Page 63 of Hard Hat Hottie

Jimmy nods, taking a swig from his dark amber bottle.

Retrieving the items from the back of my truck, I return with everything we need and lay them out on the patio table. “Justin, you sit here with your dad.” I point toward Rob. “Alec, I’ve got yours here.” Placing the shared items in the center of the table, I intentionally take a step back, hoping both fathers will jump in to assisting their kids. You definitely don’t need to work in construction to figure out these little houses.

Harlow starts to sit down beside Justin when I grab her elbow. “Let him do it,” I mouth, dipping my chin to Jimmy.

Her eyes, previously wistful, take on a look of concern.

“I think I have some paint in the garage once you’re all done.” I know this is a gamble, but I think Jimmy’s coming around.

Baby steps.

Walking back up the stairs from the garage with two small cans of paint and a few paint brushes, I see Joyce walking toward the kitchen.

“Hey. Mom okay?”

“I think she’s tired.”

She’s been tired a lot since I’ve started working with Outer Banks. A wave of guilt washes over me. “Am I doing the wrong thing, Joyce? Taking this job?”

She puts her hand on my arm. “No, Harrison. There’s no way to know what’s going on with Carolyn. Most days she seems fine, others she’s a little more lost. Sadly, I think regardless of what we try, it’s the nature of the disease. Please don’t take on the blame for this. She’d want you to live your life. And on the days she’s more outgoing, seeing you with Harlow and the boys makes her immensely happy.”

I didn’t realize how badly I needed to hear that reassurance. I’ve been constantly second guessing myself.

“Now, enjoy your friends.”

“Thanks, Joyce. The boys are making birdhouses for Mom. I’m hoping it’ll lift her spirits when I’m gone.”

She pats me on the arm again before walking into the kitchen toward the teapot.

As I return to where everyone is seated, I’m shocked to see Rob and Jimmy fully immersed in the build. Alec is excitedly hammering nails into one side of the birdhouse, Rob preparing to lose a finger. While Jimmy is trying to mount the roof on the other one, his lips pressed in a tight, narrow line as he concentrates. All the while, Justin is beaming up at him. My eyes start to water. If only my dad could’ve given a shit. I would’ve held on to these memories for years.

“You okay?” I hadn’t noticed Harlow moving to stand beside me.

“Yeah, why?”

“Well, you put the paint supplies down, then started to rub your chest. They couldn’t have been that heavy. Are you having chest pain?”

That damn ache must’ve returned. You’d think I’d be used to it by now. “No, I’m good.” I pull her to my side, placing a kiss on her temple.

“Awwww,” Alec teases.

I probably should tone down any public displays of affection. I mean, we haven’t declared that this relationship is serious. And I don’t need to give these boys mixed signals that I’m anything more than a good friend to their mother. Then there’s the added element that her ex-husbands are right here.

But I miss her.

“Why don’t we take these home with us and finish them so your mom and Harry can enjoy the rest of the night?” Rob asks.

I almost interrupt him when Harlow digs her nails into my arm.

“Is my mermaid a little needy?” I whisper into her ear.

A curt nod is all I need to make me keep my big trap shut.

“Awe, really?” Alec whines.

“C’mon, man. I haven’t seen you in two weeks. Why don’t we pick up a pizza for dinner?”

“Extra cheese?”

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