeptically.

He nods. “Iknow. Besides, either way, if you keep it simple and ask her for coffee, the worst possibility is she’ll say no."

My parents exchange grins.

“I said yes.” Mom reaches for my dad’s hand.

He takes it and brings it to his lips. “Best decision I ever made.”

That’s it. I'm taking their advice.

On the ferry on my way home, I book an appointment with a stylist and research salons. Taking these steps is like a promise to myself—face your fear and reap the rewards.

Because maybe, just maybe, it will help.

CHAPTER 6

HOPE

Present Day

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