Page 22 of Surprise Baby for Mr. Fischer
I jerked backward, startled by her tone. I understood not knowing my name and who I was might have thrown her, but I didn’t expect hostility. After all, she had to have known everything else I'd shared with her that weekend was the truth. I let her see the real me. My hope she’d recognize that was beginning to wither under her hard gaze.
“No, thank you.” Her tone gentled, and she sighed. “What do you need our help with?”
Okay, so she was going to keep things business-like right now. I could do that. “I bought a house in Warwick. The previous owner left a lot of antiques behind. I need to get rid of them, and I remembered you mentioning this place to me.”
Her cheeks flushed.
“Harper, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you who I was.” I ran my hands through my hair. “You have to understand. Once people realize who I am, their attitudes change. I didn’t want you to treat me any differently.”
Her eyes softened. “I wouldn’t have. I wish you would’ve trusted me.”
My throat grew thick. In my eagerness to see her, I hadn't thought through how my real name coming out would look to her. I couldn’t change the past, but I should’ve asked for her the moment I stepped into her family’s shop, and in private, explained why I’d given her my middle. It was a dick move to blindside her like this.
She nodded. “Listen, I think I might have some time next week. I could stop by and take a look at your inventory.”
“Next week?” I asked. I had hoped to have her start earlier. I wanted to see if the spark we shared was still there, but it looked like I needed to repair the damage from my lies first.
“She’s free tomorrow,” Heidy called out from the back.
Harper’s mouth dropped open as her sister approached. “No—no, I’m not.”
“Yes, you are. I think it’s a good idea for you to get started with Lincoln as soon as possible. I’m sure there are a lot of things you two need togo over.” Heidy stared at her sister. Some kind of silent communication seemed to be going on between them.
Harper swallowed. “I, uh ... ” Her eyes stayed glued to her sister.
“Mr. Erickson, you can expect my sister at your place by three tomorrow. I wrote down your address and will be sure to pass that on to her.” The earlier, flirty voice was gone. In its place was a firm, business-like tone, one that I imagined was used to direct subordinates.
“Okay, sure.” I looked between the two of them, not entirely understanding what was happening.
“I’m sorry to push you out, but we have an appointment that will be arriving any minute.” Hazel smiled apologetically as she walked closer to them. “We’ll be in touch.”
***
THE NEXT AFTERNOON, I headed to the nearest small, locally-owned grocery store. I wasn’t sure what Harper liked to eat, but I hoped to convince her to stay for dinner. I threw on a baseball cap and prayed that between the hat and the scruff, people wouldn’t recognize me despite being out in broad daylight.
I was wrong. Eyes followed me at every turn. I tossed meats, cheese, various fruits, vegetables, and a few steaks into my cart, avoiding eye contact as often as possible.
I glanced down at my phone as it vibrated. Max asked about my first night in my new home. With my fingers hovering over the letters, I lurched forward as someone bumped into me.
“Oh, dear. How clumsy of me.” A soft, feminine voice filtered through the air. “I’m so sorry, Mr.—”
Without thinking, I looked straight at the dainty brunette standing to my right. Her smirk was the first clue that I’d made a mistake.
“Oh, my.” Her hand fluttered in front of her and eventually settled on her chest. She stood up straighter, and pushed her chest outward. A coy smile lifted the edges of her lips. “Itisyou.”
I tried to laugh it off. “It’s me.”
“I’m so sorry about that.” She tittered, placing a hand on my arm. “I’m just so starstruck. I feel utterly embarrassed.” Her voice was oddly grating.
“No worries.” I turned to dislodge her hand. Unfortunately, it stayed right where it was. I really didn’t want to cause a scene. I hadn’t even been here a week.
She smiled at me. “So, I guess the rumors I heard about you being here are true. What brings you to little ol’ Rhode Island?”
I kept silent. How had she heard I was here? Who had leaked the information?
“Are you here on vacation?”
Clearly, her sources weren’t that good. I nodded.
