Page 30 of Harry

“Because I am a glutton for punishment?” Reaching into the bag, she took out a piece of chocolate brittle and took a bite.

“You are in love with the guy and when we are in love, we tend to do the stupidest things. It is part of the parcel. How do you feel?”

“About?”

“No.” He shook his head. “How do you feel in general?”

“I had some issues this morning. Nausea and cramps, but other than that, I am great.”

“He should be here.” Michael said tightly. “He cannot expect to just throw some money at you and that’s it. You need the support.”

“And I have it – in you.” She reached out to touch his knee. “He has his demons battling.”

“And I’m sure you offered to help him with that battle.”

She smiled. “Harry McGibbon happens to be a very stubborn man.” Her smile faded. “He’s going through a lot. And I am making concessions. Whenever that runs out, when I feel it’s time to kick his ass, then I’m doing that. But until then, I will give him his space.”

He shook his head as he stared at her. “You’re a one of a kind.”

“No.” She told him soberly. “I’m a woman in love and willing to do what’s best for her man.”

*****

It was left up to him and by God, he wasn’t going to allow anything to stop him. The bastard was having an easy time of it while his best friend was suffering and refusing to call him. Michael had put forward several arguments, but each one had been met with stubborn opposition. She was giving him time.

Well, the time was up, and he was going to be forced to stand up to his responsibilities, if Michael had to beat him into it. Well, not beat him of course, because he had to face the fact that Harry McGibbon had the muscles and the athletic build, which would probably send him, Michael into a coma.

But he could use words and if vocabulary was what he had to bargain with, then he would use it and he knew how to talk.

He had left her in bed with a cup of tea after having a poor night where she spent hours in the bathroom retching. As well as suffering from monstrous heartburn.

It was late and the occupants of the manor house had probably turned in for the night. Or the fact that it was a Friday night meant they were probably out and about. The fabulously wealthy had no need to stay home.

And sitting here tapping his fingers on the wheel outside the perimeters of the towering wall was not doing him any favors. Gathering up his courage, he alighted from the vehicle and hoped he would be admitted entrance, Because he was on an important mission.

*****

The run had worn him out, but it had been necessary. And besides, Shep needed the exercise. He had contemplated taking the bike out, but the weather had turned nasty. He was feeling dejected and out of sorts and did not need a crystal ball to tell him why that was.

He was so deep in thought that it took the frantic barking from Shep to alert him that there was someone sitting on his porch.

He recognized the man instantly and felt a quickening of his heart. Michael Davenport would not be waiting on his porch if there wasn’t something wrong. And they had one person in common.

“Pipe down.” He ordered the frantic animal. Placing a restraining hand on Shep’s collar, he made his way up the steps. “Davenport. Give me a minute while I go and settle him down.”

The man nodded silently.

Even though his heart was pounding loudly, Harry managed to remain calm as he ladled out the Shep’s food and made sure he had water in his bowl before going back out.

“Come in, will you? It’s too cold to be sitting out here.”

They went into the cozy living room which was tidy for a change.

“Is she okay?” He asked quietly as he picked up the towel he had left on the Barca lounger before going for his run. Using it to mop his face and neck, he balled it up and flung it carelessly back in the chair and turned to face Michael.

“Do you care?”

“Now look….”

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