Page 98 of Forbidden Harmony

“Oh my God. Honey, I’m sorry. Why didn’tyou say anything?”

“Because you’ve got your own thing going onand I didn’t want to go on and on about my problems.”

“Stop it. You know I’m here for you no matterwhat. Have you already started looking for something else?”

“I think I might come home.”

Addison stared at her in astonishment. “Harper,this is your dream. Just because you lost your job doesn’t mean you give up onyour dream. You can find another job and keep trying for a gallery show.”

“I’m not good enough for a gallery show.” Harperheld up her hand when Addison started to protest. “I’m not, Addie. Trust me.I’ve seen other people’s work here and I’m never gonna get my own show. My momwas right – I don’t have the talent.”

“You do,” Addison said. “Stop letting yourmother get in your head. She was wrong.”

Harper shrugged. “It’s not just that. I’mworried about my dad, you know? And maybe losing my job is a sign that I needto come home and take care of him.”

“Your dad wouldn’t want you giving up on yourdream for him,” Addison said. “I love you, honey, and I’d be lying if I saidthere wasn’t a part of me that wants you to come home, but not at the expenseof giving up your dream. You need to keep trying.”

“It’s been over a year,” Harper said. “Howmuch more time am I going to waste? Being a starving artist isn’t nearly asromantic as it sounds. If I come home, I can work at the clinic again and atleast make some money. I was barely making ends meet before I lost my job.”

“Oh, Harper,” Addison said.

“It’s no big deal, honey. I haven’t decidedfor sure one way or the other anyway. Listen, I gotta go. I’m meeting Angieat the deli in ten minutes. Love you, Addie.”

“Love you too, Harper.”

* * *

You keep doing this and you’ll need yourown damn parking spot at Addison’s place.

Preacher ignored his inner voice as hewalked toward Addison’s apartment building, but the damn thing kept talking.

You can’t keep showing up at her house everygoddamn night. She’ll get the wrong impression.

What? That I want to fuck her? This iswhat she’s asking me for, remember?

You gonna spend the night again like youdid last night?

He grimaced. Spending the night with Addiewas a mistake, but he wouldn’t make it again. He’d been really tired lastnight, and it was easier to stay in her bed. He wouldn’t stay as late tonight,and he wouldn’t be weird and eat dinner or watch TV with her. He would fuckher and leave.

A woman walked out of Addie’s building andpaused by the door. She was holding a large black garment bag and talkinganimatedly into her phone.

“Yeah, I bought it. It’s beautiful and fitsme perfectly. I got a great deal on it.” The woman paid no attention to himas he walked toward her. “Yeah, it’s the one from that dinky little tourist town.I hated driving this far, but it was totally worth it. What are the odds thatI would find a dress that’s exactly what I’m looking for and fits me? What?No, it’s never been worn. She said her wedding was cancelled. I don’t knowwhy. I’m not gonna ask a stranger why she isn’t getting married.”

She walked past Preacher, barely giving hima second look. “Are you home? I might stop by and show it to you. I’ll be acouple hours before I get there, but…”

He didn’t hear the rest as she walked downthe sidewalk. He waited until she climbed into her car before buzzing Addie’sdoor.

“Hello?”

“Hey, it’s me,” he said.

She buzzed him in without replying and heheaded toward the stairs. He supposed he should have texted her first to seeif she wanted him to come by.

So, why didn’t you?

Because maybe she wouldn’t see his text, ormaybe she would ignore it, or maybe she would tell him not to come over.

Just showing up unannounced is a dick move,buddy. She’s too sweet to not let you in if you’re on her goddamn doorstep andyou’re taking advantage of that.

---