Page 26 of Unmasking Love
“It’s not even about selling it,” Harper says before she takes a big drink. She smacks her lips as she sets the glass down. “I was excited for you to see it! To see what was possible in a home. You never would have bought something with seven bedrooms. I know that. But, ugh,” she slumps down in her chair, “it was perfect.”
“Mhmm.” Wes hums and then he waves the pitcher up for Carlos to refill.
***
“Imma go peepee.” Harper reports and she stands slowly and stumbles her way back to the bathrooms.
“Don’t fall in!” Wes calls out and she holds up her middle finger in the air over her shoulder. “Ah good, she’s still with us. But I think this will be the last round.”
I blink at the almost empty pitcher. I’d say Harper has had about three, Wes one. He’s been filling up his glass every now and then. He catches me looking and doing the math.
“The last two have been virgin. Once she’s plastered she doesn’t know the difference. She’ll be hungover tomorrow but it’ll be as much from the sugaras the booze. Okay, I don’t have much time so here’s what I need you to do.”
“Me?”
“Yes, you. For the last five years I have helped her through eleven breakups. I’m her emotional support animal and I’m telling you the next few weeks are key. She’s going to throw herself into work, but Crisp Dick is like number two in the office, so she will see him everyday.”
“That’s not good.”
“You’re right. But here’s what you’re going to do.”
“Me?” I ask again. I’m still not sure where this is going.
“I’m super busy going into the end of the year for one, but more importantly, I think she needs a change of pace. A little shake up. I can tell you care about her wellbeing,” I start to protest because I’m honestly not sure how I feel about her and I’d never take advantage of a vulnerable woman. “Not in any way besides being a kind human to another kind human. Chill man. Geesh, what is it with straight guys and relationships?”
“I haven’t had enough tequila to answer that question.”
Wes’s eyes bug out, “How much tequila would it take?”
“Not going to happen.”
“Fine. Okay, here’s what you need to do.” He begins putting up a finger for every step. “First, she needs a motivational quote in the morning. Pull any random shit off the internet and text it to her. Then at lunch text her a picture of what you’re eating and ask her to do the same. She tends to skip meals and then we will have a blood sugar issue on top of being emotionally wrecked. At night, she cycles through a carousel of comfort shows and movies. Most are romantic comedies but you have to keep track. If,The Notebook,A Walk to Remember,The Fault in Our Stars, orBlue Valentineare mentioned you MUST intervene immediately.”
“What do you mean, intervene? Like what do I have to do?”
“Hey girl!! You’re looking fresher.” Wes plasters a wide grin on his face.
“I drank sink water.” My stomach clenches and I see Wes shudder.
“Well, hydration is important.” He chirps. “Let’s get you home. Aiden?”
“What?”
“Well, you’re the sober sally of this trio so you’re driving us home, by way of Taco Bell because their food is so much better than Carlos’. Lo siento, amigo.”
Carlos just murmurs goodbye as he starts to clear the table. I help Harper into her coat after she spun around twice trying to locate the other sleeve. My fingers brush along her bare arm and sparks fly.
Instantly, my heart thumps wildly as it presses against my sternum trying to get out. Trying to get closer to her. Trying to keep any connection with Harper that it can.
I guide her to the door and again marvel at the way she and Wes are communicating. It is short sentences, sometimes just one word, like “yep” and they both know exactly what is going on.
I’ve been trained to read situations, to read subtle maneuvers, to try and anticipate action. Like, I can see the way Harper is standing too close to the car door that she’s going to stumble as she tries to open it. I can see the way her purse balances precariously on the edge of her shoulder and will sink down into the crook of her arm when she tries to whip the door open.
I see all of these movements play out before they happen. And I blink hard to come back to the present. Harper is about to yank the handle so I step over, steady her with a palm to her back, and help open the door without incident.
“Thaaaank you!” She giggles as she climbs into the seat. I divert my eyes so I don’t look up her skirt as she maneuvers to an upright position. I can see her and Wes talking as I walk to the driver's side and when I open the door she’s saying “it’s not like that.”
What’s notlike that?
