Page 25 of Redeeming Harmony

“They didn’t use those exact words, but, trust me, it’s what they meant,” Harper said. She drank some water. “God, I am so freaking tired of feeling sorry for myself. What good does that do, you know?”

“Everyone’s allowed to wallow in self-pity from time to time,” Kira said. “Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

“How did the apology to Nathan go?” Addie sat down on the other side of Harper.

“Fine,” Harper said. “He accepted it.”

“That’s it?” Kira said.

“What else is there to say? I get a distinct impression that he still thinks I’m a spoiled brat, and the guy definitely hates me, but I deserve it.”

“You were upset about your father selling the clinic. Of course, you weren’t going to be your best self,” Addie said. “Once he gets to know you better, he’ll see what a wonderful person you are.”

“He isn’t going to get to know me better,” Harper said. “I’m not working at the clinic anymore, and now that he owns it and not my dad, it’s not like I’ll be hanging out there during my free time.”

“Your dad still works there,” Kira said.

“It isn’t the same,” Harper said. A wave of sadness washed over her, and she pushed it away grimly. Life changed, and she had to accept it. Her father wouldn’t have owned the clinic forever. What did it matter if it was a few years earlier than she expected?

“You live right next door to the clinic,” Addie said. “You’re bound to see Nathan quite a bit.”

“I think he’ll do his best to avoid me,” Harper said.

She lapsed into silence, and after a few minutes, Kira said, “I know how to make you feel better.”

“Oh yeah?” Harper smiled at her.

“Yep. I’m taking you out tonight to find your soul mate.”

Harper laughed. “It’s a Friday night. I’m sure Connor wants you to hang out with him.”

“Actually, he has plans with Lucas tonight,” Kira said. “So, I’m free. Addie, do you want to join us? I know Preacher went with Gracie to watch Gideon play ball.”

“I’m in,” Addie said. “Where were you thinking? The Thirsty Beaver? The Charming Lime? The Hitching Post?”

“The Hitching Post,” Kira said. “It’s Harper’s favourite bar.”

“No one has ever found their soul mate at a bar,” Harper said with another laugh.

“Completely untrue,” Kira said. “I can name five people in Harmony Falls who have found their soul mate at a bar.”

Before Kira could start rhyming off names, Harper said, “I’m not looking to date anyone.”

“Bullcrap,” Addie said. “We talked about it the other day. You said you were ready to look for someone. Hell, you were looking for someone in New York, admit it.”

Harper shrugged. “I was, but…”

“But what?” Kira set her glass of water on the coffee table.

“I’ve changed my mind.”

“Just like that?” Kira said.

“Yes.”

Kira glanced at Addie, who said, “If you don’t tell us the truth right now, Harper Mae Brandt, I will pin you down and shave off an eyebrow.”

“Is this what happens when you start dating a motorcycle driving, tattooed badass?” Harper said to Kira. “You act like you’re in the eyebrow mafia?”

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