Page 77 of Hard Hat Hottie

“What’s a sour crowd?” Alec asks with his nose wrinkled adorably.

“Sauerkraut is like boiled cabbage.”

“Oh, gross!” Alec makes overdramatic gagging noises before flopping over sideways like he’s been mortally wounded.By the sour crowd.

We back out of the drive, and I try to soak in these moments. That’s the hardest part about being away for any length of time. Missing the boys. We don’t get to communicate often while I’m away. And these casual moments with them are often my favorite. You quite honestly never know what will come out of the mouths of babes.Isn’t that the saying?

“Well, I say we do some research and try to plan a big German meal with Grandma for before I go. Then when I get back, I’ll let you know if they actually eat any of that stuff.”

“Can we have beer and pretzels for dinner? And cheese!” Alec squeals from the backseat.

“Maybe root beer.”

“With ice cream? Yes!” Alec punches the air. “I like Germany.”

“Somehow, I don’t think root beer floats are a German thing.” But what do I know?

After dropping off the boys with their dads, I make my way to my mother’s house with their extra things. It already feels lonely in this quiet car without their endless chatter. And after getting a small taste of what life could be like with a man like Harrison, I’m feeling lonelier now than before. Even trying to make careful decisions by taking things slow with Stewart hadn’t made me miss him when we were apart. But deep down, I probably knew it wasn’t meant to be. Harrison was the first man I was excited to consider going all in with since my divorces.

There was a time I’d thought I’d never remarry. But he’d given me hope there were real men out there. One who could respect me as an equal and want to spend time with me. Not just treat me as the live-in help. But as much as I’ve fallen for him, I’m glad to be going away where I’m not tempted to text. Because I miss him.

And it hurts more than I’d like to admit that he doesn’t appear to feel the same.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

HARRISON

“I think this is all going to work out perfectly,” Braxton says, dropping a hand on my shoulder. “I know this has been a lot to take on. But you’ve really come through for us. The timing to complete these projects is going to be challenging, but we believe the word of mouth will spread like wildfire on social media once they open, and we’d love to have coming soon plans posted for other locations so we don’t lose out on the momentum.”

Ah. It makes a lot more sense now. I kept wondering why they were in such a hurry. I mean, wouldn’t they want to test drive the first one before they sink a ton of money into additional restaurants? But I admit, I have little knowledge on the power of social media. Especially when it comes to business.

I don’t have a ton of downtime. When I do, I typically catch up with my brother, Charlene, or spend the evening with Mom. Not on social media apps. I’m definitely not the average thirty-one-year-old. I’d prefer hanging out with my mom, even if it’s just a walk on the beach or quietly sharing the same space while I read a book.

It’s become more and more evident my days with her are numbered. The thought of a future without her is daunting. She’s my only true connection to family besides Matthew. Andhe hightailed it out of here so fast after he turned eighteen, you would’ve thought he was running from the law.

“Thanks for staying over tonight so we could review the plans. I know you typically like to head out on Friday evenings, but I couldn’t make it back here until late. My granddaughter was graduating from her preschool program today in preparation for kindergarten, and I didn’t want to miss it.”

This makes me smile. Braxton is a good man. He seems to have his priorities straight. “Family is the most important thing in the world. I get it. I would’ve done the same.”

Braxton grins. “I’m certain you would. I’m surprised I’ve never asked before. Guess we’re always too busy talking shop. Are you married? Have any kids of your own?”

“No, sir. I’ve had my hands so full with the business and my mother, there hasn’t been much time for anything else.”

“Harrison, I think what you’re doing is commendable. But don’t let your focus be so tied to work and your mother that you forget to build a life for yourself.”

I run my palm down my face, the acknowledgment almost too painful to admit. “Yeah. I’m starting to see that more clearly. I’m not complaining. I’m thrilled my business is thriving at my age. But the only downtime I have to manage it better is spent getting back and forth to my mother.”

“Do you date?”

“Not a lot. I used to, but I’m afraid I’m not focused on the same things they are. My life is too complicated for afterhours socializing, parties, and traveling.” My face falls when I think of Harlow. She never pressured me for any of those things. Just the opposite. She was fine spending the day at the beach or the ballfield. All of the things I loved. And she blended in with Mom and Joyce like she’d always been there. How had I screwed thisup so badly. “There was one girl… but, I think I’ve let her down enough there’s little chance of winning her back.”

“I doubt that. I made a terrible decision when I was your age. I’d been dating the love of my life for years during college. We’d both planned to get married after we graduated. I was going to go to graduate school, and she was planning to start her own baking business. Then during an internship I’d accepted, I was given the opportunity to study abroad.”

“Uh oh.”

“Yeah. Uh oh is right. I couldn’t see past my good fortune. I knew she’d drop everything to go with me. It was a two-year commitment. What’s two years?”

“But she didn’t.”

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