Page 29 of Redeeming Harmony

“Of course not,” Addison said. “But I am texting him to tell him we’re here if he wants to join us after the baseball game is over. If that’s okay with you?”

“The more the merrier,” Harper said. “Tell him to invite Gideon and Grace too. Then everyone can watch me work my magic on a… bedtime friend.”

Kira laughed again as Addie said, “I think Gideon and Grace were going for beers with Ian, but I’ll mention it to Preacher.”

“So, do you see anyone you fancy?” Kira took a drink from the fruity cocktail she’d ordered.

“Fancy?” Harper said. “Seriously, Kira?”

“Okay, okay, see anyone you want to fuck?”

“There are some prospects,” Harper said.

Yeah, and he’s wearing tight jeans and a t-shirt that practically invites you to peel it off of him so you can lick his abs.

She ignored her inner voice. Just because Nathan was here and just because she had an insane urge to climb him like a tree didn’t mean she should. Especially when he hated her and he was here celebrating the purchase of her father’s clinic. While she accepted that this was something her dad wanted, the sale of the clinic was still painful as hell for her.

“Who’s caught your eye?” Kira said. “Because there’s a guy over -”

“Harper!” Daniel’s voice rang out over the hum of conversation and blare of music. He pushed his way through the crowd, and Harper grunted when he nearly fell into her. He righted himself and picked her up, hugging her hard before kissing her on the cheek and setting her down.

“Hey, kid!” Daniel said. The pungent smell of beer washed over her. “Addie said you were coming home. It’s good to see you.”

“It’s good to see you too, Daniel, it’s been - oh…” She staggered under his weight when he threw his arm around her and leaned against her.

She had a feeling it had less to do with him missing her and more to do with him being too drunk to stand on his own.

“Daniel, you’re crushing her,” Addie said. “Stand up.”

“Oops, sorry, Harps.” Daniel straightened, hanging onto the side of their table to keep his balance. “Kira! How’s it going, doll? I saw your man here tonight.”

“I’m good.” Kira glanced at Addie, who stared at her brother as she tugged absently on a lock of her hair.

“Daniel, why don’t I get you an Uber?” Addie said. “You look like you’ve had enough for one night.”

“Nah, I’m good.” Daniel grinned at his sister. “Party’s just beginning, Addie.”

“Honey, I think you should call it a night,” Addie said. “You’re already drunk, and -”

“I’m fine,” Daniel said loudly as he shoved away from their table. “God, Addie, I don’t need to hear your bullshit tonight, all right? I’m trying to enjoy my night off. You’re my sister, not my fucking mother.”

“Hey,” Harper said, “watch your mouth, Daniel.”

“Or what?” Daniel said with a scowl.

“Or I’ll knock you on your ass, dinkface,” Harper said.

Daniel burst into laughter and clapped her on the back so hard she nearly fell into the table. “Fuck, same old Harper, huh? No one messes with Addie when you’re around.”

“Not even you,” Harper said.

“Not even me,” Daniel echoed before reaching out and tweaking her nose. “You’re cute, kid. Talk to you later.”

He turned and walked away, weaving unsteadily through the crowd.

Addie’s face was pale, and she still tugged at her hair. Harper reached out and took her hand as Kira said, “You okay, Addie?”

“Yes. I’m worried about him, though. He’s drinking so much, and he won’t listen to me or Mom or Dad. The three of us think he needs to go to rehab, but he lost his mind and stormed out when Dad brought it up to him. He hasn’t talked to Dad since,” Addie said.

---