Page 95 of Hard Hat Hottie

“I’m putting myself out there. So, it stands to reason, you should too. Or you’re going to be lonely when I find Mr. Right.” She takes a sip of her champagne. “I’ve got an axe.”

My eyes spring wide. How long has she been here? “Did you start drinking without me?”

“No.”

“Then why are you threatening me with an axe?”

She leans in and stares, until I do the same. “Someone has to knock that chip off of your shoulder.”

My lips narrow into a thin line. “I don’t have a fucking chip on my shoulder.”

“Yes, you do. You’ve been hurt. Everyone you cared about left except your mother. Now she’s gone.”

Her delivery is flat, unapologetic. And it’s making me angry.

“Grief is a funny thing. I get it. We’ve been hurt enough. But eventually, you need to take control of your situation and decide how bad you want your happily ever after.”

I look away. Even if she’s right, I’m not sure I’m ready for this conversation.

“You’re the only one standing in your way, Harry. You’re out of excuses. Stop being afraid and realize how lucky you are.”

My head pops up.Lucky?

She reaches into her purse and pulls out a black sharpie. What the heck is she up to now? Scribbling something onto her cocktail napkin, she looks at me in a way I’ve not seen before. There are tears in her eyes as she slides it across the table to me.

“Your life is what you make it, Harrison Hightower. Your mother devoted her life to giving you a promising future.” She stands and confusion sets in. “Don’t waste it.”

She walks off before I can ask where she’s going.

Opening the napkin, I read,

I choose you.

Suddenly, the words Joyce said to Matthew and me ring in my ears. “She chose you.” Dropping my face into my hands, I realize Charlene’s right. I do have a big ass chip on my shoulder. And it’s been there for years.

Sitting back in my chair, I drag my hands down my face and reach for my scotch when I find someone beside me and jump. An expletive almost flies from my mouth, but I’m able to tamp it down with my teeth once I see who’s here.

“Justin. Alec. What are you doing here?”

“We miss you.” My heart clenches at their statement. They have no idea how much I miss them.

Rotating in my seat to face them, I reply, “I miss you too.”

Alec steps forward, looking terrified.What on earth?

“I did something bad.” His little body is shaking. Pulling him into the booth with me, I wrap an arm around him as he lifts my Magic 8 ball up and places it on the table.

“Oh. You have it.” I’m startled but try to hold back and let him explain.

“Yes.”

I did something bad.It’s clear he must’ve taken it home after the weekend they stayed at my house. Hell, it’s fun to ask it questions, shake it up, and see what happens. That temptation would be too much for many a young boy. I’m certain Harlow has already addressed how he came to have it in his possession. I don’t need to make him feel worse.

“I’m glad you were keeping it safe for me.”

His head spins, his bewildered eyes holding mine. “You’re not mad?”

“At you? No. I’m glad you told me where it was.” I squeeze him a little tighter. “And if it was going to be anywhere besides my house, I’d want you and Justin to have it.”

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