Page 14 of Fearless
“Are you going to show me who’s boss if I do?” I ask playfully, getting in a defensive position and stepping back on my right foot with my hands loose at my sides.
Jessie, being a third-degree black belt in jiu-jitsu, could probably kill me with her thumb. Instead, she justlooks at me with a raised eyebrow and a slight quirk on her lips.
“I’ve heard you have some skills in Krav Maga and would love to spar with you on a mat sometime, but I don’t think violence is the answer here. Don’t get me wrong; I’m willing to resort to such measures if it gets you to admit to what the rest of us can see,” she says.
“Does Roger see it?” I ask hesitantly.
“Goodness, no! That man needs bifocals to see what’s right in front of him. Roger is great at seeing the world around him in fine detail and technicolor, but when it comes down to his personal life, he’s blind as a bat. Harper, you need to tell him how you feel about him. You can’t expect him to read your mind or heart. Subtle hints only work when you have your man well-trained.”
“Like you have with Elijah?” I ask.
“Exactly. When we were kids, I told him exactly what I wanted, needed, and felt. He didn’t have to second guess what I was thinking. Even after 14 years apart, Elijah still knew everything about me when we reconnected. He even remembered the way I ordered my favorite burger. It’s kind of like the way Roger still knows what your favorite drink is. You don’t forget the small things when you love someone.”
“I can’t be what comes between Roger and my father. When we find my parents, those feelings will be an obstacle. And wewillfind my parents. If Roger does have feelings for me beyond friendship, my father will force him to choose. I can’t do that to him.”
She nods. “Because you love him. I get it. I do. I’m a honey badger andI do what I want, so I’m going to leave you with one piece of advice whether you want it or not. Every father is ready and waiting with a shotgun for any male suitor who comes after their daughter. What a father really wants is to test their mettle and ensure the suitor is worthy of making their daughter happy. It’s that simple. If Roger is trustworthy enough to be your father’s best friend, then he’s worthy enough for you. Let Roger fight that battle if it comes to it. Just make sure you’re by his side when it happens.”
Chapter eight
Roger
Elijah and I glance back at our wives once we reach Carter and Leanna at the entrance to the open-air restaurant. The soft sounds of piano music waft into the waiting area just as the hostess calls out, “Andrews, party of six!”
Carter raises his hand to indicate that it’s us. The hostess frowns and notes that only four people are present. I point to the two women 200 feet away, “They’re with us, but having a little tête-à-tête before dinner.”
Sherri, as the name tag would read, says, “All persons in the party must be present before we can seat you.”
“They are right there!” Leanna screeches. “Girl talk is important.”
Sherri finally smiles. “Why didn’t you say so?”
Carter and Elijah both laugh when they see my annoyed expression because that’s exactly what I just told the hostess. Elijah slaps my back, “Terms like ‘tête-à-tête’ are lost on today’s youth. You have to use slang likejawing, gassing,orspilling the tea.”
“That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard! When did referencing a conversation become akin to flatulation?’”
Carter doubles over in laughter, barely able to walk as Sherri leads us to our table. I glance back at Harper and Jessie one more time and nearly turn back to rescue my wife. Elijah stops me. “Slow your roll, Roger. Jessie isn’t going to let whatever is being said between them escalate into a fight.”
“Are you sure about that?” I ask. I’ve known Jessie almost as long as Elijah has, and she’s never backed down from a fight.
Elijah stops to scurry back and glance at the two women. “Normally, I’d say ‘yes,’ but Harper looks coiled like a viper ready to lash out. Jessie can handle herself, but her mouth can sometimes run away from her.”
Don’t I know it? “I’m going to go rescue my wife,” I tell him. For some reason, the words feel like chocolate on my tongue, and I enjoy the way they roll off it.“My wife.”
Elijah grabs the back of my shirt. “They aren’t going to brawl on the lawn of a prestigious resort. At least, I don’t think they will. Whatever is going on between them is between…them.”
“Jessie is a lethal weapon,” I argue.
“From what I’ve read in Harper’s file, she’s no wilting flower. She had at least four years of intense Krav Maga training and seven more years after that to hone her skills. Jiu-jitsu is about taking the fight to the ground, but Krav is dirty and effective. We incorporate a lot of Krav into our training, but I have a feeling that Harper can hold her own.”
A small burst of pride permeates my body when Elijah says that. Anyone who can take on Jessie is a fierce opponent. If Elijah believes it would be a worthy match, then maybe I shouldstep back and let things unfold naturally. “So, what you’re saying is to allow them to duke it out and let it come down to survival of the fittest?”
“That’s not exactly what I said, but there’s no less truth in the statement,” Elijah replies as we sit down at the six top.
Carter finally interjects once the hostess passes out the menus and leaves. “I may not be able to hear Jessie and Harper’s conversation, but I’ve heard yours. Do I need to order the popcorn so we can watch a brawl?”
I laugh. I’ve never been able to explain it, but popcorn is a sign of respect in our group. It means that two people are worthy adversaries, and the outcome is uncertain and garners our full attention—much like going to the movies and getting deeply enthralled in the plot line.
Leanna excuses herself and goes to the railing, taking out her phone and capturing the exchange on video. She returns a minute later and pockets her phone. “Having had six siblings, I’ve seen some epic throwdowns over the years, but apparently, your wives have learned to work out their differences through communication. Bummer.”
