Page 94 of Hard Hat Hottie

HARRISON

“Hi, Big Ron. I’m supposed to be meeting Charlene here. Have you seen her?” My eyes scan The Wild Shrimp, coming up short.

“I’m pretty sure I—Oh, there she is.”

I follow Ron’s arm in the direction of the ladies’ room to see Charlene headed in my direction. This is the first time I’ve been out socializing since Mom passed. I wanted to call her about a hundred times and cancel. It still feels too raw. The idea of going out to have fun, makes me feel like I’m betraying my mother in some way.

“Hey. I’ve missed you,” she says as she pulls me in for a hug. “I know you probably tried to call and cancel. Hence why I turned my phone off.” She sticks her tongue out, and I chuckle. This girl.

“Come sit.” Reaching for my palm, she pulls me into a booth. “It’s nice to hold your right hand again.”

“Yeah, it feels so light now.”

“I bet.”

“What’re you two having?” Big Ron asks.

“I’ll have a glass of champagne.”

My brows shoot up to my hairline, wondering if she’s celebrating something. She never orders champagne.

“And he’ll take a scotch. Give him two fingers, Big Ron.”

“Is there a reason you’re celebrating and trying to get me liquored up?” I chuckle.

“Yes. I got a new job, and I’m having a toast in my honor.”

“Don’t you already own a salon? How many jobs do you need?”

“Says he who works too hard.”

She’s got a point.

One of the servers arrives with our drinks, and we say a quick “cheers” to each other before taking our first sip. The atmosphere is alive with happy patrons looking to get their party on. The mood still a little abrasive, given the downtrodden mood that continues to cling to me.

“Harry.”

“Yes?”

“I need you to move on.”

“What?” I place my hand over my heart. “You’re breaking up with me, Char?”

“Yes.”

Okay, is she serious? I can’t hide my frown.

“I need you to get back in the saddle. Stop hiding away in your big fancy house.”

I shake my head. “I’m here, aren’t I?”

“You were just scared I’d come to your place and drag you out if you stood me up.”

She’s not wrong.

“What’s it gonna take for you to ask Harlow out again?”

Amber liquid nearly shoots out my nostrils, causing my sinuses to burn. “Where did that come from?”

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